Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford is a book that I had such high hopes for. The premise sounds so promising, and the world is innovative. Unfortunately, I found the main character very plain, and the pacing and romance are off. This book is fine, but that’s about it.

In a society in the sea, the most beautiful girl is chosen every generation to go away to set foot on land and marry the prince. Nor is honoured with the position, however, an accident leaves her unable to take the position. Instead, her twin sister is sent over, pretending to be Nor in order to marry the prince. I love books that feature sisters, and reading about Zadie and Nor’s relationship is so heartwarming. As well, the idea of a sea world is so intriguing, and the logistics are well-developed.

❀ INTERESTING DYNAMIC BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS

The characters in the book are good enough, but I didn’t find them to be very memorable. Zadie is honestly very plain, and I didn’t really see her do much. The only thing that really makes her stand out is the scar on her face that makes her less beautiful in the eyes of society. I did like the way Zadie and Nor’s relationship is characterized, however, and the fact that they are both rivals and best friends is an interesting dynamic.

VERY SLOW-PACED

My biggest issues with the book are with the pacing and the romance. This book is incredibly slow paced, and nothing really happens until halfway through, and then it is flat again until the end. I wasn’t wowed by anything, and it took me a long time to get through because I was losing interest. On top of this, the story contains one of the most insta-lovey relationships I have ever seen. I can probably count the number of times Zadie and her “love interest” converse on one hand, and their relationship is completely superficial. It feels rushed, and it just isn’t believable.

Crown of Coral and Pearl had so much potential to be a five star read. The world building is well-executed, and the relationship between sisters is fantastic. That being said, the main character, the pacing, and the romance fall flat. I would recommend this to those who are looking for a book with an original world to escape into, but be aware of the slow pacing.

'Crown of Coral and Pearl' is a fantastic young adult fantasy debut that fans of the genre are sure to love. I'm very impressed that this is the author's debut. You never would guess it from just reading. Her raw talent and storytelling ability shines through almost instantly. I was drawn into Nor's world right from the beginning and lost myself inside of it until I had finished the final words. The author uses a great blend of vivid imagery and detailed descriptions that brought this world to life in front of my eyes. I felt like I was experiencing everything right along with Nor throughout the whole story.

Speaking of Nor, I loved her as the main character. She's incredibly realistic and easy to connect with right from the start. She's complex with both good qualities and flaws. She's strong, brave, determined, a loving daughter and sister, devoted to her family and her people, and has a need to do whatever it takes to save those she loves. Her flaws are physical - the scar on her cheek - as well as others like being stubborn, having a bit of a temper, and not being so great at holding her tongue.

One major thing that I loved about both Nor and the story itself is that it's told from the first person point of view, from Nor's perspective. This is by far my favorite writing style and I love that the author chose to use it for this book. I believe it lets the reader connect on a deeper level with the narrator. We get to know their innermost thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, memories, fantasies, and everything in between. Without that connection, I almost never have the same kind of positive reading experience and reaction, which is why I'm so glad the author used it for this book.

Although the plot itself isn't wholly original, the author puts her own spin on things to make it fresh and interesting. There really isn't anything with that type of plot and theme that you can change to make it unique enough not to recognize the story line and basic plot structure. However, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to fans of young adult fiction, fantasy, mythology, and romance.

Crown of Coral and Pearl is about a village in the sea that has to give their most beautiful daughter to the kingdom that rules them, whenever the prince comes of age to take a bride. Nor and Zadie are twins, but Zadie will be the one chosen to leave because of a scar on Nor's cheek. When Zadie is injured, though, the village is forced to send Nor in her place. While there Nor grows close to the prince's brother and finds out startling truths about the kingdom and her village's future all while trying to keep up the disguise that the village didn't send the wrong girl.

I really liked this. It's the exact kind of YA fantasy that I like to read with a strong female character, a kingdom, forbidden love interest, and great fight scenes where everyone thinks she's just a girl, but then she proves herself by being a bad ass. The relationship between the sisters is heartfelt.
I hate that I keep getting these arcs and then immediately want the second book.

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford is the first installment of a YA fantasy duology. This novel is Mara Rutherford's debut novel as well and it's an incredibly promising start for her. Her writing style is absolutely gorgeous and her world-building is lushly detailed. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Nor and Zadie's village at sea. It really pops off the pages, as do the two sisters. Both Nor and Zadie are quite different from one another in personality and they have quite a strong relationship with one another which is so great to read. In fact, the first half of the novel was my favorite part of the story. Of course, I also enjoyed the political intrigue after Nor takes Zadie's place among the royal court. However, that setting never quite grabbed me to the same degree as their lives in their small village. Plus, fair warning there is a bit of instalove when it comes to the romance and the relationship at the heart of the romance never quite intrigued me as much as the relationship between the sisters at the center of this tale. Overall, I highly recommend this YA fantasy if you're a fan of the lush world of Stephanie Garber's Caraval. I can't wait to see what happens in book two, Kingdom of Sea and Stone.

Hello, lovely people of the internet! I am back and of course, it's a review post because your girl has been in a blogging slump and I can't think of any creative post... So I shall stick to what I know shall we lol! Today we are reviewing Crown Of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford and I would like to thank Netgalley for providing the Earc to me! This book is set to be released on August 27th, 2019 and as always all opinions are my own. 

" 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."

Okay so Nor she's stubborn, a bit outgoing, and I will say for sure indecisive but none of these things are particularly bad. Nor grew up in a society where beauty is everything all the pressure is on how good a girl looks and if she'll get chosen in the ceremony to hopefully become queen. Do I feel like there were points in this story that Nor's thinking is just soooo everywhere..... Yes, yes I do lol I had moments with this book I was like omg girl please make up your mind lol like be on one side or another. I understand she was trying to figure things out but it was just a bit much for me. Her character development though was okayish it was there but it wasn't like anything major but I do feel like she gained more confidence in herself, yes that counts for something. During the end of the book, I felt that's when I truly connected to Nor because during the beginning she would talk about her twin so much I honestly confused their names especially when she got to the castle. Plus she was so caught up in acting as her sister so much she lost herself a bit, but then she remembered who she was and what she is capable of and to be honest that changed the game a little bit.  

Nor and Zadie's relationship was very sweet, cute and genuine you could see the twin sister love and I appreciated it so much. I believe this is also a first for me reading about twins and a fun fact the author is a triplet so I feel like that added to the story. I could tell that Nor would do anything for Zadie no matter what the cost and how it might alter her life. Personally, there were times where I felt like Nor loved Zadie more in a way that she was willing to take the extra mile for her at all times and I didn't always feel like Zadie would do that for Nor. Which was at first a little odd for me but then I realized with their different personalities that I can see Nor more of the protector emotionally and physically for Zadie. Now I will say Nor did get jealous with things Zadie had going on her life and that's all I'm going to say because anything else is kinda spoilery in my eyes, but what I will say is if you read the book you know what I mean. Like I said the love have each other is real I just question certain things that had happened between them.

I have nothing to say about any relationship in this book because I'm not sure if I really care about any of them lol. It's not a bad thing but just for once the plot fascinated me more than the romance aspect, and we all know I am a hopeless romantic but in this one, it piqued my interest for a little bit but than after that not so much. I am a tad curious to see if it pans out well in the next book but it's not something I am going to really look for.

Overall I am interested in the plot, the magic system, and how our leading lady is going to fix everything she stumbled upon. What I will say is that I hope it gets stronger in a sense that Mara's writing evolves because I feel like the concept of this book is really great and it did give me very tiny Little Mermaid vibes. I do hope that this is a trilogy and not a duology because like I said I feel like this story outline is very promising. I did have my issues with this book though between how Zadie would act and there were points in the book it was not to exciting was happening, it was a lot of info-dumping, and the fact I got confused with the main characters name. Also, the ending was good but it was rushed in my eyes I felt like if it were done in a much slower paste it would've been perfect for me but everything happened to fast and kinda wrapped up a but to cleanly for a book that is supposed to have more to it. But like I said the magic aspect does intrigue me and what could happen that makes me wanna know. This book is the perfect example of the famous quote "The grass isn't always greener on the other side" if you can handle a book that is slow-paced at times but has a unique magic system then I think you will enjoy this book. Overall I give this three stars not a bad three stars just an average, my curiosity is what makes me want to continue with the series. I hope you all have a great day and remember <3 Always Love Your Books <3

I absolutely love fantasy of all kinds, and the offerings in YA fantasy have been utterly phenomenal the past 5 or 6 years that I’ve been reading them. Naturally, I immediately added CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL to my TBR list when I first heard about it, and then jumped at the chance to be part of this blog tour. This is one of those books that I expected to like going in, but was not prepared for how quickly I was sucked in and just how much I loved it!

I was hooked into this story from pretty much the first words, and I mean that honestly. It’s not uncommon for me to have to read a few chapters to warm up to a story, especially from a new-to-me author, but that was not the case here at all! I started reading it before bed one night and before I knew it, it was 2 hours later and I was almost 70% done! I just could not stop reading, so immersed was I in the world that Ms. Rutherford created. The world-building is excellent, and I could picture Varenia and Ilara, Old Castle and New Castle, and the Port Market in my head perfectly. The characters are all vibrant and feel so real, especially, of course, Nor and Zadie. These twin sisters are a force to be reckoned with! Brothers Talin and Ceren are as different as Nor and Zadie are alike, and this contrast between the two pairs of siblings is fascinating. There are twists and turns galore here, too, including a rather shocking ending--though I have a feeling things may not have truly ended how we think they did, and I now cannot wait for the sequel to hit my hands! Seriously, there is just so much amazingness (is that a word?) to this story and I am so ready to dive back in (no pun intended) to the world with which Ms. Rutherford has gifted us.

I refuse to give any spoilers to this amazing story, so I want to stop before I say too much, but I promise that if you like fantasy--especially involving strong young women, dashing princes, daring adventures, and plot twists galore--you will love CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL! Please do let me know how you like it once you pick it up yourself!

RATING: 5 stars for this brilliant debut!

**Disclosure: I received an early e-copy of this book for purposes of this blog tour. This review is voluntary on my part and reflects my honest rating and review.

I wasn't prepared for how obsessed I would feel about this story. How I'd be so completely absorbed with these characters' lives that I'd care more about their welfare than being gritty eyed and sluggish the next day. Yes, it's one of those Sacrifice Proper Sleep kind of books. After blogging for so long I probably go through twenty-five potentially exciting books before I find one that hits the mark in every single way like this one. Honestly, this is why I read! To find something that will knock your socks off, blow your hair back, give you the biggest rush of giddiness after flipping the last page. Fantasy lovers, stop right here and make this one a priority. It's a fantastical tale about the fierce bond of sisterhood, what one will sacrifice for true love, and the other's lesson about the importance of strength of character instead of fleeting beauty.

I was almost instantly drawn into Nor and Zadie's fascinating home of Varenia. The two twins live in a small ocean community that looks idyllic from the outside, but in reality there's only two ways to achieve anything. Be flawlessly beautiful, enough that you'll be chosen by the elders to marry a Prince of Ilara. Or collect enough clams from the dwindling supply underwater in order to find the pearls that will keep your family fed. Neither prospect is particularly easy or simple. People are starting to really struggle to put food on the table, and surely circumstances will be even worse once they're completely picked over. How will they survive? Nor and Zadie's mother is more desperate than ever to have one of them chosen to reap the glory and bride price.

Their mother was a despicable and selfish human being. She threw all of her time and energy into Zadie in order to maintain her perfect outward appearance. In this society beauty was power, and she was determined to use whomever she needed to in order to get it. She thought nothing of her child potentially leaving and never seeing her again, or ripping her away from the only home she ever knew when it was clear she had no desire to marry a strange man in a strange land. In fact, she deliberately sought to hurt both her daughters very cruelly. The way she treated Nor after she saved her sister's life and became scarred was as if she didn't even exist anymore. But when she did notice she was there, she was verbally abusive and made Nor feel worthless because of her appearance. Prepare to hate this woman, that's all I've got to say.

The only positive that came out of Nor's situation was that she became physically and mentally stronger because of all of the challenges heaped on her. And if she had no chance of being chosen and seeing the world that she dreams of exploring, at least her sister will have that. It's hard to imagine being banned from venturing out of your village, to be trapped there with no means of escape and so isolated that trees, horses and roses are things you've heard of but never seen. Your world encompasses the sea, the sun, and the warm breeze on your skin. I really liked the concept of the blood coral, how it grew near the bodies of the departed who are put out to sea. And the mysterious qualities and benefits it seemed to have that the people there don't fully understand.

Through a twist of fate, Nor is sent to New Castle where she will impersonate her twin sister in order to fulfill the betrothal. She thinks this is the answer to everyone's prayers, but she couldn't have been more wrong. She has a dangerous path ahead of her if she's going to survive this new life of hers on land. The prince is nothing like she imagined, and the prosperous land is a dark and unwelcoming place that seems to breed illness in people. She went from a simple life to backstabbing aristocracy, royal machinations, and cruelty like she's never witnessed before. Not only is her life in danger, but everything she holds dear to her heart back home. She must make the right allies and outwit those who hold all of the power.

There is a romance, but it's not a love triangle situation. As someone who's a romance reader at heart who also loves a good fantasy, Ms. Rutherford delivered the goods on a perfectly balanced heart-stopping adventure and well drawn out relationship with the love interest. Of course it wasn't the main focus, but it still felt developed enough in the background for it to feel natural and realistic. Make no mistake though, Nor is the star of the show here, as she stood up for what's right, fought for those who couldn't themselves, and discovered just how much of a difference one person could make if they believed in themselves enough. The sisters' love for each other really shined brightly. It was so powerful that time and distance could not dim or tarnish it.

I can't sing this book's praises enough!! When I first got the arc, I wasn't entirely sure if this was a standalone or not, but it looks like the author has been cleared for a follow up! Even though this could have ended at book one, I certainly don't want to give up this world quite yet. Not by a long shot. There was plenty of potential written in for a continuation so I couldn't be more excited we will get to return sometime next year with Kingdom of Sea and Stone. Snatch this hidden gem up...or should I say pearl? This is an absolute must read!!

Nor and Zadie were raised their whole life knowing that, when Prince Ceren comes of age, he will select the most beautiful girl to become his queen. On the small island where the twin sisters are from, this means honor and a way out of poverty. Unfortunately, at age ten, Nor is scarred, leaving all hope resting on Zadie’s shoulders.

The day finally arrives and Zadie is selected, but before leaving, she is badly injured. Out of desperation and fear of retribution for not sending the chosen girl to the king, the elders send Nor in her place. Nor then discovers that the world she dreamt of was only that—a dream. Reality will be harsher, especially when her treacherous heart begins beating for someone other than the prince.

When I started reading, I was afraid this book would be about girls fawning over a beautiful man and tearing each other apart. Thankfully, it was not.

I devoured it in 48 hours. The story is narrated from Nor’s point of view, a fierce and loveable character. Nor’s compassion is her predominant strength but also her greatest weakness, and I could not help but love her. The writing is also beautiful; I particularly appreciate the pacing because it kept me engaged throughout the book.

I fell for every single character. Prince Ceren’s arc is very well executed. The romance begins slowly, but the chemistry is off the charts from the very beginning. I wanted to read more about each character, especially Zadie and Sami. The world building is unique, which made this story even more special to me.

At first, I did not think much of the story because it reminded of books I’ve read before, but it surprised me in the best way possible because it did take a different route. I immensely enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Crown of Coral and Pearl is the debut novel by Mara Rutherford, and it’s been getting a lot of hype and attention lately. Having read it, I can certainly see why. It’s the first novel in a series of the same name, and looks like it’s going to be an epic journey to the end.
The novel follows Nor, a twin who grew up on the island of Ilara. Her people catch clams and hunt for pearls to survive. All while the people in Varenia thrive off the exploitation of her people. Nor and her sister, Zadie, are two of the prettiest girls on the island, and thus to their mother (and the crown prince) hold a higher value than most others.
Crown of Coral and Pearl is a fantasy, with a lot of other themes gently touching upon the surface. It deals with a lot of the heavier elements of coming of age story, and tells a strong tale of resistance and fighting for what is right. It’s no wonder so many people have felt an emotional connection with this novel.

Warnings: Ilara is a beautiful island, but it has its downsides. Here is a world where food restrictions and starvation are a growing trend. The people also value beauty to an unhealthy degree, thanks mostly to the way Vaneria treats them.
Crown of Coral and Pearl is without a doubt one of the most emotionally compelling novels I’ve read this year. It’s intense and beautiful, while dealing with darker tones and elements. It’s a tale that truly captivated me straight through to the end. And now I find myself looking forward to the sequel.
Nor’s tale was one that steadily unraveled as time went on. At first, it appeared that she and her sister lived in a paradise, only for the truth to be revealed with time. From that moment onward, all we seemed to see was Nor discovering obfuscated truths all around her.
Nor herself was a fantastic main character. She’s strong and independent, while also being fiercely loving and loyal to her sister. Many people in her shoes would have focused on the hurt, but she turned that hurt into something positive. She turned it outward and used it to drive her to make a change. It was really quite empowering to see her in action.
This novel was intense, especially at certain points. The kingdom and island structures are not set up for sustainability, and that was before the wicked prince started getting his hands into things. That made the struggle Nor was in feel all the more intense – knowing exactly what was on the line.
There were times where I had thought that I knew what was going to happen next, only to be surprised by what actually happened. I love that the twists and turns in this novel were not always predictable – though they always made sense in the context of the story.
Another brilliant element of this story was that all along it had been setting up a larger plot. It wasn’t until the end that I realized just how long this quest of Nor’s was going to be, or how far-reaching the effects would be.
I honestly can’t wait until Kingdom of Sea and Stone comes out, though obviously, I have quite some time to wait until that point. In the meantime, I suppose I’ll just wait for a cover reveal. If it’s anything like Crown of Coral and Pearl, I know it’s going to be striking.

This is such a well written story, and very original! The story revolves around Nor, who grew up with her sister out on the ocean, diving for pearls to earn a living. Her sister, Zadie, is chosen to be taken to the mainland to marry the king, following a tradition that has been in place for ages, but Nor ends up taking her place and adventure ensues.
The most well developed character is definitely the villain, who I felt very compassionate towards, until he really started doing despicable things. Even then, you understood how broken he was.
My only issue would be the romance, which was very insta-love, but to be honest, it didn't bother me that much.
I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment! I have questions about that ending!

In the sea village of Valerian, every generation the most beautiful girl of the village is selected to marry the prince of Ilara and become the next Queen. Many years ago, the young princess of Ilara ran away to be with a prince of another kingdom, who did not pay penance to the sea, among the ocean and be wed. Their love was strong but the sea god, Thalos, wanted what he was due from the kingdom that had given him little. He created a storm and stole the princess from the prince, who was also never seen again, leaving the Queen of Ilara devastated. For their part in helping the prince and princess escape and be together the servants create their own village of Valerian and repent, every generation they send the most beautiful female to marry the new prince until a new princess if born.

The story is told in two parts. First we get to be apart of the village of Valerian, see their culture and traditions along with how they survive off of the beautiful and flawless pearls created by the dangerous blood coral. The first part of the story was my favorite. The details of the village of Valerian was so well done I could picture it perfectly and felt as if I could go visit it someday. We are also introduced to twins Zadie and Nor who have been trained from birth on how to stay beautiful in order to be queen. An unfortunate childhood accident left Nor with a tiny scar of her face that basically takes her out of the running, although even with the scar she is beautiful.

The sisterly relationship revolves around this scar, with Nor insisting it brought them closer versus pitting them against each other the way their beauty had. The relationship between the sisters was full of so much love. They were so close and while they had a hard life growing up in a poor and struggling village, they made the best of it. While we know Zadie is going to be selected but Nor will instead go in her place from the synopsis, the first 30% didn't drag on because of the amazing writing and world-building I keep mentioning. We knew what was going to happen, but it didn't drag. I was no rush to leave Valerian or have the sisters separated.

Obviously the first half of the book has a ton of emphasis on beauty and how you can't choose your own path or have doors opened to you if you're not beautiful. I appreciate the author weaving in the messages of self-worth and shooting down the emphasis society puts on looks and being beautiful. It's because of her scar that Nor gets to truly be herself and seen beyond her looks. Nor was smart, clever and deeply loyal to her sister and village. her worth went beyond her looks.

The second part of the book takes place in Illara and the awful New Castle, a kingdom built into the mountain where there is only darkness. No windows to be seen so there's no fresh air or sunlight except from the tiny skylights the royals have in their rooms. Again, I felt like I could go visit this castle in this kingdom struggling and on the brink of war. It felt real and I wanted to explore more of the world, which we hopefully will in the second book. Prince Celen was predictably awful, obsessed with his failing health due to the dark and dank castle he never leaves. Rutherford tried to make him a morally grey character, but I couldn't get into that and just wanted him gone. His half brother Talin was everything he was not, in good health and well loved by the court, and he despised him to the point where I couldn't figure out why Celen hadn't killed him already like he'd been rumored to do to Talin's mother.

Celen and Talin weren't as well written as Nor and Zadie and fell a bit flat for me. Toss in the Insta-love of Nor and Talin and I just was not a fan. We were told a lot of things about the brothers but not a lot about them was shown. I couldn't tell you anything about Talin except for that he was the "good brother" the supposed opposite of Celen in every way. I still found myself questioning him though, wondering if maybe Celen would turn out to be the good one while Talin had ulterior motives. Also that castle had a lot of weird crap going on it like mysterious monsters and kings being deathly ill at age 40. People really needed to get the heck out of that place and get some dang sunshine. 100% of Celen's problems could have been solved with fresh air and sunshine.

The synopsis of Crown of Coral and Pearl laid this whole book bare. We knew things that were set up to be surprises because of it which I think took away from the book a tad unfortunately. The writing and world-building were enough to save this book from getting too bad of a rating from me. That being said though, I struggled with the rating for this book tremendously. I read this book in one sitting and loved the first half of the book while the second fell a bit flat for me and was a bit of a let down. The sister relationship was so well written along with the town of Valerian, it had potential. While I neared the end of the book, I decided I didn't want to read the next book. It was wrapped up in a way where I felt content about not returning to this world. This was originally a stand-alone novel turned duology and the twist at the end was the only reason I could see the need for a second book. It could have easily been a stand-alone and I kind of wish it had stayed that way. The romance and other characters will need a major writing overhaul to get me to read it.

Very interesting and unique premise, this series has a lot of potential. But I needed a bit more from these characters and their relationships. I had that feeling that something was missing, you know what I mean? Also, the last part felt rushed and anticlimactic, considering the buildup. But that could be me - I just read an almost 1000 pages of a slow-motion-like book, so maybe this change of pace threw me. I'm used to dragged out angst, drama and constant turns of events nowadays LOL.

Anyway. Overall, a really good, interesting book. Once I got the ways of the worlds and characters, I breezed through it. I loved the heroine, Talin was awesome and drool-worthy, but he needed more book space (and their interactions maybe a bit more spark - insta-love much?*smh*) and Ceren was downright creepy. Oh, and the mermaid in me wants to move to Verania STAT!

The end leaves us hanging, so I will definitely check out the next story to see what happens!

“I had sacrificed all of that to come here, and I would be damned if it had all been for nothing.”

Crown of Coral and Pearl is a beautiful and captivating story of sisterly love and what a sister will do to protect the people she loves. The world building is enthralling and unique, a truly well-developed fantasy world with many fantastical elements.

Over everything, what really grabbed my attention with this story were the characters. All the characters are uniquely their own and felt so real. The characters were the main reason I loved this story. Nor and her journey is what made this story possible and wholly original.

“You have the power to do anything and everything you dream of, more than any person I’ve ever known.”

The plot build up is perfect and each chapter provides just enough to keep your attention. Hints and secrets are dropped continuously throughout the book until you flip to the last page and read the last line, and until you start to piece everything together. Mara Rutherford did an excellent job orchestrating the plot and making sure too much detail was not released at one time.

“Your mother taught you to believe your scar made you ugly, but it has made your brave.”

Nor is brave and unconditionally human, which is what makes her character so believable. Her love for her sister and her capacity to sacrifice her life and dreams to protect her sister and village is remarkable and, in my opinion, is what made this story what it is. Even though more than half of the story is spent away from her sister, Nor never forgets what she is fighting for. She’s selfless and when she finally wants something, she still puts her sister and her village first. Throughout Crown of Coral and Pearl, Nor learns what it’s like to finally live and be her true self, and that growth is one of the reasons that made her character so unique.

Not only is the relationship between Nor and Zadie wonderful to read, but so is Nor’s blooming relationship with Talin. Nor’s engaged to Talin’s brother, Prince Ceren, who is cruel and cold and everything Talin is not. The chemistry between Nor and Prince Talin is undeniable and leaps off the page. The chapters where both characters interacted were some of my favorite – I love romance in fantasy books, especially the type of romance that feels alive and is genuinely realistic.

Actually, if I’m being honest, all of the people that interacted with Nor were believable and flowed well with the story. She’s unsure of what moving to Ilara will be like, so she spends most of her time navigating her surroundings and trying to figure out the secrets that people are hiding behind lies.

“You’re not afraid of anything, Nor. You never have been.”

Overall, Crown of Coral and Pearl is a story built on heart and sisterly love and one that is easily a favorite of mine for 2019. I was left in anticipation for the sequel, and I cannot wait to read the continuation of Nor’s story next year.

I really enjoyed this book and I really want to read more in this world. I can't wait to see what Mara Rutherford writes in the future.

Meh, there was nothing big that bothered me, so much as this just felt like standard YA fantasy and not one I got really caught up in. Super beautiful, just not perfect so also, clever and strong (and did I mention selfless?) Nor takes her sister’s place to go and marry the prince, so that her perfectly beautiful sister, raised to someday become the Queen, can stay with the boy she loves. She’s gotta be super sneaky so they don’t know they got the slightly imperfect sister, and her plan is complicated when the emissary she met as Nor (and not as Nor being Zadie) turns out to be the Prince’s brother. The Prince is a monster, and Nor doesn’t want to marry him, but how could she get out of it - it all plays out in a familiar YA fantasy way, including a fight scene with a monster reminiscent of one in A Court of Thorns and Roses (except in water, because Nor thrives in water)

I love how much "story" the author fits into this book without the reader getting bored or lost. You really get a deep understanding of how Nor develops as a character. Honestly, I could not put this book down. I'm the type of reader that gets bored fast without a lot of action. Crown of Coral and Pearl wasn't action pack but it hooks you all the same and reels you in for the keeps so Kudos to you Mara Rutherford, you have just earned yourself a new fan!

I absolutely loved the setting of this book but wish that the relationships between characters had been more developed. I did however enjoy that there was a strong sister bond as that is something that I always look for in a book.

this book was ok. Not the greatest and I didn't like the romance in this one but i kept reading. I found the ending to be rushed.

Would I read the sequel? Probably not. I don't care enough about the story to want to read on.

Thank you Inkyard Press (Harlequin Teen) and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review.

"Crown of Coral and Pearl" is a fantastic tale that wholly embodies the fantastical essence of The Little Mermaid and Mulan. The story is a rich, colorful world of magic, intrigue, and strong sisterly bonds.

Do not think this is your average story of sisters and magic and destiny. No, like an iceberg there is so much below the surface than you could ever realize. A depth so dark and fathomless yet strangely alluring.

Nor is probably one of the strongest YA female MCs I’ve ever come across. I rarely come across a character who takes on so much pain, rejection, isolation, and loneliness, yet still finds it in herself to stand against the wicked and unknown for the betterment of other at the sacrifice of her own happiness and life. I hope fervently that all her suffering will yield to peace and prosperity.

I thought the story was told really well. It carries the reader over mountains and hills, through laughs and tears. I enjoyed each and every character and, yes, even Prince Ceren. His wicked presence makes the tension and turmoil oh-so bittersweet. And just went things are at their darkest, a slither of light appears.

There is so much to love about this book and exciting to know that there is still more to come. "Crown of Coral and Pearl" is a book you’re going to want to get your hands on. The cover is absoulte gorgeous and I need it on my bookshelf. Mara Rutherford is a new author to keep your eye on for what I’m sure will be more fantastical stories.

REALLY FEELIN’ THIS.

Oh wow. I am so excited I received an ARC for this because it was fantastic!

At first, I was worried. I didn’t realize this was a duology (once I checked this, it also quickly got better and made more sense). It took about 40% of the way through the book to get Nor off her home island, Varenia. I still think too much time was spent there, but it seems it was being used to really build a background for Nor and her family/lifestyle.

Once off the island and in Ilara, things start really going down. I was all for one of the princes because I imagined him as this rough bad guy who has a soft side that would slowly come out. HOT DANG, I was wrong. I kept flipping pages trying to see if we would get a redemption for him, and it still hasn’t happened. I thought I would be frustrated with this, but instead…I am here for it. Own your evil. He’s an amazing villain that I know has many more layers that I can’t wait to see in book two.

Nor’s love interest is growing on me. Since I wasn’t for him at first I had pushed him to the side for a bit until it was clear what was brewing between the two. I love the mystery and intrigue behind him as well. There’s so much to still learn. We got plenty in this book and it felt like it left just the right amount out for further solving the puzzle of the princes of Ilara.

I really loved Nor as our main character. She grew on me over the story. I liked that she had such a tight sister bond with Zadie and that that never wavered. Family continually remained important to her. Nor was sneaky, a bit impulsive, and full of love for those close to her. I am behind her as a heroine for Varenia.

I thought the pacing at times was slow, but things continually picked up. It made this hard to put down and I was always wondering what would happen next. The ending was left open, but not in a CLIFFHANGER kind of way.

Overall audience notes:

Young adult fantasy
Language: very little light language
Romance: a few kisses, occasionally a little passionate
Violence: poison, torture, blood-letting, swords, knives, near-drownings, throwing people off of cliffs, murder