Young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her father will defend their people from the greedy king. But their promise soon lea...
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reviews
Dec 06, 2011
Valerie
rated it: 
I don't know what was wrong with me all this time. Something always kept me from reading this book. I can't even remember what is was anymore. Boy was I missing out. I should've read this book when I was younger, I would've loved this with every once of my being. Now that I've read more books I'm a bit more picky (but not by too much).
The plot was excellent. The beginning was a bit fast without any real excitment going on. It seemed like Smith just wanted to skip some scenes to get More...
The plot was excellent. The beginning was a bit fast without any real excitment going on. It seemed like Smith just wanted to skip some scenes to get More...
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Apr 15, 2011
Krystle
rated it:
I’m ashamed to say I’ve only read this classic of young adult fantasy now. How horrid, no? I don’t know what I’ve been missing out. Forget about Katsa, Katniss, and all those other strong hard-headed heroines you love. Meliara is the original and stakes her claim on the throne until this day.
The first book was filled with action, action, and lots more action. I wasn’t really gripped by it because of how annoying Meliara was. She was brash, stubborn, irrational, prejudiced, and very r More...
The first book was filled with action, action, and lots more action. I wasn’t really gripped by it because of how annoying Meliara was. She was brash, stubborn, irrational, prejudiced, and very r More...
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May 29, 2008
Laura
rated it: 
I began to dislike the book early in the beginning, because Meliara has the same characteristics of other heroines that bother me. She is small, but feisty and tough, but small, and even though she's small, she fights. Did you understand that she is short and skinny? You understand that she's small, right?
Despite the fact that Meliara is constantly being reminded/reminding us that she is small and feisty, the book was hard to put down, though I don't really understand why. I gu More...
Despite the fact that Meliara is constantly being reminded/reminding us that she is small and feisty, the book was hard to put down, though I don't really understand why. I gu More...
Mar 23, 2011
Carla
rated it: 
I loved this book! Loved, loved, LOOOOVED IT! *happy mode* Even if part 1 and part 2 are so different - I loved the story itself, the scenarios, the chases, even the battles, the parties and the gowns, and most of all, the rebellious and CRAZY-stubborn heroine Meliara and her extreme, blind, completely prejudiced dislike towards Vidanric, when he clearly loves her in Mr.Darcy's style: with heavenly patience and absolute subtleness. (Well, if one doesn’t count The Wager part. Meliara, how could y
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Nov 13, 2008
Debbie
rated it:
This book is actually two books. I loved the world-building in both books, but I enjoyed the main characters the best in the second book/half.
Meliara sure does know how to hold on to a grudge, but she's got a lot of great attributes, too. The pacing was good, and the story was exciting. I enjoyed the romance, but also liked that there weren't any sex scenes.
Meliara sure does know how to hold on to a grudge, but she's got a lot of great attributes, too. The pacing was good, and the story was exciting. I enjoyed the romance, but also liked that there weren't any sex scenes.
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Mar 19, 2008
Amanda
rated it:
This book was a fun and a surprisingly good find!! I found it as a book recommendation on Shannon Hale's website. I knew nothing about the book when I read it and I thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe low expectations helped...only you can tell). It was a mix between Lord of the Rings (not quite so epic) or Eragon (minus the dragons) and The Scarlet Pimpernel and had a really fun love story which is always the biggest selling point for me and a fun main character that I didn't bash in my mind too oft
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Feb 10, 2012
Jillian Iris
rated it:
It started out hesitantly and awkwardly, with affected speech and a distinct cheesiness I was (mostly) prepared for. But, by the middle, the book had matured considerably. I started to really enjoy the descriptions of the clothing and buildings, and the dialog became much more refined. The world that was created was very enchanting, with the fan language and the candles designating the hours of the day and the Hill Folk and the court customs, etc.
Like some other reviewers, I found th More...
Like some other reviewers, I found th More...
Jan 11, 2012
Jia Ling
rated it:
3.5 Stars. Quite liked it for its 'sweet and simple' story.
Sometimes I think there should be a genre known as 'charming quintessential fantasy'; for the books that don't reinvent the fantasy genre but still maintains to be quite enjoyable if albeit predictable.
This book is actually a compilation of 2 books in the series (Crown Duel and Court Duel). The Kindle version comes compiled with about 30 to 40 pages of extras, previously written for the author's livejournal page. More...
Sometimes I think there should be a genre known as 'charming quintessential fantasy'; for the books that don't reinvent the fantasy genre but still maintains to be quite enjoyable if albeit predictable.
This book is actually a compilation of 2 books in the series (Crown Duel and Court Duel). The Kindle version comes compiled with about 30 to 40 pages of extras, previously written for the author's livejournal page. More...
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Jan 07, 2012
Lou
rated it:
Okay everyone. Get ready for a real review.
This book is one of my favorite books of all time. I get around to reading it about once a year.
Smith really hit upon something new for me: a heroine who is both ridiculously strong and courageous, but also stubborn to a fault. She runs with the idea that protagonists don't have to be perfect, and should probably have a severe flaw that affects their entire story. Now take my review with a grain of salt here, as the first time I rea More...
This book is one of my favorite books of all time. I get around to reading it about once a year.
Smith really hit upon something new for me: a heroine who is both ridiculously strong and courageous, but also stubborn to a fault. She runs with the idea that protagonists don't have to be perfect, and should probably have a severe flaw that affects their entire story. Now take my review with a grain of salt here, as the first time I rea More...
Sep 22, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
I'm actually not sure if Crown Duel is considered YA or not, but given that I heard about this on the recommendation of a YA book blogger, and it seemed to fit that mode as I read it, I'm calling it YA.
I liked this well enough, with one major exception. Originally published as two books, Crown Duel<i/> was republished as one book with two parts, which I think works. My 3 star rating is actually a personal reaction to the main character, Meliara. I've developed this vendetta agai More...
I liked this well enough, with one major exception. Originally published as two books, Crown Duel<i/> was republished as one book with two parts, which I think works. My 3 star rating is actually a personal reaction to the main character, Meliara. I've developed this vendetta agai More...
Sep 02, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
This is one of those books that I definitely wouldn't have picked out on my own. Maybe it's because of the cover, which is a little weird, or the fact that it looks like it was written a long time ago. I had never even heard of it before last year, when someone gave it to me as a birthday present. I didn't have very high hopes, but I decided to give it a try anyway.
This book is great!! It was a little slow at the very beginning, but it got better fast. It's actually two books, Crown Du More...
This book is great!! It was a little slow at the very beginning, but it got better fast. It's actually two books, Crown Du More...
Aug 15, 2011
Emily
rated it:
There are my favorite books, and then there are the books I tell people are my favorites if they ask. This is one of the former.
The writing's not great, the plot's mostly trite, but that doesn't matter. The characters all have real personalities, complete with flaws and manners of speaking and skills and likes and dislikes, and it's amazing how easy it is to imagine them as real people, and their relationships as real relationships.
Crown Duel also has just about everythin More...
The writing's not great, the plot's mostly trite, but that doesn't matter. The characters all have real personalities, complete with flaws and manners of speaking and skills and likes and dislikes, and it's amazing how easy it is to imagine them as real people, and their relationships as real relationships.
Crown Duel also has just about everythin More...
Aug 01, 2011
Mlle.
rated it: 
I found CROWN DUEL to be a long series of anti-climaxes. Again and again, our heroine is backed up into a corner, only to be rescued at the last moment. No matter how much circumstances change through the novel - as Meliara transforms from a barefoot countess to a noble with fearsome allies and power of her own - the pattern stays the same. Things get so bad that the protagonists find themselves helpless, hamstrung, and unable to act - and then some third party steps in at the crisis and poof, e
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Jun 19, 2011
Daria
rated it:
This book has many "clean and classic fantasy" features:
A sprawling multitude of kingdoms, carefully worked out family trees, ancient allegiances, and political intrigue.
Magical people/guardians-of-the-land-things, which, you know, do magic.
A tyrant in need of murdering/overthrowing.
Conveniently poor and unhappy people who shall commence overthrowing of said tyrant.
Promises made at the deathbed.
Courtly intrigue.
People with grudges. More...
A sprawling multitude of kingdoms, carefully worked out family trees, ancient allegiances, and political intrigue.
Magical people/guardians-of-the-land-things, which, you know, do magic.
A tyrant in need of murdering/overthrowing.
Conveniently poor and unhappy people who shall commence overthrowing of said tyrant.
Promises made at the deathbed.
Courtly intrigue.
People with grudges. More...
Jan 18, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
Originally published as two separate books, Crown Duel and Court Duel - but handily combined in my edition, Crown Duel begins with a promising portrayal of the penniless brother and sister duo Meliara and Branaric who swear on their father's deathbed to do whatever it takes - even if that means going to war - to ensure that the king is removed from his throne. As joint rulers of a small province, Mel and Bran don't exactly have the means or resources to defeat the royal army in an uprising, but
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Jan 16, 2011
Kiri
rated it:
I love Sherwood Smith's delightful young adult fiction. Having recently read A Stranger To Command, I was surprised at how little I recognized Vidanric in this romantic tale. Nevertheless, it is nice to have closure on what happens to him after he returns from his time in Marloven Hess.
I think, hearing the story from the perspective of the heroine, Mel, makes it appear a completely separate work, independent of the 'prequel' of the hero. I would have liked to hear Vidanric's thoug More...
I think, hearing the story from the perspective of the heroine, Mel, makes it appear a completely separate work, independent of the 'prequel' of the hero. I would have liked to hear Vidanric's thoug More...
Dec 30, 2010
Karissa
rated it:
This sounded from the description like the type of fantasy book I would really like; and I did really enjoy it. Originally this was released as two books Crown Duel and Court Duel. I am glad it was finally released as one novel; for although there is a distinction between the two parts of the story it would've been hard to leave it after the first half of the book.
Meliara (Mel) and her brother are up in arms against the king of their country in an effort to protect the Hill Folk and th More...
Meliara (Mel) and her brother are up in arms against the king of their country in an effort to protect the Hill Folk and th More...
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Dec 27, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
It is (or should be) the goal for Authors to bring lands and characters to life, that readers otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to experience, and also to give the characters the feeling of “realness” and where a lot of Authors fail in that respect Sherwood Smith passes with flying colors, not only giving us well rounded characters but making them to an extent unlikeable and “real”, therefore relatable. I have read many reviews complaining about this book but the people only complain on More...
Aug 25, 2010
Meredith
rated it:
I'm not sure what's going on with the cover art for this edition; the book is nowhere near as froufrou as the art makes it out be. At any rate, I really enjoyed this novel, which is really two shorter novels put into one. Mel is a strong, if extremely stubborn, heroine, and I enjoyed her journey through these books: in fact, I couldn't put them down until I'd read both parts, as well as the 'extras' that are included with the kindle edition. Fantastic. I'd give this book 4.5 stars, if I coul
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Jun 16, 2010
Jennifer
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 29, 2010
Kater
rated it:
This book came recommended by a friend. Actually, she put it in my hands in a bookstore and told me to buy it. She described it as "a pair of ignorant and hopelessly incompetent (but enthusiastic) young nobles try to take over their country, and fail." Not inaccurate, really, but not the whole story.
Don't expect fabulous world-building. There are some cool parts, like the inhuman "hill folk" and the use of colors to describe hours of the day, but mostly it's a sta More...
Don't expect fabulous world-building. There are some cool parts, like the inhuman "hill folk" and the use of colors to describe hours of the day, but mostly it's a sta More...
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Feb 28, 2010
Jules
rated it:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great first-person female heroine and an enticing male lead (who I won't identify because, while I guessed just by the tone of their relationship that he might turn into a romantic interest, I don't think it's supposed to be entirely obvious who it might be).
This copy is really two books in one: a tale of war in the literal sense and then one of spying, gossip and court alliances. Despite the fact that the real action is in the first part (Mel More...
This copy is really two books in one: a tale of war in the literal sense and then one of spying, gossip and court alliances. Despite the fact that the real action is in the first part (Mel More...
Apr 04, 2011
Kermit's BFF
rated it:
Crown Duel, by Sherwood Smith, was an interesting book recommended to me as "a fun combination of Lord of the Rings meets the best of Austen without overdoing it".
This book is actually a combination of two books, "Crown Duel" and its sequel, "Court Duel".
Plot
Though a countess, Meliara has grown up running barefoot in the hills, vaguely supervised by her aging Father and elder brother. Taxed into despair, threatened by the evil king who rules, M More...
This book is actually a combination of two books, "Crown Duel" and its sequel, "Court Duel".
Plot
Though a countess, Meliara has grown up running barefoot in the hills, vaguely supervised by her aging Father and elder brother. Taxed into despair, threatened by the evil king who rules, M More...
Feb 16, 2010
Chachic
rated it:
This is a duology, originally published as two books (Crown Duel and Court Duel) but Firebird combined both books in one edition.
Meliara (Mel for short), the impoverished Countess of Tlanth, tells the story from her point of view. I loved the fact that Mel is such an unreliable narrator and how the story unfolded from the way she sees things. The first part of the book involves a war against a tyrant of a king because both Mel and her brother Branaric promised their father that they More...
Meliara (Mel for short), the impoverished Countess of Tlanth, tells the story from her point of view. I loved the fact that Mel is such an unreliable narrator and how the story unfolded from the way she sees things. The first part of the book involves a war against a tyrant of a king because both Mel and her brother Branaric promised their father that they More...
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Apr 13, 2011
Paulina
rated it:
Reasons Why I Enjoyed This Wonderfully Written Duology:
1. Very likeable characters.
2. The adventure & magic.
3. The humour.
4. The letters & the Secret Admirer. *squeels*
5. The Romance. NOT cheesy AT ALL!
6. Maliara. Girl, you crack me up! XD And because I keep reading your name as "Malaria". Fail! LAWL!
7. Vidanric. So mysterious & cool & collected... *sigh* Be still my weary heart, be still!
8. Maliara & Vidanric's constant bickerin More...
1. Very likeable characters.
2. The adventure & magic.
3. The humour.
4. The letters & the Secret Admirer. *squeels*
5. The Romance. NOT cheesy AT ALL!
6. Maliara. Girl, you crack me up! XD And because I keep reading your name as "Malaria". Fail! LAWL!
7. Vidanric. So mysterious & cool & collected... *sigh* Be still my weary heart, be still!
8. Maliara & Vidanric's constant bickerin More...
Oct 09, 2011
Miss Banana
rated it:
I could have sword that I've read this book before, yet the only thing I remembered was the white rose and the fact that one of the characters was a Marquis. Everything else seemed completely unfamiliar. After reading Goose Girl, I had the sudden urge to read this one, seeing as it had been nearly 10 years since I read it the first time.
Of course, it got a bit frustrating at times, but then again, so does any plot that involves a good court intrigue. All of the characters are easy to More...
Of course, it got a bit frustrating at times, but then again, so does any plot that involves a good court intrigue. All of the characters are easy to More...
Sep 22, 2011
Amy
rated it:
This is a fun book.
Most of the first part/book has its plot and drama based on misunderstandings and bumbling mistakes. That type of device always leaves me somewhat uncomfortable. But it serves well for the arc overall, because by the end, the main character grows, learns, regrets, forgives, and becomes likable. Because in the beginning I don't really like her, and find some of her language awkward. But Smith is true to her and her background throughout, and lets her grow, which is More...
Most of the first part/book has its plot and drama based on misunderstandings and bumbling mistakes. That type of device always leaves me somewhat uncomfortable. But it serves well for the arc overall, because by the end, the main character grows, learns, regrets, forgives, and becomes likable. Because in the beginning I don't really like her, and find some of her language awkward. But Smith is true to her and her background throughout, and lets her grow, which is More...
Jan 06, 2012
Lyn
rated it:
Before I being, I would say that the story was a 3 to 3.5 range, but the wonderfully constructed romance deserves a 5 star rating, so I will settle with 4 stars.
I did like Mel, the main character, even if she did seem very cruel and at times, dim-witted, when she was capable of so much more. I did like that she was not against romance, she simply did not know HOW to engage in such an activity. And watching her delve through Court-life was such a refreshing change from the current s More...
I did like Mel, the main character, even if she did seem very cruel and at times, dim-witted, when she was capable of so much more. I did like that she was not against romance, she simply did not know HOW to engage in such an activity. And watching her delve through Court-life was such a refreshing change from the current s More...
Mar 13, 2010
Gemma
rated it:
Crown Duel began really well for me, then some irritations crept in.
The writing was excellent - everything flowed really well, and I loved the descriptions of Remalna and the whole world Smith dreamt up. The action was great, and when the suspense cranked up nearing the end I speeded through the rest of the book.
I was left feeling like the characters ended up being bogged down by silly things that left them unable to develop properly - they all felt half formed, even at the end. I ca More...
The writing was excellent - everything flowed really well, and I loved the descriptions of Remalna and the whole world Smith dreamt up. The action was great, and when the suspense cranked up nearing the end I speeded through the rest of the book.
I was left feeling like the characters ended up being bogged down by silly things that left them unable to develop properly - they all felt half formed, even at the end. I ca More...
Jan 30, 2012
Krissie
rated it:
So if we really want to know what I think of this book, I'll just say that I bought it. At Barnes and Noble. Not my favorite resale shop. At Barnes and Noble. With money. (Well, a gift card, but still.) I think I like it so much because the main character knows how much of a screw-up she can be. She's smart, but still imperfect, and she knows it, and she's snarky. I like snark. Yay snark! I'm going to stop blathering now. . .
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