Rating: 
Summary: Ultimate historical fantasy
Review: Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel is the ultimate in historical fantasy. It takes readers back to a time of kings and queens, castles and war, mystical creatures and magic. The story is split into two parts, opening with young Countess Meliara and her older brother, Count Branaric, making a promise to their dying father. They vow to continue his efforts for a revolt to dethrone the tyrannical king. When Mel is captured, the adventure really begins. In the second part, set after the war, Meliara stays in their home in Tlanth while her brother goes to the palace. She eventually decides to join him at the palace to see what is happening with the government.
The action, suspense, and underlying romance of this incredible novel really draw the reader in with excellent text and dialogue that accurately reflects the book's historical setting. The language is not difficult for young readers while it also lends itself to the adult level. It takes a lot to put the book down for any length of time.
Rating:
Summary: Crown Duel
Review: Crown Duel is a wonderful story about Countess Meliera and her journey to overthrow the king, while keeping the Hill Folk, her country--and herself--safe. She soon realizes that the war is much more than she had bargained for, but she keeps the promise she made to her father on his death bed, and so--proves it to herself and the rest of the kingdom that she is worthy, confident, and overall, a truly amazing person. Where she least expects it(war), she finds love and her rightful place in the world.Crown Duel is one of the best books I have ever read...full of adventure, creativity, and really wonderful characters. I would reccomend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction--or fantasy. It's a little bit of both, which makes it interesting.
Rating:
Summary: A fast-paced novel with romance, action, and adventure!
Review: I am a huge advocate for more books that have strong female heroines in them; this is one such book. The Countess, "Mel" as she is affectionately called, is a heroine in her early twenties or so who is trying to uphold a vow to her fatehr that she would fight for the protection of the local mystical "Hillfolk" and their rare trees. In her efforts to protect this vow the books (there are two books in this novel) take the reader through wars in both the battlefield and the royal court. Mel soon learns that courtiers are not all that they seem and to the readers' delight there are many plot twists and suspenseful moments sure to keep you reading. Although I don't want to spoil the ending, there is a large amount of romance in this boook that leaves you feeling excited and cheering for the heroine. One good feature of this particular binding is that it features a small short story, "Vidanric's Birthday Surprise," additionally included in the end, that is about the central characters and is evidently not found in other versions. I highly recommend reading it because it gives you a wonderful closing to a wonderful duo of books.
Rating:
Summary: Just the right amount of everything, with an amazing heroine
Review: After I read this book, it quickly became one of my all time favorites. I couldn't stop thinking about it for several days.
The book starts out with Meliara (Mel) promising her dying father to help save the kingdom. Mel is witty, brave, and ignorant at the beginning of the book. She and her brother share the title of Count and Countess of Tlanth. They quickly launch their county into war against the king's army to help protect who and what they stand for.
Mel soon finds herself running for her life from the rest of the kingdom. This part of the story is fast paced and a real page turner. I won't give away the ending of the first book, though, because you'll want the suspense when you read the book for yourself.
In the second book, Court Duel, Mel kinds herself at court in the capital. She, who has only owned one dress at a time and has never really flirted before, soon finds herself surrounded in fancy gowns, countless social events, and several flirtations, one in perticular with an "Unkown" admirer who, when you read the book, you should be able to figure out. But when the secrets are told and the climax is reached at the end, you won't mind a bit. It ends with a bang, which leaves you wishing there was more so you wouldn't have to stop.
This story wouldn't have been as good as it was if it weren't for the way the author portrayed Mel. She was not faceless or perfect, but thoroughly likable with her shortcomings, but also her bravery and eagerness. She is one of the most realistic fantasy characters I have ever read about. These characters are what tend to make the best stories.
Rating:
Summary: CCD obsessed
Review: I don't really see a point in describing Crown Duel and Court Duel since other people already have, and I'm always afraid I'll spoil something. But anyway, Crown Duel is the best book I've ever read! And I read all the time! lol. Seriously though, this is the best book ever. I couldn't even decide which part was better. Court Duel has the best romance in it I've ever read. It's not in your face like it is in other books, but its subtly woven into the plot to make it so much sweeter and perfect! I love all the characters in this book and reread it all the time! I can't get over how good it is! I only wish I could give it a 1000 stars! I hope everyone will read it! The only bad thing that would come of you reading this is becoming an obsessed freak like me! ..Thats not a bad thing though! Just do me a favor and read this book! And spread the word! You're seriously depriving yourself if you don't read this! Weelll ok bye!
Rating:
Summary: Crown Duel and Court Duel
Review: This book has it all. You are drawn it to a world that is so real, you can actually picture the Tree Folk, Meliara running barefoot in the mountains of Tlanth, and Vidranic's smiling eyes. This book has had a big influence on me, and my writings. I recently looked to find more about Sherwood Smith and discovered a website he wrote stating that it was alright to write and write, even without a purpose. But I do have a purpose, a purpose to entertain and draw people out of the cold reality. I may only be 15, but my imagination and views in this world have taken me far from home. I loaned my copy to a friend telling her to read it. This book pulled you in right away. I immediately loved Mel because, well, she was like me. I'm extremely short and I don't let that stop me. I love how she'd use her mind most of the time to evalutate the situation. But most of all I loved all the description. I love the medieval time period, the clothing, economy, lifestyle, music...all of it holds a new world for me. I'm one of those people who are just too imaginative. I love reading fanfics, and desperatly want to write a story of my own full of round characters and a setting that is so believable that people want more. When you have ideas flowing in your mind, its hard to stop them, especially in math class. This book was my company during semester tests, It made me want to finish my tests fast so that I could open it up and be drawn into a world of politics, fighting for what is right, two-sided meaning conversations, and colorful, jeweled court gowns. Meliara and Vidanric are extremely rounded characters and I loved this book. Once the library or book store opens I have a mind to get the book - "Firebirds" - which contains Sherwood Smith's book "Beauty".
You won't be bored with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Amusing but lifeless
Review: Her country under the rule of a tyrannical king, Meliara and her brother swear to their dying father that they will fight to overthrow him. In such a way they begin a war that they can't pay for or provide more than a handful of troops- unless Meliara is willing to trust those who her she feels she shouldn't, especially after being taken by the enemy. In the second book, Meliara travels with her brother to the capital after the old king has been overthrown and there is a possibility of actual peace. Here she has to fight a whole different battle- one with words instead of swords that could have just as deadly results. When the peace, threatening to break, finally does, Meliara learns some hard lessons and will have to make more than a few difficult choices. To me, this book was dull and poorly written. The story felt forced, not flowing (the part with Meliara tramping around the kingdom could have been done in half as many pages), and the whole save-my-kingdom-from-evil has been done before in better ways. Amusing, but in no way five star quality.
Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT!!!!!
Review: I loved this book soooo much!
I could hardly put it down, and even though i was tired I would keep reading until i fell asleep. I'm so pissed i finished it so quickly, cause now I don't know if I will find anything as good! I loved the way it was written, and the way it described the court life. I felt like i was there myself, and that was my favorite part of the book. I hope that all who read it will find it as wonderful as I do!
Sherwood Smith has a great imagination!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended...
Review: I loved this book! It was well-researched, and easy to relate to. This tells the story of Meliara, who is so well described you can perfectly imagine her. The author makes her realistic, and though Meliara is a hero in her own right, Sherwood Smith doesn't go overboard with the supergirl thing: Meliara has shortcomings, she's not the ultimate athlete, or stunningly beautiful witty fearless girl that star in so many medieval books of today. Altogether, the plot is exciting and fun, the language is easy and rich, and the book is worth far more than five stars!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Fantasy!
Review: I haven't read a good Fantasy since the Queen of Attolia and that was a long time ago. I am more than glad that I decided to buy Crown Duel. Finally having time to do other activities besides homework, I had the chance to read the book. Crown Duel turned out much better than I expected. It's a very good fantasy book with just enough romance. An imperfect heroine and an enigmatic marquis make this novel original and exceptionally interesting. I tremendously enjoyed this book; I only wish I read it soooner. Not only is this book funny, many of the themes are good lessons for people. I could relate to Meliara; no one is omniscient, and I'm glad she tried to change herself for the better. Fantasy lovers will not be disappointed with this winner!
|
