The Hero and the Crown

For over a decade Robin McKinleys richly woven saga has gripped the imagination of readers and caused critics to hail her as a master of fantasy. It is the story of Aerin haunted since childhood by the legend of her mother-a "witchwoman" who enspelled the king and then died of disappointment after giving birth to a daughter rather than the heroic son the kingdom needed. But little did the young princess know the long-dormant powers of her mother would wield their own destiny. For though she was a woman Aerin was destined to be the true hero who would one day wield the power of the Blue Sword....