The Hero and the Crown
by Robin McKinley
246 pages· 2000· ISBN 8601300116471
About
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 the Blue Sword...
“[The Hero and the Crown] confirms McKinley as an important writer of modern heroic fantasy, a genre whose giants include C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin.”—The Washington Post
“An utterly engrossing fantasy.”—The New York Times
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 the Blue Sword...
“[The Hero and the Crown] confirms McKinley as an important writer of modern heroic fantasy, a genre whose giants include C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin.”—The Washington Post
“An utterly engrossing fantasy.”—The New York Times
Discuss The Hero and the Crown with other readers
Join or start a book club for The Hero and the Crown on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for The Hero and the Crown?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with The Hero and the Crown as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss The Hero and the Crown with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about The Hero and the Crown with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.