4.21
Part of "Damar" series
"The Hero and the Crown" by Robin McKinley is a young adult fantasy novel that tells the story of Aerin, a princess who is often overlooked and underestimated due to her mother's foreign heritage. The novel is set in the kingdom of Damar, where Aerin grows up feeling like an outsider. However, her love for horses and her natural affinity for healing animals sets her apart and gives her a sense of purpose. When Aerin discovers an old recipe for a powerful dragon-fire proof ointment, she becomes determined to prove herself by testing it on a dragon. After several failed attempts, Aerin finally succeeds and manages to slay a dragon, earning her the title of "dragon-killer." From there, Aerin's life takes a turn for the extraordinary as she becomes a hero in her own right, embarking on dangerous quests and battles to protect her kingdom. McKinley's writing is descriptive and engaging, bringing the world of Damar to life in vivid detail. The novel explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the power of determination. Aerin is a complex and relatable protagonist who grows and evolves throughout the story, ultimately becoming a strong and confident leader. "The Hero and the Crown" is a thrilling and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure. It is a standalone novel, but it is also connected to McKinley's earlier novel "The Blue Sword," which features a different protagonist in the same world. Overall, "The Hero and the Crown" is a beautifully written and compelling story that celebrates the power of heroism and the strength of the human spirit...
Robin McKinley
The Blue Sword
If you enjoyed 'The Hero and the Crown', you might like 'The Blue Sword' by the same author. This book is also set in the fantasy world of Damar and follows the story of Harry Crewe, a young woman who is drawn into the world of the mysterious Homeland people and becomes a part of their battle against an ancient enemy.
Learn MoreRae Carson
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Fans of 'The Hero and the Crown' may enjoy 'The Girl of Fire and Thorns' by Rae Carson. This book follows the story of Elisa, a princess with a mysterious destiny, as she navigates the dangers of her court and the wider world. With a strong heroine and a richly detailed fantasy world, this book is sure to appeal to fans of McKinley's work.
Learn MoreShannon Hale
The Goose Girl
If you enjoyed the coming-of-age story and the focus on female characters in 'The Hero and the Crown', you might like 'The Goose Girl' by Shannon Hale. This book follows the story of Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, a young princess who is sent to a neighboring kingdom to marry its crown prince. But when she arrives, she finds that her servants have betrayed her and she must fight to reclaim her rightful place.
Learn MoreKristin Cashore
Graceling
Fans of 'The Hero and the Crown' may enjoy 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore. This book is set in a world where some people are born with special abilities, or
Learn MoreSusan Cooper
The Dark Is Rising
Fans of 'The Hero and the Crown' may enjoy 'The Dark Is Rising' by Susan Cooper. This book is the second in a series of five novels that follow the story of Will Stanton, a young boy who discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, a group of powerful beings who have been guarding the world from the forces of darkness for centuries.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Tombs of Atuan
If you enjoyed the fantasy world-building and the focus on female characters in 'The Hero and the Crown', you might like 'The Tombs of Atuan' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This book is the second in the Earthsea series and follows the story of Tenar, a young girl who is chosen to be the high priestess of the
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