Originally posted on my blog, With Her Head In a Book. 
 Considering how I absolutely loathe every single novel ever written by Richelle Mead, I am extremely surprised I picked up The Glittering Court. After reading an excerpt, I couldn't stop thinking about the premise. Plus, books resembling The Selection are my guilty pleasure - I can't help myself even though they're arguably not good books. I almost prefer the The Selection over The Glittering Court. 
 The Glittering Court is an establishment that seeks to turn impoverished girls into the nobility of tomorrow. These new ladies then compete across the seas for a wealthy husband-to-be. Countess Elizabeth's family has run out of money. She's set to marry her (very strange) cousin, but soon skips town when the chance to control her own fate arises by joining the Glittering Court. Lady Elizabeth soon becomes Adelaide the Maid. Ironically, she escapes an arranged marriage to run straight into another. 
 First off, this book is excessively long. I was thoroughly enjoying the beginning of the novel until I realized what should have been the end wasn't even the midway point. While it's a measly 416 pages, it felt much more like a 600+ page novel. There are multiple segments which drag out the story line - Adelaide's life as lady in training, her life on the seas, and across the seas (a three part segment I won't break down to avoid spoilers). Adelaide attempts to impersonate her maid in the beginning are ridiculous and she can run her mouth off like no other (how lady-like of her). So it was entertaining to say the least. Once we set off for the seas, it's a different story. 
 Adelaide's best friend, Mira, would have been a more interesting tale to follow. Mira is a woman who wishes to carve her own path. Her desire to discover an unknown world drives her into late night escapades. And she's a bookworm! What's not to love? She befriends the natives, pirates, and guards - anyone interesting she can entice. As a reader, Mira's adventurous nature is such a tease. Much to my disappointment, the world of The Glittering Court is almost an exact match of our own. 1800's England and the discovery of the Americas are the obvious basis for Osfrid (England) and Adoria (the New World). They have their own religions, god, and angels, but their religions are also...just like ours. The author could have made a world truly of her own, but instead so closely mimics what already exists. Essentially, this alternative world is boring! Mira's insightful knowledge is our only taste of "the world that could have been." 
 Once I got over surprise about the length of this novel, I had hopes that Mead would turn this story of romance, fashion, and courtship into a novel of greater pursuits. There's the looming tension at the border with natives, the repeatedly mentioned pageantry, and, of course, the possibility of Adelaide being caught and returned home. Unfortunately, the long drawn out plot ruined any suspension the author created, especially since these bigger topics are hardly important by the end of the novel. The Glittering Court is also not fantasy, paranormal, or dystopian like I've repeatedly seen mentioned. Historical Fiction is the closest genre (even though there is little historical appreciation) besides Romance. The love story isn't all that exciting either! Adelaide's chemistry with Cedric is lack luster. Their steamy kiss is anything but. I was constantly rooting for new romances to develop, but every other option is quickly squashed. 
 Had I paid more attention to who the author is, I probably wouldn't have picked up this novel. But I was really, really excited for it because of the preview I read! So I couldn't just say no. The Glittering Court starts out as everything I hoped for, but couldn't hold my attention for the majority of the novel. 
 Plot: 2/5 
 Characters: 3/5 
 Writing Style: 3/5 
 All Around Idea: 2/5 
 Total: 2.5/5