Tag: Mara Rutherford
[September 28, 2020 – October 13, 2020]
Thanks again to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review! Kingdom of Sea and Stone is on sale NOW!
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Crown of Coral and Pearl #1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Recommend to Others?: Yes
ABOUT: Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister’s place, she’s wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.
As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor’s twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they’ll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them…
My Review: Kingdom of Sea and Stone is a wonderful duology and well-written retelling of “The Little Mermaid” and “Mulan.” If you loved either of those stories, then you are going to love this one as well. Book 2 was an enjoyable read but could have used more action considering war is on the horizon.
Nor never ceases to amaze me. Her character development made this novel shine. She wants something more in life though doesn’t know what because she still feels beholden to the community that shunned her. Nor is a fighter despite the uncertainty for herself, her people, and her relationship with Talin plague that her every move. I was surprised by how her particular story ended but I think it ended in the best of ways. She truly is a “wandering crab.”
The idea of blood coral and blood bonds and their uses were interesting. It brought a lot of tension and a sense of impending doom to spice up the story. Yet considering how cruel Ceren can be and how much of a threat he’d be to many as king, I expected more….something in response. The mood would stagnate here and there, leaving the reader hanging. Ceren is such an excellent antagonist with a great backstory. A worthy evil to fight against the good (Nor and friends).
I liked all the new characters that were introduced. Roan is snarky, confident, and laid back. I’m still unsure if his character was meant to be another love interest or just there to disrupt/challenge Nor and Talin’s relationship. Adriel I liked because she gave Nor a particular support (an outsider looking in) only she could provide. I also loved the Galethian horses. They’re highly trained horses and companions.
The ending of Kingdom of Sea and Stone was good. For the most part, things tied up nicely but I wanted to see some kind of justice/reconciliation of some sort from the Varenians for the poor treatment of Nor, her family, and Sami.
I’m sad this story is over. I would have loved to see where life takes Nor. But for now it’s a bittersweet goodbye to a wonderful heroine and series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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. Mara is a former Pitch Wars mentee and three-time mentor.
Social Links >>> Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
READ MY REVIEW OF
CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL
READ AN EXCERPT OF
KINGDOM OF SEA AND STONE HERE
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Check out the links below!
*all buy links are non-affiliated links*
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-sea-and-stone-mara-rutherford/1134580655
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335146519
Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Kingdom-Sea-Stone/Mara-Rutherford/9781335146519?id=7941582454467
AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/kingdom-of-sea-and-stone/id1485871288
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mara_Rutherford_Kingdom_of_Sea_and_Stone?id=WEi7DwAAQBAJ
Thanks again to Inkyard Press (Harlequin Teen) and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review.
CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL
by MARA RUTHERFORD
(my review)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Crown of Coral and Pearl, book 1
Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommend to Others?: Yes
Summary (via NetGalley):
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.
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And, As Always, Happy Reading!!!
Thank you Inkyard Press (Harlequin Teen) and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. “Crown of Coral and Pearl” by Mara Rutherford is set to be released August 27, 2019.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Crown of Coral and Pearl, book 1
Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommend to Others?: Yes
Summary (via NetGalley):
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
My 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 absolutely 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.
Categories
TBR At A Glance – 8/5/19
Currently Reading
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(ARC) The Cruel Stars by John Birmingham
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(ARC) Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
Reading Next
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Being Alpha by Aileen Erin (Alpha Girl, book 7)
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Hot Blooded by Donna Grant (A Dark Kings Novel, book 4)
To Be Read
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Angelbound by Christina Bauer (Angelbound Origins, book 1)
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Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames (The Band, book 1)
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Everless by Sara Holland (Everless, book 1)
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Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody (The Shadow Game, book 1)
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Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau-Petro (Crown of Feathers, book 1)
Recent Reviews
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(ARC) Dark Alpha’s Redemption by Donna Grant (A Reaper Novel, book 8)
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A Pack Vows and Tears by Olivia Wildenstein (The Boulder Wolves, book 2)
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(ARC) A Pack of Love and Hate by Olivia Wildenstein (The Boulder Wolves, book 3)
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Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin (Alpha Girl, book 5)
Reviews Coming Soon
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AUG 12 – (ARC) The Cruel Stars by John Birmingham
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AUG 19 – (ARC) Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
The Bookshelf Corner 