Book Review: Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith (Crown & Court #1-2)

Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel, originally published as two separate books, Crown Duel (1997) and Court Duel (1998), is a young adult fantasy set in the fictional land of Remalna. This duology follows the journey of Countess Meliara Astiar of Tlanth, affectionately known as Mel, as she navigates rebellion, political machinations, and the complexities of unexpected love.

Please be aware that this review contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you wish to experience the story firsthand.

Part One: Rebellion and Revelation

The story starts with Mel and her brother Bran's rebellion against the King. Their defiance proves surprisingly resilient until Mel's capture at the hands of the enigmatic Vidanric Renselaeus, Marquis of Shevraeth – who most readers will quickly identify as the primary love interest.

The first book chronicles Mel's daring escape and subsequent evasion, only to be eventually caught by the Marquis's forces and brought to his family's estate. There he reveals himself and his family to be secret allies and even though Meliara is not happy about it, she and her brother Branaric now confront the King with the Renselaeus. The confrontation leads to the King being killed, and while the Marquise is poised to take the throne, Mel escapes back to her beloved mountains and the sanctuary of her family's home, reluctant to be drawn further into courtly affairs.

My experience with the first part was somewhat mixed. While the narrative undeniably kept me engaged, I found myself wishing Mel was more active, as she spends a significant portion of the book unconscious or limited in her actions due to injuries. However, I must commend Smith's realistic portrayal of Mel's injuries and their lasting impact – a refreshing change from narratives that often gloss over such consequences. Her initial ignorance of the wider political landscape was also convincingly portrayed. And, surprisingly, even though she is out for most of the book, I found her engaging and holding quite a lot of agency.

On the other hand, I found her brother, Bran, consistently irritating and simplistic, a trait I suspect was intentional. My frustration reached its peak at the end of the first book, and I wholeheartedly cheered Mel's flight from both Bran and the Marquis, fueled by their dismissive treatment of her. Despite her naivety in certain areas, Mel had demonstrated bravery and a willingness to learn, qualities that seemed overlooked by those around her.

Part Two: Courtly Intrigue and Budding Romance

The second book picks up some time later, with Mel having returned to her neglected castle and using her newfound wealth from the King's downfall to revitalize it. Her brother, now residing at the royal court, pays her a visit, bringing unexpected guests: Lady Nimiar and the Marquise. In a display of his characteristic lack of consideration, Bran announces his impending marriage to Lady Nimiar without notifying Mel of this before. Though initially resistant, Mel is persuaded by Lady Nimiar to accompany them. Lady Nimiar also offers to guide her through the intricacies of courtly life. From there, Mel navigates the intrigues and gossip of court, along with the plot from the old King’s family to overpower the Marquise and take the throne back.

Unfortunately, my opinion of Bran did not improve in the slightest. His obliviousness even extends to forgetting Mel's birthday, a slight that I felt alongside our protagonist. I found him less honest and charming than the other characters seemed to perceive him and more often brash, uncaring, and simply annoying.

However, the overarching plot of the second book proved to be far more dynamic and engaging. My appreciation for Mel deepened as she adapted to court life with surprising speed, despite her sheltered and unconventional upbringing. Her headstrong nature, while present, rarely felt grating. While perhaps not entirely realistic, her rapid integration into the complexities of court was a delightful aspect of the narrative.

The Marquis emerges as an intriguing character. While his role as the primary love interest is evident from the outset, I did wish for more direct interaction between him and Mel. Their romance largely unfolds through letters Mel receives from a secret admirer. I don’t think the reader is supposed to be as ignorant of Mel's secret admirer as she is, which made the eventual reveal somewhat anticlimactic. Yet, upon reflection, the understated "of course it was you" quality of their connection has a certain charm. I also appreciated the Marquis's quiet competence and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.

I did not particularly like the fact that most of the court uses a fan language to communicate. The premise was that it got popular because everyone but the King knew it, but it genuinely confused me that people kept using it to convey secret messages even after the King was gone and everyone, presumably, knew what everyone else was saying, eliminating the secrecy of it.

Despite these minor reservations, Crown Duel proved to be an incredibly enjoyable read. Sherwood Smith's engaging writing style made both books fly by in just a few days of leisurely reading. It's a delightful and relaxing escape, making it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a light and (relatively) short fantasy adventure.

Overall, I'd give this duology a solid 4/5 stars.