Scan barcode
A review by sallenreads
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This has been one of my favorite books ever since I first read it in high school, and I've reread it every year since. I first read this when I was on my Tamora Pierce kick and wanted something in a similar vein, and literally couldn't put it down - and still can't put it down, come to think of it.
I think what really made this for me were the characters, Mel and Shevraeth especially. They just seemed so real to me. They weren't just the typical kick-butt heroine and obligatory love interest combo like in some of the fantasy I've read - they actually were real to me. They each had their own motivations, they were both flawed - and yes, reading their verbal sparring was a lot of fun.
This book was originally published as a two-book series. I think Part I (Crown Duel) is the more action-packed of the two, but I've always had a love for Part II (Court Duel) because court life has always fascinated me - the dresses, the parties, the intrigue. I always feel a little sad every time I finish reading, because I love the characters so much. But I guess I'll just have to look forward to my next reread.
I think what really made this for me were the characters, Mel and Shevraeth especially. They just seemed so real to me. They weren't just the typical kick-butt heroine and obligatory love interest combo like in some of the fantasy I've read - they actually were real to me. They each had their own motivations, they were both flawed - and yes, reading their verbal sparring was a lot of fun.
This book was originally published as a two-book series. I think Part I (Crown Duel) is the more action-packed of the two, but I've always had a love for Part II (Court Duel) because court life has always fascinated me - the dresses, the parties, the intrigue. I always feel a little sad every time I finish reading, because I love the characters so much. But I guess I'll just have to look forward to my next reread.