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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
This is one of my comfort books, a story I keep coming back to over and over again through the years. I don’t know how often I’ve read it since I first discovered it over twenty years ago. I just re-read it again, and I still love it.
The Hero and the Crown is pure, classic fantasy-- we have our typical hero's (or rather, heroine's) journey, fire-breathing dragons, the discovery of unknown magical abilities, glowing swords, enchanted crowns, etc. I liked the subtleties McKinley put in Aerin's character (rebelling against authority but shirking from truly defining her own path, the fact that her ancestry simultaneously allows her to help Damar but also alienates her from its citizens, her relationships with Luthe and Tor, etc). Given that this book is sometimes shelved under YA, I was expecting something pretty different. In my opinion, The Hero and the Crown has more similarities with high/epic fantasy books like The Sword of Shannara or Wheel of Time series.
3.5 stars.
Although the writing style was a bit dry when I read it the first time, I found it had a certain poise this time. McKinley obviously knows what she's doing, which is why, IMO, the tone/style/story change in the second half was very deliberate. Luthe tells Harry (Hari?) in The Blue Sword that being the bridge between worlds is not always comfortable. Aerin is Damarian and not Damarian,. The first half is solid and uses tropes well. The second is more uncertain. McKinley leaves a lot unexplained, but that is Aerin's inheritance too. She'll never fully understand or belong to her heritage. So although the first half is stylistically better, I think the second half also has a purpose.
The ending was weird. Everyone gets what they want, I guess, but no one really does? It's all actually quite bitter, though the tone is more HEA at the end.
Some things that really bugged me: The Blue Sword had tons of Damarian traditions, but apparently Aerin single-handedly started all of them. Having the Big Damn Hero start all of them cheapens them, pushes Aerin in Mary Sue territory, and ties up some loose ends that could have led to more interesting stories. Also, since I read The Blue Sword first, I wanted to see what old Damar looked like and was disappointed by a European ambiance. I guess it makes sense, given the climate, but I was still grumbling "cop out" most of the book. (But such climate means Damarian skin shouldn't be dark and Aerin shouldn't be out of place? but oh whatever this is fantasy not sci-fi)
I'd love a book bridging Damar and the Northerners. Are they monsters or aren't they? Do they have a culture? They have magic and an organized society, so they aren't mindless beasts. If anyone knows a good fanfic that explores this, I would be in your debt.
Still probably going to read again in a few months or years, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3.
Although the writing style was a bit dry when I read it the first time, I found it had a certain poise this time. McKinley obviously knows what she's doing, which is why, IMO, the tone/style/story change in the second half was very deliberate. Luthe tells Harry (Hari?) in The Blue Sword that being the bridge between worlds is not always comfortable. Aerin is Damarian and not Damarian,
Spoiler
mortal and not mortalThe ending was weird. Everyone gets what they want, I guess, but no one really does?
Spoiler
Tor knows Aerin also loves Luthe. Aerin loves Damar, but the country is so fickle. There's a great deal of awe going around, but the people convince themselves she'll do alright with the same kind of logic with which they convinced themselves she was a witch. Luthe also gets an ending, although we don't see Aerin with him in The Blue Sword.Some things that really bugged me: The Blue Sword had tons of Damarian traditions, but apparently Aerin single-handedly started all of them.
Spoiler
Saddles without bit or bridle, the magnificent horses, hunting cats/leopards and dogs/wolves, Laprun. There are probably more?I'd love a book bridging Damar and the Northerners. Are they monsters or aren't they? Do they have a culture? They have magic and an organized society, so they aren't mindless beasts. If anyone knows a good fanfic that explores this, I would be in your debt.
Still probably going to read again in a few months or years, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but after Luthe got involved the story became more abstract than I prefer, and it was difficult to hold on to the suspension of disbelief required for a good read.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Hero and the Crown, is hands down one of my favorite books of all time. It is such a wonderful well written story.This book started my love affair for Robin McKinley's writing, which has lasted over twenty years now. I recommend this book for people of all ages, but especially those who love reading fantasy novels with strong female protagonist.
Sometimes I question my tendency to reserve that 5th star for the extra special, extra wonderful, truly classic book and then I read a book like The Hero and the Crown and I'm so glad to have that extra star to bestow.
just couldn't get into it. about half way through i moved onto another book. that doesn't happen for me very much but even though i liked the characters and world i just couldn't get into it. maybe if i'd read the other book in the series first? idk. :-/
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No