I knew that I had always loved Sherwood Smith's writing. What I didn't know was why. I read crown/court duel a long time ago, and I can't remember much about the detail and how I felt while reading it. All I remember is the impression afterward that still remains in me ever since. The impression of fierce fondness for the story, for the characters. Now that I get to read another of her book, I can substantiate my feeling with solid reasons.
Sherwood Smith writes likeable hero/heroines. They're practical, sensible and nice, not obnoxiously so. She handles a large cast of characters superbly. No exception here in this book. However, I'm quite sad to say it becomes quite messy at the end, more like a circus. The reunion doesn't quite grab me like her other books. I don't know...maybe a higher grade if I got to read this before Court/Crown duel, because it's quite impossible to top those off.
3/5
Read it for yourself.
