kwugirl's review
3.0
A fun couple short stories if you want stay within the Mel/Vidanric world. I would totally read the continuation of these as full on novels.
emmashutup's review
3.0
Ok so I only read this because my local library had the ebook and I needed the little nostalgia boost. Sherwood Smith's books meant a lot to me when I was a middle schooler-ish. This is two short stories set in the world of Crown Duel published together, one about Mel and Vidanric's daughter and one about their son. In the first story, "Beauty," Mel's daughter is tired of being plain and useless, but her talents may come in handy when a situation arises regarding a tree in the throne room. The second, "Court Ship," is somewhat sillier; Mel's son decides to make an impromptu visit to a princess he may or may not marry. This story feels like Smith was writing off the cuff a lot more; it's a lighthearted series of events that are breezed by so quickly they hardly leave an impression.
Smith's writing is as good as ever, though! She's great at creating a lush fantasy atmosphere, with a folksy sensibility that makes the characters feel relatable. If you're a die-hard Smith fan, these two stories are a fun return to those characters.
Smith's writing is as good as ever, though! She's great at creating a lush fantasy atmosphere, with a folksy sensibility that makes the characters feel relatable. If you're a die-hard Smith fan, these two stories are a fun return to those characters.
emterf's review
3.0
I found the two stories in this anthology frustrating. Not because they were bad, but because they were intriguing enough that I want to find out what happened after the end of the story. They were like tastes of a larger story, and I want to read the larger story.
nevergreen's review
5.0
I love this world so much. These were obviously not at the level if her other works, being short stories but I loved them all the same. Even when the premise of them had holes.
shilo1364's review
3.0
I wish the stories had been longer. They really left me wanting more - I felt like when I really became invested in the characters and their stories, they ended way too abruptly. :-( I want another novel continuing each story. ;-)
stefaniajoy's review against another edition
5.0
My only complaint is that it was too short! I wanted to know more!
I recommend reading this after Crown Duel.
I recommend reading this after Crown Duel.
sophiahumber's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
naye's review
4.0
Two sweet little short stories, giving a glimpse into what lies in store for Meliara ([b:Crown Duel|21060|Crown Duel (Crown & Court #1-2)|Sherwood Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1360507771s/21060.jpg|4398231]) and Vidanric's ([b:A Stranger to Command|21643325|A Stranger to Command|Sherwood Smith|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402277307s/21643325.jpg|3921267]) children. Despite the briefness of those glimpses, it's still clear that the kids are turning out alright, taking after their parents in the best ways. The short stories both feel like they could be the seeds for full novels, and definitely left me wanting more in the best way.
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