Customer Reviews

Court Duel: The Crown & Court Duet, Book II

5 star:		(214)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Court Duel" has it all--magic, intrigue, and romance. It resumes a year after the grand battle against the evil King (Crown Duel) with Meliara, our heroine, back at her ancestral home in Tlanth. She has recieved a puzzling letter from the Marquise of Merindar, the sister of the late king, who wants her to come the Royal court. Shortly afterwards, Meliara's brother, Branaric (Count of Tlanth) pays her an impromptu visit with his fiancee(!) and the infuriatingly elegant Marquis of Shevraeth, who looks like will be the next king of the realm.

Soon, Meliara is swept off to court life, leaving "security and sanity" behind at Tlanth. Even though Meliara, or Mel, would rather lead another revolt than play the gentile court lady, she becomes very popular with the rest of the courtiers. However, court life is not as dandified as it appears. Meliara soon learns that the smiling masks and painted fans conceal jealousy, envy, and ambition. In desperation, Mel writes to a mysterious secret admirer for advice and soon, their correspondence evolve into a courtship.

As the new king prepares to ascend the throne, counter plots are set into action. Before long, Meliara is forced to choose loyalties, either way she will be placed in grave danger....

This is a very worthy novel stylistically because the language was used so expertly that you could almost see the sights and feel exactly what the heroine experienced. I liked how Meliara's courtship with her admirer developped naturally, eg. it wansn't love at first sight which would've marred the tempo of the book. The only fault that I can find with this book is that it was too short! The last bit could be extended a bit. I really can't critize because I'm not a professional critic. Lastly, don't worry about the "Gr.5-8" label on the book because I guarantee you of other age groups will get to love this book as much as I.

...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!

When it comes to fantasy novels, i usually think of black-magic, witches, dragons, and... well... duels. But this book changed my view on fantasy books, this book was wholesome and satisfying which leaves you with an after taste in your tongue; something rarely found in a book.

While trying to adjust to the unique "court" life and manner, Countess Meliara stumbles around like a villager, since she wasn't brought up in court but running around barefooted under her own wish. After saving her father's land (as mentioned in this duet CROWN DUEL) she goes off to the land where her rival/evil menace/lover (she is slow to learn of courting matters) the Grand Marquis of Shevrath attends and lives. They some how ended up hating each other in this previous book (READ CROWN DUEL TO GET A GOOD BACKGROUND OF THIS BOOK) yet it seems so stupid and idiotic of her not to notice Shevrath's reactions to her. How he's always "just there" at the right moments or ! the wrong. How he secretly follows her and creeps about. He is secretly detaining his feelings for Meliara; and I love it!!!

Most authors just throw love at you, but Smith has given time to let us ponder on what IS going between these two young ones. Meliara is a strong character, not some delicate shy face-hiding average princess; a fighter, yet ignorant in her ways of court life which is expressed in this book with a unique characters you will never read about, ever.

...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!

Things felt somewhat resolved at the end of "Crown Duel" - especially in the young Countess Meliara's mind, who is content to remain at her family's estate in Tlanth with her childhood friends. She spends her days sprucing up the castle that's fallen in to disrepair and building a new library. The sudden arrival of a court entourage from Remalna's capital, headed by her brother Branaric, reminds Mel that she still has personal scores to settle. In spite of herself, she is soon bound for court life in Remalna-city.

While this book lacks the constant action of the first, it is still a terrific read. "Court Duel" is where I feel Meliara truly comes into her own. She is more humble, more thoughtful, and fully aware of her ignorance. This she tries to correct by reading every book she can get her hands on. The descriptions of the party she carefully prepares for her brother and his intended, are superb. This project of hers and the task of sorting out the intrigues of court life have their effect on Mel - we see her growing more scrutinizing and diplomatic, perhaps a hint at the potential ruler within her.

Meliara develops a wonderful correspondence, and then courtship, with a secret admirer. I looked forward to her next letter from the "Unknown" with some of Mel's own anticipation. For the reader, the one who belongs to the intelligent, well-read, witty voice of the letters is easy to guess. Yet the scene where he reveals himself is so well-crafted and romantic (!) that I doubt the reader will mind.

The true climax comes as something of a surprise, with the abrupt introduction of full-blown magic into a (previously) magic-free world. The ending feels forced and too hasty. Smith does a commendable job of keeping the true culprit appropriately in the background for most of the book. Perhaps it reads so strangely because it is the first plot cliché of the book - tree people overtaking the sorcerer? Sounds suspiciously like Tolkien's Saruman and the Ents...

In the movies, people meet and tear each other's clothes off within five minutes. In 'Court Duel' it takes a matter of 'Crown Duel' and also 'Court Duel' for two individuals to actually express their emotions towards each other.

While it takes much longer for these two to actually talk to each other without squabbling or fighting about the stupidest things, this is more realistic and also more interesting.

It's quite entertaining to read about Meliara not wanting to accept Vidanric as a friend, while Vidanric is not sure about Meliara. The two made such a fuss about each other and picking on their little faults, that at times they sounded like a couple married for 50 years.

I loved the characters, they were so hilarious and different to read about. I loved Vidanric's cool, quiet, and calm ways. I loved Meliara's fierce spirit and fault of just jumping to a conclusion without checking everything out. I loved Branaric's (Meliara's brother) way of speech and blunt ways. I enjoyed reading about Meliara being bombarded by flirts, like the suave Duke of Savon, and the quiet red head.

The greatest thing about this book is how two people who met under the worst conditions (as enemies) came together and actually have a few good words to toss back at one another.

'Court Duel' is just one of those rare books that you wish would never end.

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.

... I don't think that's true. Granted there's less swordfights and death-defying action. But I find political intrigue to be just as interesting if not more so. In the first book Melaria only has to react to immediate danger. Now she has to think and learn how to deal with people who aren't always what they seem.

I found this book to be an excellent wrap-up from the first. True, the plot is definitely slower than Crown Duel; but it's as fast as it can be, considering that it is held mostly at court.
Meliara is becoming a lady at last; no more horse blankets for her! She starts accepting the opposite sex, and learns very quickly the ways of life at the capital. She also begins to receive gifts from a secret admirer, and turns to him for advice (through letters) after a strange event at court.
The secret admirer does not remain secret for too long, it becomes obvious after a while. Even so, I found myself anticipating the moment when he would declare himself (and a very romantic moment it was, too!)
Things all seem to be going smoothly until the end of the book, when a rival tries to claim the throne. It was one of the only fast-paced parts of the book, but I thought that the story was better without the action of the prequel.
All in all, I found this a satisfying ending to the Crown and Court Duet--Meliara's journey doesn't feel complete without it!

Most sequels aren't any good at all. But this book....one word: WOW! Very romantic, very mesmerizing. I love this book, my copy is worn and torn from so much reading. Even if you didn't read the first one, I suggest you get this!!