Crown Duel [NOOK Book]

a favorite

Crown Duel/Court Duel is narrated by Meliara, Countess of Tlanth, who has called herself (multiple times) a barefoot countess. She is open, honest, can't keep her reactions from her face, and very unassu....actually, very assuming. But she tries hard not to be. Sometimes. Oh yeah, and she has a temper. This is the story of the rebellion in Remalna that was starting to be planned in A Stranger to Command, only it doesn't happen the way they'd hoped. Meliara (Mel) and her brother Bran in Tlanth revolt against King Galdran because he's eeeeeevil and keeps raising taxes. Heh. Actually, it's because he's going to break the covenant with the Hill Folk who are magical and will basically decimate the country if Galdran goes through with his plan which is to rob them of their homes and try to kill them in the process. All for money, of course. So Mel and Bran and their bunch of ragtag fighters go against the army and start to win. Until Shevraeth is posted as the opposing general, instead of the king's stupid cousin. Then they start to lose. And then Mel gets captured. She escapes, runs headlong across the country (yes, on foot -- actually with a wounded foot) trying to get home. Then she's captured again. And, you know, I think I'll leave you there in suspense. Just read the book. It's about politics and home and finding love in a completely unexpected place.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

I can't believe I never heard of it till this month...

Yes, my life was sadly lacking this story for quite a while, and I didn't even know it!
Crown Duel and Court Duel are totally awesome. There's a strong, yet imperfect heroine (the story wouldn't be as good if she were perfect. She has a quick temper and often jumps to conclusions. She is also rather tactless!), a mysterious, handsome marquis (whose name is the only real downside of the book. Shevraeth is a totally awful name, if you ask me), and lots of adventure and mystery.

The characters are all very believable-I always have to put the book down and have a good cringe every time poor Mel runs into another huge embarrassment or problem.

The only problem I would like to note is that Mel seems to switch too easily from her old wild, carefree, comfortable life to the life at court, which is structured and tight-she can no longer go riding off whenever she feels like it, etc. I find it hard to believe that the Mel of Crown Duel would enjoy going to parties every week like the Mel of Court Duel seems to. Sure, she could rise to the occasion to show herself intelligent and flexible, but enjoy it? Not fidget and complain to herself when she is alone? S. Smith just seemed to make the switch from lifestyle to lifestyle a little too smooth and easy.

That said, I still LOVE these books! I want more stories about Meliara!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

A Definite MUST Read!!!

Crown Duel is definitely a must read book. The book is narrated by the main character Meliara, Countess of Tlanth. In the beginning we find that Meliara is no normal countess, but that she acts more like the "common folk" and, as far as she's concerned, that's exactly where she belongs. She has a great sense of pride and loyalty and would do almost anything for those she loved. Upon her father's death, Meliara and her older brother Bran find out that the King of Remalna, King Galdran, is planning on breaking an ancient covenant Meliara's people made with the magical Hill Folk of the land. It is with this information that Meliara and Bran set out to revolt against the king and keep their covenant intact, as well as free the land from Galdran's tyranny. Although their "army" is made up of local farmers and shopkeepers the fact that they are greatly outnumbered, Meliara and Bran manage to stay a step ahead of King Galdran's army. Things change however, when King Galdran's lazy cousin is replaced as General of the Army with the esteemed Marquis of Shevraeth. From then on things get crazy and nothing goes as planned for either Meliara or the esteemed Marquis and Meliara must use all her wits, strength, and courage as she, reluctantly and unexpectedly, becomes Remalna's one hope for a better future. Crown Duel is filled with witty banter, politics, action, and love and is definitely a must read no matter who you are or how old you are.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great book

I really never realized that the book was two books in one until I ordered it. The book was great and I LOVE how Meliara had a hard time with Vidanric at the beggining. Also, I LOVE who her secret admirer is, ;)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Writing

This is one of those books that stays with you. The setting was artfully crafted, the characters were complete and very winning. This book quickly drew me in, and held me, simply because Meliara was a character worth knowing completely.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Really Great!

I love this book. I have been tearing through my house just to find my copy and reread it for the 5th time. This story captures you from the beginning and you feel the experience and trials of the main character as though she were an old friend.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Slow romance

It was GREAT, Clean, and had lots of action!!! A little slow with the romance but, If you like books that make you squerm with delite this is the book for you.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely AMAZING!

This book originally was printed as two books: Crown Duel and Court Duel.
The first book tells the story of a young, threadbare countess who bravely and naively flies in the face of danger to keep her county from falling apart. It's action-packed and zesty - you feel each bruise and scrape, but you also feel the burning passion that Meliara feels: the anger, love and even fear that throws her headlong from one battle to another.

The second book continues her story: the war is done and now she has to somehow play nice with the courtiers who, as far as she knows, turned their backs on her in her greatest time of need. Throughout the book, Meliara experiences considerable character growth as her education increases and her prejudices are laid to rest. When the final danger is revealed and a new war threatens, Meliara courageously rises to the challenge and faces her most deadly enemy yet.

There is a beautiful thread of romance that unfolds throughout both books - very much in the style of Pride and Prejudice. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, lost in Meliara's witty narrative (sprinkled with quaint colloquialisms, such as "Burn it!" and "Stars!"). Sherwood Smith has treated her intricate plot with delicacy and grace: both the political battles and the romance comes through with strength and clarity. I honestly did not notice the length of the book, being lost in the awesome story.

This is one of my mot favorite books. I have bought several copies throughout the years and shared it with many friends. The Nook version was decently free of typos, and it's a great deal for a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful read!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

Great story. Nice to see such great character development through the whole thing. Imagime my suprise when I reached the end and found some bonus short stories!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My number 1 favorite book of all time!

I cannot emphasize how magnificent this book is. Every time anyone asks me for a book recommendation, this book is the one I recommend. I reread it once a year and it just keeps getting better. I implore you to read this book and make everyone you know read it too. You will not regret it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A timeless classic that never gets old!

I got this book about five years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. I think that it applies to most aspects of a teenagers life: betrayal, confusion, love, loyalty and various social situations. Once you start reading, you will not want to put this book down!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very good read

I devoured this book in two days! The story keeps you hooked and Mel keeps you personally invested in her struggles. If you like this I would also recommend The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley and The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Peirce

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

10 years later...

I read this book for the first time when I was 14 yrs old. A friend of mine had just finished it and passed it along to me since we shared similar tastes in books. 10 years later, I have my own battered copy of the book, having asked to borrow that same friend's copy enough times that she bought me my own. I re-read this book at least once a year and the story still pulls me in. At each age, this book has offered me something worthwhile. Meliara's stubbornness and combative nature spoke to me during my teenage years while her growth has mimicked my own transition to adulthood. I find myself holding my breathe as well as laughing at the same parts each time discovering the joy of the story. The battles, romance, and intrigue kept my attention at 14 and still keep my attention. I cannot wait to pass this story onto a daughter or niece.
My only annoyance is that there are only these two books and I feel that Meliara must have had more adventures, I wish Sherwood Smith would continue this series further.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

6 stars if I could give them!!! You SHOULD read this book!,

This is one of my all-time favorite books. It has everything a great book must have - great writing, fantastic dialogue, very well developed characters, and intriguing and unpredictable plot.

First, the writing. I think Sherwood Smith is one of the most talented contemporary fantasy writers. Sadly, she is so overlooked. Her writing has no fillers, every sentence seems to be either adding to the story or to the character.

The heroine in this book is Meliara, a future countess with a broken down and impoverished land holdings. She and her brother made an oath to their farther to protect their land and its treaty against the agenda of the king of Remalna. This becomes their struggle. And Meliara's adventure. She proves to be a fearless and loyal heroine. She's considerate of others, acting with good intentions, but driven by ignorance. Her antagonist, Shevraeth, one of the King's minions, is intent on bringing her down. He proves to be a worthy opponent.

The plot evolves slowly and with precision. There are no unanswered questions at the end. It just fits perfectly together.

A must read for anyone!

PS.

DO NOT read the prequel to this book first. It will be a major spoiler. And it makes more sense when it's read after Crown Duel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Awesome Book

I loved this book! It had twists that I didn't see coming and that's what made it so unforgettable. Sherwood Smith does an excellent job of entangling the reader in a world of fantasy, magic, love and court conspiracy. The ending was amazing yet absolutely shocking. This book was unforgettable. I would read this book again tomorrow. I recommend this book to everyone.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

It was my favorite book in my entire 14 year old life!!! When I finished it I was walking around for 3 days unable to read anything else because I would automatically think of 'Crown Duel'when I would start to read any other book...But it was worth it and I think the second part was a little bit more exciting than the first one, but that's just my point of view. I doubt that there is ever going to be a book as good as this one!!! I recommend this book to everybody - small or big, young or old, You all won't be dissapointed, trust me!!!=)

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Kara-- A book lover

This book, Crown Duel, is my favorite book of all time, and that is saying something considering I have read countless books. I have read Crown Duel so many times its practically in pieces. If you read this you will NOT be disappointed. It was fantastic!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

unbelivable

This book has been the greatest book I've ever read in my short life. I have never anticipated reading a book that makes me feel like I'm part of the world mentioned in the book. Ms. Smith has really been able to take me into another world with this novel. I've been reading this book since 7th grade and have never gotten bored of it. This is my favorite book in the whole world (without exagerating) and i really think that this book should be read by anyone who enjoys imaginative travels to a magical world.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Simply Stunning

This book will take you to a world you don't expect. The characters are never what they seem. This is he kind of book that seems so predictable, probably some princess or something being courageous. It's more than that, the twist in the plot are so unexpected, you can't put it down. Amazing.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An adventure not to be missed!

I am a total book worm and read anything i can get my hands on. This book is my favorite. The one i keep coming back to. With wonderful characters and great banter it always sucks me in. I laugh and yes i still tear . These books are well worth reading. I highly recommend other sherwood smith books. Once you start you won't want to stop. ;)