The Hero and the Crown
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A Newbery Medal Winner Although she is the daughter of Damar's king, Aerin has never been accepted as full royalty. Both in and out of the royal court, people whisper the story of her mother, the witchwoman, who was said to have enspelled the king into marrying her to get an heir to rule Damar-then died of despair when she found she had borne a daughter instead of a son. But none of them, not even Aerin herself, can predict her future-for she is to be the true hero who will wield the power of th
Our Review
This fantasy novel introduces Aerin, a king's daughter ostracized by her court for her mother's mysterious heritage and her own failure to be the male heir everyone expected. The story follows her journey from social outcast to dragon-slayer, defying the whispers about her witchwoman mother while discovering strengths no one anticipated. Aerin's path leads her toward a destiny far greater than royal succession—she must become the true hero who masters legendary power to save her kingdom. The narrative blends classic fantasy elements with a deeply personal coming-of-age story that subverts traditional princess tropes.
What distinguishes this epic fantasy is its meticulous character development, transforming Aerin from doubted outsider to formidable warrior through earned triumphs and painful setbacks. The world-building feels both mythic and immediate, creating a realm where political intrigue and magical threats carry equal weight. Readers who appreciate complex heroines, detailed sword-and-sorcery adventures, and stories about forging one's identity against all expectations will find this particularly compelling. The emotional resonance lingers long after the final confrontation, cementing its status as a standout in young adult fantasy literature.
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