Kingdom of Sea and Stone

Crown of Coral and Pearl, Book 2

By: Mara Rutherford

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The Cruel Prince meets Ash Princess in this thrilling fantasy, the much-anticipated sequel to Crown of Coral and Pearl.  

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister's place, she's wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.  

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor's twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed - and they'll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them.

©2020 Mara Rutherford (P)2020 Recorded Books

Good read

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I appreciated that the relationships were real and deep without crossing lines into graphic senes. Only thing I would mention is that there is a lesbian character, although they don’t go into much detail about her relationship and there is no kissing by her. If they didn’t mention it you may not have known by how she acted. Also there is “magic” and the fact that part of the information they gather is ascertained by a whitish. I’m not really into any of that stuff... however as I said I did like the book and the complicated relationships
that left you wondering how things would play out.

Disappointed

I was waiting for this book, and I’m sad to say it was extremely disappointing. It was all over the place, the main character was all over the place, and I didn’t enjoy the ending. I loved the first book, but I can’t say I liked this one at all.

Disappointed with this follow up.

I really enjoyed book one and I just knew this 2nd novel was going to be epic....it wasn't. For me, it seemed like the main character we watched grow into this strong, do anything for family/whatever is right person lost her way in the follow up. Her indecisiveness confused and annoyed me at times. New characters are introduced which was ok but some honestly weren't needed. And the ending came so fast and quick that it left me unsatisfied. I was surprised and enjoyed the new Saren perspective & felt that could've been explored a bit more but ultimately this book left me disappointed.

YA fantasy magic

Holy crap. This series sucked me in and devoured me whole.

I've been in a romcom mood the last few months, but was craving a good YA fantasy that would pull me in. This did not disappoint. Book 2 brought a handful of new characters, all our favorites from book 1, and some unexpected plot twists that pleasantly surprised me.

The consequences of everyone's actions are front and center as the crew scrambles to figure out what to do, how to stop the decimation of their village, and most of all: who the rightful heir is, and how to get them on the throne. Non stop action, conflicting goals and motivations, full of nuance and layers of complication. Beautifully done.

Not as good as the first

A lot of plot holes. Felt like the author didn’t take the time to really write this one and think things through. The ending felt false and the characters unrealistic.

Flat ending

Honestly, this book was ruined by the ending. It was almost like the author got bored and just wrapped it all up with a little bow. The character arc literally evaporated the closer to the ending you get and it just ruined the series. Very disappointing overall and I am doubtful I will read the author again due to the poor finish. The performer was excellent however and was probably more well done than the story itself. Sorry but it falls flat.

Enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this duology! It’s pretty chaste and innocent but still has enough to keep all ages interested. It was pretty unique in world creation as well! I wouldn’t say it was as in-depth world/characters as ACoTaR (and certainly not as graphic!) but more along the lines of Shadow & Bone.
A lot of the reviews of the first book in particular said it was “Insta-love” but I have to disagree with that taking into account the lack of life experience that Nar has. She found Talin attractive, and for once someone was looking at *her* and not her perfect sister.
Also given that and the situation she finds herself in at Newcastle, her only ally with any power (for she was completely powerless), it’s natural for her to attach to him and build on it. The “love” as in “I love you” wasn’t “insta”.. moreso the attraction. All in all an enjoyable, cute read.

Loved it!

Wonderful story! The first bit was a wee bit slow but great overall after the first few chapters

The story was blah 😑

The first book was absolutely fantastic and riveting. The adventure, the characters, the story and incorporating the Sea it was lovely! I just don’t know what happened with the second book… The characters did not have that zest that I was hoping for and the storyline had a holes and gaps and didn’t really bring me in like the first book did. Very disappointed and was hoping for more.

Wonderful end to the story

I loved the first book in this series and was not disappointed with this second one!