Kingdom of Sea and Stone (Crown of Coral and Pearl, #2)

by Mara Rutherford

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Kingdom of Sea and Stone in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Kingdom of Sea and Stone is the second (and last) novel in Mara Rutherford's Crown of Coral and Pearl Duology. I remember when the first book hit the shelves – people went crazy for it. Now, it's time to see how Nor's story comes to an end.

Not too long ago, Nor found herself trading roles with her twin sister, taking her place as betrothed. What followed was more dangerous than Nor could have ever prepared for. It changed her life forever, as well as the lives of everyone else around her.

She thought that she had won, that the story was over. She was wrong, on both counts. Nor must once again step up to protect those she loves, all while trying to help hold the kingdom together. Even despite all the pain the kingdom and the people within have caused.

“I knew it would only weigh him down, and we were all struggling to stay afloat these days.”

Whew. I thought Crown of Coral and Pearl was a whirlwind of a read, but then I dove into Kingdom of Sea and Stone! Now that is a rush! Nor's journey has doubled in size, leaving behind lives and hearts touched all over the kingdom.

What I truly love about this duology is the leading heroine herself. She's allowed to be human. She gets scared. She certainly gets angry, and she isn't afraid to love, or to let compassion rule her. She's all the good in the world that those around her should be embracing. It makes everything that happens in this novel so much more powerful, because how can you not root for somebody like Nor?

Now, let's talk about that description! Was anybody surprised about that whole “an old enemy resurfaces” line? Because I know I wasn't! I'll admit that it increased my anticipation (and fear) a bit more though, waiting to see how things would turn out this time around.

It was better than I could have dreamed up on my own, I can tell you that much. Mara Rutherford has an excellent grasp of poetic justice, meting out everything the heroes and villains deserve, just not in the way they would expect (or ask for). In my mind, that seemed to make it fit all the better.

There's more politics in this novel (at least, it seemed like there was more), with differing perspectives on the kingdom coming to light. It made for a fascinating read, one that I almost didn't want to see come to an end.

Likewise, the people in this novel! New secondary characters were introduced, and honestly? There were some that could have carried a novel in their own rights. I doubt that there will be a spinoff series, but I wouldn't complain if there was.

All things considered, I seriously enjoyed Kingdom of Sea and Stone. It was every bit the conclusion this duology needed, even if I didn't actually want to see it end. I just took a peek at what Mara Rutherford is currently working on, and guys! It's about a witch in hiding. Say no more, because I'm all in for that! Cannot wait.

See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks