Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that's ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.
Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor's dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren's brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.
In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.
From Goodreads:
My Review:
Oh, I had such a great time reading this book! This world with Varenia and the royal family was just so interesting to read! And I really enjoyed reading about Zadie and her journey, and oh, was this an excellent duology!
The Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.
Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister's place, she's wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.
As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor's twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they'll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them…
Oh, I had such a great time reading this book! This world with Varenia and the royal family was just so interesting to read! And I really enjoyed reading about Zadie and her journey, and oh, was this an excellent duology!
There is so much politics in this book. It is a fantasy, and with a royal family, but oh, the backstabbing and the intrigue were so amazing! It made it tough for Zadie, but it was fantastic to read! She is dealing with being in a totally new world, having living on Varenia her whole life, and being trapped in the mountain castle is an adjustment.
Honestly, I was worried about her going into this situation. The power dynamics between the two of them are wildly unbalanced, he's the future king, and she's a stranger from a small village that have a complicated relationship with the royal family, from events that happened centuries ago. Not to mention the fact that her island exports in almost all of their needs-and his country is the only one that they can trade with. There was very little chance that nothing was going to go wrong.
The overarching plot of this duology boils down to the crown, and who is the one who should wear it, between the brothers and their sister. Well, that and Nor discovering what she wants, out of the whole wide world with new options for her to explore. Oh, and the magic, and how that works. There were some really intense moments, and clever plans, and I really enjoyed how it all came together!
Loved reading these books, and I can't wait to read more by Mara Rutherford!
Author: Mara Rutherford
Series: Crown of Coral and Pearl #1, 2
Read: July 21st, 22nd, 2022
Source: NetGalley, Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2022 Books and WoW Books! And Crown of Coral and Pearl is a DAC Book, and Kingdom of Sea and Stone is a Sophomore Challenge Book!
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Published: August 27th 2019, October 6th 2020
Author: Mara Rutherford
Series: Crown of Coral and Pearl #1, 2
Read: July 21st, 22nd, 2022
Source: NetGalley, Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2022 Books and WoW Books! And Crown of Coral and Pearl is a DAC Book, and Kingdom of Sea and Stone is a Sophomore Challenge Book!
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Published: August 27th 2019, October 6th 2020
Crown of Coral and Pearl:
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
Kingdom of Sea and Stone:
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| 5/5 Hearts |
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| 5/5 Books |
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| 5/5 Stars |
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