Jess McTiernan embarks on a journey in the heart of Australia’s Nullarbor desert, seeking freedom from her confining and turbulent past. However, her straightforward escape becomes entangled when she encounters Vi, a young empress from another realm, and her steadfast guardian, Aran. The pair is pursued by the relentless General Utara and her dedicated soldiers. As their stories intertwine, Jess faces a challenging decision: leave Vi to her perilous fate or stand as her unexpected guardian.

The Crystal Crown by Dan Payne blends science fiction elements with action-adventure, appealing to young adult readers. Notable inspirations from works like the Frank Herbert Dune series and The Hunger Games are evident, offering readers a rich tapestry of familiar yet fresh narrative elements.

Jess emerges as a formidable female lead, echoing the strength and resilience of characters like Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Arya Stark from Game of Thrones. The novel adeptly explores themes of liberation and self-discovery, which are manifested in Jess’s encounter with Vi and Aran. This meeting advances the story and prompts Jess’s introspection into her true self.

While I enjoyed the story, I think it would make it more enjoyable if some of the action sequences flowed more naturally and if the dialogue was more consistently compelling. However, the bond that grows between Jess and Vi stands as a testament to Payne’s storytelling prowess. Their relationship forms the novel’s emotional core, making Jess’s eventual choice both powerful and plausible.

The Crystal Crown is the first in this new captivating series by Dan Payne, blending action and adventure with Science Fiction. Given the strength of this narrative, it’s exciting to anticipate further installments in this series from Payne.

Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0CFG3XRGF