So, this book would be a lot better if there's some research behind it. It's clear that the author didn't know a thing about fishing, oysters and living by the water. Missed so much good chances to do a turn over too, that makes me sad. But the book is beautiful, the poetry oh my god ( )

Crown of Coral and Pearl is a 2021 Lone Star novel. It's the first in a series.

Zadie and Nor, identical twins, feel destined to marry royalty. The people of Varenia have sent one daughter to marry the prince of Ilara for centuries. The girl is never seen again, but it must be wonderful to live on land, have food, be treated like royalty, and see more of the world! In Varenia, the people live difficult lives. They have no land--they live on stilted houses above the ocean. They had no fresh water and must sell the pearls they dive for and the fish they catch to buy water and food. There are now fewer pearls and the water has been overfished. They are hungry and the people of Ilara pay less than market value for the pearls. The people of Varenia are going hungry. This agreement between Ilara, their mother country, and Varenia, should provide more stability by having someone advocate for them. The committee selects the most beautiful girl in Varenia for the marriage. The people expect their girls to do everything to remain beautiful--be careful of the sun, which is difficult when you live on the water, and stay completely unblemished.

No one is more beautiful than Zadie and Nor except Nor has a small scar from an accident that distinguishes them. Her mother blames her for failing to keep herself unharmed, but Nor is strong and capable and probably keeps the family from starving. She can hold her breath for a really long time while diving for pearls and can handle herself if a crisis arises. Nor possesses capabilities beyond most. She's strong and capable and heals really fast. Everyone knows Zadie will be selected, but Zadie loves their best friend. When Zadie experiences a life-threatening event, Nor is sent in Zadie's place as Zadie.

Nor desires the world. She wants to see what's out there but would never take anything from Zadie. She agrees to go in Zadie's place. There are many surprises --from the truth about the women who marry into the royal family-- to what is happening with the pearls-- to what's going on politically between Ilara and her neighboring countries, as well as the royal family itself.

I'll be honest. The book was fairly interesting, but the end was super rushed. The book went into warp speed and it was over. I looked up to see if this was a series because I couldn't tell. The book could have ended. It also could have a sequel to deal with the loose ends. I never felt the romance was true; in fact, I don't trust anyone. Am I taking all that's said by the characters and believing it? I feel there must be more--more depth, more cleverness, more something. It's a nice distraction for an afternoon. ( )

Identical twin sisters Zadie and Nor live in the ocean village of Varenia. The Royal family of Ilara marries only the beautiful women of Varenia. The twins are known to be the most beautiful. After one sister Nor has an accident as a child that puts Zadie in the lead to marry. As she grows Zadie finds love in her own village but is still promised to at prince of Ilara. She will do anything to stay with her love even if it destroys her beauty and the protection of her village by not marrying a prince. Only her sister, Nor, can help keep the peace but only in secret.

I found the background story of the characters interesting. The ocean village being part of the kingdom of a royal family wanting only beautiful women to marry. The story does get a little deeper than the surface. I loved Nor who is so strong and daring.

I actually read this a year ago and some of it is still with me and some is not. I feel I need a refresher on what happened in the end. And even though I do not remember the end I remember the good feelings I got from reading it. You know that comforting feeling you get when reading about characters you like.

I am eagerly awaiting the second book. I think that anyone who reads Young Adult fantasy romance books will love this book. ( )

Actual Rating: 3.75

Womp womp. I was really excited about this book (mainly because that cover tho) and it did not meet my expectations. The plot wasn’t really anything new in terms of YA. I spent a big chunk of this book going “Oh this is like Reign the Earth/Grace and Fury/Red Queen” (YA loves its brothers, doesn’t it?). I did enjoy aspects of the world building (specifically the relationship between the pearls and the blood coral. And the environmental requirements for the blood coral to grow.)

I’m looking forward to the sequel, at least. ( )

*I WAS PROVIDED A PHYSICAL ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER IN RETURN FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION*

If you're looking for a stunning, debut novel from a brilliant new author, you've found the right book.

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford had a rocky beginning. It was fairly slow to start, but once it got going, it didn't stop. We're thrust into meeting our MC Nor, who's given up everything in life for her sister. In their small, water-bound village, beauty is everything. Even the smallest blemish could cause you to lose everything. And that is exactly the fate Nor is subjected to.

However, when her sister is injured beyond forgiveness and Nor is put to blame, Nor is forced to travel and act in her place to marry the rumored-to-be cruel prince Talin. It is then that we are subjected to the cruelty the kingdom is facing due to its prince taking position of power while his father, the king, is out of commission.

However, when Nor recognizes a man she'd thought to be a visitor to their village, and who actually is her betrothed's younger half-brother, prince Talin, she is faced with a complicated decision: put up with Ceren and be faced with fear for the rest of her life, or fall in love with Talin and help save their kingdom's future.

Other than that rocky beginning, the rest of the novel was fantastic. For that, I rate it 4.75 stars. I look forward to reading more from Rutherford, and I do suggest you pick this novel up when it releases. ( )