I am a huge fan of Sherwood Smith's stories! I love her writing style. She has an amazing ability to weave in intricate politics in a medieval fantasy world. My all time favorites by her:
-Crown Duel
Genre: fantasy
Volume: One
Romance: Some, but not part of the main plot.
Magic: Little to none. Wizards are mentioned, and there are certain objects, such as "glow globes" which provide light, and other minor things.
Summary (off amazon.com):
A girl in Remalna traditionally spends her Flower Day being feted, dancing with friends, and celebrating her passage to womanhood. Countess Meliara spends hers on the front lines of a war. She and her brother promised their dying father to free Remalna from the oppressive rule of Greedy Galdran and to preserve the vital Covenant with Remalna's aloof, unhuman Hill People. Courageous, stubborn Meliara, honorable and sharp-tongued, is determined to win or die fighting, and her hardships, uneasy alliances, and fondness for daring (foolhardy) tactics make anxious, unstoppable reading.
(Calen's comment): For those of you who like a girl who can handle her own, this is the book for you!
-Court Duel
Genre: fantasy
Volume: Two (sequel to Crown Duel)
Romance: Some. More than in Crown Duel, but still minor. (Mainly side-charries). There is some witty flirting and one or two kisses.
Magic: There is some spell-casting, but nothing major. It happens once in the book (if I'm remembering correctly.)
Summary (off amazon.com):
In this sequel to Crown Duel (Harcourt, 1997), the teenage Countess Meliara finds herself compelled for political reasons to leave her small castle in county Tlanth to stay at the royal palace Athanarel in the capital city, Remalna. She is completely unprepared for court life, preferring to run barefoot over the hills rather than learning how to hold her fan correctly, but luckily her brother's new fiancee takes Meliara under her wing and teaches her the nuances of court etiquette. Mel soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying whirl of flirtation and political intrigue, and she remains confused about both until a plot to take over the throne brings many secrets to light. Court Duel stands well on its own, although readers will immediately want to go back and read the first book. Mel is a likable heroine who is constantly chastising herself for her ignorance and quick temper, and the other characters are fully realized and fascinating in their own right. There isn't much action until the very end, but readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the subtleties of courtly life and love.
Others great books by Sherwood Smith:
-A Stranger to Command (prequel to Crown Duel. Don't read it until you've read Crown Duel! Also, not for younger readers).
-A Posse Of Princesses
-The Trouble with Kings
Thanks for sharing! 