Crown of Three (Driesterrenkroon) Book 1 – Book Review
Even though it’s supposed to be hot and sunny outside, we’re stashed indoors because of the rainy weather (at least over here). While we love good games and movies to make time go faster, it’s sometimes rather enjoyable to pick up a fun book and dive into a world you can shape yourself, at least with some written guidelines in the story in the palms your hands. This time we dive into a rather medieval setting, but one perhaps a bit more beautiful than our own medieval past. Magic, giant animals, and grand cities color this world, but like in many other stories, a centuries old war wages on, but there is a prophecy that just might finally turn the tides. Then again, should someone actually take a prophecy seriously?
Toronia has been ruled by dictators for as long people can remember, and because of this, the entire land is torn apart by constant struggles and a grand scale war. The current king, Brutan, also claimed his throne with brute power and he isn’t planning to give away his prized position just yet. Things turn even more sour when a prophecy is foretold, that triplets will be born, from his seed, who will eventually kick him from his throne. He is mad with power, when his mistress, Kalia, gives birth to triplets, and all of a sudden three stars appear high in the sky, it’s Melchior, the wizard, who makes it seems as if the three children were stillborn. Luckily Brutan buys it, and Melchior is able to send the three children to faraway places, albeit separately.
Elodie, the girl, is sent to a rich family, where she will live a luxurious life, at least until she can ascend towards her destiny. Agulphus ends up with a travelling circus, living a rather hard and difficult life, albeit one that hones his physical skills. Tarlan gets sent all the way to the frosty mountains, and falls into the care of a gentle witch. Even with their different upbringings, they are destined to convene at one point in time, and free Toronia from their father’s iron grip.
The story is presented thirteen years after they’re born and through the eyes of the three children granting each their time to shine in consecutive orders, albeit that some of them sometimes receive two chapters in a row. Agulphus (who calls himself Gulph) ends up rather close to his father, as his traveling group is captured and forced to entertain the royal couple. In the midst of his performance, the king’s wife, Magritt, suddenly has an outburst and calls Gulph an abomination of nature and has him thrown into the kingdom’s horrible dungeon, which consists solely out of iron cages where many people are crammed together. Nonetheless, for some reason he is led to a separate cell, and a luxurious one at that. And before he knows it, he’s in the cell of Brutan’s and Magritt’s son Nynus. It seems Brutan’s madness even went so far as to lock up his other son. Sadly, it seems that Nynus has been stuck there for quite some time and now his mental health isn’t all that well either. Nonetheless, Gulph is determined to escape.
On the other side of the country, in one of Brutan’s opponent’s cities, Elodie is growing up without a care in the world. She knows about her lineage, and her surrogate father promises her ascension to the throne. Nonetheless, it seems her father isn’t really all that trustworthy, especially when she gets abducted by a resistance faction that solely dedicates itself to bringing the three children together. Then again, Elodie doesn’t know who actually speaks the truth. Last but not least, Tarlan grows up in the care of Mirith, an elderly witch. Thanks to this he learns to survive in harsh conditions, all while being surrounded by majestic beings. The Thorrods, are giant falcon-like birds, who for some reason can understand him when he speaks, and vice versa. When Mirith is deadly ill, he requests their help in order to find her a cure, or at least the proper medicines. As expected, things don’t go as smooth as Tarlan hoped.
Overall the flow is quite rapid, but things are properly set in motion. In-between the actions of the characters, you’ll get enough details in order to shape the setting in your mind. While the characters themselves might not always get the description they deserve, as their features are quite vaguely described, you get to know the characters really well thanks to their own thoughts on the matter. Before you know it, you see their personalities shift, towards their cause and perhaps even adulthood. J. D. Rinehart (pseudo of Graham Edwards) seemingly aims a bit for a less mature Game of Thrones vibe, albeit a very pleasant one. Truth be told, this story might look rather basic at first, when looking at the description, it actually holds a lot of great elements that make it very interesting and actually not predictable at all. In a peculiar way, the switching of the characters makes the book a lot more exciting, seeing you wish to learn what happens to someone, and then suddenly the other character gets his time to shine, but during his or her chapter things happen as well, creating a constant chain of curiosity.
While this book is recommended for ages ten and up, some scenes are very brutal and perhaps a bit too much for a ten year old. Of course, ‘back in the day’ many cartoons also had rather adult topics or events, which didn’t really damage us, but scenes where people are ripped in half or where blood sprays from a stub where used to be a limb, might be a bit too much for certain sensitive young readers. This of course, creates the ideal opportunity to enjoy the book yourself and keep it safe until your child is a tad older or just buy it for yourself, it’s certainly very appealing.
Conclusion
The first book of Crown of Three is a very interesting young version of Game of Thrones, albeit with many original and magical quirks of its own. While the story may initially be directed towards children, it might not be for sensitive young readers, but it’s still a great read for a more adult audience. In the end, Harry Potter wasn’t really an adult series either, and see where that one ended up. All in all, Crown of Three has a great story, which is presented in an interesting and captivating fashion, thanks to the very appealing characters. Certainly worth reading.
Crown of Three (Driesterrenkroon) Book 1 - Book Review,
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