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radioactivechick's review against another edition
4.0
Those two books were awesome! Ended just how I thought they would! Two separate books that mesh so well to tell the story!
astraia_sun's review against another edition
3.0
I had to change my original rating on this one. I originally rated it from the fond memories I had of reading it in high school, but on my reread, I realized that my tastes have definitely changed. Also I'm a lot more cognizant of problems in writing. This book had some problems. While Mel was an engaging narrator, I would have had a LOT more patience with her prejudices and stubborn beliefs if I wasn't in her head 24/7 while she thought about them.
Furthermore, there was a scene near the end of the first part that had me groaning in disgust. I could just see the author's hand contriving events and it made me want to take a red pen and edit. I don't often feel that way, and the rest of the book was fine, but it was so contrived that I literally had to put the book down and do something else for awhile.
I really enjoyed the second half, with the court intrigue and Mel trying to figure out how things worked. It's definitely different from the first half (all rebellion and chasing each other on horseback and running away and all that), so I could see some people not enjoying it if that's not their thing. The end was kind of out of nowhere, though some of the plot threads were definitely in place from the beginning. It just felt really rushed. After the climax of the book, it ended abruptly (though there was an afterward and a short story at the end that tied things up pretty well).
Interestingly, all that I could remember of the book was some of the stuff about the Hill Folk and who the identify of the Unknown Admirer was (that was something you don't forget, though if I recall, reading it the first time I was pretty sure of who it was and it's probably not that hard to figure out, but again, I read it years ago so I'm not sure).
Anyway, it's a fun book, but the author contrivance threw me out of the story so much I had to downrate it, unfortunately. I'll probably reread it again in the future, though!
Furthermore, there was a scene near the end of the first part that had me groaning in disgust. I could just see the author's hand contriving events and it made me want to take a red pen and edit. I don't often feel that way, and the rest of the book was fine, but it was so contrived that I literally had to put the book down and do something else for awhile.
I really enjoyed the second half, with the court intrigue and Mel trying to figure out how things worked. It's definitely different from the first half (all rebellion and chasing each other on horseback and running away and all that), so I could see some people not enjoying it if that's not their thing. The end was kind of out of nowhere, though some of the plot threads were definitely in place from the beginning. It just felt really rushed. After the climax of the book, it ended abruptly (though there was an afterward and a short story at the end that tied things up pretty well).
Interestingly, all that I could remember of the book was some of the stuff about the Hill Folk and who the identify of the Unknown Admirer was (that was something you don't forget, though if I recall, reading it the first time I was pretty sure of who it was and it's probably not that hard to figure out, but again, I read it years ago so I'm not sure).
Anyway, it's a fun book, but the author contrivance threw me out of the story so much I had to downrate it, unfortunately. I'll probably reread it again in the future, though!
msnew's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sickler13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rhrie38's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I initially thought that Meliara was annoying and unreasonably judgmental (which she was) but unlike other novels where these things are overlooked to make the protag look better, Meliara's actions are acknowledged and have actual consequences! Plus she obviously grows as a character as time goes on. At the end of the story she had my support. Plus the love interest is super interesting. I liked how the author included his perspective at the end, it makes a lot of reactions clearer!
My only complaint is that the story drags in some parts and I got a little bored. Things pick up again though so it wasn't too bad.
My only complaint is that the story drags in some parts and I got a little bored. Things pick up again though so it wasn't too bad.
amball's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stephxsu's review against another edition
5.0
Oh how I adore feisty heroines embroiled in duplicitous, action-packed fantasy political intrigues and romance! I wish I had known about this book earlier, for I have a feeling it will be one that I return to again and again for that magical dose of adventure, feminism, and romance.
Mel is my favorite kind of fantasy heroine: tough, resourceful, opinionated, and scared of being seen as vulnerable despite her deeply warm heart. I don’t even care that this type of female protagonist is a fantasy trope, because I just love ‘em. I loved reading about Mel’s struggles to avoid capture at the hands of Shevraeth and the king’s other men. And then I loved reading about Mel’s struggles to make herself a gentlewoman, worthy of the respect of the court. Mel is a protagonist worthy of Tamora Pierce’s creations.
I love that this book’s pacing never drags, which is great because I just get so darn bored of the MC’s moody contemplations of anything and everything that has or hasn’t happened to her. I admit wholeheartedly that I adored the book’s romantic subplot and, yes, will probably reread this book many times for mostly that element. It reminds me of a sort of Elizabeth Bennet-Mr. Darcy relationship arc, and I will leave it at that appetite-whetting point.
CROWN DUEL is a must-read if you love your Tamora Pierce and Gail Carson Levine. Maybe it doesn’t break new ground in lighthearted fantasy literature, but it fuels the fire that keeps my heart warm, fuzzy, and swooningly romantic. Sighhh. Now, back to rereading favorite bits…
Mel is my favorite kind of fantasy heroine: tough, resourceful, opinionated, and scared of being seen as vulnerable despite her deeply warm heart. I don’t even care that this type of female protagonist is a fantasy trope, because I just love ‘em. I loved reading about Mel’s struggles to avoid capture at the hands of Shevraeth and the king’s other men. And then I loved reading about Mel’s struggles to make herself a gentlewoman, worthy of the respect of the court. Mel is a protagonist worthy of Tamora Pierce’s creations.
I love that this book’s pacing never drags, which is great because I just get so darn bored of the MC’s moody contemplations of anything and everything that has or hasn’t happened to her. I admit wholeheartedly that I adored the book’s romantic subplot and, yes, will probably reread this book many times for mostly that element. It reminds me of a sort of Elizabeth Bennet-Mr. Darcy relationship arc, and I will leave it at that appetite-whetting point.
CROWN DUEL is a must-read if you love your Tamora Pierce and Gail Carson Levine. Maybe it doesn’t break new ground in lighthearted fantasy literature, but it fuels the fire that keeps my heart warm, fuzzy, and swooningly romantic. Sighhh. Now, back to rereading favorite bits…
redentrapy's review against another edition
5.0
Great story of adventure, war, friendship, and love. My favorite part is when Meliara goes to Court and shows that she can beat them at their won game. I also love who she falls in love with. One of my all time favorite books. I've read it a least ten times if not more. Recommend for those who like stories of heroines in mid evil times kicking total ass.