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Valerie's Reviews > Crown Duel
Crown Duel (Crown & Court, #1-2)
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Crown Duel is an old favorite, and I've lost count of the times I have revisited Remalna, the magical kingdom Crown Duel takes place in. If you're looking for a book to get for a young teen who loves fantasy and you'd like it to have the kind of romance healthy relationships are based on, I highly recommend this novel.
Meliara Astiar is a stubborn, hotheaded countess who is as honest as she is ignorant. The novel begins in a drafty room in the Tlanth castle, where Bran and Mel swear to their father that they will protect the precious Tlanth colorwoods from the grasp of Galdran Merindar, Remalna's wicked king. The two lead a revolt, and though their intentions are good, they really do not know the first thing about how to lead a revolt or, for that matter, manage a kingdom should that revolt prove successful. Mel soon finds herself in an enemy camp, captured and soon to be shipped off to the capital to face the king's justice. Her escape is clumsy, and her efforts to do well more than a little endearing. As she limps across Remalna's countryside, she starts to learn that there is more to revolution than simply knocking a bad king off the throne: she realizes the repercussions of civil war. Meanwhile, poor Mel has to deal with the Marquis of Shevreath, a mysterious fop who, despite his reputation for being a total airhead, somehow seems to be the one who is always capturing her, leading to a very uncomfortable relationship indeed!
It is impossible to review the second book without giving away the first, so I will refrain from spoiling the story with summary. Suffice to say that the second book, Court Duel is even more entertaining than the first, full of secret admirers, balls, and a world of court intrigue highlighted by fan language. Sherwood Smith is a master of fantasy, whether it takes place in muddy fields or in glittering ballrooms, and she seems to hit human nature straight on the head with some of her observations. Mel is a highly likable character, and her thoughts and feelings resounded with me.
If you love escapist novels where you can get lost in the fantasy countryside, look no further.
Meliara Astiar is a stubborn, hotheaded countess who is as honest as she is ignorant. The novel begins in a drafty room in the Tlanth castle, where Bran and Mel swear to their father that they will protect the precious Tlanth colorwoods from the grasp of Galdran Merindar, Remalna's wicked king. The two lead a revolt, and though their intentions are good, they really do not know the first thing about how to lead a revolt or, for that matter, manage a kingdom should that revolt prove successful. Mel soon finds herself in an enemy camp, captured and soon to be shipped off to the capital to face the king's justice. Her escape is clumsy, and her efforts to do well more than a little endearing. As she limps across Remalna's countryside, she starts to learn that there is more to revolution than simply knocking a bad king off the throne: she realizes the repercussions of civil war. Meanwhile, poor Mel has to deal with the Marquis of Shevreath, a mysterious fop who, despite his reputation for being a total airhead, somehow seems to be the one who is always capturing her, leading to a very uncomfortable relationship indeed!
It is impossible to review the second book without giving away the first, so I will refrain from spoiling the story with summary. Suffice to say that the second book, Court Duel is even more entertaining than the first, full of secret admirers, balls, and a world of court intrigue highlighted by fan language. Sherwood Smith is a master of fantasy, whether it takes place in muddy fields or in glittering ballrooms, and she seems to hit human nature straight on the head with some of her observations. Mel is a highly likable character, and her thoughts and feelings resounded with me.
If you love escapist novels where you can get lost in the fantasy countryside, look no further.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
April 5, 2004
–
Finished Reading
July 9, 2009
– Shelved
August 4, 2011
– Shelved as:
fantasy
August 4, 2011
– Shelved as:
all-time-favorites
August 4, 2011
– Shelved as:
addicting
