And while at first I was unsettled by the idea of an entire culture that is shaped and defined by this event and how it is emphasized that a woman’s worth is defined by her appearance, it also addresses the harmful effects of this notion. The idea of choosing “the most beautiful bride” is not unheard of. I loved how the author delves into the two dissecting worlds of land and ocean, tying them together with an interesting history - part truth and part fable - and how bizarre it is for Nor when those two worlds finally meet. Even more unsettling, Nor begins to uncover startling truths about the failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen, and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.Ĭrown of Coral and Pearl offers readers an interesting view into a world where an entire village floats upon the water and its people are cursed to never set foot on land. Her future husband, Prince Ceren, is foreboding and cold, and the castle where she is forced to live is carved into the mountain and devoid of sunlight. Being betrothed to a prince and living on land is nothing like Nor imagined, though.

However, when Zadie is gravely injured, Nor is sent to Ilara in her place - hiding her scar and answering to her sister’s name. Instead, her identical twin sister, Zadie, is chosen to marry the Crown Prince, leaving Nor behind and unable to ever set foot on land. Nor once dreamed of being chosen as the next princess and seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty beyond her tiny floating village, but when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, her dream became an impossibility. IN SHORT: This fantasy young adult book features twin sisters’ love for each other, political scheming, mysteries and romance.įor generations, the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia have been chosen as the brides of the princes of Ilara.

Crown of coral and pearl series