Book Review
Dec. 28th, 2009 04:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariCrown Duel
by Sherwood Smith
This book was originally published as two separate volumes: Crown Duel and Court Duel, and is, I think, intended for a YA audience. It is the story of Meliara Astiar, a noblewoman from an impoverished mountain province, who, along with her brother Bran, initiate a desperate revolt against the tyrannical king Galdran. Along the way, she is captured by the enemy and begins a complicated relationship with Vidanric, a nobleman who has long been engaged in a covert attempt to topple Galdran. After Galdran is killed and deposed, Meliara comes to court and gets involved in political and romantic intrigue.
This novel was a lot of fun to read. THe plot was exciting and proceeded at a nice clip. Meliara is a prickly, brash, smart, determined, and occasionally exasperating but ultimately lovable character. She is capable of grossly misunderstanding people and situations, and of admirably cutting through to the essential. Smooth, subtle, and enigmatic, Vidanric is an excellent foil for her. Their slowly developed romance was very charming and satisfying.
by Sherwood Smith
This book was originally published as two separate volumes: Crown Duel and Court Duel, and is, I think, intended for a YA audience. It is the story of Meliara Astiar, a noblewoman from an impoverished mountain province, who, along with her brother Bran, initiate a desperate revolt against the tyrannical king Galdran. Along the way, she is captured by the enemy and begins a complicated relationship with Vidanric, a nobleman who has long been engaged in a covert attempt to topple Galdran. After Galdran is killed and deposed, Meliara comes to court and gets involved in political and romantic intrigue.
This novel was a lot of fun to read. THe plot was exciting and proceeded at a nice clip. Meliara is a prickly, brash, smart, determined, and occasionally exasperating but ultimately lovable character. She is capable of grossly misunderstanding people and situations, and of admirably cutting through to the essential. Smooth, subtle, and enigmatic, Vidanric is an excellent foil for her. Their slowly developed romance was very charming and satisfying.
