"Nor and Zadie. Coral and pearl. Powerful and beautiful because of each other, not in spite of each other."

Nor and Zadie are identical twins that have grown up in the ocean village of Varenia. Every generation, the village sends their most beautiful girl to marry the crown prince of Ilara, the mountain kingdom that rules over Varenia. As a result, beauty is prized above all else in women of the village. Nor and Zadie are both beautiful, but Nor has a small scar on her face from a childhood accident, and so Zadie becomes the favorite to be sent to Ilara. When an accident befalls Zadie, however, Nor must take her place. Once arriving in Ilara, Nor realizes everything is not what it seems.

I adored this book! The sisterly relationship between Nor and Zadie is at the heart of the novel. You can really feel how much they love each other and will do anything for each other. Their mother, however, is a different story. You can see how the strife for beauty and perfection takes a toll on the twins, especially as Zadie is groomed to become a princess and Nor is free to do as she pleases. There was a lot of discussion on the value of beauty, and I thought it was very thought provoking.

What's cool about this novel is that the setting is split between an ocean village and a mountain fortress. They were two complete opposite settings, and yet I felt like Rutherford did a great job making me feel like I could really picture each one. The ocean village was beautiful, sparkling, and full of life whereas the mountain was cold and looming. It's made clear how the mountain and the ocean upbringings affect the characters. The writing is easy to get into, and vividly describes the world.

Overall, this was a compulsively readable YA debut! I'm looking forward to more from Mara Rutherford in the future!

As soon as I started Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford I knew I would be hooked. I absolutely loved the the twists and turns the plot took. I love trying to predict how a book will go and being completely wrong in a good way.

Rutherford's development of the sisters and other characters flows well throughout the story. I love the lingering doubt she leaves you with about specific characters. It makes you want to read the next one immediately to find out what happens next. Let's just say the story ended completely different from how I thought it would go.

There are a few YA tropes I wish she would have done away with like not being super descriptive about how people looked or mannerisms or the way they spoke. I honestly just needed more. And maybe more about the world will become clearer and better developed in the next book. But for now I was a bit disappointed with weak structure of the world and the poor descriptions of almost everything.

I also could have used more character relationship building. It seemed that the characters didn't take much time to get to know one another and I understand that first impressions are important, but the relationship between many of the characters seemed predetermined. (which obviously it is) but it shouldn't feel that way. .

The plot was amazing though and I can't wait to see what happens next!

A poignantly written YA novel about growing up, about how one society's views on beauty mold and shape the lives and minds of not only the young people, but of the adults that push it on their children.
Zadie and Nor are two beautifully identical twins living in a floating community, Varenia, dedicated the remembrance of two Royal, forbidden lovers who died hundreds of years ago. To honor Ilara, a nation that lost their princess, they are forbidden from stepping foot on land until another princess is born to wear the crown. So they send their most beautiful daughters to become become to Queen and hopefully birth a daughter. Hundreds of years later, they are still stuck following the demands of Ilara, all while starving themselves.
With so much hinging on perfection, one small scar is all it takes for Not to no longer be considered worth for a prince's notice. So when Zadie is chosen their mother is ecstatic, but dreams as dashed for the Zadie who loves a boy from Varenia.
Seeing a way to change Fates, Nor takes Zadies place on a possibly dangerous mission if the prince should find out.
When Nor finds out that her adventure is not the dream she thought it would be and that she is instead going into a pot of vipers full of intrigue and murder. Who will she turn to when she is so far from home? When the handsome prince she is to marry turns out to be a vile snake, will she stay and marry him knowing the fate of her village rests in his hands? It's a read that will have you remembering that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and is only skin deep.

** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. **

This book was so intense! It started out a bit slow as the world-building created the story, but after the first third the pacing shot forward to create an interesting tale that was borderline horrifying at times, in the best way. I recieved my copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.

This book tells the story of a pair of twin sisters, who live in a impoverished floating village. The most beautiful girl is always chosen to leave the village to marry the prince and one day become Queen. The sisters mother always told them that they had to stay beautiful however possible, but once one of the sisters, Nor, is permanently scarred it becomes clear her sister , Zadie, will be chosen. After another accident, Nor is forced to go in her sister’s stead to marry the prince.

I was originally drawn to the magnificent cover of this book and the description sounds so interesting. The first 3rd takes place in the village and creates the world by slowly revealing everything that has happened up to this point. Then once she leaves the village the reveals shift to focus on other people. This really helped solidify the personality of Nor and made the novel easier to digest.

The plot mostly revolves around deception, so there are many points where the main character will have lied to someone they should have(and the reader already) trusted and then it just ends up making everything worse. That being said the main character is also really bad at keeping secrets and most of the time the main villain is able to figure everything out. This contradiction was interesting to see play out, but for someone that dislikes this trope I can see that this would be aggravating.

For the most part there were very few surprises in the narrative, everyone was either black or white morally with no grey characters. The bad guys are sometimes pitied more than hated through and there were times I thought that someone would flip, but nothing happened. The main love interest is also a pretty one-dimensional character and the romance that happens in this book is insta-love, but I hope that future books flesh-out his character and allow the the couple to really interact with each other.

The actually plot is what really made me like the story, it was really interesting as the main character tried to survive the court politics and for most of the time I was completely unaware where the story would go. It was far from predictable. It also fully set-up a sequel which am now highly anticipating. It was just given a title, Kingdom of Sea and Stone and it should be released sometime in 2020.

I had a really good time with is novel and it was a pretty easy read, so for what it is it did great. It was dark and so many interesting things happened that I really enjoyed being this world. Hopefully the sequel is able to fix some of the problems and it will be a perfect book. Leave a comment down below if you have any dark fantasy recs, I am always looking for more! Happy Reading!

4 stars

Honestly, I didn’t have the highest of hopes for this-maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

I love the sisterly relationship between Nor and Zadie. And I’m very happy Ms. Rutherford really took the page time to build their relationship. It helped me get really invested.

A world/culture living on water was really interesting. And it was a nice contrast to the Ilareans. Your physical environment does influence you and i liked what she did with that. There were difference in food, dress, health, etc.

There isn’t a magic-system-at least not yet. But there are almost supernatural elements. I am very eager to find out about more with that.

The romance. Honestly, it felt a little off to me. I think it would be better a little slower. Talin is a compelling character and a nice love interest. Actually, Talin’s conflicting feelings with his brother was so real. It added a great layer to the conflict. Speaking of his brother-Ceren was fascinating. He was super creepy and made my skin crawl. Then, he would have these moments of humanity-or what seemed like humanity. I’m pretty sure he’s a sociopath, but Ms. Rutherford wrote him so well.

I think this story would’ve been made better by additional POVs-at least one more (perhaps Zadie’s). It would help flush out the story and world. Plus, it would help raise the stakes. With only one POV I basically know Nor won’t die. But that’s just my opinion.

There was a thing at the end which I called-or at least half called. I am definitely excited to see where the story goes. I do really hope this is just a duology, because I’m not sure there’s enough there for more. Plus, the world could use more fantasy stand alones and duologies.

Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me an e-ARC of this title for the purpose of review. I adored this book and eagerly look forward to other works by this author or other installments in this series. I was up well into the night reading this long after my brain was saying "Kitty, go to sleep." There was always some new little detail I wanted to know about and follow through on and the writing was very immersive and of noteworthy quality among YA fantasy. Only the romance (which isn't a massive part of the story) didn't click with me.

The world building and court drama was detailed enough to give real texture and provide a context for the proceedings, but not info-dumpy. Another reason for my high rating is that I typically dislike dramas of the court and find them frequently tedious, yet the handling of it here had me hanging on every word.

The heroine, Nor, is a largely enjoyable character. She's strong, adventurous, and not afraid to go sneaking across dark corridors and down hidden pathways of a mysterious castle to figure out secrets.

I notice the story seems to have different phases. The first phase being about Nor, her family, and the island village of her people. Nor's bond with her twin sister is a stand-out aspect here. I felt a mounting excitement as Nor gets ever closer to being free to explore a new setting.

The second phase takes place in that new setting- a castle in the mountains, a kingdom full of treachery. There is an air of mystery to the proceedings here. New characters seem to be hiding information pertaining to her homeland, and Nor is trying to figure out what's really going on as quickly as possible but with subtlety.

What I consider the third phase is when everything is out in the open- the goals of enemies and allies alike, and things get more frenetic in pace (though the book was always quite fast-moving, I felt.) There are some decent action sequences and Nor is fairly and unexpectedly skilled at combat. The romance is also given some opportunity to blossom.

Unpopular opinion, but I found Nor's love interest, Talin, to be bland, no flavor. His moments with Nor and the dialogue therein were always very predictable and by-the-book. Their little romance held no interest for me.

Prince Ceren, awful creature that he is, was much more interesting and the mental sparring and struggles between he and Nor were entertaining and tense to read about. I wouldn't mind if he could have some continuing role in the series as there was some depth of intrigue there. An evil character for sure, but seeing a desperate villain, a villain who comes off as hapless and doomed? I love the uniqueness of that, so in my book he's interesting as far as villains go. Super unpopular opinion- I was actually shipping him with Nor for some time, though he ended up crossing too many lines and is unforgivably problematic. Super super unpopular opinion- I would totally be up for more confrontations between them, were the opportunity to somehow present itself.

The ending leaves a lot of room for future growth but it also provided clean enough closure. To my understanding, there will be a sequel that continues to follow the sisters. I'm interested in it, but would probably prefer a fresh cast building upon the groundwork of this setting. Overall, a very solid read and I was hooked from beginning to end.

Hello everyone!



Have you ever wanted to be the ruler of a kingdom?


Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford follows a young woman who is thrown headfirst to the imperial court to save her village.




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

~Crown of Coral and Pearl



In her debut work, Rutherford conveyed an intriguing plot that delved into the often dangerous balance between love of country and duty for country. Rutherford's vivid imagery transported readers directly to the Varenian's floated village on the sea where the great expanse of water is all encompassing and the sounds of the ocean crash through the pages. As a reader, I love when authors create an original landscape and this particular element completely immersed me in the protagonist's, Nor's, world.



“Nor and Zadie. Coral and Pearl.
Powerful and beautiful because of each other, not in spite of each other.”

~Crown of Coral and Pearl



The theme of duty for the greater good at the cost of the self prevailed throughout Crown of Coral and Pearl. Because of the decline in the village's harvesting of pearls that the Varenian's subsist on, Nor's twin sister, Zadie, is chosen to wed a prince and become the next queen. However, Zadie holds a love for a fellow villager that drives her to harm herself in order to create a large scar to dissuade the decision of the elders. Since Zadie's picture was sent off to the imperial court, Nor is sent in her sister's place.




"What lies beneath the surface of shallow waters? Nothing. It's only when you go deeper that the ocean comes alive. The deeper you go, the more mysteries and surprises await."

~Crown of Coral and Pearl


At New Castle, the author's outstanding world building capabilities continue to expand along with her established environment. It is a place of cold and cruel exchanges that comprise of the court's cat-and-mouse games. This was such a juxtaposition to the sun kissed pages from the beginning of Nor's tale that demonstrated Rutherford's creative flexibility. From the moment she steps forth on this unfamiliar land, Nor beings realizing that above her kingdom, she must save herself. The process of Nor's self discovery as she tries to save the people she holds dear will appeal to readers of the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard and Amber & Dusk by Lyra Selene.



”I’m the perfect seashell you pick up from the ocean floor, only to turn it over in your hand and see the crack.”

~Crown of Coral and Pearl



I thoroughly enjoyed traversing through Rutherford's imagination and I am greatly anticipating the continuation of this duology!

The book follows seventeen year old Nor as she faces a ceremony her mother has been preparing her and her twin sister, Zadie for their whole lives - to be the most beautiful in order to be chosen to marry the next prince of Ilara, Ceren. Unfortunately, it's a competition Nor is destined to lose due to one lone scar which pretty much has deemed her as the ruined twin. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nor has to Ilara go in her sister's place and promises to do something to help her family and community which are slowly starving due to lack of resources because of the current king. While staying at the castle, Nor finds out that nothing is as it seems and her soon to be husband is extremely dangerous. Nor has to figure out how to save her family while staying safe herself.

I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in three days and was even reading it at work while my boss wasn't looking. The book does a good job in helping the reader build a relationship with Nor as we follow all the events leading up to her leaving home. I got a good idea of her beliefs and relationship with her family and Varenia and how it motivated her choices as events unfold in Ilara. The world they live in was also well thought out, such as their different customs, cultures and gods. I also liked that though there's some romance in the book, the main character would still be well rounded without the plot falling apart without her love interest, Talin. However, I wish there was more to the other characters. There were characters that helped move the plot along but I wanted to know more about them and their background. I didn't really care much about the other characters as I did Nor. I would have also liked to see Prince Ceren become a more well rounded character. He does have redeeming qualities - he loves his country but he was just a typical villain, blinded by jealousy and greed. I think there was good opportunity to make the reader really like and understand him as much as hate him. I'm looking forward to a sequel to see how everything plays out!

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford is definitely a book I’m conflicted by. I certainly didn’t dislike reading it, but I didn’t fall in love with it, either. It’s got a great plot setup that mostly needs more character polish. I was in sync with the book’s pacing as I read, but after looking back at the full summary it boasts, I would not be surprised if other people have a dissimilar experience. The summary reveals a lot of the plot, and if you read it thoroughly beforehand, you may start to get impatient for new things to happen and actual surprises to be revealed. Speaking of, here’s a bit of that summary, so perhaps read with caution.

The daughters of Varenia, a small village constructed on the ocean, are prized for their beauty above all. The only thing that rivals their beauty is the value of the blood pearls, which the Varenians harvest and sell to the kingdom of Ilara in exchange for food, water, and other living necessities. However, the blood pearls are becoming scarce, the waters are over-fished, and it’s almost time for Ilara to choose a Varenian daughter to marry the Crown Prince. Because of the scar on her face, Nor knows that her twin sister Zadie will be chosen, but after harm befalls her, Nor is sent in her stead. Forced to live as her sister, Nor believes she will still find the freedom in Ilara that she never knew in Varenia along with a way to intercede for her home. Yet her betrothed, Prince Ceren, is as cold as his underground mountain palace, and Nor finds herself caught in a web of politics involving the royal family and her people—while harboring feelings for Ceren’s brother, Prince Talin, she should not have.

Good things first. I love the world-building surrounding Varenia and Ilara themselves. The ocean village in particular is so interesting and distinctive, I can practically feel the waves and taste the salt water as I read. The culture there is just as enjoyable, and I find myself fascinated by Nor and Zadie’s way of life. Ilara is a bit less interesting, but it stands out as such a sharp contrast from Nor’s home in comparison. The affect the palace life and living without sunlight has on occupants is particularly riveting, and I wish more had been explored there on a deeper level beyond Ceren.

As for the other kingdoms the book name-drops and the “woman king” I had to hear about over and over again, the world-building definitely needs work there. They are only words on a page at this point. I became steadily tired of the woman king never being referred to by name, and once I finally did hear her name, I was so unimpressed. It feels like it’s a secret held back for no other reason than to reveal the supposed final twist of the novel at the right time, rather than for narrative reasons that make sense. My poor reaction to it is also a result of how much I did not like how Rutherford wrapped up the book, but I’ll cover the ending more later. Spoiler-free, though, promise.

Truly, it is Nor and Zadie’s relationship as twin sisters that serves as the cornerstone of the book and is perhaps its greatest strength. I never once felt like theirs was a cliché twin relationship. While sharing many similarities in appearances, they are both still their own people; they help each other, compete with each other, laugh together, and argue over what they think is right. Zadie does appear at first to be the pure, selfless sister with seemingly no flaws that Nor struggles to live up to, but eventually, that facade gives way, and you can appreciate her as a real character.

Nor is who stands out between them, though. The story is told from her first-person perspective, but thanks to Rutherford’s writing style, her voice comes across as strong, clear, and mature. I understood Nor’s yearning for a different life at the same time I knew she would miss the familiar once her ideals for the world weren’t met. It’s a situation we all have faced at one time or another. I did roll my eyes a bit at her whole “if I don’t save someone, I as good as killed them” line, but that’s because I like my heroines to be more cutthroat. For some reason, Nor in Varenia is a much more interesting person than Nor in Ilara.

To help her people, Nor intends to spy on the king, potentially curry favor with him and her betrothed, and send news back home. Her motivations to spy are good ones, but her subsequent follow throughs are extremely weak and reveal how shallow the book is when it comes to court politics. She’s told point blank that everyone has spies everywhere, and then proceeds to trust people because they’re kind to her, confiding in them her real feelings. Somehow, no consequences befall her for this because she somehow manages to trust the right people, but it definitely killed whatever court intrigue and treachery this kingdom was supposed to have. She also tries to sneak around yet constantly notes how often guards see her, then acts surprised when people know what she is up to. I truly don’t know what she expected, honestly.

Then, there’s also her romance with Prince Talin. At first, I was deeply intrigued by what was going to happen between them based on how they first met. I’m so let down by it because it was a good first meeting, but nothing ever happens to deepen the relationship or make it interesting after that. All Talin is is the Prince Charming of the story, with all the handsome traits and kindness that Ceren supposedly lacks, and that’s all he has going for him. Somehow, despite having nothing else, he’s usually the one who convinces Nor to do stupid stuff, like dance with him with lovey-dovey eyes in front of Ceren and the entire court.

Yet again, despite the court politics, gossip, and emphasis on social standing this kingdom supposedly has, nothing terrible happens to Talin or Nor for their actions. Ceren just sends Talin away, tells Nor to stay away from him, and tries to make him seem far less trustworthy than he is. Hate to break it to you, Ceren, but compared to you, your brother is a cardboard box, and there’s nothing in there.

Other than Nor, Ceren is the character that is developed the most by far, yet I’m having trouble untangling how I feel about him. Typically, he would be a problematic fav for me, no question, but the narrative swings wildly between him being a fascinating, morally gray antagonist to a cartoon villain who’s evil because he can be (and because no one likes him, so he may as well be horrible, I guess). Still, for all that he’s explored, much of it feels surface-level because I don’t know what to do with the information about him I’ve been given, and neither does the narrative. Is he supposed to be sympathetic or utterly reviled? Why am I not invested in either option? (Hint: the ending.)

It’s strange, too, because there are glimpses we see of “redeemable” qualities in him, but then those glimpses are jerked back in such a drastic, over-the-top way. When it comes to redemption, I’m flexible. While I don’t believe anyone is irredeemable, I also don’t think it’s a requirement that villains need to be given a redemption arc. Instead, I’d rather have room to play. I love wondering, Oh, what’s going to happen with this person? Will they get better, or will they get worse? Have they been playing a long-game with everyone all along? However, the story couldn’t seem to decide what kind of villain it wanted Ceren to be, and that took away from the moments where he was compelling on the page.

And how has he not been killed by somebody yet if he constantly pulls a King Joffrey on his subjects yet unlike Joffrey he’s 1) knowingly frail and sickly, 2) has no true allies other than what he’s earned through fear, and 3) everyone likes Talin better and sees him as a better option for the throne? I just did not get how Ceren wielded the power and influence that he did. A charmer, he certainly was not.

There’s also that ending. Woof. It seriously lessened my enjoyment and almost devalued everything the entire book had been working to achieve. I can tell you right now that if Crown of Coral and Pearl had remained a standalone like it was supposed to be, and it still had this ending, I would be utterly unhappy with it. Since there will now be a sequel, I feel more comfortable giving it the benefit of the doubt with hopes that said sequel will deliver a much better payoff.

I enjoy this world, I enjoy Nor outside of Talin’s influence and whenever she can be herself, and I enjoy the feeling the story gave me for about the first two-thirds. There was something distinctly magical and fantasy about it. I’ll probably read the sequel when it comes, but I earnestly hope that it’s going somewhere worthwhile and that we’re not leaving behind the interesting parts of the story we could’ve just explored further here and called it a day.

Talk about a book hangover…this left me wanting more. I was not prepared for how much this would consume me. I loved the relationship beetween Zadie and Nor. I thought that this relationship was very well developed. The romantic relationship between Nor and Talin left me wanting more. Even though Ceren is the villain, he was my favorite character. I felt that the complexity of his situation had me feeling sorry for him. He truly wanted to just be loved and to be a better person. The plot has several twists and turns that keep you reading for more. I finished the book in two days and am hoping for a sequel.

I would highly recommend this for YA fantasy readers. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this books.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh did I enjoy this book. I started this book with absolutely no expectations. But I found Mara Rutherford’s dark and magical world of Illara so inviting that I now never want to leave. From page one, I was completely hooked. I adore Nor and Zadie, in ways it reminds me of the relationship I have with my own sister. I did find that Nor was a tad weepy. Someone get this girl a tissue! After I finished the book, I immediately googled Rutherford and I was so pleased to find out that this is going to be a series and I cannot wait to see where she goes with this story. It is definitely far from over.

The ending was incredibly enjoyable though unexpected. I would like to personally thank Mara Rutherford, NetGalley, and Harlequin Teen/Inkyard Press for the opportunity to review this title.

Unique world, and well crafted by the author. I really enjoyed the first part of the book, set in Varenia. It was very character driven, with the relationship between Nor and Zadie taking centre stage. The second half differed, as it became quite plot driven but that's not a bad thing. It was an entertaining read and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

For as long as she can remember, Nor and her sister Zadie were being primped to come of age and marry the crown prince. While Nor has a scar on her face from a childhood accident, she ends up being sent because Zadie becomes gravely injured and is unable to go. I really enjoyed this book.

I feel like the romance with Talin was way too easy. I greatly enjoyed Nor, though. She was super strong and resilient. Exactly what is needed of a heroine. Highly recommend and cant wait for the next one!

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy novel. Read it in one day! The world-building and characters were amazing and I will gladly read the next in the series.

I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. This book had me enthralled from the very beginning. The idea of a society forced to live out on the sea was very intriguing. I found myself loving the characters Nor and Zadie. The pearls and the blood coral were two very unique features of this book as well. There isn’t much to say about this book other than that it was incredibly interesting. I wished the characters and the setting had been more developed, but I love this book regardless. I cared about the story and its characters, and I felt Nor’s pain. There were many moments I wished could have happened in this book, but unfortunately it ended too quickly. This book had me hooked, and I couldn’t force myself to stop turning the page. I haven’t read a book like that in a while, so this was a refreshing read for me. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

I loved absolutely everything about this book! The character development was thorough and allowed for me to be invested in the characters. I loved the relationship between Zadie and Nor. I enjoyed the surprising turn of events towards the end of the book and would love to read more about these characters. All in all a fabulous book.

Initial Reaction: I liked/loved this book

I give this book a 3.5 as I really love the world and sister love, but I wish the protagonist, Nor was given more opportunities to show how powerful she was.

I found that Nor cried in the warm arms of someone too often. Then there were her failed attempts at being a spy, so what exactly did she do other than provide information to the villain.

Im glad that our hero is kind and just, which she demonstrates profusely as she stands up for others. Still I couldn't help feeling there were pieces missing. A lot of those said pieces were filled in when Nor was told them rather than discovering them. This bugged it made the story feel underdeveloped I'm my opinion; why couldn't Nor have figured it out on her own.

But I really loved Varenia. I found the whole idea of a society based in the ocean magical and their traditions/ songs lovely; aside from the fact that they make beauty the most important attribute amongst their women! Seriously I couldn't believe the lengths Nor and her sister had to go through to stay "beautiful". Plus they defined beauty by one definition,it was annoying, but it was necessary for the plot.

Nonetheless I look forward to the sequel as I hope Nor has grown stronger and more aware.

A Crown of Coral & Pearl by Mara Rutherford is a darkly magical tale about the bonds of sisterhood, and the depths one can fall into obsession. In Varenia, girl children are raised to be beautiful. It becomes their sole focus (and soul focus too). Once a generation, one Varenian woman is chosen to be the bride of the Ilarean prince, a tradition heralding back centuries, when a princess named Ilara was drowned with her forbidden lover. The Varenians have made their home over the fabled location of the wreckage, living in stilted houses and traveling by boat. It's time again for the Choosing, and twins Nor and Zadie are taking part, having been primed for this day their whole lives.

Zadie is the favoured to be chosen, and when the day comes, she is indeed picked. But this is not the life she wants. In a bid to stay with the one she truly loves, Zadie takes drastic measures that leave her scarred and nearly kill her. Nor is sent in her place, being her identical twin and all, with an ointment to hide the tiny scar on her face. This is a good thing The Ilarean court, and the cold and cruel Prince Ceren would have crushed Zadie's gentle spirit. Nor, on the other hand, quickly realises things are not at all what they seem here in Ilara, and begins to take steps to help her people.

This was a wonderful read! I really enjoyed the depth to Varenia, and even to Ilara. Both cultures were equally fascinating to my anthropologist's soul. I resonated with all of the main characters. Yes, even Ceren. He may be cruel and cold, but you learn exactly why, and it's heartbreaking. All that lost potential turned to obsession. Zadie and Nor are raised to attain a prize neither really want. It's their mother's obsession, after she was denied the crown in her generation's Choosing. In her mind, Nor's tiny scar, the lasting reminder of her love for Zadie, makes Nor the imperfect, lesser daughter. My heart bled for her when this was fully confirmed after Zadie's 'accident'. It's made her as strong and adaptable as the fathomless ocean itself.

Zadie, too, has her own kind of strength. It took courage to do what she did, to take a stand for what she wanted. Talin was my favourite character though, by far! He's witty, and kind, and I love that he sees Nor for who she is, and isn't bothered by the tiny scar that so defined her Varenian life. Nor and Zadie's mother took me longer to accept. She proved her true priorities after Zadie's accident. The Varenian culture shaped her as much as it shaped her daughters, and she's chosen to hold fast to bitterness. That she believed Nor hurt Zadie in order to go to Ilara flabbergasted me. It's harsh to learn your parent only ever saw you as a means to an end.

Overall, a highly recommended read!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Harlequin TEEN/ Inkyard Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for FFBC Blog Tours

Crown of Coral and Pearl was a quieter book than I was expecting. But I liked it because of that.

Nor was such a realistic heroine, I was able to empathize with a lot of her choices and decisions. She was also brave, I liked how she always got back up and was faithful to her own moral code. Plus there was a great examination of beauty. And I loved the author’s writing, there were some sentences that were just wonderfully phrased.

The plot was very character based but I loved getting to know the entire cast of characters. My favorites were Nor and her sister Zadie. I was definitely rooting for the main romantic relationship as well, even if it was a tad instant-love. Plus Rutherford does a great job of looking at how the villain became a villain!

I’m definitely going to be picking up the sequel when it comes out. If you’re looking for a character-based YA fantasy, check this one out!

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.