The Hero and the Crown

By: Robin McKinley

Narrated by: Roslyn Alexander

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Uncertain of the past, Aerin-sol, daughter of King Arlbeth, decides to forge her own future by challenging the lashing tongues of the dragon’s fire. Aerin’s proficiency as "the Dragon-slayer" sets her on a quest for the stolen Crown of Damar, believed to be in the hands of rebellious northerners who threaten to destroy the Damarian people and their home forever.

©1984 Robin McKinley (P)1992 Recorded Books

Second only to Blue Sword

The prequel to Blue Sword, it matters not which book you read first. The story is fabulous, and the readers of both books do a wonderful job. I had been requesting these books from Audible for years as they were only available from the publisher at about $80 or so. I finally broke down and purchased Blue Sword a couple of years ago, and was about to buy this book too when Audible released it! Thanks a million! These two books can be listened to again and again.

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

hello old friend

Any additional comments?

the hero and the crown is an old favorite of mine from my child hood, along with redwall and a wrinkle in time. i was over joyed to find it in this digital form and even happier that it was the same recording i'd grown up with. on the whole Robin Mckinley is a hit or miss writer her books are ether really good or just ma, hero and the crown and it's sequel blue sward are definitely hits and examples of some of her best work

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

This is one of my favorite fantasy stories!

Strong female protagonist. Decent world-building. Exciting plot. Some romance. It is well worth listening to!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Love this story. Not a fan of the narrator .

Loved this story for years. Just listened to it for the first time and had a hard time staying with it. The narrator's voice kept pulling me out of the story, She didn't sound like a young woman. The protagonist starts out at 18, goes to about 15 then up to 20. There's a creaky quality to the performers voice that his r wasn't suited for this story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

longtime favorite

Any additional comments?

I've had a paperback copy of this since the 80's. I love this book - it's the sort you can re-read and revisit. I was excited to see it in audible format - because hearing the book often gives a different perspective.I'm not sure I would have chosen the narrator. She was great - but didn't quite match the story. Aerin is a young woman and the narrator is an adult. I think I would have preferred a younger voice to match the protagonist.Again, the narrator did a lovely job - but I had a little disconnect between the voice and the tale. I'd still recommend the book - in any format - to lovers of fairy tales.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent!

One of my favorite novels. A beautifully woven tale of struggle, stubbornness, and survival, read by a fantastic narrator. The dreamlike quality of the novel is well complimented by the narrator's voice. I highly recommend this novel if you enjoy fantasy, heroines, and unusual tales.

This Newbery Award Winner is Timeless...

This has long been my favorite book. The story is Timeless. Robin McKinley deserved her award. You will enjoy this book no matter your age. I love the fact that the hero is a heroine!

FABULOUS in every way!

Would you listen to The Hero and the Crown again? Why?

Definitely. It is one of my favorite books in the world, and I have already read it countless times. I was a little afraid to purchase the audio, because I love reading it so much. But the narration is flawless. Roslyn Alexander reads respectfully and at a nice, even, not-too-fast tempo; doesn't try to shove in all sorts of "drama"; and has a pleasant voice, never rising into the squeaky registers. She is clearly an audio narrator, not a would-be stage actor. Thank you.

What other book might you compare The Hero and the Crown to and why?

"The Blue Sword," by the same author. Also "The Bear and the Nightingale" and "The Girl in the Tower," because they continue some of the same psychological/spiritual themes.

Which character – as performed by Roslyn Alexander – was your favorite?

Erin and Luthe. But the narrator does an excellent job with all of them. And please remember, I have read this book many times.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. Besides being very entertaining, it speaks lucidly about real spiritual tasks, helpers, and truths. The reader will REMEMBER this book, especially Luthe.

Any additional comments?

This, along with "The Blue Sword" by the same author, is one of my very, very favorite books ever. It is a "big" book, an important book, at least to me. ( And if you love horses, and have had or dream of having, one particular horse, you will FLIP over this book!)

The One that Started it All

This audio-book was not the first but it was the one that embedded in me a love for audio-books. Over the years since I first listened to it on cassette I have returned time and time again and have love it each time. I'm glad to own my own copy and not have to rely on a library copy being available because I will return and all of my children will get a chance to listen at some point or another.

It has a heroin who uses science, persistence, and a lame horse in a world of magic to fight dragons. Do I need to say more?

Audible20

Amazing!!

This book has been my favorite for many years. Hearing the story so wonderfully narrated makes it even better! Aerin is one of my favorite female protagonists. McKinley is my favorite author and I'd highly recommend this to others, especially young adults.