Court of Fives by Kate Elliot

I read Court of Fives during my first year of teaching at the recommendation of my campus librarian (who became my mentor and inspired me to become a school librarian). She gifted me an ARC of the second book in the series, but I never got around to reading it. I am now trying to read at least one physical book on my bookshelf at home each month and chose Poisoned Blade (book 2) for June. Since it had been a while, this warranted a reread of Court of Fives.

Looking back on my first read, I gave it three stars on GoodReads. I recall enjoying the story but not being overly impressed. I honestly felt the same way about Hunger Games. I wasn't surprised at all to find myself really liking Court of Fives on my second read. There is a distinct Roman conquering Egypt vibe from the upper class Patrons and the non-citizen Efeans. I don't know much about Kate Elliot and I haven't found anything troubling about her. I like her writing and she seems to be respectful of how she describes her chracters that are not white. I appreciate her depictions because they are realistic, i.e. the way she talks about Jessamy's hair versus her sisters', as they've inherited traits from their Patron father and Efean mother. Nowhere do you get the sense of skin tone being compared to food or any ridiculous nonsense like that. I'm going to throw another Hunger Games reference out there, but I am reminded of how upset people were when Rue was cast in the movies. Collins described Rue as having "dark brown skin and eyes," which I inferred as Black. So Amandla Stenberg's casting was no surprise to me. The again, I have a literal degree in this--I am trained to read closely. Most people aren't... My point is, I had some initial misgivings when I realized a white woman was writing biracial characters. My only real criticism is that she does engage in the slave narrative, but at least Jessamy isn't a white character "freeing" the subjugated people. 

As far as world building goes, it isn't the worst but isn't the best. There are some references to Efea's old religion and beliefs being completely smothered out by the Patrons, which is intriguing because it somehow relates to The Fives. Despite being almost through book 2, I still haven't figured out the connection. Thus far, I definitely have questions that don't have answers. While I appreciate good world building, I'm appreciative of the twisting plot this series has offered thus far. It's immersive easy to slip into the action.

Jessamy is kind of a jerk, but does grow as the book (and series) progresses. I read other reviews where people complained about how selfish she is--wanting to run The Fives and sneaking around despite knowing the trouble it could cause her family. Sounds like a typical teenage girl to me! I did things as a teenager and young woman that I can look back at now and feel some shame at my actions. I feel like Jessamy is pretty typical as far as teenagers go, not counting the whole saving her family from certain death thing. For a YA fantasy trope, I'm able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy her antics. Besides, when we are young we have so many conflicting desires and needs. Tw of her sisters are also a bit immature.

Overall, it is definitely a book I would include in a high school library. Booklist indicates it is suitable for grades 7-12. There isn't anything sexual or graphic, though the end of the novel does include a reference to prostitution being a consequence if Jessamy does not follow orders from Lord Gargaron. There is a light romance element and includes kissing, but is done very sweetly and innocently.