The Hero and the Crown

Book Description

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...

"Vibrant, witty, compelling, the story is the stuff of which true dreams are made."-The Horn Book

"Splendid high fantasy... filled with tender moments, good characters, satisfying action and sparkling dialogue... superb!"-School Library Journal, starred review

Awards:
( Winner of the 1985 Newbery Medal
( An ALA Notable Book
( An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Customer Reviews:

Not perfect but very very good.......2007-10-06

The Hero and the Crown starts with Aerin, the witchwoman's daughter, locking herself in her room, after a frustrating episode with her father. Then the book proceeds to go back, first a little ways, then a lot, and sort of jump around a bit. The non-linear approach, although a bit annoying, did work. It felt like it was taking a bit too long to get back to the story from the beginning, but was worth the trip there.
Then it proceeds in a more linear fashion, although with a significantly more dreamlike feel. I felt this was necessary. Aerin went through things that sort of distorted her timeline and her perceptions, and it was understandable. Sometimes I did feel a bit lost but things became clearer as I read on. The ending wasn't completely satisfactory to me. Call me old-fashioned or simple but I like my endings sort of cut and dry - preferably they all live happily ever after. While it was a very good ending it wasn't quite what I wanted to happen.
Overall very very good.

Disjointed.......2007-09-13

In my opinion this book was very strange. The story was unusual, but the thing that bothered me the most was the lack of character development. The first half of the book somewhat develops Aerin's character and as the reader you feel like you are beginning to understand her. Then, as you read the second half of the book, it's almost as if you are reading about an entirely different person. Her personality is so significantly changed, if it weren't for the same writing style, I would swear the book was written by two different authors using no collaboration.

Would not recommend.

A Masterpiece.......2007-06-17

The Hero and the Crown was my favorite book as a young girl. It tells the story of a princess who is viewed as useless and flawed by her people, but finds her power and saves the kingdom. I have read it once or twice again as an adult and it holds up well. This is an excellent book to buy for your daughter, your niece, your little sister... this book inspired me to become a doctor and I hope will inspire my daughter (who is only six - it will be a few years yet for her:)) to believe she can do the seemingly impossible if she has confidence in herself and is willing to risk the hard work to achieve her dreams. I am now in my thirties and still continue to love and appreciate this story. Highly recommended.

A Masterpiece to last the times.......2007-04-22

McKinley is one of the best in the business of fantasy writing. Though the only book I really didn't favor was Rose Daughter, her other books have vastly made up for that defect. The Hero and the Crown is about a young girl Aerin who wants to be something more than the over-looked daughter of the king of Damar. She wants to be a hero for her people and she goes about it in an unusual way for a girl.

Readers are taken through ancient times in Damar when magic within was the measure of a person's character and when magic was at it's height - save for in the magic-free Aerin-sol. Readers will be shown through the tenders years of Aerin's youth as she follows her unique dream and saves her people from the threats within. And once she finds herself on the journey of becoming a true hero, readers find that life isn't as easy for the revered Aerin, and she must make choices between two loves, two lives and conquering the evil that threatens her life and world.

This is a strong story told through the lyrical prose of Mckinley. Readers of fantasy will enjoy this timeless reprint and new comers ought not hesitate on buying this book for a thoroughly engrossing read

Almost as good as the Blue Sword.......2007-02-24

This is a wonderful book that features a lady hero. It is well written, but doesn't have quite the flow of the Blue Sword. Still, it is a fabulous addition to a fantasy readers' collection. Would be especially good for young girls. It portrays that women can be many things, including strong and heroic. It can also be read out of chronology with the other book and will still make sense.

Hero System Rulesbook (Universal Role Playing, Stock No. 500)

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The only game you'll ever need or want
the perfect system

Hero System Rulesbook (Universal Role Playing, Stock No. 500)
Iron Crown Enterprises , Rob Bell , and George MacDonald
Manufacturer: Iron Crown Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

The only game you'll ever need or want.......1999-07-09

The Hero-System is one of the most experienced Role-Playing Systems around. This system is what you call a Universal System, it can be used for every setting, every power level and every time. From Dark Fantasy to Space opera, From Colourful Comics to Cyberpunk. This system has it all. The book is also full of examples and the rules are easy to understand. This is one book any Role-Player, from starter to experienced can't afford to miss. You won't need any source books (though there's a great wealth of them) this book is all you need. In short, buy it!

the perfect system.......1998-08-24

The Hero system rulebook is the only book you need to start roleplaying now, wether you want to play a Highfantasy or superhero game, it doesnt matter, this system tackles all genre. With detailed battle mechanics and a efficient magic system, this game is the best of both worlds, Order this game today!

Mystic Masters (Super Hero Role Playing, Stock No. 405)

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Mystic Masters (Super Hero Role Playing, Stock No. 405)
Iron Crown Enterprises , and Allen Varney
Manufacturer: Iron Crown Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1558060758

Classic Enemies (Super Hero Role Playing, Stock No. 403)

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Classic Enemies (Super Hero Role Playing, Stock No. 403)
Iron Crown Enterprises
Manufacturer: Iron Crown Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1558060448

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The Hero And The Crown
Robin McKinley
Manufacturer: Recorded Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1556905904

Product Description

Young Adult Fiction

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The Hero and the Crown

Manufacturer: Greenwillow Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

Blue Sword

ASIN: B000I3G0G2

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The Hero and the Crown
Robin McKinley
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: B000HL6SW6

Adventurers Club Issue #10 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

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Adventurers Club Issue #10 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

Manufacturer: Iron Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NW78CI

Adventurers Club Issue #11 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

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Adventurers Club Issue #11 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

Manufacturer: Iron Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NW78RI

Adventurers Club Issue #12 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

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Adventurers Club Issue #12 (The Hero Games, Iron Crown Quarterly)

Manufacturer: Iron Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NW78VO

Book Description

With his acclaimed novels Darwin’s Children and Vitals, award-winning author Greg Bear turned intriguing speculation about human evolution and immortality into tales of unrelenting suspense. Now he ventures into decidedly more frightening territory in a haunting thriller that blends modern technology and old-fashioned terror, as it charts one man’s inexorable descent into a world of mounting supernatural dread.

For the last two years, Peter Russell has mourned the death of one of his twin daughters—who was just ten when she was murdered. Recent news of his best friend’s fatal heart attack has now come as another devastating blow. Divorced, despondent, and going nowhere in his career, Peter fears his life is circling the drain. Then Trans comes along. The brainchild of an upstart telecom company, Trans is (as its name suggests) a transcendent marvel: a sleek, handheld interpersonal communication device capable of flawless operation anywhere in the world, at any time. “A cell phone, but not”—transmitting with crystal clarity across a newly discovered, never-utilized bandwidth . . . and poised to spark a new-technology revolution. When its creators offer Peter a position on their team, it should be a golden opportunity for him. If only he wasn’t seemingly going mad.

Everywhere Peter turns, inexplicable apparitions are walking before him or reaching out in torment. After a chilling encounter with his own lost child he begins to grasp the terrifying truth: Trans is a Pandora’s box that has tapped into a frequency not of this world . . . but of the next. And now, via this open channel to oblivion, the dead have gained access to the living. For Peter, and for humankind, a long, shadowy night of the soul has descended, bringing with it the stuff of a horrifying nightmare from which they may never awaken.

By turns spine-tingling, provocative, and heart-wrenching, Dead Lines marks a major turning point in the consistently dazzling storytelling career of Greg Bear. Alongside its hero, Dead Lines peers into the darkest place we can imagine and wonders—fearfully—what might be peering back.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

With his acclaimed novels Darwin¿s Children and Vitals, award-winning author Greg Bear turned intriguing speculation about human evolution and immortality into tales of unrelenting suspense. Now he ventures into decidedly more frightening territory in a haunting thriller that blends modern technology and old-fashioned terror, as it charts one man¿s inexorable descent into a world of mounting supernatural dread.

For the last two years, Peter Russell has mourned the death of one of his twin daughters¿who was just ten when she was murdered. Recent news of his best friend¿s fatal heart attack has now come as another devastating blow. Divorced, despondent, and going nowhere in his career, Peter fears his life is circling the drain. Then Trans comes along. The brainchild of an upstart telecom company, Trans is (as its name suggests) a transcendent marvel: a sleek, handheld interpersonal communication device capable of flawless operation anywhere in the world, at any time. ¿A cell phone, but not¿¿transmitting with crystal clarity across a newly discovered, never-utilized bandwidth . . . and poised to spark a new-technology revolution. When its creators offer Peter a position on their team, it should be a golden opportunity for him. If only he wasn¿t seemingly going mad.

Everywhere Peter turns, inexplicable apparitions are walking before him or reaching out in torment. After a chilling encounter with his own lost child he begins to grasp the terrifying truth: Trans is a Pandora¿s box that has tapped into a frequency not of this world . . . but of the next. And now, via this open channel to oblivion, the dead have gained access to the living. For Peter, and for humankind, a long, shadowy night of the soul has descended, bringing with it the stuff of a horrifying nightmare from which they may never awaken.

By turns spine-tingling, provocative, and heart-wrenching, Dead Lines marks a major turning point in the consist

Customer Reviews:

An Uncharacteristically Poor Novel for Greg Bear (At Least, I Hope...).......2006-08-18

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to see Greg Bear speak (at Comic-Con, an annual convention for sci-fi/fantasy enthusiasts such as myself). To be honest, I don't do a whole lot of genre reading. I'd never head of the guy. But it seemed like he was quite the name--George R.R. Martin and Peter David, among others, were showing him deference. Apparently, Bear had won some fairly prestigious awards, such as a couple of Nebulas. I decided that it was past due to end this ignorance of mine, so I promptly went to the nearest bookseller and picked up a Greg Bear book to read. Any book, just to sample the author. At random.

Which, it turns out, was a mistake.

For the book I wound up with was Dead Lines. I've managed to finish Dead Lines, which was, sadly, a struggle... it is the story of Peter, a flawed man who has seen better days, who gets a small chance at redemption (perhaps) when his one-time best friend unexpectedly dies, throwing Peter into a world of new-age cell phones and the afterlife. Uh, at least that's part of the story. It's kind of convoluted, complete with ominous psychic-predictions, shady telecom executives, estranged family and old, unsolved murder mysteries. For all of that, strangely, it's also kind of boring.

You see, this isn't Bear's best work. Or at least, that's what the other reviewers here on Amazon seem to be saying (and it certainly must be true, given the awards and everything). Bear is known for his sci-fi, and this is an attempt at horror. Only problem is that, there's really nothing scary about this book. Actual threats to the main character only come into play near the very end of the novel, during the final sequence, and that sequence isn't written very grippingly, to be quite honest. The main character is flawed--which is cool--but he's almost too flawed to be likable, which is a problem. The other characters don't get a whole lot of development, and will probably soon be forgotten after the novel's end. The pacing is too slow, and the twists and turns aren't profound enough to carry the weight themselves.

This is a slow novel that doesn't really have a lot to say in the end. The characters aren't particularly moving, or deep, and the action sequences are infrequent and stilted in their execution.

Finally, let me say that I was also disappointed in the overall lack of distinct style. Even if this is a departure for a normally great author, I might expect there to be something engaging or characteristic about the author's voice. Bear's didn't grab me. Again, maybe that's just this book... but, a lot of times, I was reading the prose thinking "what's the big deal about this guy?" There seemed to be nothing very original or insightful or enveloping about his manner of description or dialogue or characterization, etc. Just seemed like a modern day genre author, competent at laying out elements but without any real individual spin.

In the end, a friend of mine recently reminded me that the true test for books of this kind is: is it hard to put down? Does it scream at you, when you wake up in the morning, to put off all other responsibilities so that you can come back to the world? Resolve the crises?

Does it keep you awake, late into the night? Sealed off against the darkness into a fortress of yours (and the author's) imagination?

This one was harder to pick up than it was to put down.

A shame. I'll keep an open mind; one day (doing some research first!) I'll try another Greg Bear novel. But, for those of you who might be in the same position I was, do yourself a favor and try another one of his books, first. Chances are high that it will be better.

A highly unusual ghost tale.......2006-08-11

Let me make one thing clear about Greg Bear's "Dead Lines" right from the start. This isn't an action-packed thrill-ride, even though in some ways it might qualify as a thriller. It isn't a gore-fest, although it dips its feet into the pool of horror. It enthralls the reader in its own way, without the need for constant gunfire or blood on every page. It would be sad for someone to go into this book with the wrong expectations, because I've seen people dislike otherwise gorgeous works simply because they were expecting one thing and got another.

Peter Russell is a largely out-of-work director and photographer (of titillating films and nude shots) with a gentle fondness for the ladies and a tragic love of the drink he no longer allows himself to have. He's recently-divorced, and only one of his two daughters still lives. Then a chance at redemption arrives: he's offered an opportunity to promote a new telecom company, one that has developed a revolutionary new communications device called Trans. Trans transmits with utter clarity across a newly-discovered bandwidth. His great opportunity is tainted, however: by self-doubt, fear of failure, the recent death of his best friend... and a new darkness that has entered his life. Everywhere he turns he sees things, things he shouldn't see. Dead things and memories of the living. Hungry things. And he isn't the only one...

On the surface of it this doesn't sound terrifically unusual. However, the actual book is quite different from others I've read. It doesn't concentrate on the plot so much as Peter Russell, a complex and fascinating person. He's the perfect conduit with which to draw the reader into the story.

The plot unfurls and unwinds rather than racing along, free to take some rather unusual twists and turns. This is one of the few books I've read where the reader's attention isn't drawn to the twists, with each one baldly pointed out; instead they're simply a part of what's happening, completely natural and organic. There are multiple mysteries wrapped up in this book's plot, but it's easy to forget to think of them as mysteries because they simply unfold as another natural part of the larger succession of events. Who killed Peter's daughter? What mysterious force at his friend Joseph's odd mansion blocks the Trans from working there? And can anything reverse the horror that is being visited upon the living?

So many details in this book ring true and bring it alive. Greg Bear takes the story at least one or two steps further than any other author would, and he does it beautifully. If you don't need constant explosions and chainsaws in order to enjoy your thrillers and horror, if you're looking for a kind of fear that maybe, just maybe, highlights some of the beauty in this world, then I highly recommend Greg Bear's "Dead Lines." Once I started I could barely put it down.

BEar phoned this one in.......2006-02-01

It's sad, since I am such a big fan of Greg Bear's work, but I didn't care for this one. It really felt poorly put together, quickly executed and shoddily ended. It seemed to lack the care and work his other books have. Seemed desparate to have it optioned fo a movie (ugh, it probably will be). Bummer...

When a science fiction writer writes a ghost story.......2005-11-21

This is book quite a change of course for Greg Bear. I have read many of his books and tremendously enjoyed such masterpieces as Moving Mars and Eon. Typically, his books fall into two categories: The ones set on other worlds and the techno-thrillers on earth, often set in California. This latter category reads quite a bit like Michael Crichton, except that with Crichton's books the perils of technology are eventually controlled and everything turns out okay, whereas with Bear, the consequences tend to be persistent and devastating. This book is belongs to the second category. It is set in familiar coastal California, but explores some altogether new territory. Technology and the supernatural collide, although not always convincingly. A new type of cell phone causes disruptions that allow the dead to be perceived by the living. You will learn the difference between a wraith and a specter. The book reads like something from Tim Powers (see Earthquake Weather). The central character is exquisitely drawn. The mood is melancholy. Unexpected plot twists keep the reader intrigued. Finally, all the pieces come together. Still, this is not one of the author's best. The bottom line is: if you like hard science you will probably hate this new offering from Greg Bear. If you have enjoyed the works of Dean Koontz, Stephen King or Peter Straub, you may enjoy this book as well.

The Ghostbuster.......2005-10-28

Your basic tale of the wall between our world and the spirit world being ruptured, with all manner of messy leakage in consequence. It's a good story, reaching Straubian heights of spookiness at times. The murder mystery within the story is surprisingly twisty and touching, also.

But the best thing is the hero himself, an ex-pretty boy and washed-up nudie director, wading through the detritus of his marriage and career. He is very well drawn, and the reader can feel his ramshackle state of mind, as his world starts to *really* unravel.

The best line in the novel is, "What is it with ghosts and the foot of the bed? I think you guys really like it down there!"

Dead Lines - A Novel Of Life . . . After Death

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Dead Lines - A Novel Of Life . . . After Death
Greg Bear
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RIRDKA

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BEST BOOK

More help than I could have hoped for!

Proof anyone can get a book published

Very comprehensive.

The Everything Parent's Guide to Children With Autism: Know What to Expect, Find the Help You Need, and Get Through the Day (Everything Series)
Adelle Jameson Tilton
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide

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Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

ASIN: 1593370415

Book Description

What can be more devastating for a parent than to learn that her child is autistic? Defined as a neurological disorder that impairs communication and social skills, autism affects one in every 500 children born today. The Everything® Parent's Guide to Children with Autism is a reassuring guide to help parents find the information and support they need as they struggle with conflicting emotions and overwhelming medical information.

Author Adelle Jameson, the mother of an autistic child and an active participant in the autism community, speaks directly to parents and explains exactly what they can expect after diagnosis, the range of treatments and therapies available, and where to go for advice—both medical and emotional.

The Everything® Parent's Guide to Children with Autism shows parents how to:

· Communicate effectively with their child
· Deal with meltdowns, public or private
· Keep their family together as one unit
· Find a school that suits their child's needs—integration vs. special education
· Learn about assistive devices, such as computers and picture boards

From finding support groups to planning for their child's future, The Everything® Parent's Guide to Children with Autism provides parents with all the information they need to ensure that their child's—and their families'—needs are met.

Adelle Jameson Tilton (Chadron, NE) is the autism guide on About.com and the mother of an autistic son. In the mid-1990s, Ms. Tilton served as Secretary for WAYSAC, a nationally known autism organization in the state of Michigan. A member of the Autism Society of America, she is in communication with various autism groups in the United States including CAN (Cure Autism Now), FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment), NIDS Research Institute and Parent Coalition (NeuroImmune Dysfunction Syndrome), and the National Alliance for Autism Research.

Customer Reviews:

BEST BOOK.......2007-02-21

In my opinion, this should be the first book any parent should read to help their Autistic child. It is the best resource we have found yet. I can't say how thankful we are for this book.

More help than I could have hoped for!.......2005-02-08

My first grandchild is autistic. At the time he was born I had never been around an autistic person. I have read book after book about this condition - some of them were helpful. However, this book helped me understand all of the different actions and reactions I was going to face with this beautiful little boy. The book takes you through each and every step, and makes you secure that you are able to handle appropriately what comes up each and every day. I so respect all of the patience and love shown by the parents of these special children. Without the organized way this book was written I felt lost. My thanks to the author! What a great and helpful book.

Proof anyone can get a book published.......2004-09-23

Although there is SOME good information in this book, I have 5 things in the first chapter alone marked in red letters "wrong." As a parent of three children on the spectrum, a speaker on the subject, an education advocate with a national certification, and a person with common sense, I found too many mistakes in this book to recommend it. I try to keep up on what is out there because I talk to parents regularly who have just received their diagnosis. I will loan out this one, because the corrections are in it. As I said, it does have some good parts, but it is scary if parents, and other people, are reading this and only this and taking it as accurate.

Very comprehensive........2004-07-11

I picked up "The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Autism" not as the parent of an autistic child, but as the aunt of one and as someone who wants to go into behavioral therapy/working with autistic children. However, there were many things I had yet to learn not only about autism itself but about how deeply it affects the lives of those around the child. I've been aware that it is certainly devastating for a parent to discover that his or her child is autistic, as I observed that myself, but I never realized the extent. I found myself really relating to everything that was said in this book. It certainly raises awareness to all aspects of autism and asperger's syndrome, from how it affects siblings, clarifying meltdowns vs. temper tantrums, helpful tips for improving communication skills, a child's specific rights to a free public education, etc. Despite the book's occasionally repetitive nature, it is very, very easy to understand and is perfect not only for a parent who has just been given the life-altering diagnosis of his or her child's autism, but for anyone who knows little about autism and cares to learn more. It uses everyday language and is extremely concise. Definitely, this is the book on autism to pick up (and pass on once you've read it).

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