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The Glittering Court #3
The Emerald Sea
The dazzling conclusion to #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead's The Glittering Court series.
Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court's hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course.
Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court's hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course.
585 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2018
About the author
Richelle Mead
103 books67.5k followersScorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
July 13, 2018
Wow this was actually great.
I must admit that in the Glittering Court I was not a Tamsin fan. She was too competitive and obsessed with winning. I just couldn't stand her. In ES we find out that there is a reason she is like this. And that really changed the way I felt about her character. Being the best, and marrying the most eligible bachelor is not something she wants. It's something she has to do.
But as we know, things don't go her way and she ends up on the Gray Gull.
This is where it got really interesting. On her journey to Grashond she meets Orla who is infact Icori. But she's not like any of the savage Icori described by the Osfrydians. This is something I like about this book. The other cultures were explained better in this book . It was very confusing in book 1 and 2. The so called bad guys are not actually so. And we get to meet them and learn about their culture. It really shows how people can be so prejudice without knowing anything about another nation.
When they get to Grashond where the Heirs of Uros are, I was so excited to meet Gideon. And he was the most adorable. And he was kind. I can only say one thing about the Heirs. Those people are crazy. And Dinah was the worst.
But Jago was the only bright spot in that town. He is my favourite male character in the whole series and is unlike any character I've ever read about. He is a 100 times better that Gideon. Something I love about his personality is that he's always so happy, and friendly. He doesn't just hate on people for no reason.
Orla is also one of my faves. She became such a good friend to Tamsin. And she helped tamsin realise that she didn't need a husband to solve all her problems.
This book was great, but I wish we could maybe have an epilogue. Maybe a short story for what happens next.
Another fun read with Violet – who made reading this series so much better.
.............................................
Summer Reading Challenge 2018 prompt: Sand Between My Toes - Read a book that takes place in or around a beach/ocean
I must admit that in the Glittering Court I was not a Tamsin fan. She was too competitive and obsessed with winning. I just couldn't stand her. In ES we find out that there is a reason she is like this. And that really changed the way I felt about her character. Being the best, and marrying the most eligible bachelor is not something she wants. It's something she has to do.
But as we know, things don't go her way and she ends up on the Gray Gull.
This is where it got really interesting. On her journey to Grashond she meets Orla who is infact Icori. But she's not like any of the savage Icori described by the Osfrydians. This is something I like about this book. The other cultures were explained better in this book . It was very confusing in book 1 and 2. The so called bad guys are not actually so. And we get to meet them and learn about their culture. It really shows how people can be so prejudice without knowing anything about another nation.
When they get to Grashond where the Heirs of Uros are, I was so excited to meet Gideon. And he was the most adorable. And he was kind. I can only say one thing about the Heirs. Those people are crazy. And Dinah was the worst.
But Jago was the only bright spot in that town. He is my favourite male character in the whole series and is unlike any character I've ever read about. He is a 100 times better that Gideon. Something I love about his personality is that he's always so happy, and friendly. He doesn't just hate on people for no reason.
If you could get paid for overcoming impossible situations, you’d be a rich woman.
Orla is also one of my faves. She became such a good friend to Tamsin. And she helped tamsin realise that she didn't need a husband to solve all her problems.
I controlled my future.
This book was great, but I wish we could maybe have an epilogue. Maybe a short story for what happens next.
Another fun read with Violet – who made reading this series so much better.
.............................................
Summer Reading Challenge 2018 prompt: Sand Between My Toes - Read a book that takes place in or around a beach/ocean
July 17, 2018
I loved the first book in this series but both book two and three was a let down for me for some weird reason.
August 22, 2021
It's rare for me to read a series that gives me so many mixed feelings. So many things that bore me or get on my nerves, yet so many others that I really, really liked and want to re-read over and over.
As I mentioned already in the previous reviews, Richelle Mead pretty much repeats herself in all three books. It's the exact same story with only a few details changed. I love Richelle Mead and I loved Vampire Academy and Bloodlines so much had the promise mark tattooed on my forearm, but The Glittering Court series is riddled with lazy, mediocre writing. I honestly expected better. In The Emerald Sea in particular there was a really significant part of the book that was so boring I DNF'd it for about three years before I picked it up agian. However, I still chose to give it 3⭐ because, even though the writing was what it was, the fluff/romance parts of the book were pretty damn good. Mead may have written a pretty basic story but the romance is really strong with this one. That was a job well-done.
I still would not recommend it though. Unless you're feeling judgy and need to let it out somehow.
As I mentioned already in the previous reviews, Richelle Mead pretty much repeats herself in all three books. It's the exact same story with only a few details changed. I love Richelle Mead and I loved Vampire Academy and Bloodlines so much had the promise mark tattooed on my forearm, but The Glittering Court series is riddled with lazy, mediocre writing. I honestly expected better. In The Emerald Sea in particular there was a really significant part of the book that was so boring I DNF'd it for about three years before I picked it up agian. However, I still chose to give it 3⭐ because, even though the writing was what it was, the fluff/romance parts of the book were pretty damn good. Mead may have written a pretty basic story but the romance is really strong with this one. That was a job well-done.
I still would not recommend it though. Unless you're feeling judgy and need to let it out somehow.
October 11, 2020
I fell in love with Adelaide and Cedric. I quite enjoyed Mira and Grant. But I was thoroughly entranced by Tamsin and Jago. Tamsin has depths that are only hinted at in the previous books. And Jago. *sigh* I think he's my favorite of the heroes. He really lets Tamsin shine. I actually "ah"ed out loud when Tamsin was upset and Jago faked a problem with the horse harness to have Tamsin groom the horses, which helped her. I would love to see another book about them!
Read
March 11, 2018I'm going to take a wild guess and say that this story will be about the shipwreck and Gideon Stewart.
August 14, 2019
Entertaining.
Entertainment is all I got from this book, nothing more. It is an entertaining story full of adventure with likable characters, a strong and smart heroine and a nice ending. An improvement from the second book. However, I was expecting something deeper, more weighty, something like what I have read from Richelle Mead before, something MEANINGFUL. And yet, I did not find that here, this story, just like the two previous installments, is forgettable. There is nothing significant enough here to remember in a couple of months.
I still have my hopes up for her future projects.
Midnight Jewel (Glittering Court, #2) - 2 stars
P.S: Here is a book series that might be of interest to those looking for a story with adventure and actual knowledge of the Spanish exploration and colonization of America: Cienfuegos by Alberto Vásquez-Figueroa
Entertainment is all I got from this book, nothing more. It is an entertaining story full of adventure with likable characters, a strong and smart heroine and a nice ending. An improvement from the second book. However, I was expecting something deeper, more weighty, something like what I have read from Richelle Mead before, something MEANINGFUL. And yet, I did not find that here, this story, just like the two previous installments, is forgettable. There is nothing significant enough here to remember in a couple of months.
I still have my hopes up for her future projects.
Midnight Jewel (Glittering Court, #2) - 2 stars
P.S: Here is a book series that might be of interest to those looking for a story with adventure and actual knowledge of the Spanish exploration and colonization of America: Cienfuegos by Alberto Vásquez-Figueroa
July 26, 2018
This has been my least favorite of this series but over all I loved the series! I definitely recommend if you liked the selection.
July 13, 2018
**SPOILER ALERT**
This was the best book in the series! And one of the most addictive!
Tamsin Wright. It shocked me the most that she had a daughter! I mean, who could have seen that coming? Well, almost no one practically. In this book, she, a kind of, became a leader. And she did her job well. Although, she was reminding herself again and again that all this was for Merry, her daughter.
Jago Robinson. Or should I say Jacob Robinson? Well, does it matters? He's a trader. Who's very fond of horses and owns few horses which are very rare to find in the whole Adoria. He met Tamsin. Well, Tamsin found him on Orla's word that he can help them in getting back to Cape Triumph. At first he refused, a kind of, but then he did really help. Especially Tamsin. He did have a very 'big heart',*lol*
One more thing I liked about him was that he didn't judge Tamsin or anything when she told him that she has a daughter. In fact, he was soo understanding. Even after that, his feelings for Tamsin didn't change. And even so, he was willing to give everything he had to marry her!
Orla. One of the three Icori Princesses. A good friend of Jago. She helped Tamsin and Jago a lot. Despite the fact that the Icoris hated Osfridians, she was very kind to Tamsin. Even the first time she met her. She was one of those good ones. She was one of those who only flick their eye, and everything gets back to work and everyone's legs disobey them to stand anymore. But even though, she was very kind. To her people, as well as the Osfridians.
Gideon Stewart. A junior minister of the church. He was very handsome and a very kind person. And I liked that he loved Tamsin. But not enough. Well, what was annoying about him was that he kept proposing her every time they get alone when she kept refusing!
Well, what more can I say? I have hundreds of things in my head, but I can't find the correct words to express myself. Well, This was an amazing book! And the idea of this book was fantastic! And this was even more interesting because of those adventures of a drowned ship and how they survived and all. And the Icoris and Balanquans and Londranians made it more interesting along with Tamsin, Jago, heirs, and the other Giltterring Court girls!
It was the third in the series and the third buddy read with my amazing friend, Azrah! You know what made it even more interesting than it was? An amazing friend to read with! It's always fun reading with you, Az!!!💜💜
This was the best book in the series! And one of the most addictive!
Tamsin Wright. It shocked me the most that she had a daughter! I mean, who could have seen that coming? Well, almost no one practically. In this book, she, a kind of, became a leader. And she did her job well. Although, she was reminding herself again and again that all this was for Merry, her daughter.
Jago Robinson. Or should I say Jacob Robinson? Well, does it matters? He's a trader. Who's very fond of horses and owns few horses which are very rare to find in the whole Adoria. He met Tamsin. Well, Tamsin found him on Orla's word that he can help them in getting back to Cape Triumph. At first he refused, a kind of, but then he did really help. Especially Tamsin. He did have a very 'big heart',*lol*
One more thing I liked about him was that he didn't judge Tamsin or anything when she told him that she has a daughter. In fact, he was soo understanding. Even after that, his feelings for Tamsin didn't change. And even so, he was willing to give everything he had to marry her!
Orla. One of the three Icori Princesses. A good friend of Jago. She helped Tamsin and Jago a lot. Despite the fact that the Icoris hated Osfridians, she was very kind to Tamsin. Even the first time she met her. She was one of those good ones. She was one of those who only flick their eye, and everything gets back to work and everyone's legs disobey them to stand anymore. But even though, she was very kind. To her people, as well as the Osfridians.
Gideon Stewart. A junior minister of the church. He was very handsome and a very kind person. And I liked that he loved Tamsin. But not enough. Well, what was annoying about him was that he kept proposing her every time they get alone when she kept refusing!
Well, what more can I say? I have hundreds of things in my head, but I can't find the correct words to express myself. Well, This was an amazing book! And the idea of this book was fantastic! And this was even more interesting because of those adventures of a drowned ship and how they survived and all. And the Icoris and Balanquans and Londranians made it more interesting along with Tamsin, Jago, heirs, and the other Giltterring Court girls!
It was the third in the series and the third buddy read with my amazing friend, Azrah! You know what made it even more interesting than it was? An amazing friend to read with! It's always fun reading with you, Az!!!💜💜
February 5, 2019
At first I thought that this would be my favourite of the trilogy. Now I CANNOT really decide! I loved the first when I read it, the second when I read it and now this! Something seemed to be missing from all three of them. Now putting them all together it feels... right! So, I can only talk about the trilogy as a whole. It was emotionally powerful and badass. Oh I love Richelle's badass female characters so much😍
November 14, 2018
Like I've said before, thank goodness I still read this series after so many low reviews. I absolutely adored this series and I highly recommend it
November 24, 2019
"Смарагдово море" - последната книга от трилогията "Бляскавият двор", беше посветена на любимата ми от трите главни героини - Тамзин. И като такава се надявах на доста повече от това, което получих.
Книгата е най-приключенската от всички: корабокрушения, скитания из малки и забравени от боговете островчета, запознанства с различни народи и разбирания (понякога крайно изостанали за времето си). Това са само част от предизвикателствата пред Тамзин. Тамзин се доказа като най-целеустремената, най-находчивата и амбициозната от трите героини, а книгата запознава с това защо ѝ се е наложило да стане именно такава. Няма да издам причината, а само, че очаквах подобна история. И независимо от причините ѝ в личен план, често оставах разочарована от решенията и мисленето ѝ... Героинята ѝ на моменти беше твърде рационална, а в други - прекалено наивна, което ме обърка за това какво да мисля за нея.
Както и да е, любовната история беше сладка и достатъчно романтична, за да повиши малко мнението ми за финалната книга от трилогията на Ришел Мийд.
Книгата е най-приключенската от всички: корабокрушения, скитания из малки и забравени от боговете островчета, запознанства с различни народи и разбирания (понякога крайно изостанали за времето си). Това са само част от предизвикателствата пред Тамзин. Тамзин се доказа като най-целеустремената, най-находчивата и амбициозната от трите героини, а книгата запознава с това защо ѝ се е наложило да стане именно такава. Няма да издам причината, а само, че очаквах подобна история. И независимо от причините ѝ в личен план, често оставах разочарована от решенията и мисленето ѝ... Героинята ѝ на моменти беше твърде рационална, а в други - прекалено наивна, което ме обърка за това какво да мисля за нея.
Както и да е, любовната история беше сладка и достатъчно романтична, за да повиши малко мнението ми за финалната книга от трилогията на Ришел Мийд.
June 18, 2018
Liked book 2 a tad more but this story is still better than book 1. Tamsin is very feisty and gets what she wants and if doesn't puts up a great fight. This book is between a 3.5-4 for me.
March 20, 2021
Is it weird that the first book was the only out of the three that I didn't like? I mean, it was an okay book but I remember it annoying the hell out of me. Then I dove into the second book and things were looking a bit better. As for this one? Well, it was also okay for me. I don't know - I think it's just the characters themselves that somehow find a way to annoy me.
In this, you will meet Tamsin. Going off the rating I gave the first book, I'm just going to assume I didn't like the girl (lol). Mostly stating this because I never wrote a review for that one. I know that the second one was about Mira, and she was okay in her book too.
I just feel like these books take me on a rollercoaster because the girls go up and down from likable to dislikable. It might just be me though. So to dive into Tamsin, eh, I guess I was okay with it. A lot of things shocked me in this one. She was probably the most sane in this book because everyone was freaking crazy. I'm looking at you Dinah.
In the end, this book did the impossible. Took an annoying character to someone likable. The journey she went on definitely changed my opinion on her for the better. I guess I'm glad that I finally finished the trilogy too because I don't think I could handle another book in the glittering court.
In this, you will meet Tamsin. Going off the rating I gave the first book, I'm just going to assume I didn't like the girl (lol). Mostly stating this because I never wrote a review for that one. I know that the second one was about Mira, and she was okay in her book too.
I just feel like these books take me on a rollercoaster because the girls go up and down from likable to dislikable. It might just be me though. So to dive into Tamsin, eh, I guess I was okay with it. A lot of things shocked me in this one. She was probably the most sane in this book because everyone was freaking crazy. I'm looking at you Dinah.
In the end, this book did the impossible. Took an annoying character to someone likable. The journey she went on definitely changed my opinion on her for the better. I guess I'm glad that I finally finished the trilogy too because I don't think I could handle another book in the glittering court.
July 25, 2018
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would.
It has been a long time since I have read a book and FELT it. Am I the only one who gets a pit in my stomach when reading about mis-communications that break apart people who are truly good to and for each other? If I am, whatever I am okay with it. It makes my reading experience really intense. I read this book in one sitting, at night, knowing I had a 6 am wake up the next morning and even now, exhausted, I have zero regrets.
I love the Glittering Court series, strong women making THEIR OWN DAMN WAY and choosing love over money is everything I'm about in real life, so to find a book that gives me all of that plus pretty dresses and American history-esque drama I'm here for it. This series will be a regular re-read for me...but this one will be the book I read without the other two ON THE REGULAR. Jago is great, he's not dark and twisted and flawed to make his growth more exciting. He is a good man who let's the world think what they want because he knows who he is and so do those who matter to him and everyone else can shove it. THAT is my dream man.
Enough about the boys, can we TALK ABOUT TAMSIN?! Girl looks amazing, has had a child in an impossible situation, still values her family (and they her, also, her family is the shit), GETS SHIT DONE, slaps men who assume they can walk all over her, re-organizes an entire city, brokers a peace grown men couldn't have done for themselves, and all of that is done without the self doubt so often seen in these YAs. Her hesitation about kicking ass all over the damn place isn't about her doubt, but her single-minded view of her goals (not a bad thing but maybe not the best all the time either, a realistic flaw). Adelaide is lovely, Mira literally kicks ass, but I will be #TeamTamsin until the day I die.
Fight me.
It has been a long time since I have read a book and FELT it. Am I the only one who gets a pit in my stomach when reading about mis-communications that break apart people who are truly good to and for each other? If I am, whatever I am okay with it. It makes my reading experience really intense. I read this book in one sitting, at night, knowing I had a 6 am wake up the next morning and even now, exhausted, I have zero regrets.
I love the Glittering Court series, strong women making THEIR OWN DAMN WAY and choosing love over money is everything I'm about in real life, so to find a book that gives me all of that plus pretty dresses and American history-esque drama I'm here for it. This series will be a regular re-read for me...but this one will be the book I read without the other two ON THE REGULAR. Jago is great, he's not dark and twisted and flawed to make his growth more exciting. He is a good man who let's the world think what they want because he knows who he is and so do those who matter to him and everyone else can shove it. THAT is my dream man.
Enough about the boys, can we TALK ABOUT TAMSIN?! Girl looks amazing, has had a child in an impossible situation, still values her family (and they her, also, her family is the shit), GETS SHIT DONE, slaps men who assume they can walk all over her, re-organizes an entire city, brokers a peace grown men couldn't have done for themselves, and all of that is done without the self doubt so often seen in these YAs. Her hesitation about kicking ass all over the damn place isn't about her doubt, but her single-minded view of her goals (not a bad thing but maybe not the best all the time either, a realistic flaw). Adelaide is lovely, Mira literally kicks ass, but I will be #TeamTamsin until the day I die.
Fight me.
August 20, 2018
Good, but very repetitive of the first two books and overly long. If I had to hear one more time that Tamsin "gets things done," I would have strangled someone. Tamsin, it turns out is one of those characters that is best as a supporting character. When she is given her own book, she's a bit much. But the parts of the storyline that weren't overlapping the first two books were good.
August 6, 2018
This Glittering Court finale was the best SO FAR! Wow.
I liked The Glittering Court, it reminded me of the Selection. The second book was good but my last favorite of all three. This one ... it had tons of action, love , just everything. I mean I liked it so much. I’m shocked.
I liked The Glittering Court, it reminded me of the Selection. The second book was good but my last favorite of all three. This one ... it had tons of action, love , just everything. I mean I liked it so much. I’m shocked.
June 22, 2018
What a great conclusion to this series! I enjoyed Tamsin’s story so much.
December 8, 2021
Not quite as good as the second book but up there! Really enjoyed this series.
July 14, 2018
Tamsin Wright has always been a marvelous character, so I was expecting nothing less of her in this book written in her full perspective. She definitely delivered, and more at that!
As based on my ratings, each book of this series has gotten better and better! The first book wasn’t horrible, so I didn’t give up on this series, and I’m so glad I didn’t! There are just so many secrets, relationships, and adventures to keep the series going! With this specific book, the most adventure happens because poor Tamsin is off far away from Wisteria Hollow (as we already know). There are so many people and towns that she falls into. There’s even a love triangle!
But seriously, The Emerald Sea is nothing short of ravenous adventuring, steamy love, and surprises! A wonderful conclusion to a beautiful series.
As based on my ratings, each book of this series has gotten better and better! The first book wasn’t horrible, so I didn’t give up on this series, and I’m so glad I didn’t! There are just so many secrets, relationships, and adventures to keep the series going! With this specific book, the most adventure happens because poor Tamsin is off far away from Wisteria Hollow (as we already know). There are so many people and towns that she falls into. There’s even a love triangle!
But seriously, The Emerald Sea is nothing short of ravenous adventuring, steamy love, and surprises! A wonderful conclusion to a beautiful series.
July 27, 2018
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Emerald Sea, by author Richelle Mead, is the third and final installment in the Glittering Court trilogy. The book answers the trilogy’s biggest question: what is the secret that drives Tamsin to win at all costs? Tamsin Wright is unstoppable. She must become the Glittering Court's diamond: the girl with the highest test scores, the most glamorous wardrobe, and the greatest opportunities to match with an elite suitor in the New World in order to guarantee a future for her family.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Emerald Sea, by author Richelle Mead, is the third and final installment in the Glittering Court trilogy. The book answers the trilogy’s biggest question: what is the secret that drives Tamsin to win at all costs? Tamsin Wright is unstoppable. She must become the Glittering Court's diamond: the girl with the highest test scores, the most glamorous wardrobe, and the greatest opportunities to match with an elite suitor in the New World in order to guarantee a future for her family.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
July 26, 2018
For me, this book was the weakest of the three. It has adventure but still had pockets where it felt dragged out. The author could have cut 100 pages out. Overall I loved the second book the best in this series!
December 29, 2018
En esta tercera y última parte de la saga La corte reluciente se cuenta la historia de Tamsin. La verdad es que tenía bastantes ganas de leer la historia de Tamsin ya que a mí es la que peor me cae de las tres protagonistas, básicamente porque su comportamiento no me terminaba de convencer, no entendía esa competitividad y obsesión por convertirse en el diamante y conseguir a toda costa el hombre con mayor riqueza del nuevo mundo. La verdad es que imaginaba que tenía que haber algún motivo escondido detrás de ese comportamiento, pero la verdad es que después de leer el libro no he cambiado de opinión acerca de ella.
Tamsin se ha dedicado toda su vida a trabajar, lavando ropa con su madre pero cuando se le ofrece entrar en La corte reluciente, una especie de academia para convertir a jóvenes muchachas sin rango en maravillosas esposas que serán enviadas al nuevo mundo en busca de pretendientes; Tamsin no se lo piensa. Desde que empiezan a educarla en los buenos modales ella tiene claro que quiere ser la mejor, convertirse en el diamante para que los mejores hombres, los más ricos, del nuevo mundo se fijen en ella. Y es que Tamsin no quiere, ni se conformará con cualquier pretendiente, ella quiere al más rico. Sin embargo, y aunque sabe que todas las chicas están compitiendo por los mejores hombres, Tamsin hace dos buenas amigas Adelaide y Mira. Pero todo su mundo cambia cuando tras los exámenes se entera que su esfuerzo no ha servido para nada y que el puesto de diamante se lo ha "robado" una de sus mejores amigas. Tamsin se lo toma como algo personal y decide no dirigirle la palabra a Adelaide e incluso decide viajar en otro barco "La gaviota gris" hacia el nuevo mundo. Pero cuando una tormenta los golpea, el barco naufraga dejando a la mitad de la corte reluciente en un paraje desolado y muy lejos de su destino, Adoria. Pero Tamsin no está dispuesta a dejar atrás todo por lo que ha luchado y hará todo lo que está a su alcance para conseguir su objetivo, aunque una comunidad religiosa y una guerra entre pueblos amenace este propósito.
La verdad es que el libro se me ha hecho eterno, hay fragmentos de la historia que son muy lentos y me han aburrido bastante. Tampoco ayuda que la autora quiera introducir un triángulo amoroso (que para mi es inexistente) con dos pretendientes que son a cada cual más soso. Lo único bueno del libro es que por fin se cierran algunas tramas que quedaban abiertas en los anteriores libros. En cuanto a los personajes aunque sigue sin gustarme Tamsin por lo menos se la conoce mejor, me ha gustado la determinación que muestra y su apego con su familia. Y del resto, la que más me ha gustado es Orla aunque no me ha gustado que convenientemente se encontrara con Tamsin cada vez que estaba en apuros. Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que al fin en este libro vemos las diferencias entre los distintos clanes o pueblos, y las estrategias que llevan a cabo para originar una guerra. La verdad es que yo no he llegado a conectar con la saga en ningún momento, porque la idea de educar a jóvenes para luego venderlas como mercancías en Adoria es algo que me enferma, aunque la autora lo quiera vender con la idea romántica de que allí van a encontrar a buenos maridos y de que van a mejorar sus vidas. Lo mejor de los libros sin duda, son las portadas que me parecen bastante llamativas. En definitiva es el libro que menos me ha gustado de toda la saga.
Tamsin se ha dedicado toda su vida a trabajar, lavando ropa con su madre pero cuando se le ofrece entrar en La corte reluciente, una especie de academia para convertir a jóvenes muchachas sin rango en maravillosas esposas que serán enviadas al nuevo mundo en busca de pretendientes; Tamsin no se lo piensa. Desde que empiezan a educarla en los buenos modales ella tiene claro que quiere ser la mejor, convertirse en el diamante para que los mejores hombres, los más ricos, del nuevo mundo se fijen en ella. Y es que Tamsin no quiere, ni se conformará con cualquier pretendiente, ella quiere al más rico. Sin embargo, y aunque sabe que todas las chicas están compitiendo por los mejores hombres, Tamsin hace dos buenas amigas Adelaide y Mira. Pero todo su mundo cambia cuando tras los exámenes se entera que su esfuerzo no ha servido para nada y que el puesto de diamante se lo ha "robado" una de sus mejores amigas. Tamsin se lo toma como algo personal y decide no dirigirle la palabra a Adelaide e incluso decide viajar en otro barco "La gaviota gris" hacia el nuevo mundo. Pero cuando una tormenta los golpea, el barco naufraga dejando a la mitad de la corte reluciente en un paraje desolado y muy lejos de su destino, Adoria. Pero Tamsin no está dispuesta a dejar atrás todo por lo que ha luchado y hará todo lo que está a su alcance para conseguir su objetivo, aunque una comunidad religiosa y una guerra entre pueblos amenace este propósito.
La verdad es que el libro se me ha hecho eterno, hay fragmentos de la historia que son muy lentos y me han aburrido bastante. Tampoco ayuda que la autora quiera introducir un triángulo amoroso (que para mi es inexistente) con dos pretendientes que son a cada cual más soso. Lo único bueno del libro es que por fin se cierran algunas tramas que quedaban abiertas en los anteriores libros. En cuanto a los personajes aunque sigue sin gustarme Tamsin por lo menos se la conoce mejor, me ha gustado la determinación que muestra y su apego con su familia. Y del resto, la que más me ha gustado es Orla aunque no me ha gustado que convenientemente se encontrara con Tamsin cada vez que estaba en apuros. Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que al fin en este libro vemos las diferencias entre los distintos clanes o pueblos, y las estrategias que llevan a cabo para originar una guerra. La verdad es que yo no he llegado a conectar con la saga en ningún momento, porque la idea de educar a jóvenes para luego venderlas como mercancías en Adoria es algo que me enferma, aunque la autora lo quiera vender con la idea romántica de que allí van a encontrar a buenos maridos y de que van a mejorar sus vidas. Lo mejor de los libros sin duda, son las portadas que me parecen bastante llamativas. En definitiva es el libro que menos me ha gustado de toda la saga.
October 12, 2020
And so finally all the puzzle pieces have fallen into place. I really think the author had a great idea to tell the story from the three girls' different perspective, each adding to the over all arc. I'm not quite sure which book I liked the most. I think it was Mira's story with the pirates and Grant Elliot. Although Tamzyn's story was also great with meeting all the different groups of people. I highly recommend this series.
October 30, 2018
I finished The Emerald Sea (such a lovely title), the third in the Glittering Court series by Richelle Mead.
This was a lovely and entertaining story and my favorite of the three companion novels. It was filled with everything from adventure to romance, friendship to inspirational life lessons. I loved the main character with her ferocity and determination combined with a gentle and sweet spirit. Her devotion to family was inspiring and her can-do attitude, which enabled her to face insurmountable odds, was motivating. I also really liked her main love interest in the story! I appreciated the creative mix of a historical fiction-feel with a fantasy element. I didn’t care for some of the negative religious innuendos and biases that were included, and some of the names of people groups and individuals were a bit tricky to keep track of, but all-in-all it was a truly enchanting tale.
This was a lovely and entertaining story and my favorite of the three companion novels. It was filled with everything from adventure to romance, friendship to inspirational life lessons. I loved the main character with her ferocity and determination combined with a gentle and sweet spirit. Her devotion to family was inspiring and her can-do attitude, which enabled her to face insurmountable odds, was motivating. I also really liked her main love interest in the story! I appreciated the creative mix of a historical fiction-feel with a fantasy element. I didn’t care for some of the negative religious innuendos and biases that were included, and some of the names of people groups and individuals were a bit tricky to keep track of, but all-in-all it was a truly enchanting tale.
August 22, 2018
Richelle Mead is the bestselling author of over 25 novels for adults and teens. A fan of myth and folklore, she has written many books including those elements. Richelle is the author of the Vampire Academy series as well as its spin-off series, Bloodlines. She also wrote SOUNDLESS, a standalone novel set around Chinese mythology. Her newest young adult trilogy, The Glittering Court, began with a book by that same name. The second novel in the trilogy, MIDNIGHT JEWEL, occurs at the same time as THE GLITTERING COURT but from an alternative point of view. The final installment, THE EMERALD SEA also takes place at the same time but from the third and final point of view.
THE EMERALD SEA is finally Tamsin’s experience with the Glittering Court. Tamsin joined the Court because she has the most to lose out of her friends Adelaide and Mira. She was a significant character and friend to Adelaide and Mira until her boat was driven off course in a storm on their way to Adoria and Tamsin was separated from them for most of the story. Little did Adelaide and Mira know, Tamsin was alive and well and traveling across colonies in Adoria so that she could finally join them in Cape Triumph.
Tamsin’s story was by far the most entertaining installment of this trilogy. Even though I enjoyed Adelaide’s and Mira’s story, I could not stop reading this one. While I was annoyed with Tamsin in the other books, I did not know what she had at stake, but she has turned into my favorite character. I connected with her the most, and her story was even more interesting than the other ones. In THE EMERALD SEA, Mead explores the rest of Adoria and focuses a lot less on the actual time that they spent at the Glittering Court. Keeping that only a small part of Tamsin’s story was the right decision because I think the drama of the Glittering Court is explored enough in THE GLITTERING COURT and MIDNIGHT JEWEL. With each novel in the trilogy, they only get better. I have always been a Richelle Mead fan, and these books are exactly what I wanted.
Because of the fallout that Tamsin has with Adelaide, she chooses to go on a different ship to Adoria and meets all of the other Glittering Court women, and I am glad a lot more characters were introduced. I especially loved Damaris and Winifred’s character. Even though this is only a trilogy, I would read any continuation of this story from another point of view. Tamsin showed off her natural leadership abilities, and it is enjoyable to learn about her taking charge when their ship veered way off course. Tamsin runs into both the Balanquans, the Icori, and many more exciting and dangerous settings, and Tamsin views them a lot differently than Adelaide and Mira because she got to stay with them and form meaningful relationships. One of my favorite aspects was exploring other parts of Adoria other than Cape Triumph.
Tamsin has a reason for joining the Glittering Court, but it also vastly complicates her possible romantic relationships throughout the story. Some characters took me by surprise, and for every one that I disliked, there were two more that I loved. It is best to go into this novel with little idea of what is going to happen. Even though this novel is almost 500 pages, I could not put it down and did not mind at all; I could have read even more.
While the Glittering Court is a trilogy, readers can read the books in any order because they occur at the same time. I read them in the release order, and I think that is the best way to read them. Tamsin’s story is best saved for last because it is so separate from the other two. If only interested in Tamsin’s story, then just read this one, but if at all interested in reading the entire trilogy, I recommend starting with Adelaide’s novel, THE GLITTERING COURT, and the reading Mira's MIDNIGHT JEWEL, and finally reading about Tamsin in THE EMERALD SEA. I highly recommend this trilogy, and I will continue to pick up anything Richelle Mead writes.
Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member
THE EMERALD SEA is finally Tamsin’s experience with the Glittering Court. Tamsin joined the Court because she has the most to lose out of her friends Adelaide and Mira. She was a significant character and friend to Adelaide and Mira until her boat was driven off course in a storm on their way to Adoria and Tamsin was separated from them for most of the story. Little did Adelaide and Mira know, Tamsin was alive and well and traveling across colonies in Adoria so that she could finally join them in Cape Triumph.
Tamsin’s story was by far the most entertaining installment of this trilogy. Even though I enjoyed Adelaide’s and Mira’s story, I could not stop reading this one. While I was annoyed with Tamsin in the other books, I did not know what she had at stake, but she has turned into my favorite character. I connected with her the most, and her story was even more interesting than the other ones. In THE EMERALD SEA, Mead explores the rest of Adoria and focuses a lot less on the actual time that they spent at the Glittering Court. Keeping that only a small part of Tamsin’s story was the right decision because I think the drama of the Glittering Court is explored enough in THE GLITTERING COURT and MIDNIGHT JEWEL. With each novel in the trilogy, they only get better. I have always been a Richelle Mead fan, and these books are exactly what I wanted.
Because of the fallout that Tamsin has with Adelaide, she chooses to go on a different ship to Adoria and meets all of the other Glittering Court women, and I am glad a lot more characters were introduced. I especially loved Damaris and Winifred’s character. Even though this is only a trilogy, I would read any continuation of this story from another point of view. Tamsin showed off her natural leadership abilities, and it is enjoyable to learn about her taking charge when their ship veered way off course. Tamsin runs into both the Balanquans, the Icori, and many more exciting and dangerous settings, and Tamsin views them a lot differently than Adelaide and Mira because she got to stay with them and form meaningful relationships. One of my favorite aspects was exploring other parts of Adoria other than Cape Triumph.
Tamsin has a reason for joining the Glittering Court, but it also vastly complicates her possible romantic relationships throughout the story. Some characters took me by surprise, and for every one that I disliked, there were two more that I loved. It is best to go into this novel with little idea of what is going to happen. Even though this novel is almost 500 pages, I could not put it down and did not mind at all; I could have read even more.
While the Glittering Court is a trilogy, readers can read the books in any order because they occur at the same time. I read them in the release order, and I think that is the best way to read them. Tamsin’s story is best saved for last because it is so separate from the other two. If only interested in Tamsin’s story, then just read this one, but if at all interested in reading the entire trilogy, I recommend starting with Adelaide’s novel, THE GLITTERING COURT, and the reading Mira's MIDNIGHT JEWEL, and finally reading about Tamsin in THE EMERALD SEA. I highly recommend this trilogy, and I will continue to pick up anything Richelle Mead writes.
Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member
August 22, 2018
The Emerald Sea is the final book in the YA The Glittering Court trilogy.
The narrator is 20 year old Tamsin.
These books feature the same overall story. However I was very excited to see what actually happened to Tamsin when she was separated from Adelaide and Mira.
I thought that we were supposed to be able to read these books out of order as each book is a self-contained story. However, I really can't see how you could read The Emerald Sea without having read the previous books. This book starts 6 months after the girls have joined The Glittering Court. And that part of the story IMO is not featured enough in this book to be able to follow what it is all about. I feel like a person would be lost without having read the two previous books.
There was so much about Tamsin's story that I had no idea about. And one thing that absolutely shocked me . However, knowing the basics about what happened to the ship that she was sort of made some of the book less exciting.
This book definitely focuses on the parts that we didn't see in the first two books. We get to see a lot of what happened when Tamsin was separated from the other girls.
It's been a while since I read book two. But I was completely surprised with the romance that was in this book.
I really enjoyed this final book. The only problem was that for the most part in general we mostly know what happened. Also, there is so little of the Glittering Court and anything to do with the girls' studies. And we don't even get to see much about the parties. And the other two girls are hardly in this book at all. To me these things are the essence of this series. Also, I really don't find that this series is fantasy at all. But other than these few minor things I thought that this was a really strong conclusion to this series.
The narrator is 20 year old Tamsin.
These books feature the same overall story. However I was very excited to see what actually happened to Tamsin when she was separated from Adelaide and Mira.
I thought that we were supposed to be able to read these books out of order as each book is a self-contained story. However, I really can't see how you could read The Emerald Sea without having read the previous books. This book starts 6 months after the girls have joined The Glittering Court. And that part of the story IMO is not featured enough in this book to be able to follow what it is all about. I feel like a person would be lost without having read the two previous books.
There was so much about Tamsin's story that I had no idea about. And one thing that absolutely shocked me . However, knowing the basics about what happened to the ship that she was sort of made some of the book less exciting.
This book definitely focuses on the parts that we didn't see in the first two books. We get to see a lot of what happened when Tamsin was separated from the other girls.
It's been a while since I read book two. But I was completely surprised with the romance that was in this book.
I really enjoyed this final book. The only problem was that for the most part in general we mostly know what happened. Also, there is so little of the Glittering Court and anything to do with the girls' studies. And we don't even get to see much about the parties. And the other two girls are hardly in this book at all. To me these things are the essence of this series. Also, I really don't find that this series is fantasy at all. But other than these few minor things I thought that this was a really strong conclusion to this series.
April 4, 2022
Tamsin’s book means so much. Tamsin means a lot to me. This book means so much to me.
In fact, as I think about it now, this is the only book in the trilogy that won me over. I prefer to treat it like a standalone, separating it from the other boggy and choppy books in this trilogy.
Tamsin isn’t like Adelaide or Mira. Adelaide is too preppy and annoying with too much softness. Mira is too edgy and full of stark coldness that I could not tolerate the both of them. They were like dry logs floating in water. If that even makes any sense.
Tamsin though? My gosh, I loved her. She is full of spunk, ambition, determination, courage, strength, and love. Her heart is bordered off, but she keeps her goals in mind and stops at nothing to do what needs to be done. She is a balanced act of bravery and kindness that Adelaide and Mira poorly could never pull off in their respective books.
And this book is so intense and atmospheric. Everything is at stake here, and my girl Tamsin went through so much more than Adelaide or Mira. Sneaking around and fighting bad guys? Having fun at parties and balls? That’s child play.
Tamsin has to endure getting shoved off a ship and into the ocean, survive a storm that wrecks her ship, gets attacked by tribal groups, has to hunt for food and resources, and trek through snowy mountains. Her whole journey is tense and action packed, unlike the boring slog of events in the last two books of the trilogy. The adventure and world building really peaks in this book and it shows. We have snowy mountains, storms at sea, colonies, and loads of different places to explore. There’s so much to see and do!
All in all, this book had everything that the other books in this series didn’t: depth and charm. I don’t see this as a conclusion to a typical YA trilogy, but as one of my favorite books that I absolutely loved with all my heart.
In fact, as I think about it now, this is the only book in the trilogy that won me over. I prefer to treat it like a standalone, separating it from the other boggy and choppy books in this trilogy.
Tamsin isn’t like Adelaide or Mira. Adelaide is too preppy and annoying with too much softness. Mira is too edgy and full of stark coldness that I could not tolerate the both of them. They were like dry logs floating in water. If that even makes any sense.
Tamsin though? My gosh, I loved her. She is full of spunk, ambition, determination, courage, strength, and love. Her heart is bordered off, but she keeps her goals in mind and stops at nothing to do what needs to be done. She is a balanced act of bravery and kindness that Adelaide and Mira poorly could never pull off in their respective books.
And this book is so intense and atmospheric. Everything is at stake here, and my girl Tamsin went through so much more than Adelaide or Mira. Sneaking around and fighting bad guys? Having fun at parties and balls? That’s child play.
Tamsin has to endure getting shoved off a ship and into the ocean, survive a storm that wrecks her ship, gets attacked by tribal groups, has to hunt for food and resources, and trek through snowy mountains. Her whole journey is tense and action packed, unlike the boring slog of events in the last two books of the trilogy. The adventure and world building really peaks in this book and it shows. We have snowy mountains, storms at sea, colonies, and loads of different places to explore. There’s so much to see and do!
All in all, this book had everything that the other books in this series didn’t: depth and charm. I don’t see this as a conclusion to a typical YA trilogy, but as one of my favorite books that I absolutely loved with all my heart.
October 24, 2021
Rating: 4.25/5
Review to come!
Review to come!
July 26, 2018
The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead is the third and final novel in the Glittering Court series. While the first novel followed Adelaide, and the second novel Mira, this conclusion follows Tamsin. In this book, we discover Tamsin's past and why it is so important to her to get the highest scores and become the diamond, and why it is important for her to find the richest husband. We also get a glimpse at Tamsin's life during her time when she is not with her friends Adelaide and Mira.
I'm truly sad that this series is over. I've become so attached to these characters. I don't think I will ever read a book by Richelle Mead that I don't love.
I'm truly sad that this series is over. I've become so attached to these characters. I don't think I will ever read a book by Richelle Mead that I don't love.
November 8, 2019
The Emerald Sea
The Glittering Court, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: I am a fan of the TV Series
The Characters:
Tamsin Wright:
Jacob “Jago” Robinson:
Mira, Adelaide, Orla, Half a dozen other characters whose names I can’t remember
The Story:
The conclusion of a whirlwind of a tale of three young ladies chosen to give up their common lives and trained to become wives of wealthy gentlemen in a new land. Tamsin, the third in the trilogy, goes through enough to have lived 6 lives. Starting with her keeping a huge secret from the girls in the court and a shipwreck and taking her through an unbelievable series of events.
This is an excellent story of adventure in a strange land and wraps up with a happy ending.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
The Glittering Court, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: I am a fan of the TV Series
The Characters:
Tamsin Wright:
Jacob “Jago” Robinson:
Mira, Adelaide, Orla, Half a dozen other characters whose names I can’t remember
The Story:
The conclusion of a whirlwind of a tale of three young ladies chosen to give up their common lives and trained to become wives of wealthy gentlemen in a new land. Tamsin, the third in the trilogy, goes through enough to have lived 6 lives. Starting with her keeping a huge secret from the girls in the court and a shipwreck and taking her through an unbelievable series of events.
This is an excellent story of adventure in a strange land and wraps up with a happy ending.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
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