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REVIEW: "The Shattered Court" by M.J. Scott (The Four Arts #1)

For Ages 18+ (Language, Violence, Sensuality)
Fantasy Romance

Roc -- Published on April 28, 2015
Mass Market Paperback, 313 pages
Read in October 2015
Borrowed from library


Alternate Universe, Magic, Arranged Marriage, Cliffhanger

"Milady, please pay attention."

I enjoy fantasy, but I haven't actually been up to date on the genre so, when I heard about The Shattered Court on the DBSA podcast, I knew that I had to check it out.  This book takes place in the fictional country of Anglion in an alternate world heavily inspired by western Europe.  On a woman's twenty-first birthday, they learn whether they gain the ability to perform magic or not.  If they do, they are bound to an aristocrat in marriage and spend the rest of their lives serving their country.

Sophie is of royal blood and is quickly approaching her all important twenty-first birthday though she isn't sure whether she wants to manifest or not.  One day the royal palace is attacked while she is away and she, and a bodyguard named Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie, are forced on the run.  While they are trying to get back to the capital city, Sophie's birthday arrives and her new powers force a link between here and Cameron.  Their return is then complicated by Sophie's overwhelming magical prowess and her unbound state.

Sophie is a fabulous heroine and someone I really admired.  She has been raised in this strict society, but has an awareness and a desire to do something more with her life than just marry, have children, and do remedial magic to benefit her husband's place.  The adventure she is forced on is difficult for her, but she rarely complains and tries to make the best of the situation.  I also enjoyed watching her grow through her journey with Cameron and her complex place at the royal court upon her return.

Cameron is a great counterpart for Sophie.  He is from an aristocratic family, but, as a younger son, he was trained as a Royal Guard and takes his responsibilities very seriously.  While on the run, he is consumed with keeping Sophie safe especially when she manifests.  I enjoyed his loyalty and his desire to help Sophie out both at court and away from it.

Most of The Shattered Court's plot centers around the establishment of Anglion society, Sophie and Cameron's attempts to return to court, and what happens when it is realized that Sophie is unbound.  I thought the pacing was well-done and easy to follow.  I will admit that I got a bit bored during the down time right after they got back to court, but, thankfully, the action picked up again and I was glued to the pages until the cliffhanger ending.  The romance between Sophie and Cameron was not the focus, but I found it to believable and very sweet.

All in all, I had a good time reading this book and am happy to be back in the fantasy genre.  M.J. Scott's world building was creative and easy to understand due to the European influences.  I also enjoyed the subtle social commentary that the story offered up.  I am definitely excited to read more in the series and recommend it to anyone who likes their fantasy mixed with romance and political intrigue.

1. The Shattered Court
2. The Forbidden Heir (Coming 2016)

Goodreads -- Author Website Labels: 4.25 stars, fantasy romance, four arts series, m.j. scott, review


