Court of Fives
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Products | Books |
Court of Fives marks the debut high fantasy novel in the Court of Fives series authored by Kate Elliott. It was released on August 18, 2015, through Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Themes
- Racial inequality - The story portrays a society stratified by skin tone, with the lighter-skinned Saroese occupying privileged positions above the darker-skinned, coiled-haired Efeans. The Efeans, derogatorily referred to as "Commoners," endure social exclusion and harbor mistrust toward the dominant Saroese elite.
- Personal identity - Jessamy, the main character, is of mixed descent: her father is an immigrant Saroese "Patron," while her mother is an indigenous Efean. Branded a "mule" due to her blended appearance, Jessamy faces rejection from both communities. Although raised to be a Patron, she is ostracized by them and simultaneously not fully accepted by the Efeans. Throughout the narrative, she reconnects with her Efean heritage and draws empowerment from her dual identity.
- Cultural differences - Influenced by Greco-Roman traditions, the novel contrasts the cultural customs of the Saroese and Efean peoples concerning female offspring. Whereas native Efeans raise all their daughters, Saroese society practices infanticide of surplus female infants. Jessamy’s family defies this practice by nurturing every daughter, underscoring societal divides and contrasting values.
Characters
- Jessamy "Jes" – Called Jes within her family circle, she is characterized by strength, intelligence, agility, and vitality. She demonstrates exceptional skill in the Court of Fives competition. Jes has one older sister, a twin sister, and a younger sister. Her father holds a high-ranking position as an army Patron; her mother is a commoner who has only daughters, leading to Jes being socially identified as a 'mule.' Jes competes in the Court and forms a friendship with Kal. When her family comes under threat from Lord Gargaron, she collaborates with him to ensure their protection.
- Lord Kalliarkos "Kal" – As Lord Gargaron’s nephew, Kal rejects pursuing a military path and instead embraces participation in the Court. A Patron himself and Jes's supporter, he aids in defending her family against peril.
- Bettany "Bett" – Jes's twin sister, often called Bet, is known for her passionate temperament and rebellious streak. She harbors resentment toward societal constraints imposed on women and disapproves of their father’s harsh treatment of their mother, whom she adores deeply.