The Hero and the Crown

Bibliographic Info

Title: The Hero and the Crown

Author: Robin McKinley

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: 1985

ISBN: 978-0688025939

Plot Summary

The Hero and the Crown is the prequel to The Blue Sword.  In the story, Aerin is the only child of the king Damar.  She feels like a disappointment to her father.  She isn’t very capable at the feminine arts (being graceful, displaying proper manners, shopping) and as such her prospects are lost for providing any kind of diplomatic advantage that as a woman, would otherwise be her highest aspiration.

When Aerin finds the recipe for a fire-protection salve, she and her retired war-horse Talat find their purpose in hunting down the little dragons that plague the villages.  They are mostly a nuisance to the warriors of the kingdom, who consider them to be more vermin than threats.  But the demons of the Northern Lands unleash a true dragon, Maur who would have been a match for an army.  Aerin faces him alone.

Critical Evaluation

This book provides a window into the history of The Blue Sword.  Aerin, the heroine of the story, is courageous and self-sacrificing, not self-effacing as many fairy tale princesses are, but physically putting herself in the path of destruction because it is her responsibility.  The story lacks some of the tightness and continuity of first book.  Still, it is a treasure.

Reader’s Annotation

As Aerin stumbles around the castle, feeling useless, she has no idea how the future will bring her face to face with a destiny so powerful, it will define her people for centuries to come.

Author Info

Robin McKinley was born Jennifer Carolyn Robin McKinley on November 16, 1952 in Warren, Ohio.  She graduated from Bowdoin College in 1978.  McKinley held several jobs including editor, research assistant, bookstore clerk, teacher, and barn manager.  She began writing at age 26.

McKinley currently lives in Hampshire, England with her husband, Peter Dickinson.  She says she enjoys grand opera and long walks to keep her imagination active.

Genre

Fantasy

Curriculum Ties

None

Book Talking Ideas

Do you believe in fate or destiny?

Reading Level

12-17

Challenge Issues

Magic

Challenge Responses

Active Listening

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Provide complaint form

Refer to book reviews

Selection

A friend suggested the book.