The stirring sequel to "Crown Duel "finds young Meliara at the center of a deadly court intrigue.
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reviews
May 12, 2011
Sarah
rated it: 
I've revised my opinion of this book (or should I say these books?) after a second reading, so instead of editing my old review I shall write another here.
I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time! Actually I couldn't remember reading Court Duel at all previously, only Crown Duel, so unless I have a very short memory I must not have read the second part/novel very attentively. But anyway...
I thought Shevraeth was great, very clever and mysterious and suave. I d More...
I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time! Actually I couldn't remember reading Court Duel at all previously, only Crown Duel, so unless I have a very short memory I must not have read the second part/novel very attentively. But anyway...
I thought Shevraeth was great, very clever and mysterious and suave. I d More...
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May 12, 2011
Katie
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Cute, cute sequel to Crown Duel. If you pick this up, pick up a copy where both stories are in one book. I would have loved reading the first book and just flowing right into the second book. This one picks up right where Crown Duel leaves off and eventually finds Meliara in the captial. I really enjoyed the story and just loved that darling, elusive Marquis. I will admit, even though he was described as having very long light, blond hair, I just had to imagine him with dark hair because I
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May 12, 2011
Valerie
rated it:
I could go on and on about how much I appreciate the author for keeping everything fairly simple and great but I’ll keep it at a minimum. There were more politics in this book instead of the action present in the first book. I still really like Mel and she is still true to herself. She is headstrong, aware of her ignorance, and an all around nice girl.
Even though there was more politics in this book it wasn’t half as cumbersome as in other books I’ve read. There were a few times wh More...
Even though there was more politics in this book it wasn’t half as cumbersome as in other books I’ve read. There were a few times wh More...
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May 12, 2011
Angela
rated it:
This book is very, very difficult to rate. I liked it - I really did, but there were just some things that drove me crazy about it, along with a nagging feeling that it just didn't live up to its potential.
Meliara spends most of this book in a vastly different setting from the last one: Rather than running around in rags and boys clothes, wounded, sick, and hunted, she finds her wealthy and successful self in the glittering court of the capitol. She still has a couple of minor adv More...
Meliara spends most of this book in a vastly different setting from the last one: Rather than running around in rags and boys clothes, wounded, sick, and hunted, she finds her wealthy and successful self in the glittering court of the capitol. She still has a couple of minor adv More...
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May 12, 2011
Josie
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I love that the romance is slowly, slowly built up over these two novels, and I also love Shevraeth, who is cool, calm and collected at all times (and very well dressed!). Mel thinks he is disdainful of her, or at the very least, indifferent, but not so! A good Darcy-Elizabeth type romance in a story will always get me, and this is no exception - initial dislike leading eventually to love...sigh... I also always enjoy the court intrigue, the outfits, the balls, the language of fans and of course
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Nov 09, 2011
Gerriane
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 08, 2011
Tatiana
rated it:
The sequel in the Crown and Court Duet was a huge turn around. I loved this book. I am more of an action oriented reader, but this book had barely any. However, it managed to make the drama surrounding the people of the court extremely engaging.
Meliara Astir is quite the strong heroine. We got to know her more on a personal level in this book, and I really loved her wit and bravery. Plus, her scene where she stood up to 20 wagons with just a sword and little skill had me chanting her n More...
Meliara Astir is quite the strong heroine. We got to know her more on a personal level in this book, and I really loved her wit and bravery. Plus, her scene where she stood up to 20 wagons with just a sword and little skill had me chanting her n More...
Jan 22, 2012
Lydia
rated it: 
Original review posted here
Sherwood Smith, why oh why are your covers so horrifically bad? Because girl… you can write oh so good. Seriously, as I read this fantastic gem of a young adult fantasy duo I felt like pumping my fist and shouting GIRL POWER quite happily. Because this girl, this Meliara, she knocked my socks off.
So basically this story starts with an impoverished member of the court and his two kids, a boy and a girl. The girl has been left to her own devices, More...
Sherwood Smith, why oh why are your covers so horrifically bad? Because girl… you can write oh so good. Seriously, as I read this fantastic gem of a young adult fantasy duo I felt like pumping my fist and shouting GIRL POWER quite happily. Because this girl, this Meliara, she knocked my socks off.
So basically this story starts with an impoverished member of the court and his two kids, a boy and a girl. The girl has been left to her own devices, More...
Nov 05, 2011
Maiya
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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May 12, 2011
Paulina
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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 kept reading your name as "Malaria". Fail! LAWL!
7. Vidanric. So mysterious & cool & collected... *sigh*
8. Maliara & Vidanric's constant bickering! Guaranteed LOL fest! Haha!
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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 kept reading your name as "Malaria". Fail! LAWL!
7. Vidanric. So mysterious & cool & collected... *sigh*
8. Maliara & Vidanric's constant bickering! Guaranteed LOL fest! Haha!
More...
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May 12, 2011
The second half (Court Duel) I wrote in my mid-twenties.
Mel and I shared only one thing: being emotionally backward. I did try to keep that when I rewrote her story, in my forties.
Mel and I shared only one thing: being emotionally backward. I did try to keep that when I rewrote her story, in my forties.
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May 12, 2011
Arya
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Court is a dangerous place . . .
Meliara Astiar, Countess of Tlanth, has been happy to fade into the background. The adventures of the previous year were enough to last her a lifetime. Overthrowing a corrupted King, escaping from a high security prison – leading the Marquis of Shevreaeth over hill-and-dale looking for her? All in a day’s work . . . a day she would happily call in sick.
But her peace at Tlanth cannot last. The Marquis of Shevraeth is about the be crowned More...
Meliara Astiar, Countess of Tlanth, has been happy to fade into the background. The adventures of the previous year were enough to last her a lifetime. Overthrowing a corrupted King, escaping from a high security prison – leading the Marquis of Shevreaeth over hill-and-dale looking for her? All in a day’s work . . . a day she would happily call in sick.
But her peace at Tlanth cannot last. The Marquis of Shevraeth is about the be crowned More...
May 12, 2011
Marie
rated it:
As I began Court Duel, I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I did in the action-packed Crown Duel, but in the end, they are both well-written books, although for different reasons.
This novel begins where the first left off: Mel is in Tlanth, where she uses the newly-received fortune to help her townspeople rebuild: new roofs, homes, and of course, increasing her book collection (smart woman). While there, she receives a strange message from a Marquise of Merindar (sister to t More...
This novel begins where the first left off: Mel is in Tlanth, where she uses the newly-received fortune to help her townspeople rebuild: new roofs, homes, and of course, increasing her book collection (smart woman). While there, she receives a strange message from a Marquise of Merindar (sister to t More...
May 12, 2011
Tamir
rated it:
Part two/book two..depending on which version you read....um LOVED this book. I have to say it's really better compared to the first book (Crown Duel).
I love the mystery of the (love?) letters/gifts (and hoping that they were from a certain someone). Loved the uncertainty of who we should trust and what people's agendas really were. It's pretty much a love story (certainly not like the first part/book one).
I also love that these books are clean and I don't think they ha More...
I love the mystery of the (love?) letters/gifts (and hoping that they were from a certain someone). Loved the uncertainty of who we should trust and what people's agendas really were. It's pretty much a love story (certainly not like the first part/book one).
I also love that these books are clean and I don't think they ha More...
Sep 16, 2011
Matia
rated it: 
The first book and this one (its sequel) are probably best read together. The first book is mostly about a war and the second about court life and a romance. If you have looked at all my recommendations you may guess by now that I like books with a little romance without being blatantly "romance novels" which are usually too sappy or spicy. Okay, that said, my favorite part was "the kiss," especially the why and when. Recommended for young people.
May 12, 2011
Molly
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It's wonderfully written, and it had me completely engrossed in the story. Sherwood Smith is excellent in her description of the world of this book. It seems very realistic, and the extra touches about court etiquette were really interesting. This book was great as a re-read, because I noticed so many little things that went right over my head the first time. The prose is well-written, and the dialogue doesn't sound forced at all. Unlike other books I've read where they try to use language to ev
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Jun 29, 2011
Kaitlyn
rated it:
Love this book...one of the few books from my tween years that I could read over and over again, even though there's no deep philosophical thought to it. Definitely worth reading over and over.
Also, the edition I have has an additional chapter, since it's bound with 'Crown Duel' as well. I've heard tell of an ADDITIONAL chapter beyond that, but can't seem to find it. If anyone knows where I could find it, let me know. :)
Also, the edition I have has an additional chapter, since it's bound with 'Crown Duel' as well. I've heard tell of an ADDITIONAL chapter beyond that, but can't seem to find it. If anyone knows where I could find it, let me know. :)
Oct 16, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
I enjoyed both the books in this series, although I think it would have been better as one book (I had to re-read half of the first to remember anything about it). So, my advice is to have both books in hand before you even start. Otherwise, fun reads. Could stand to have a tiny bit more kissing, but I loved both the hero and heroine. Great!
May 12, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
Fantastic! I was sad when I finished the first book and didn't have the second one on hand to beging reading right away. So, I immediately went out and bought the "duet" version, where books one and two are combined (with a fun bonus short story at the end). I really enjoyed this version, I think its best to read it all as one book instead of two seperate books. I loved Court Duel! Mel really grows a lot in this installment. I read this on our recent roadtrip and it really made the tim
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May 12, 2011
Beth
rated it:
I re-read this book at least once a year. It's a quick read, but so enjoyable. To repurpose a quote from a beloved movie, it's got: "Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...!" OK, maybe there aren't any monsters, other than of the human variety, but this book is a great fantasy novel. I'm always surprised that so few of my friends have read it.
Dec 30, 2011
Qing
rated it:
3.5 stars
Really lovely ending to the series.
<spoiler>And I'm glad she finally (FINALLY!) got over that huuuuuuuuuuuuuge grudge against Vidanric. Though I guess her self-realisations and admission that she loved Vidanric made for all the more satisfying a conclusion. </spoiler>
Really lovely ending to the series.
<spoiler>And I'm glad she finally (FINALLY!) got over that huuuuuuuuuuuuuge grudge against Vidanric. Though I guess her self-realisations and admission that she loved Vidanric made for all the more satisfying a conclusion. </spoiler>
Sep 25, 2011
Anna
rated it:
I love this series because the heroine is just like me (well, except for being a countess, etc.) The love story is just so close to home, it made me grin the whole time. (Well, except for the unfortunate misunderstandings necessary to make there be a plot --- we skipped those.)
May 12, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
As with the first book I think I would give this somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 stars. I read this quickly because I wanted to see how things ended with Meliara and the Marquis, I had my theories. I really enjoyed Meliara, the heroine, of these books. It seems to me that a lot of heroines in books are introduced as strong and continue that way throughout the book. Meliara on the other hand had her weaknesses and she recognized those weaknesses. Instead of ignoring those weaknesses she worked
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Nov 03, 2011
Minh
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What a refreshing way to end the series, finally a heroine who not only accepts her own faults but actually learns from them! It's a lovely love story after all, no big surprises just a satisfactory burn all throughout.
May 12, 2011
Susan
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These books (COURT DUEL and CROWN DUEL) are so delightful. I read them years ago and loved them (Vidanric remains one of my favorite heroes!), and I reread them only to love them even more. Mel is just SUCH an appealing character--she's sympathetic, funny, tough, and someone you'd want as your best friend. And Vidanric...well, let's just say "SWOON".
Be sure to check this series out! Sherwood Smith is one of my favorite authors, and her writing is always of the highest qua
Be sure to check this series out! Sherwood Smith is one of my favorite authors, and her writing is always of the highest qua
Oct 11, 2011
Maureen
rated it:
The sequel to Crown Duel. Very different from the first, but I enjoyed it just as much. It was nice to see Meliara growing up a bit. (Jan 2008)
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I found myself remembering these books with fondness, despite the rather predictable storyline. Meliara is just such an interesting character. So I picked them up again. [Mar. 2008]
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Originally this was published as the sequel to Crown Duel. Now they are published together in one volume under the title Cro More...
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I found myself remembering these books with fondness, despite the rather predictable storyline. Meliara is just such an interesting character. So I picked them up again. [Mar. 2008]
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Originally this was published as the sequel to Crown Duel. Now they are published together in one volume under the title Cro More...
May 12, 2011
Julie
rated it:
This book picks up right where the last one left off. For a young adult novel, it was very complex. It reminded me of the regency romance novels I used to read, only better. I like the fantasy element that allowed the author to do away with silly rules of propriety and convention that the regency romance novels get bogged down in, and I loved the gender equality in this book. I really wish there was just a little more romance, but it was still a lot of fun. I hated to put it down, especially
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Sep 28, 2011
Debbie
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I loved the two book in this "duet." Very quick reads in a old, unique world. I'm easy to please. :)
May 12, 2011
Natalie
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This series as a whole was very refreshing. It was a straight forward action fantasy, but it also had a very 3D main character. She wasn't shallow and the author made that obvious. I enjoyed this second book as much as I did the first. This is more then a wrap up. It has its own plot line that was very interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12 who likes fantasy and action. I'll also mention to those who like a little romance, there is that too. I'm afraid I guessed pa
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May 12, 2011
Jackie "the Librarian"
rated it:
Mel and her brother come to court, in this sequel to Crown Duel, and discover that while they have won the war, the battle is not yet over.
But this time, it's a battle of wits and magic. Fortunately, Mel is up to the challenge.
The perfect finish to the first book. I love how it is the same characters, but in a completely different setting of elegant dresses, cutting looks, and magic.
Read it right after Crown Duel. I would not recommend reading it without having read the first More...
But this time, it's a battle of wits and magic. Fortunately, Mel is up to the challenge.
The perfect finish to the first book. I love how it is the same characters, but in a completely different setting of elegant dresses, cutting looks, and magic.
Read it right after Crown Duel. I would not recommend reading it without having read the first More...
