Scan barcode
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun fantasy world!
Crown of Coral and Pearl focuses on the small village of Varenia, which is a sea bound village. The townsfolk all live in the water, picture like a bunch of house boats tied together to make like house boat island? At least that's what I pictured. In Varenia, they're not allowed to live on land, but in return, one of the village girls is chosen to be the future Queen of the Ilaran Empire. Twins Nor and Zadie are known to be the most beautiful of the village, and everyone knows Zadie will be chosen since Nor has a permanent facial scar from childhood.
But after a grave accident injuries Zadie, Nor volunteers to go in her place. She's always wanted to see the world, but when Nor finally arrives in Ilara, it's nothing like what she expected. Nor faces dangers beyond what she can imagine, and it's up to her to figure out what is happening before innocent Varenian lives are threatened.
The misogyny and beauty ideals of Varenia tempted to drive me mad. The focus on physical beauty among anything else is toxic and I hope we see Varenia move away from that in the sequel(s). I really loved that Nor was very over it and knew she and Zadie were very much capable of more than being a pretty face. I liked that Nor was curious and eager for adventure. This book is definitely much more political intrigue than anything else, but I really enjoyed exploring this world and seeing Nor grow. I'm very curious to see what will happen next.
Rep: Cast of characters from the city of Varenia are BIPOC. Specific race/ethinicity besides Varenian not indicated.
CWs: Confinement in a carriage/in a cave/in a cell, animal cruelty/death, blood/blood draws from MC, body shaming, misogyny, murder, violence, ableism, emotional abuse (parent/child; betrothed/MC), physical abuse (betrothed/MC), xenophobia, vomit.
Crown of Coral and Pearl focuses on the small village of Varenia, which is a sea bound village. The townsfolk all live in the water, picture like a bunch of house boats tied together to make like house boat island? At least that's what I pictured. In Varenia, they're not allowed to live on land, but in return, one of the village girls is chosen to be the future Queen of the Ilaran Empire. Twins Nor and Zadie are known to be the most beautiful of the village, and everyone knows Zadie will be chosen since Nor has a permanent facial scar from childhood.
But after a grave accident injuries Zadie, Nor volunteers to go in her place. She's always wanted to see the world, but when Nor finally arrives in Ilara, it's nothing like what she expected. Nor faces dangers beyond what she can imagine, and it's up to her to figure out what is happening before innocent Varenian lives are threatened.
The misogyny and beauty ideals of Varenia tempted to drive me mad. The focus on physical beauty among anything else is toxic and I hope we see Varenia move away from that in the sequel(s). I really loved that Nor was very over it and knew she and Zadie were very much capable of more than being a pretty face. I liked that Nor was curious and eager for adventure. This book is definitely much more political intrigue than anything else, but I really enjoyed exploring this world and seeing Nor grow. I'm very curious to see what will happen next.
Rep: Cast of characters from the city of Varenia are BIPOC. Specific race/ethinicity besides Varenian not indicated.
CWs: Confinement in a carriage/in a cave/in a cell, animal cruelty/death, blood/blood draws from MC, body shaming, misogyny, murder, violence, ableism, emotional abuse (parent/child; betrothed/MC), physical abuse (betrothed/MC), xenophobia, vomit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body shaming, Confinement, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Vomit, and Xenophobia
More...