Kate Elliott’s debut Young Adult release, COURT OF FIVES, will be released on 18 AUGUST 2015. from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound (USA and Canada only!).

Description:
“In this imaginative escape into an enthralling new world, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott begins a new trilogy with her debut young adult novel, weaving 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 whomever 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.”

Or, as Elliott says: “Little Women meets American Ninja Warrior in a fantasy setting inspired by ancient Egypt.”

Here’s are some of the reviews so far:

Booklist, starred review:
“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!”

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.”

Ann Aguirre, New York Times bestselling author of the Razorland trilogy:
“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.”

School Library Journal:
“Set in an ancient civilization reminiscent of the Egyptians and the Mayans, this is a high fantasy novel that explores race, class, and gender struggles in a patriarchal society….a world of warring kingdoms where the victors have built their civilization on the backs of the conquered. 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.”

Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series and the Young Elites series:
“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.”

Tamora Pierce, author of the Tortall series and the Circle of Magic series:
“Fast-paced, tense, and riveting. I couldn’t put it down, and you won’t be able to either!”

Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of the Parasol Protectorate series and the Finishing School 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.”

Stay tuned for how you can win a FREE copy of Court of Fives in a blog giveaway!