Crown of Coral and Pearl

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By Mara Rutherford

Publisher Description

“A fabulous interweaving of fantasy, politics, and sisterhood—this unusual, tense tale will have you on the edge of your seat!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce

Red Queen meets House of Salt and Sorrow in Mara Rutherford's debut YA fantasy Crown of Coral and Pearl, which follows a young woman from a village on the sea who must impersonate her twin on land to save everyone she loves from a tyrannical prince.

For generations, the crown princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. Nor once dreamed of seeing the mysterious mountain kingdom for herself, but after a childhood accident left her with a scar, she knew her twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the crown prince.

Then Zadie is injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. She soon discovers her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, Prince Talin, Nor learns of a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen…and a plot to destroy her village.

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 cost her everything she loves.

Books in the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology:
Crown of Coral and Pearl
Kingdom of Sea and Stone

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1349 Reviews

3.5

Elephantea Reads Fiction 📚

Created 1 day ago

“A Picture-Perfect World full of imagination, Mara Rutherford’s 2019 novel Crown of Coral and Pearl is a visually rich and immersive YA fantasy and the first instalment in a beautifully crafted duology. Drawing readers into the whimsical, yet contrasting settings of oceanic Varenia and unilluminated Ilara. Rutherford's world-building is undeniably this novel’s strongest asset. Varenia’s deep-seated traditions, pearl-diving culture, and rigid beauty standards creating an environment that feels distinct and alive. While by contrast, Ilara is a land of shadows, its imposing castle, carved into a mountain, serving as a stark reflection of the kingdom’s political instability and the suffocating expectations placed upon its ruling families. At the heart of this fantastical story is Nor, a protagonist defined by her fierce and unwavering independence, resilience, and deep familial loyalty. Her relationship with her twin sister, Zadie, the novel’s primary cornerstone. Their bond, strengthened by years of shared dreams yet fractured by circumstances beyond their control, adds genuine emotional weight to the narrative. However, while their connection is compelling, certain aspects of their relationship could have been explored further to intensify the stakes and enhance Nor’s journey. Continuing with the crucial shaping of Nor’s path, the royal family of Ilara is a vital dynamic within this story, and is also where “Crown of Coral and Pearl” presents an intriguing but somewhat uneven character development. The character Prince Ceren, with his calculating nature and icy demeanour, emerges as a memorable and standout figure. His motivations, cruelty, and complicated position within the royal hierarchy make him an engaging antagonist whose presence commands attention. On the other hand, Prince Talin, who by all means is meant to be the charming and noble counterpart, feels comparatively underdeveloped. And while his romance with Nor is undeniably sweet, it lacks the depth needed to make their connection truly resonate. His characterisation would have benefited from greater emotional complexity, especially in comparison to Ceren, whose multi-layered personality gives readers far more insight into his psyche. Thematically, Rutherford’s narrative delves into the powers of beauty, sacrifice, and political intrigue, all of which add depth and complication. The exploration of Varenia’s fixation on physical perfection is particularly impactful, as it shapes Nor’s self-perception and highlights the societal pressures placed upon young women in a way that feels relevant beyond the fantasy realm. The unfolding mystery surrounding Ilara’s failing royal bloodline and the lingering secrets of the murdered queen provide an undercurrent of suspense that keeps the stakes high. That being said, while these themes are engaging, the overall pacing of this novel at times undermines its full impact. Certain plot developments unfold sporadically, and pivotal moments, particularly in the latter half, lack the weight they deserve. Given more time spent fleshing out relationships, conflicts, and resolutions, I believe that this story could have achieved a much more satisfying payoff. Overall, “Crown of Coral and Pearl” is a beautifully crafted fantasy with a strong protagonist and an intriguing premise. Which despite some rushed storytelling and uneven character development, creates a lush world full of compelling themes. Which ultimately makes for a worthwhile read.”

Believable Inconsistent Morally ambiguous Strong relationships Disjointed Loose ends Predictable but satisfying Uneven pacing Beautiful Immersive world-building Setting fits the story Abuse Death Domestic violence Grief Murder Self-harm

qazal

Created 8 days ago

rachelr0387

Created 11 days ago

Jadyn Agner

Created 16 days ago

About Mara Rutherford

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her Marine-turned-diplomat husband. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a master''s degree in cultural studies from the University of London. When she''s not writing or chasing after her two sons, she can usually be found pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, whether at a traditional Russian banya or an Incan archaeological site.