Crown Duel (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) [School & Library Binding]

Sherwood Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Teenage Countess Meliara and her brother Branaric organize a revolution against a greedy king to fulfill their father's dying wish.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 471 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613452550
• ISBN-13: 978-0613452557
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (152 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,315,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece, and a must-read, July 22, 2006

By 

Yasmeen Mandour-Brackin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crown Duel (Crown Duel / Court Duel) (Paperback)

This is easily my favorite book. I first read it in early high school and now, at the end of college, get just as much if not more out of it with every re-read. It combines a vivid, original fantasy world with realistic sociological and political portrayals and analyses, absolutely fascinating to any sociology or political science major. Neither the magic nor the romance overpower this book; the romance is fulfilling even while the book focuses on more important themes.

The most fascinating part of this book, however, and what brings me back to read it over and over again, is the heroine, Mel. She makes real mistakes, misinterprets practically everything, and is driven further into trouble by the very ignorance she strives to rid herself of. Mel is as real to any young adult (or anyone who remembers that age) as any heroine ever written. I can't count how many times I've read of her mistakes and winced myself in sympathy, knowing I've made the same mishaps and showed identical character faults. Anyone who enjoys realistic fantasy with a dash of romance and sci-fi will adore this book.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read for Anyone!, January 7, 2005

By 

Lynnie-Lou-Who (Ut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crown Duel (Crown Duel / Court Duel) (Paperback)

Wow. I got this book for Christmas and I could not put it down! From the very beginning Smith hooked me with the way Mel was a Countess in a crumble-down castle, and she was fighting the good fight with no other noble to help her. Mel's brother is nice, but he doesn't understand her. The one person who understands her is her so-called "enemy," Shevraeth. He was sent by the king to put down her uprising.

I'm not going to give the whole book away, so let me just say that this has something for everyone. Girl tries to kick butt, but finds it is harder than it looks. Then she's a captive, and running from the bad guys. Later, she is playing a game of deception and secrets when she goes to court. And, last, but definitely not least, she falls in love.

I love the way Sherwood Smith's characters are all well-developed, no matter the role they play in the book. I am amazed and gratified at the incredible job she did.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Speechless!, December 11, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Crown Duel (Crown Duel / Court Duel) (Paperback)

...I absolutely loved this book!!! I can't write a book review to save my life but this was a 10 star book all the way. As soon as I put this down I was ready to read the sequel...only to realize it was out of print and was too expensive to buy... The action keeps you going, the bravery and heroism that young Meliara must demonstrate is an awesome experience. I was astounded by this book. I re-read it so many times I practically know it by heart. Read it! It's sooo COOL!!!