Review of Crown of Fire by Lisa King
A.E. Jackson Review Score: 2 / 5 Ravens
How was this review scored?
Crown of Fire was presented as similar to a Paulo Coelho tale, with a unique and profound story of self-discovery, set in a dangerous and mystical medieval realm. That’s a tall order to meet - especially considering that Coelho’s works are so well-loved. However, King manages to draw readers into her story with vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a series of experiences that feel much like the adventures of Santiago in The Alchemist.
King bases the premise of her work on the assertion that “what you believe about yourself, you will become.” A well known and oft quoted phrase by many great teachers from several schools of philosophy.
Ashling has a hard time deciding what she’s supposed to believe. She has been trapped within the ancient walls of Brennyn Hall for the first sixteen years of her life. She's only known ideas that were fed to her as a child. A belief that she's nothing more than an evil sacrifice, and a payment to appease a sinister force.
But a new and mysterious thought takes hold. Could Ashling be part of a lost legend that compels her to stand against the Hall's power?
Ashling is hunted by the Hall, armed with only a cryptic clue. She races toward a mountain village that promises answers. Her tormentors close in, intent on silencing her forever. Can Ashling discover the powerful truth of her own story which could shake the kingdom to its core?
Lisa King’s philosophical exploration begins as a fantasy tale. The main character is trapped in a life of regimented routine. The author manages good first person point of view throughout, but does not achieve true deep pov. There is still a lot of exposition, and not enough sensation, for the reader to feel the world they’re exploring. Readers are told what to think, and what is happening, from beginning to end.
At times the mystery King attempts to reveal is left too ambiguous. Why do readers care? What evil stirs in the main character? These questions are not answered well enough at the front to compel most readers to continue along the journey.
Ashling is on a path to discover her true identity and purpose in life. King presents the character, and the reader, with this constant question: Will you believe lies or trust the truth inside yourself?
Each scene is well described thanks to the main character’s internal thoughts and interpretation of the world around her. However, there is not much action or story happening throughout the novel.
The little side quests along the path of the main journey may remind readers of the Never Ending Story. (* the book, not the film) These small quests each teach little lessons. Crown of Fire’s lessons aren’t so easy to discern however. What is the author getting at, pointing out, or trying to say? The failed attempt at subtext leaves readers feeling unfulfilled.
Overall, this novel felt lackluster. There was nothing that really stood out. No clear story structure, or depth to the characters. The redeeming quality came from good descriptions of the environment, and the people Ashling met along the way.
International award-winning author Lisa King lives near Brisbane, Australia. When not writing, you’ll find her hiking lush rainforests, exploring the Scenic Rim, making notes for her novels, and photographing the diverse and complex ecosystems where she feels most at home.
Lisa loves to place readers in worlds where heroes have everyday struggles, personal flaws, and inner conflicts. She weaves in a natural world that is part of the nurturing and healing process. Lisa advocates for education and empathy for trauma survivors. She hopes her books will encourage readers along their own healing paths.
Read more from Lisa King at lisakingauthor.com and find her on social media at Facebook(@lisakingauthor), Instagram (@lisakingauthor), and Twitter(@_LisaKingAuthor).