Grade 6-9?In this sequel to Crown Duel (Harcourt, 1997), the teenage Countess Meliara finds herself compelled for political reasons to leave her small castle in county Tlanth to stay at the royal palace Athanarel in the capital city, Remalna. She is completely unprepared for court life, preferring to run barefoot over the hills rather than learning how to hold her fan correctly, but luckily her brother's new fiancee takes Meliara under her wing and teaches her the nuances of court etiquette. Mel soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying whirl of flirtation and political intrigue, and she remains confused about both until a plot to take over the throne brings many secrets to light. Court Duel stands well on its own, although readers will immediately want to go back and read the first book. Mel is a likable heroine who is constantly chastising herself for her ignorance and quick temper, and the other characters are fully realized and fascinating in their own right. There isn't much action until the very end, but readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the subtleties of courtly life and love.?Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. Different in setting, structure, and tone from Crown Duel (1997), the first volume of the Crown & Court Duet, this book begins with Meliara back at the home castle, reading a letter from a powerful courtier and trying to decide if the writer is friend or foe. When she travels to court, Meliara finds herself constantly trying to tell friends from enemies as she endeavors to learn the subtle language of the courtiers, who communicate in a language of gesture and intimation that is quite foreign to her native bluntness. Readers who loved Crown Duel for its strongly realized fantasy world, adventurous characters, and scenes of action may find the sequel disappointing. The character and voice of Meliara are as compelling as ever, and several others are intriguing as well; however, readers will find it difficult to maintain a high level of engagement, given the more static setting, the many details of courtly behavior, and the general lack of something happening. Still, libraries with readers for the first volume should offer the second as well, since Meliara's story is incomplete without it. Carolyn Phelan

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4.9 out of 5 stars (217 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, April 1 2004

By A Customer

All I have to say right now is "WOW!" When I got this book I really didn't know what to expect, but once I started reading I couldn't put this book down! I stayed up all night reading it. I fell in love with all of the charaters the way they were woven into the story by Sherwood Smith. The Marquis of Shevraeth especialy makes the story move with grace and wonder - just as Mel makes you read on to see just what she will do next. (...), but read this book, you won't regret it!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Court Duel, Sep 21 2003

By	Jessica (California) - See all my reviews

Court Duel is a very good book. Its actually my favorite. This is the second book of the Crown and the Court Duet. This book starts with teenage Countess Meliara of Tlanth cleaning and repairing her family's house and building her new library. Her brother, Bran, who has been staying in Remalna's capital ever since the downfall of Remalna's evil king, makes a sudden visit and brings with him his new fiance and the Marquis of Shevraeth. Despite her loathing of court life and courtiers themselves, Mel goes with her brother back to Remalna-city to settle personal scores.

Mel has changed a lot since her revolt against the late king of Remalna. She has become more humble and wary of her actions, so she does not make as many mistakes. She also learns of her ignorance and tries to change it by reading every book she can. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the descriptions of court life, which, in my opinion, were just as good as the descriptive battle scenes. Spending time at court changes Mel too. She becomes more aware of everything, and shows flashes of being a potential ruler.

At court, Mel also learns about the flirtations that take place at court. A very intriguing part of this book was Mel's corrispondence, and courtship, with her secret admirer, to whom she constantly turned to for advice. Although for those who can take a hint, Mel's "Unknown" is obvious, the moment in which he finally shows Mel who he is so romantic it really doesn't matter.

The book finishes with a bang, where a rival tries to take the throne, using very powerful magic. He threatens Mel and the entire kingdom to death if he cannot become king. This is the only part of the book with real action, but I still find it better than Crown Duel. A very satisfying conclusion, in which Mel finds happiness and love at last, in a place she never thought she'd find it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Court Duel, Sep 19 2003

By	Jessica (California) - See all my reviews

This book has recently become my favorite book. After I finished all the books by Tamora Pierce,(all of which I really reccomend that you read) I looked hopelessly for another book to replace it. So I read Court Duel(which should be read after Crown Duel). I absolutely loved it. Court Duel is the second book of The Crown and the Court Duet. In this book, Countess Meliara continues her adventures, only this time, at court. She learns to adapt to the life she once despised. A world where a single movement could make you look good or bad, where everyone masked their true feelings. A world of flirtation and political intrigue. Mel must once again defeat an ambitious ruler from taking advantage of the throne. Not only that, but she finally finds happiness, laughter, and love, and learns to follow her heart.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This book kicks [booty]!!!
When I first got Crown Duel, I thought that I wouldn't really like it. There have been so many books that I was really excited to read but was just disapointed when I finaly... Read more

Published on May 13 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Nearly Perfect...
...and an absolute delight to read. I bought the Crown and Court duet because of the great reviews and recommendations (and beautiful covers, true), and believe me, I was not... Read more

Published on Feb 23 2003 by Ms_Moody

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW![.]
This book is amazing. I absolutely love the descriptions in the book. Of course you can't go wrong with the incredibly sexy Vidanric, the Marquis. Read more

Published on Feb 21 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
I first read this book when I was in my preteens. As soon as I finished reading it the first time, I started again. I don't quite know why I loved it so much. Read more

Published on Feb 15 2003