Crown of Coral and Pearl - by Mara Rutherford

About the Book

Chosen as the bride for the Crown Prince of Ilara, the kingdom that rules her impoverished village, 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.

Book Synopsis

"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

Review Quotes

"Debut author Rutherford's saga begins with the promise of originality, with intriguing kingdoms and worthy heroines... A fun and adventurous bit of fantasy romance." -Kirkus Reviews

"A celebration of sisterhood, political intrigue, and an intense villain make this book a delicious read. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an exciting new YA fantasy." -YA Books Central

"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

"Crown of Coral and Pearl is one of those fiercely beautiful reads that leaves you recalling it long after you close the book with a satisfied sigh. A beautiful, compelling tale of sisters, courage, and love. This beautifully authentic portrayal of twin sisterhood is interwoven with fantastical settings, a layered villain, and a delicious romance. A shining gem of a book." -New York Times bestselling author Elly Blake

"I was swept up into the tide of Crown of Coral and Pearl from the very first page. This fantasy tale of sea-dwelling Nor's arranged marriage to a cruel, mountain-dwelling prince is brimming with palace intrigue, forbidden romance, fantastical creatures, and the power of sisterly love." -Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch Chronicles

"Mara Rutherford's Crown of Coral and Pearl is a thrilling debut: a richly romantic story of danger, true love, and a young woman standing up to the darkness at her country's core. But the real heart of the story is two sisters and a love powerful enough to change the world. I didn't want it to end." -Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion

"A tale of intrigue, love, and sisterhood as dazzling as a sunny day at sea, you're sure to be swept away by Crown of Coral and Pearl." -Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

"Lyrical and magical, Crown of Coral and Pearl is pure enchantment with a heart as deep as the sea." -Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand