Court of Fives

By: Kate Elliott

Narrated by: Georgia Dolenz

In this imaginative escape into enthralling new lands, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's first bestselling 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 away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multilevel athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best contenders. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between two Fives competitors--one of mixed race and the other a Patron boy--causes heads to turn. When Kal's powerful, scheming uncle tears Jes's family apart, she'll have to test her new friend's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a royal clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.

Critic reviews

A New York Times BestsellerA NPR Best Book of 2015A Junior Library Guild Selection A Tayshas Top Ten PickA Lone Star Reading Pick

"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

"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

"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

"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

* "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!"—Booklist, starred review

"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."—Kirkus Reviews

"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."—Publishers Weekly

"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."—VOYA

"A high fantasy novel that explores race, class, and gender struggles in a patriarchal society.... Jessamy is loyal and strong female protagonist who fights against injustice. This trilogy opener will be a hit with readers who love action-packed fantasy adventures."—School Library Journal

"Full of high-stakes adventure but also heartfelt musings on identity, family and colonization, this book presents a fantasy world that is refreshingly inspired by Greco-Roman and Egyptian cultures."—NPR

Great story

I hadn’t read a Kate Elliott book in years and this item appeared in the two for one credit sale so I gave it a try. The story remained me a lot of the old fashion Greek Olympic Games and had the cut throat politics to boot. Unfortunately the names of all the female sister characters are so close in similarities that I was constantly confused on which sister was doing what in the story. However, the reader was great and the story intriguing. Well worth the time listening.

Great action adventure and world building

A short description might show some similarly to The Hunger Games, but I confess I liked this better. Looking forward to book 2.

Good story

I enjoyed this book. I think there was a lot of interesting world building. The story as far as character actions and progression was predictable, which is different than believable. I have found to be true in most YA books. But overall I did really enjoy the story!

Another Great Book From Kate Elliott

I am a huge fan of Kate Elliott because I have always found her books to be incredibly immersive and riveting, like I resent having to go to work riveting. Court of Fives is no exception. the characters leap off the page (or out of your headphones) and the story is exciting. The narration was excellent and perfectly conveyed the emotions of the characters and the tone of the scene. I loved every tense minute!

Solid YA fantasy

Relatively straightforward plot, very YA, fun, compelling at times. Really enjoyed some of the world building but felt it needed more to really help me get a feel. Pace as a whole felt rushed, would have appreciated lingering on some moments, breathing a bit, getting more nuance.