The Hero and the Crown

As short as this was, the first half was often boring with awkward time jumps. I enjoyed the protagonist’s journey but disliked that she was “not like other girls.” The love triangle was disappointing as I didn’t particularly like either of the love interests. I did like the role of the dragons. For a better book, try BEAUTY by the same author, although this is still a good read for those interested in classic fantasy. For... Read Full Review

Should be considered mandatory reading for every girl from ages 9-15 (no, make that 4-100). I've read this book every year for the past, oh, ten or so years. Robyn McKinley's characters are incredibly complex for a young adult story (and quite honestly, I didn't realize it was considered young adult until i had to replace my battered and much beloved copy a couple of years ago and couldn't find her in the regular fantasy section)... Read Full Review

The first part of a two-part historical fantasy, The Hero and the Crown won Robin McKinley a well-deserved Newbery Award. The land of Damar will captivate you and linger with you long after you close the book. McKinley's writing and style are exceptional. Let's face it, authors do not write like this anymore - even she doesn't anymore. All the more reason to treasure these intoxicating worlds of words.The titular Hero... Read Full Review

For years this book sat on the shelf of my high school's library staring at me while I obstinantly refused to read it. It's not that I didn't like fantasy; it's just that I had had a few bad encounters in the past with "feminist" fantasy (e.g. Marion Zimmer Bradley), and I wasn't interested in reading another grrl power, male-bashing fantasy novel. I must have just assumed it was like that since it had a female heroine. Finally,... Read Full Review

This is, I believe, Robin McKinley's magnum opus. This book is often hard to locate, buried in the young adult section where it only half-belongs. Yes, this tale is about a teenage heroine, but the subject matter, her trials and emotions, are not limited to that audience. (Note to booksellers-By the way, most avid young adult sci-fi and fantasy fans have been reading from the adult section for years-you might do better... Read Full Review