Rebecca Joseph (Children's Literature)
With the brutal war she helped to win over and the horrible king dead, Meliara returns to her family's country castle to resume the simple life she prefers. Her peaceful time lasts only a short while--until she is invited to the royal court to celebrate the upcoming marriage of her brother. At court she is swept into various intrigues involving a revolt led by the dead king's sister and communications with a secret admirer. Not sure who her real allies are, Meliara once again comes to the defense of her country. This well-written fantasy is an enjoyable read, especially the descriptions of Meliara's difficulties adapting to life at court and the mystery surrounding her secret admirer. 1998, Harcourt Brace, $18.00. Ages 12 up.

Janice M. Del Negro (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1998 (Vol. 51, No. 9))
Crown Duel (BCCB 7/97) introduced readers to the teenaged Countess Meliara and her homeland, Remalna. The action of this sequel moves away from civil war skirmishes and harrowing escapes to the more finely tuned intricacies of a royal court fraught with sophisticated and deadly intrigues. Meliara is happily restoring her family estate with no thought of participating in the political melodrama until her brother decides to marry and Meliara's presence at court is unavoidable. Once there, she manages to maneuver amongst the hidden agendas of courtiers and fine ladies by keeping a firm grip on her common sense and being careful from whom she takes advice. Narrator Meliara writes her own history with bemused hindsight, and her point of view has matured from that of the rather harum-scarum heroine of Crown Duel. Smith's prose is smoother in this sequel, characterization is more satisfying, and the pace is more controlled and less pell-mell than in the first book. Lest action fans despair, be assured this is not all mannered conversation: a secret admirer, an attempt to seize the crown, a few horse races, and a rousing finish will keep readers happily engrossed. R--Recommended. (c) Copyright 1998, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 1998, Harcourt, 245p, $18.00. Grades 7-12.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 1998)
In this stand-alone sequel to 'Crown Duel', Meliara accompanies her brother to court with the secret intention of insuring that the most worthy person becomes the ruler now that the civil war has ended. The bold, impetuous young woman who led the revolt against the king must now learn the intricacies of court manners and customs, including courtship. Told from Mel's point of view, the sophisticated fantasy is a delightful read. (Crown and Court Duet series). Category: Fiction. 1998, Harcourt, 245pp. Ages 12 to 18. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Bette Ammon (VOYA, August 1998 (Vol. 21, No. 3))
The recalcitrant Meliara is at it again in this sequel to Smith's Crown Duel (Harcourt Brace, 1997/VOYA June 1997), Book I of the Crown & Court Duet series. With her rural kingdom on the mend and her brother soon to be married, the outspoken Countess Mel is coaxed to court by Nee, her future sister-in-law. Mel promises to learn courtly ways but it becomes clear early on that she is too honest to suppress her true thoughts and feelings. It is through an exchange of letters with an anonymous suitor that Mel discovers much about this courtly world--the treachery, nobility, and romance. Those who were absorbed with Mel's misadventures in Crown Duel may be less than thrilled with this sequel. What little action there is occurs briefly at the end, and in the meantime readers must endure Mel's time at court where she, of course, causes continual commotion with her bluntness. Will the real villain--the one who would have the throne at any cost--ever reveal himself? Will Mel never figure out the identity of her secret correspondent and find her own true love? These criticisms aside, Mel still radiates as a courageous, forthright, and intelligent young woman, one we will be eager to meet again. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 1998, Harcourt Brace, 256p., $17.00. Ages 11 to 15.