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!

📚I AM IN LOVE! This book is amazing. The wonderful bond that Nor and Zadie have melts my heart! And Talon! That man makes me drool.🤤 I found myself constantly looking forward to when the next scene with him would be, not gonna give any spoilers but y’all will love him! Not only did Nor sacrifice EVERYTHING for her twin sister, but she also continued to make sacrifice after sacrifice for her people and her island. I can 100% relate to Nor about wanting to get out of her small island village and see the world (I’m from a small town), but she also tries to do anything within her power to protect the people that were not nice to her and that is an admirable quality that further made me love her. 📚

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.

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

This book was an entire experience that I wasn't expecting. I was intrigued the first time that I saw the cover and I was antsy to get my hands on it the minute I read the blurb. But still, I was shocked by the time I finished reading.

This book has so much depth, so many layers, every twist and turn leaves you breathless with anticipation about what is going to happen next.

The world building in this book was fantastic. I was able to completely visualize everything regarding the different lands.

What's more, the character building was phenomenal. The sympathy and pain that I felt for the "bad guy", the strength I felt for Nor and her sister, the struggles of the people in Varenia - it was all so perfectly woven.

"Sorrow is good for the soul, Father had said after the incident, when I had recovered from the pain and sickness but had still not grown used to the feel of the torn flesh on my otherwise flawless skin. "Those who have never known pain or adversity are as shallow as the waves lapping on the shore."

"And what is wrong with being shallow?" I'd asked him.

"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."

Overall, I loved this book. The only complaint I had was the ending - while it wasn't what I would consider a cliff-hanger - it did leave so many things open. I'm really, really hoping this book gets a sequel in the near future. I would love to continue this journey with these characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.

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.

Surprising, mystical, evocative, unique.

Crown of Coral and Pearl is a novel about royalty within a unique fantasy world. The world building is memorable along with the characters. The plot pertains to two sisters different but yet the same, beauty is a big aspect to this royal family that's destined for arranged marriages.

The character's are well developed but at times the story becomes dull with predictable elements. Later in the story and the end it changes into a whirlwind of surprising turns with a shocking ending.

This was a fun read, I enjoyed the unique fantasy world strongly developed within common royalty themes.

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.

I devoured this story in just a few days! An island where girls are raised to be as beautiful as possible in order to be chosen as a bride for the king and get to travel inland for the first, and last, time of their lives. The story is about twin sisters each harboring their own dreams and ambitions, but stuck in a world where others make their life decisions for them which will inevitably separate them for life.

I was so pleased with the atmospheric descriptions of the setting & it was easy to feel immersed within the story. The character development was really strong, and I personally fell in love with the villain of the story the most — I’m eagerly awaiting the second book to see where that plot line goes! I feel like there’s more to his arc than meets the eye!

YA fantasy lovers, definitely add this to your TBR and keep an eye on this debut author for more epic reads!

I was pleasantly surprised as to how good this book was. The world building wasn’t too complex, but it was still interesting. I loved the sibling relationships throughout this book as well.

I thought that some aspects of the romance were a little troubling and the ending was rushed. But I’m super excited to continue this series.

This was the perfect blend of fantasy that I needed at the moment. The story follows two sisters as their journeys take them on challenging paths and it's quite an exciting adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their bond develop as well as how each character grew into her own person as well.

This book was fantastic. It had everything you could possibly want from a fantasy story including adventure, high stakes, romance, intrigue and a creepy villain that you can’t quite figure out. The idea of a village that is built in the ocean was so interesting to me. I loved the way it was described and found myself wishing I could visit Varenia. Nor was a fantastic main character, never appearing weak or helpless and never wavering from her love for her home and people. I liked her immediately and that only grew as I read on. I also found the myths and legends of the people in the book to be interesting. Basically I loved this book and think that you should read it too!