The Hero and the Crown (original 1984; edition 1987)

sequel to "The Blue Sword"; not quite as good as the prequel, but good ( )

Good as ever. ( )

This was #98 on NPR's list of YA novels...I'm working through this list, which means I'll be reading Fantasy lit, which I really don't care for. At all.

What was good about this one--female protagonist, not driven into decision by a love triangle. I appreciated that much. And the fact that even when the men in her life disapproved of her choices, she didn't seem to care and did what she saw as necessary anyway.

The main character was fine, and I liked the dialogue. But--and this is my problem with Fantasty lit in general--there's just not enough dialogue, and I get lost in the pages upon pages of describing a world or a monster or the traditions of the people.

I'd definitely recommend this book to any fan of Fantasy lit, though--especially girls. Nice to see a female protagonist.

But my next book is going to be a Gallagher Girls book. Much more my speed of female heroes. ( )

Aerin is the only child of the king of Damar, and should be his rightful heir. But she is also the daughter of a witch woman of the North, who died when she was born, and the Damarians cannot trust her. But Aerin's destiny is greater than her father's people know, for it leads her to battle with Maur, the Black Dragon, and into the wilder Damarian. ( )

I had read this book years ago but decided to re-read it to see if it stood the test of time. It absolutely does, the story is fast paced and intriguing and the characters are well rounded and engaging. An absolute must read. ( )