Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A deathbed promise to their father sends a daring girl and her brother off to war. Filled with intrigue, romance, and magic, this spellbinding novel is a dramatic coming-of-age story about a girl who rises from impoverished beginnings to take command of her own fate. “Smith tells a fast-moving tale of adventure, intrigue, and honor, with Mel a likable heroine and a lively narrator.”—Booklist

Jillian’s Review:

A well written, interesting read. The main character has plenty of room for growth but she wasn’t annoying before her growth. I love that the main girl (can’t remember her name) realizes that she’s so ignorant and wants to do something about it.

There’s some action, but not so detailed that I wanted to skip through it to get to the good stuff. Most of the characters we realistic, yet several of the minor characters probably could have been cut because we never really get to know them well enough.

 I hope to see a romance bloom where it was just barely hinted at in this first book, but I can’t find the second on, Court Duel anywhere! Anyone have a copy I can borrow?

This is a good book for older Middle Grade or the younger Young Adult reader.

Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

As a child, Coriel Halsing spent many glorious summers at Castle Auburn with her half-sister-and fell in love with a handsome prince who could never be hers. But now that she is a young woman, she begins to see the dark side of this magical place...

Jillian’s Review:

This was a fun, wonderfully descriptive read. Cori, the main character, has a great personally with plenty of room to grow, and she does just that through the novel. I loved that she was blind to the vises of the boy she crushes on, just like we usually are at fourteen (or any age for that matter!), and then as she grows older her eyes are opened more and more.

There were many great, realistic side-characters who easily feel like friends—or villains, depending on who we’re talking about. Even the “villains” weren’t all bad, which made them all the more realistic.

I couldn’t decide who I liked best between the two boys that were obviously the ones Cori would choose between and I felt the way it all ended up was a bit rushed. Too many pages were used up on unimportant content that could have been cut, leaving room for a less hurried, more realistic ending. But at least this one had an ending and a happy one at that.

A fun, clean read for girls 10 and up (though there are a few cuss words that felt completely out of place from the rest of the novel).

Tuesdays at the Castle, book 1 by Jessica Day George

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.

Jillian’s Review:

As with all of George's books (Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow; Dragon Slippers series; etc.), this was wonderfully written, cute, fun, and just a great read.

The characters were loveable and realistic right from the beginning. I love it when the kids are smart and strong, and Princess Celie and her siblings are in every way.

The plot was great, told in a fun way that younger readers will love. And the Castle! It’s wonderful how George gave a building a personality and a role to play. I loved the relationship between Celie and the Castle and how it helps Celie get through the toughest challenges.

This book is perfect for young girls (and us girls young at heart). I have high hopes for the next in the series which Jessica Day George told me herself will be forthcoming.