Synopsis: For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine…
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.
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About the Author: Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world along with her Marine-turned-diplomat husband. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. When she's not writing or chasing after her two sons, she can usually be found pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, whether at a traditional Russian banya or an Incan archaeological site. Crown of Coral and Pearl is her first novel.
Rating: 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
My Review: I would say that if you haven't read the synopsis then don't!! It gives away SO MUCH!!!
OMG Guys if you don't have this book on your TBR you are MISSING OUT!! This book blew me away, first with this gorgeous cover and then with an amazing story.
The story opened with us learning a little about twin sisters Nor and Zadie as well as about their world. The author did this amazing job creating a world of sea fairing people as well as the cold world around them. I was drawn in from the very first page and didn't let go until the end. It was well paced and the writing style was pretty straight forward. I was never lost and could not put this one down!! The pacing was spot on and it was never slow. I thought that as the story unfolded it was done step by step in this beautiful and terrifying world that Rutherford has created.
The characters were freaking amazing. I do think that the author could do a novella about what was going on with Zadie as the story is told from Nor's POV. It would be interesting to know what she was going through as Nor's eyes were opened to the adventure she was hoping for. We do get to know a little about this towards the end of the story but its from another character and not straight on. So this would totally hold me over until book two comes out.
The characters were fabulous I loved Nor and her determination to keep her family safe. Even her mother who at times I really wondered if she even loved her children. Being a mom myself I wonder what was really going through her mind as she got her children ready over the years to be chosen. What kind of life did she really think her children if chosen would go too? This is another wonderful novella that I would love to read about.
When Nor meets Talin you could tell that they were drawn to each other but to really call this insta-love I just don't see it. This book happens over the course of a few months. So it's not very quick, their romance does take time. Ceren is one of the most frighting characters that I have read in sometime. He is brutal and freaking crazy if you ask me. And I am pretty sure that there will be some major twists when it comes to him in the following books. At least I really hope so. He is one of those evil characters that you love to hate.
Trying to review this book is so hard!! I loved every second of it and I can not wait for book two. It is one that I will not soon forget and one that everyone needs to read!!
Overall, I loved the beginning, middle, and end of this one. The ending was very satisfying and even though I know this is a series I think this ending works well. It does leave some loose ends such as what is going on with Zadie and wither or not a certain character is dead but it does a really great job to be a full novel in its own right. It was full of twists and turns and I hope you love it as much as I did!!
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Rating: 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
My Review: I would say that if you haven't read the synopsis then don't!! It gives away SO MUCH!!!
OMG Guys if you don't have this book on your TBR you are MISSING OUT!! This book blew me away, first with this gorgeous cover and then with an amazing story.
The story opened with us learning a little about twin sisters Nor and Zadie as well as about their world. The author did this amazing job creating a world of sea fairing people as well as the cold world around them. I was drawn in from the very first page and didn't let go until the end. It was well paced and the writing style was pretty straight forward. I was never lost and could not put this one down!! The pacing was spot on and it was never slow. I thought that as the story unfolded it was done step by step in this beautiful and terrifying world that Rutherford has created.
The characters were freaking amazing. I do think that the author could do a novella about what was going on with Zadie as the story is told from Nor's POV. It would be interesting to know what she was going through as Nor's eyes were opened to the adventure she was hoping for. We do get to know a little about this towards the end of the story but its from another character and not straight on. So this would totally hold me over until book two comes out.
The characters were fabulous I loved Nor and her determination to keep her family safe. Even her mother who at times I really wondered if she even loved her children. Being a mom myself I wonder what was really going through her mind as she got her children ready over the years to be chosen. What kind of life did she really think her children if chosen would go too? This is another wonderful novella that I would love to read about.
When Nor meets Talin you could tell that they were drawn to each other but to really call this insta-love I just don't see it. This book happens over the course of a few months. So it's not very quick, their romance does take time. Ceren is one of the most frighting characters that I have read in sometime. He is brutal and freaking crazy if you ask me. And I am pretty sure that there will be some major twists when it comes to him in the following books. At least I really hope so. He is one of those evil characters that you love to hate.
Trying to review this book is so hard!! I loved every second of it and I can not wait for book two. It is one that I will not soon forget and one that everyone needs to read!!
Overall, I loved the beginning, middle, and end of this one. The ending was very satisfying and even though I know this is a series I think this ending works well. It does leave some loose ends such as what is going on with Zadie and wither or not a certain character is dead but it does a really great job to be a full novel in its own right. It was full of twists and turns and I hope you love it as much as I did!!
Favorite Quotes: Please note that these quotes are from the ARC, also these apparently are backwards in reading order.
"As I walked away, I realized the part of me that wanted to stay was the part I would never be able to listen to again."
"But he was right. I wanted to dance with him. And I may never get the chance to be held by someone I desired again."
"Mother had given us one gift, at least, that no amount of time or distance could erase, each other."
"Just as beauty cannot disguise who we really are beneath the surface."
"I'll go. But it will be my body that leaves, and nothing more. Samiel has my heart, and you dear sister, my soul."
"Varenia is my home. You and Samiel are my home. What more can the world possibly have to offer?" "Roses, I thought. And horses and castles and all manner of things I hadn't dared to imagine, surely. What didn't the world have to offer?"
"As I walked away, I realized the part of me that wanted to stay was the part I would never be able to listen to again."
"But he was right. I wanted to dance with him. And I may never get the chance to be held by someone I desired again."
"Mother had given us one gift, at least, that no amount of time or distance could erase, each other."
"Just as beauty cannot disguise who we really are beneath the surface."
"I'll go. But it will be my body that leaves, and nothing more. Samiel has my heart, and you dear sister, my soul."
"Varenia is my home. You and Samiel are my home. What more can the world possibly have to offer?" "Roses, I thought. And horses and castles and all manner of things I hadn't dared to imagine, surely. What didn't the world have to offer?"
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"Debut author Rutherford's saga begins with the promise of originality, with intriguing kingdoms and worthy heroines... A fun and adventurous bit of fantasy romance." –Kirkus
"A celebration of sisterhood, political intrigue, and an intense villain make this book a delicious read. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an exciting new YA fantasy." –YA Books Central
"A fabulous interweaving of fantasy, politics, and sisterhood – this unusual, tense tale will have you on the edge of your seat!" –#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce
"Crown of Coral and Pearl is one of those fiercely beautiful reads that leaves you recalling it long after you close the book with a satisfied sigh. A beautiful, compelling tale of sisters, courage, and love. This beautifully authentic portrayal of twin sisterhood is interwoven with fantastical settings, a layered villain, and a delicious romance. A shining gem of a book." –New York Times bestselling author Elly Blake
"I was swept up into the tide of Crown of Coral and Pearl from the very first page. This fantasy tale of sea-dwelling Nor's arranged marriage to a cruel, mountain-dwelling prince is brimming with palace intrigue, forbidden romance, fantastical creatures, and the power of sisterly love." –Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch Chronicles
"Mara Rutherford's Crown of Coral and Pearl is a thrilling debut: a richly romantic story of danger, true love, and a young woman standing up to the darkness at her country's core. But the real heart of the story is two sisters and a love powerful enough to change the world. I didn't want it to end." –Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion
"A tale of intrigue, love, and sisterhood as dazzling as a sunny day at sea, you're sure to be swept away by Crown of Coral and Pearl." –Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series
"Lyrical and magical, Crown of Coral and Pearl is pure enchantment with a heart as deep as the sea." –Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand
"A celebration of sisterhood, political intrigue, and an intense villain make this book a delicious read. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an exciting new YA fantasy." –YA Books Central
"A fabulous interweaving of fantasy, politics, and sisterhood – this unusual, tense tale will have you on the edge of your seat!" –#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce
"Crown of Coral and Pearl is one of those fiercely beautiful reads that leaves you recalling it long after you close the book with a satisfied sigh. A beautiful, compelling tale of sisters, courage, and love. This beautifully authentic portrayal of twin sisterhood is interwoven with fantastical settings, a layered villain, and a delicious romance. A shining gem of a book." –New York Times bestselling author Elly Blake
"I was swept up into the tide of Crown of Coral and Pearl from the very first page. This fantasy tale of sea-dwelling Nor's arranged marriage to a cruel, mountain-dwelling prince is brimming with palace intrigue, forbidden romance, fantastical creatures, and the power of sisterly love." –Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch Chronicles
"Mara Rutherford's Crown of Coral and Pearl is a thrilling debut: a richly romantic story of danger, true love, and a young woman standing up to the darkness at her country's core. But the real heart of the story is two sisters and a love powerful enough to change the world. I didn't want it to end." –Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion
"A tale of intrigue, love, and sisterhood as dazzling as a sunny day at sea, you're sure to be swept away by Crown of Coral and Pearl." –Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series
"Lyrical and magical, Crown of Coral and Pearl is pure enchantment with a heart as deep as the sea." –Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand
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FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
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