Rating: 
Summary: This book kicks [booty]!!!
Review: ...and an absolute delight to read. I bought the Crown and Court duet because of the great reviews and recommendations (and beautiful covers, true), and believe me, I was not disappointed. This book has just surpassed what was my favorite book of all time-'Ella Enchanted'- to become one of, if not the best, book I've ever read.
The main storyline is simple enough, though highly interesting (beginning with Crown Duel): a young girl (who happens to be a Countess) and her brother are sick of the evil king's greed and tyranny over the land, and so they organize a revolt of a small group of rebels attacking sporadically in guerilla warfare. They are doing relatively well enough (at least they're succeeding in infuriating the king and his cousin), until Meliara (the Countess) gets caught and is imprisoned by an impudent Marquis. She faces a series of challenges that nearly kill her (such as her broken foot, being in a torture chamber, and being face-to-face with enemies that are more than a little intimidating...), though she always bounces back with humor and manages to help her revolt turn into a true war that finally knocks the king off his throne and out of power. The question now is: where does the power go? (Court Duel) Meliara now has retreated back to her home in Tlanth and spends her days peacefully with her old friends while reading up on family history, when she is yet again bothered by political affairs. Her brother wants her to join him in court to help him fight a new war in the palace Athanarel in Remalna-city. She reluctantly agrees, and is soon swept up in a fast-paced world that is completely new to her, filled with lies and deception behind every fan, and she must overcome a new type of battle...Some wonderful little additions to this book that I found very interesting were things such as the Colorwoods, the time schedule (first blue, second green, etc.), and the wonderful names of characters (Branaric, Meliara, Nimiar) and of the land Remalna (Tlanth, Renselaeus) that are completely unique. I compliment the author on her innovative imagination on the creation of the setting. The characters in this novel and it's predecessor were extremely well developed. I soon knew how every vital character would react to any situation, but the dialogue was humorous and well spoken enough that I couldn't guess as to what they would say specifically, which kept me hanging on. I soon felt like I was another of the characters, experiencing everything, and I knew the character's weaknesses and strengths, making them all the more realistic to me. It's an especially astonishing feat for the author, considering she writes from Meliara's perspective, first person, yet still allows the reader to get inside everyone's minds in a round-about way. The reader can relate to nearly every character in this novel, even if they don't agree with the person, which proves just how well developed Smith makes her characters. Antagonistic characters from both books in the Duet, such as Galdran, Debegri, and Flauvic, were well portrayed as dangerous, cruel people, and while I couldn't connect with them (who could?), I thought they were well executed. Meliara was a spunky, intelligent heroine and it was refreshing to view the world through her eyes. Branaric was startlingly blunt sometimes, but also a hearty, likeable person. Nimiar was sweet and wonderfully pleasant throughout the story, and people such as Tamara and Savona were a bit two faced at times, but were portrayed exactly as most court people probably did act. As for the Marquis of Shevraeth, what can I say? I absolutely fell in love with him. He was incredibly intelligent and well-spoken, good-looking, wise about political and personal issues, and he can wield a sword and ride a horse like no other. Savona was pretty captivating as well... The only reason I didn't say 'Perfect' in my review title is because nothing ever is completely perfect. There were some things I didn't like, true, but they were small things that probably only I would notice, and were far and between. Some small things were how Branaric became slightly distant and court-snotty in the second book, which bothered me for a bit, but when I though about it, it was necessary to the plot to have him change a bit. Another thing that really startled me more than I didn't like it was the abrupt romance between Meliara and Vidanric at the end of the story, though when I thought about that one, I saw that the build up kept people guessing and also made the romance that much more anticipated. Overall, I think I've already summed up my purpose of this review: read this book! It's excellent, and I wish it got my publicity than Ella Enchanted did, because I truly believe it's better. This book will be one you will cherish, and I recommend buying the Crown and Court books separately (mostly because they look beautiful standing together hardcover on your bookshelf), though I heard that if you buy them together there is an extra paragraph or so at the end that is supposed to be great. I still have yet to find out for myself. As for which of the Crown and Court Duet books is better, I'd say neither, because they compliment each other with their differences. The only thing that could possibly tip the scale (which is why I have my review for the second book and not the first) is the romance at the end, which I had been sort of waiting for, though I wish I could have the Marquis for my own! Now go and buy both books, and make sure you get them on a weekend, because you can't stop reading...I found out first hand how addictive they are, and I'm hungry for another book. You just don't want the story to stop. Sherwood Smith, please write more!
Rating:
Summary: Infinitely satisfying
Review: ...which isn't to say I couldn't take more! :) I loved this book, loved these characters, and had fun reading of the courtly duels that took place. Meliara, that spirited young thing, is trying to behave as befits a Countess as she visits court to privately determine who is worthy of the throne and thus her support. (For she flatly refuses to acknowledge that arch-enemy, the excellent marquis, Shevraeth, can possibly be fit as King) What ensues is more than she ever expected. Hailed as heroine by the court, she's surrounded by admirers and the ill will of those who are jealous of her sudden and complete popularity. Shevraeth hangs around a bit, but the sparks must always fly when he is near, and they never do get along. Instead, a mysterious correspondance between Meliara and an Unknown is formed, where ideas are exchanged until ofcourse love blossoms, though severely hampered by a lack of identity. This is a sequel as sequels should be, a continuation of Meliara's story which is smooth yet utterly unlike the wonderful first, drawing upon other elements for danger and action. When you are finished, you'll probably be grinning stupidly and raving, as so many others have, over the wonderful Shevraeth! :) This was a great story, the kind that can be read by many ages, being neither too juvenile, nor adult. I wish the author could write another book of Meliara (and her hero :)) but as this was a duet, this is sadly unlikely. Instead, I merely hope that Ms. Sherwood will write a book of similar content, a charming fantasy with that winnig touch of romance!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: All I have to say right now is "WOW!" When I got this book I really didn't know what to expect, but once I started reading I couldn't put this book down! I stayed up all night reading it. I fell in love with all of the charaters the way they were woven into the story by Sherwood Smith. The Marquis of Shevraeth especialy makes the story move with grace and wonder - just as Mel makes you read on to see just what she will do next. (...), but read this book, you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: Court Duel is a very good book. Its actually my favorite. This is the second book of the Crown and the Court Duet. This book starts with teenage Countess Meliara of Tlanth cleaning and repairing her family's house and building her new library. Her brother, Bran, who has been staying in Remalna's capital ever since the downfall of Remalna's evil king, makes a sudden visit and brings with him his new fiance and the Marquis of Shevraeth. Despite her loathing of court life and courtiers themselves, Mel goes with her brother back to Remalna-city to settle personal scores. Mel has changed a lot since her revolt against the late king of Remalna. She has become more humble and wary of her actions, so she does not make as many mistakes. She also learns of her ignorance and tries to change it by reading every book she can. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the descriptions of court life, which, in my opinion, were just as good as the descriptive battle scenes. Spending time at court changes Mel too. She becomes more aware of everything, and shows flashes of being a potential ruler. At court, Mel also learns about the flirtations that take place at court. A very intriguing part of this book was Mel's corrispondence, and courtship, with her secret admirer, to whom she constantly turned to for advice. Although for those who can take a hint, Mel's "Unknown" is obvious, the moment in which he finally shows Mel who he is so romantic it really doesn't matter. The book finishes with a bang, where a rival tries to take the throne, using very powerful magic. He threatens Mel and the entire kingdom to death if he cannot become king. This is the only part of the book with real action, but I still find it better than Crown Duel. A very satisfying conclusion, in which Mel finds happiness and love at last, in a place she never thought she'd find it.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful, yet slightly boring.
Review: I loved Crown Duel. It was really fast paced, never boring and kept me in suspense. I can't say that I feel the same about this book. The beginning was interesting, but as the book progressed I wondered when it would finally pick up the pace. The middle of the book was rather dry, taking too much time to describe her wardrobe, hairdo etc. The letters to her "Unknown" were interesting, although I wasn't neccessarily suprised when he was revealed. Despite the slow as syrup middle, the fast paced ending definetly made up for it. I would recommend this book to readers of the first one, but it's not a book that can stand on it's own, it needs to be read with the first one, otherwise I would say that it isn't worth it.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite books of all time!
Review: I think this book is fabulous it has a touch of everything: suspense,humor,adventure,romance....I found that Meliara is smarter than is the previous book yet still quite naive (thouhg not quite as much as her brother)but she is still the caracter I came to admire in"crown duel". The story begins in Tlanth where Meliara has retreated to after the war.The young countess is reading a letter from the Marquise of Merindar who seems to be inviting Meliara to court.Mel is not sure how to respond to this woman who is,after all,the sister of the king,the man whose downfall was partialy caused by herself.When Mel agrees to come to court for her brother's weding she decides maybe this will be a way to find out if the Marquise is friend or foe.Yet in the capital people hide behind their expressionless court masks and friend and foe look alike.Meliara struggles to fit in,while reciving anonymous letters of support. You must read this book,if you don't you'll regret it,I know I would have.
Rating:
Summary: Laughter, adventure, ROMANCE!
Review: If you've read the first one, you already know what HAS to happen. I don't want to give too much away, but here's a quick teaser...The Crown War is over, and Meliara and her twin Brannaric are rich. Bran goes to court to learn about government, but Mel, ashamed of her lack of education, stays at home to put things in order and educate herself. She can't hide there forever, though, and pretty soon her brother comes home to drag her to court. With her he brings two surprises...his fiancee, and the Marquis de Shevraeth! The Marquis challenges Mel to come to court and judge for herself if he is a man she can support as king. When she arrives, she is faced with a completely new set of challenges--learning how to act like a court noble, learning how to navigate the intrigue, and--the most interesting challenge of all--learning WHO sent her that ring, and is writing her those mysterious letters! Horse races, sword fights, balls, dinners, parties, and other exciting events punctuate Mel's court education, and provide new challenges and plenty of laughs along the way. I loved this book. It was witty, fun, and exciting. The climax was exciting, but I have to say that the resolution seemed rather forced, and had something of a deus ex machina feel to it. Doesn't matter, read it anyway, just for the intrigue and romance. I still recommend this book very highly!
Rating:
Summary: Just as good as the last book!
Review: Six months after Crown Duel ended Countess Meliara recieves two strange surprises. One is a letter from the former king's sister inviting her to court. The other is her brother Bran coming home with a new bride-to-be and Vidanric, who she can't stand. After a little while of preparation Mel dose end up going a court and finds herself feeling toatally out of place. She's now entered a place that's just as deadly as war. Even though she has friends and admirers she finds the only person she can confide in is the mysterious admirerer who she correponds with letters. Who is this unknown person? And what fate lies for her in court? I really enjoyed this book. It tells the continuing story of Countess Meliara that we left off in in Crown Duel. The story was amazing and filled with mystery, suspence, and romance. THough it's a lot different than Crown Duel it's just as exciting. I reccomend this book to fans of midevil tales and strong heriones. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! I just pray that there's a sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Court Duel
Review: This book has recently become my favorite book. After I finished all the books by Tamora Pierce,(all of which I really reccomend that you read) I looked hopelessly for another book to replace it. So I read Court Duel(which should be read after Crown Duel). I absolutely loved it. Court Duel is the second book of The Crown and the Court Duet. In this book, Countess Meliara continues her adventures, only this time, at court. She learns to adapt to the life she once despised. A world where a single movement could make you look good or bad, where everyone masked their true feelings. A world of flirtation and political intrigue. Mel must once again defeat an ambitious ruler from taking advantage of the throne. Not only that, but she finally finds happiness, laughter, and love, and learns to follow her heart.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: This book was amazing! I'm itching to read more!
Meg is practically and expert on war and battles, but she is totally unprepared for life at Court which is a battlefield itself. Though there is no swordfighting, there is definetly fighting with fans and fashion! If you liked the first book, then you should read this one. I really enjoyed this book...it was fantastic!!
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