Crown of Earth (The Shield, Sword, and Crown)
Grade 6–10—This book picks up whereSword of Waters(S & S, 2008) leaves off as Prince Edoran runs away from his palace in order to try to save the life of his only true friend, Weasel. Along the way, he joins forces with Arisa, whose mother, the Falcon, is threatening to take over the kingdom. Edoran allows himself to be captured by his former tutor, but escapes with the help of one of the Hidden of the old religion. He is spirited away to a fishing village where he learns that being a pampered prince is not the life he wants. Fate brings all three friends together again, and Edoran has the chance to save his friends and his kingdom, and truly embrace his destiny. This book stands on its own; by the end of the first chapter, the previous events are explained and the current story is satisfying enough to capture readers' attention. At first, the prince is portrayed as a selfish, spoiled brat but his character develops through the trials he encounters and he matures. The plot moves quickly, and though Arisa and Weasel are given little attention here, their personalities were fleshed out in the earlier titles. In the end, all major problems are solved, the prince is ready to accept his life, and plans for a better future for all are in the works.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MAEND--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.