Court Of Fives
In this imaginative escape into an enthralling new world, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's first young adult novel weaves an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and
privilege.
Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners.
But at night she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multi-level athletic
competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best competitors. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an
unlikely friendship between a girl of mixed race and a Patron boy causes heads to turn. When a scheming lord tears
Jes's family apart, she'll have to test Kal's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a powerful clan to save her mother and
sisters from certain death.
Read an excerpt from COURT OF FIVES.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
I call this "Little Women meet American Ninja Warrior in a setting inspired by Greco-Roman Egypt" while the publisher has pitched it as "Little Women meets Game of Thrones meets The Hunger Games."
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NIGHT FLOWER is a digital prequel is now available through Little Brown Books for Young Readers via The Novl. The story focuses on the legendary love story of Jessamy's parents:Kiya is a Commoner who has just arrived in the bustling city of Saryenia. Esladas is a member of the Patron ruling class and determined to prove himself in the army. His plans are disrupted by the outgoing and beautiful girl who sells him fruit in the market, though, despite the fact that neither of them speaks a word of the others language. Brief conversations and stolen moments together soon become something more, but when their divided cultures clash, Kiya and Esladas must decide if their blossoming love is worth becoming outsiders for the rest of their lives.
BRIGHT THRONES is a digital exclusive companion novella, set between Poisoned Blade and the forthcoming Buried Heart: "Bettany has always been an outsider in her family: the angry one, the wild one, the daughter who refused to accept the dominance of her Patron father’s people over her Commoner mother’s. When her family is torn apart by a vengeful lord, Bettany makes a dangerous choice to accompany their household servants being transported to the mines, hoping she can keep them from suffering a fate worse than death. Their only chance lies with a stuffy foreign doctor who may be able to help them escape, but can Bettany trust him? Her instincts tell her there is much more to this man than meets the eye.
Find out what happened to Jessamy’s missing twin sister in this Court of Fives companion novella!"
QUOTES
"Haunting. Epic. Impassioned. Layered. Breathtaking. This isn't just a novel; it is a coup d'état of the soul. Prepare to be ravished by Kate Elliott's Court of Fives."—Ann Aguirre, New York Times bestselling author of the Razorland trilogy
"Kate Elliott's magic and mastery is better than ever. Court of Fives enchanted me from start to finish, with characters and worlds that lingered long after I turned the final page."—Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series and the Young Elites series
"Fast-paced, tense, and riveting. I couldn't put it down, and you won't be able to either!"—Tamora Pierce, author of the Tortall series and the Circle of Magic series
"This book is amazing. Kate Elliott combines everything I love best in a YA novel. Jes is a killer protagonist, tough and capable, but also lost in her upbringing and faced with impossible choices that test her character and her beliefs.... This book will not fail you."—Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of the Parasol Protectorate series and the Finishing School series
REVIEWS
Booklist (starred review):
In her first YA novel, World Fantasy Award finalist Elliott once again shows she is a master at world building. The requisite (and forbidden) romance between Jes and Gargaron’s nephew, Kalliarkos, has real spirit, and Jes will remind readers of fearless Katniss with her skill and strategy for games. But it’s the fascinating descriptions of traditions, royal interactions, and, of course, the intensities of the Fives that will enthrall readers most of all. Let the games continue!
Kirkus Review:
This series opener, the auspicious teen debut of a seasoned author of adult fantasy and World Fantasy Award finalist, features a gripping, original plot; vivid, complicated characters; and layered, convincingly detailed worldbuilding. A compelling look at racial and social identity wrapped in a page-turning adventure.
Publishers Weekly:
"An imaginative journey...Elliott creates an intricate and intriguing story, conjuring a world of mysticism and centuries-old customs. Jessamy's boldness and impulsiveness make her a striking heroine in a male-dominated land."
School Library Journal:
Elliott has created a world of warring kingdoms where the victors have built their civilization on the backs of the conquered. Jessamy is a loyal and strong female protagonist who fights against injustice. This trilogy opener will be a hit with readers who love action-packed fantasy adventures.
VOYA:
"Sure to garner a following of adventure and suspense fans. While highly entertaining and fresh, the novel also speaks to issues of gender, class, strife, and identity. Jessamy is an exciting protagonist: strong, quick witted, and smart.... This book is a winner, and readers will be clamoring for the next installment."
