I guess the Hero and the Crown is another one of those nostalgic childhood reads, and a classic for the future generation of reading bookworms (: 
 The Hero and the Crown may be the prequel to the Blue Sword, but it is perfectly readable as a standalone, and the first time I read it, that's how it was for me. It's about Aerin, in line for the throne and the result of a union between the king and the so called witch that seduced him. Because of her birth, Aerin is constantly unloved and left alone, as a child, her only companion is her cousin Tor, first in line to the throne. Aerin is a stubborn, clumsy and headstrong child, she's impulsive, yet passionate about what she wants and believes. However the Hero and the Crown is another coming of age story about Aerin's role to find her place in society and accomplish great tasks to save her homeland of Damar. 
 The Hero and the Crown is definitely a classic, just because of all its kick butt elements. We have a flaming haired heroine, a princely type character that loves her, knights, dragons, magical swords and worlds! For any fantasy lover, this is an ideal story of magic and growing up.