Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101831 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Customer Reviews

When'll the pages start crumbling?
My copy has been sadly misused, dragged all over the place, layed lovingly under my pillow, shoved in and out of my bookcase... The fact is that the tale is so gripping and good that it doesn't wear off like paper does. Now reviews are for info, so here goes:
Meliara Astiar and her brother Branaric swear an oath to their dying father to keep the covenant and protect the people of Tlanth (even the names are brilliant). The taxes are too high, and they can't protect themselves and the covenant without going to war. The fact is that they are tactless, Meliara growing up a barefoot countess and Branaric so honoust he could nearly sprout wings. Court is no option, they lead the chase over the mountains of Tlanth. It's going fine, until another commander comes, and captures Mel, sort of.
Mel needs to find a way out, but how can she, when the whole court seems to be chasing her, and even the weather is against her? Join this stubborn, hot-headed countess on a journey that takes her from high mountain to scary dungeon, and maybe even to victory.

Crown Duel, Court Duel
This is a fabulous, five star, two for the price of one book.
It comprises of both Crown Duel and the sequel, Court Duel, of which the sequel is by far the better book.
If you love regency style intrigue and romance, mixed with a little fantasy, this book is for you.
Crown Duel is good, but mostly its worth reading so that Court Duel makes sense.
This particular edition is an especially good buy, as it combines both books in one

This book Rocks!!!
I bought this book because of the great reviews it had recieved thinking it just another fantasty novel. However Sherwood Smith made the characters believable and human enough to react with while the plot was a page turner. Mel is a great heroine not simple because she stands up for herself and her beliefs but she defies everyone around her into not following the herd. Her attitude leads to her downfall yet builds her up to be a great woman respected for just being herself. Her brother is charming with also her "enemy" the marquis who drives her up the wall. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and hope that Sherwood will continue this book into a series. Loved also the extra short story at the end.