The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox

Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!).

The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019.

Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15

Recommended For: Ages 12 and up

A poor girl and her uncle, living on the outskirts of town, can’t afford to lose their trusty horse Tabbert… even if he was pursued by the Beast. Anna knows better, knows her uncle would never let her rescue Tabbert if it means heading into the Grünwald Forest. There’s more than a beast to fear if the stories are true; even the trees could be alive and watching. But Anna heads off in pursuit anyway.

And so The Arrow and the Crown plunges immediately into action as Anna finds more than she bargains for in the Grünwald (and she finds Tabbert). Plot twists, memorable characters, darkly mysterious legends, romance, heroes and villains await the reader who follows Anna into the Grünwald. Anna is a likable, feisty heroine, and her hero is just as winsome. But this is not merely a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This is a new story for new readers, set in a well-developed fantasy world with just enough history to make it feel established. Good triumphs over evil, and love is worth the sacrifice, just like the best old stories.

Cautions: none

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

• Artistic/Literary Rating: 4.25/5
• Worldview Rating: 4.75/5

Related Reading at Redeemed Reader:

We’ve reviewed lots of young adult fantasy titles featuring “likable, feisty heroines.” Here are four starred reviews from the archives:

• Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer
• Thorn by Intisar Khanani
• The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope
• Entwined by Heather Dixon

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