Crown Duel (Smith, Sherwood. Crown and Court Duet, Bk. 1-2.)

Rating:
Summary: Terrific Imagery, Great Potential
Review: First of all, I loved the imagination that went into this piece. Remalna is a truly beautiful and larger-than-life land, full of colorful and magical aspects. It was interesting and fantastical, and I loved it. The story is believable, but there were some chapters that seemed to slow the progress of the narrative.
The author did a fairly good job in the telling, although her descriptions were often not as vivid as they could have been, and they were told in a rather roundabout way. Because of the secret plots and conspiracies that were very much apart of the conflicts in both books, I often felt overwhelmed and in some cases, puzzled. In that stance, I don't think the author explained enough which is an important part of creating another world.
As the main character, Meliara was a strong heroine while the Marquis of Shevraeth was an equally--if stronger--hero. The only complaint (if you want to call it that) I have about Meliara is the fact that she remains ill for most of the first book. Now, I understand that her foot was nearly severed from her ankle which would weaken her considerably, but I just think physical vulnerability is a poor quality to give to a character with such strong resolutions and determination as Meliara has. That's another thing that had a way of throwing me off: the pronunciation of names in this book. I mis-pronounced Meliara for the disease malaria, and now I keep referring to the former as the latter. I admit I fell in love with Vidanric, the Marquis of Shevraeth. He was a worthy hero, though rather distant and I sometimes got the impression that he was a social outcast. But then, that's just me, and of course the Marquis wasn't meant to be unpopular so the author didn't imply otherwise. I do wish, though, that the love story could have been brought out beyond the few kisses exchanged, and the Marquis's romantic confessions about Meliara.
Despite its faults (which I am sure others can and will ascertain), Crown Duel is an utterly delightful read. To better help me understand the complications of the plot, I have decided to read it over again, not that anyone would particularly care.

Rating:
Summary: The best!!!
Review: There are a lot of other reviews to tell you what the book's about, so I'll just say what exactly what you get. It is the two books, Crown Duel and Court Duel put together into one book. The only differences are the fact that the prolouge that was at the start of Court Duel is missing, some of the names of different places have been changed, a few sentences have been altered for no visible reason, a couple of paragraphs were added, and there is an absloutely WONDERFUL short story at the end which you wouldn't get if you bought the two books seperately. I can also assure you that this book is worth every cent you spend on it!

Rating:
Summary: comments and questions
Review: i thought this was so extraordinary that i could not put it down once i started it, and spent a whole day on my couch covered w/ a blanket reading....As I have spent many days doing just this i have found that this was one day that i enjoyed the book i was reading to the fullest...it was full of adventure, chirsma, love, hate, revenge, fear, and power. all things that reside in our world today. This book will soon become a favorite of mine, but i have one question...WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL? Can anyone tell me?

Rating:
Summary: One of THE BEST book I have EVER read!!!
Review: When I saw this book, I knew right away it was something special. Something drew me to this book. I read the back and immediatly wanted to read it. This book was a very fast read. I loved the way Smith made the characters sooooo real. I enjoyed Mel's stubborness and how she was so implusive, and slowly grew out of that.
This is a book EVERYONE should read! I promise you, you won't be able to put it down!

Rating:
Summary: Mel bugs me sooo much
Review: This is a cool book.I am really annoyed i bought the separate hardbacks but i suppose it was worth it .It is DEFINATLY worth it at this price.Court duel(part 2)Is the best as Mel is not quite as annoying and the Shevraeth thing gets tied up.Just imagine how annoying it was for me getting to the end of book one with Mel still hating him.I wish boys were really like Shevraeth he is sooo cute and sweet. All cool guys are in books it is so unfair.Other people say it is slow in part.I suppose it is but there is enough action to balance it out.I feel as if Shev and mel are a part of me.That is how well I feel I know them.The reason I only gave it 4 stars was that Mel BUGS ME BIG TIME.She makes so many obvious mistakes and spoils things for Shevraeth so many times.She is a stupid girl in the first book.

Rating:
Summary: Step Back
Review: This was one of the best books I have ever read. I am into all of the fantasy writters (i.e. Tamora Pierce, J.k. Rowling, Brian Jaques, Sherwood Smith, and Philip Pullman) But out of any of those books, this is the one I would love to read more of. And the special story at the end. Do NOT read it untill you have read the rest of the book, because it will give the whole book away!
All books about girls in older times are great, because you hardly see those kind of things. If you want a book where the heroine saves the day, try this one. Everyone that I know that has read it had loved it to death. I am sure you will too!

Rating:
Summary: Crown Duel
Review: I've read this book and it's sequel, Court duel, the first time a few years ago when I borrowed it from the library. since then I have bought both the books and have read them each at least eleven times. I love these books. If you like books about overcoming all diffuculties or if you a looking for a good fantesy to read this is truely a great pick

Rating:
Summary: A More Than Wonderful Book
Review: Crown Duel was a wonderful book, and a book you hate to put down. Countess Meliara is a wonderful character, and so is the Marquis de Shevraeth. As soon as she gets out of one tight spot, she gets into another deeper one. For those of you who are looking for a very exciting and mysterious book this is the book for you.

Rating:
Summary: the stubborn countess
Review: This book is great because it is the first and second books (two for the price of one). There is also a little short story at the end, Vidanric's Birthday Surprise, which is like an epilogue.
The main character, Melaria, isn't a typical countess - she spends her summers running barefoot with the village children and her winters shivering in a windowless castle. She tends to be a little ignorant, angry, and forceful. She can barely write. And she is forced to take up a war (with her brother Bran) against her own King. She spends most of the first book, Crown Duel, being angry with the Marquis and being stubbornly ignorant. However, I found it extremely interesting and could hardly put it down.
The second book, Court Duel, takes place in a whole different atmosphere, where she must grow out of her childishness and learn the ways of nobility. She's worried about fitting in at first, but becomes popular with the Marquis' cousin (which makes her popular with everyone). She acquires a secret admirer who she grows to love, but she is afraid of discovering his identity. The ladies' fan signals are cute. Unfortunately, she is still unable to apologize for her ignorance in the first book (til the end).
The first book has a war-against-all-odds and a lying King. The second book has a fabulous plot and a scheming magician. A great read for everyone who loves anything medievil, as it is surprisingly devoid of a lot of the tacky stuff some fantasy seems to roll in. The different colored trees and firesticks are about the only fantasy elements involved until the magician shows up.
A great book to read if you're bored.

Rating:
Summary: Trite, banal, and boring!!!
Review: I think that the title says it all. This was one of the worst books that I have ever read. If it isn't depressing enough that the protagonist makes mistakes from page one and never stops, maybe the fact that at the end of both books, she gets her face in the mud and someone has to tell her what happened! Read this book if you are desperate. And I mean really desperate!