Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

(Paperback edition, 480 pages, Firebird Books, June 2002)

First published as two separate novels, Crown Duel and Court Duel, the halves of the story are reunited in the 2002 paperback edition. As well, some cut material and some locations given alternate names in the hardback edition have been restored in the paperback version, which also includes the short story Vidanric's Birthday Surprise.

Meliara Astair, Countess of Tlanth, and her brother Branaric become embroiled in war against Galdran, the corrupt king of Remalna, after vowing to their dying father to protect their ancient colorwood trees and the mysterious, magical Hill Folk from his harm. Told from an after-the-fact, first person point of view, Part One of the story follows Mel as she quickly finds herself wounded and in the hands of the enemy. In and out of the custody of one of Galdran's (presumed) supporters, the Marquis of Shevraeth, Mel's quick-tempered, determined spirit earns her a fair amount of both friends and enemies.

Though Galdran is defeated by the end of Part One, there is much more to Mel's story. Part Two begins half a year, interrupting Mel in the process of banishing her ignorance through reading (her education was largely neglected by her parents) and refurbishing Tlanth Castle, which had fallen into disrepair during Galdran's rule of throttling taxation. Branaric, returning from his stay Remalna-city, brings two notable guests: a fiance (the lovely and kind Nimiar) and none other than Vidanric Renseleaus, the enigmatic Marquis of Shevraeth.

The arrival of these guests sets into motion the events of Part Two, in which Mel struggles to trust the honorable Marquis, for whom she still holds lingering feelings of resentment and distrust. She must also journey to Remalna-city for Bran and Nimiar's wedding. Her stay finds her learning the ways of etiquette, fashion, and fan language, enjoying (or simply enduring) the company of the court's leading lights, and corresponding with an intruiging, unknown suitor by letter. Politics and suspicion continue to underscore more trivial affairs, and Mel is again drawn into a final fight for the safety of the Hill Folk and her country. She will only prevail with determination, understanding, and the help of those she loves.

Crown Duel is a fast-paced story with a dozen or more incredible, realistic characters that readers will love (Meliara, Branaric, Savona), hate (Galdran, Baron Debegri), and be fascinated by (Vidanric, Lord Flauvic). The dialogue is funny and fun to read, and the fantasty world the story takes place in is unique and beautiful. Mel's struggle to find her place in world, defend what is good, and discover love is one many young people will relate to and enjoy.