Return of the Crown

By Millie Burns

Ravyn’s parents are trapped in a magic mirror; her evil Aunt Zelera seized the crown, unleashing the Darkness to ravage the land of Aigerach. Now...the witch wants her dead.

What’s a girl green in the ways of magic going to do?
She’ll bring the Light back to Aigerach and return the crown to its rightful place on her father’s brow or she’ll die trying.

Anxious and alone, sixteen year-old Princess Ravyn sets out on a quest fraught with danger. Armed with nothing but her newfound ability to manipulate the Light, a travel pack of supplies, a snippet of courage and the clothes on her back she sets out to eradicate the Darkness.
A beacon of hope in a dreary world, she draws others to her like a moth to a flame. Connor, a Master of the Light, aims to steer Ravyn clear of the pitfalls of magic. Blade, her best friend from childhood helps her escape Zelera’s clutches. But has he stolen her heart? Ravyn meets many colorful characters along the way – dragons, and harpies, and unicorns. Oh my! Be they friend or foe?

Empress Zelera harries Ravyn’s every step, laying deadly obstacles and traps at every turn. Ravyn can stumble, she may even fall, but if she doesn’t get back up her world will never be the same again.

In this classic heroes journey magic is not always the cure for what ails you. Ravyn may be naïve, but this spirited girl never claimed to be perfect, besides she’s Aigerach’s only hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Millie Burns
• Release date: Jun 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9780985772406

Millie Burns

Millie Burns lives in Orangevale, CA with her husband and three lovely daughters. Along with a severe infatuation of the written word, Millie enjoys a variety of other activities. You might find her out climbing a rock, hiking the backwoods, or clinging to the end of a rope being dragged behind a boat.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Connor shuffled to the Royal Coach, leaning a wrinkled hand on its glossy side, steadying himself. The King and Queen stood side-by-side waiting for his final report. Connor sensed the pervasive evil that clung to the air, throwing the safety of the royal family's trip in peril. How could he convince them to stay? King Bryant overflowed with bulldog determination, and he’d set his sights on making this trip. Blowing out a heavy frustrated breath, Connor looked up into his King’s eyes.

The Coach creaked and rocked, drawing Connor’s attention to the window. Small hands ripped back the red velvet curtains, and a mischievous smile lit the little face in the window.

Father, let’s go. The tide’s going to leave without us. Princess Ravyn grinned at Connor, Goodbye, Connor, I’ll see you at the end of summer! She pulled her head back into the coach and resumed bouncing on the seats, setting the whole thing rocking.

Connor’s brief smile faded. Your Highness, you must postpone this trip. A sorcerer of the Dark Arts is out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. I’ll be blasted if I can get a lock on the snake’s whereabouts. He slapped the coach’s side in frustration.

King Bryant’s smile faded, brows furrowing. Something was wrong. They’d raked the woods and surrounding countryside for months, never turning up anything unusual. I’m uncomfortable about this trip as well, but we can’t delay any longer. We’ve postponed this trip for two weeks already. He paused, rubbing his chin, If this rogue sorcerer is nearby, it may be safer for us to be traveling abroad. Connor, you are Aigerach’s anchor, weathering every storm. I have complete faith in you.

Connor looked past his King, staring into Queen Lareina’s blue eyes, willing her to understand the danger she was in. She smiled, leaning across her husband to plant a soft kiss on Connor’s cheek. Connor, you have more control over the Light than any living being in Aigerach. While we are gone, you will discover who this sorcerer of Darkness is. I know someone is out there, I sense the changes in the aural plane. It’s so close. In fact, the other day, I could have sworn, she paused, closing her eyes. She shook her head. Never mind, that’s impossible.

Your Majesty, what do you suspect? Connor scanned Lareina’s face for a clue to her suspicions, receiving only a sad smile.

I suspect the tide will turn soon. We must leave. All practitioners of the Light are at your disposal. You’ll find the sorcerer, and you’ll dispose of him. Giving a nod of dismissal and taking King Bryant’s hand, she leveraged herself up into the coach.

Bryant patted Connor’s shoulder and then disappeared through the door, following his wife. Ravyn’s squeals of delight drifted out through the door before it was shut tight.

Connor turned, heart weary, and shambled back through the crowds that parted for him, aiming for his workrooms. As he passed through the archway into the Great Hall, he hurried his steps. Ominous vibrations pulsed along the aural field. Something was happening, and it was not under his control. Fear nagged his every step. He hastened to reach his scrying bowl to watch the royal family’s departure and aid when trouble struck.

Ravyn dangled halfway out the window of the Royal Coach, inhaling the rich scent of chocolate as the carriage rumbled past the bakery. She waved at the crowds lining the cobbled lane. Her ebony hair drank in the summer sun, her deep blue eyes twinkling with excitement. She was finally going to sea. She’d watched the ships come and go from the harbor for as long as she could remember and dreamed of the wind ruffling her hair, the sun kissing her brow, and the smell of salt tickling her nose. Oh, how she wanted to climb the tall masts, to gaze out at the immense briny expanse. Mother and father would never allow it. If she had the chance, she wouldn’t let the opportunity escape her grasp.

For the last seven years, her parents traveled to the Summer Estate without her. Left in the care of Nurse Mayweather, she waited out the long hot summer for their return. Nurse Mayweather was kind, and they always had fun; but Ravyn knew she was missing some marvelous quest. This year she’d worked hard to show her parents how mature she’d become so she could accompany them. All the effort to keep to her studies, and keep out of too much mischief, had paid off.

She pulled her head back through the window. She leaned into the corner, looking up into her mother’s blue eyes. Mama, Nurse Mayweather said the Summer Estate is more beautiful than the castle in Veris. Is that really true?

Well it’s beautiful in its own special way. Lareina closed her eyes, a dreamy expression crossing her face.

Nurse Mayweather said the hills are so green all the other hills are envious. She said wild flowers are everywhere, blossoming all spring and summer. She said I could never even begin to count all the different types.

That’s true. I spend a good portion of my time scouring the hills for plants to bring back to the healers. Many of the things growing there are very rare indeed. Would you like to help me gather plants? They’ve given me a long list of things they’d like for their storeroom.

Ravyn frowned, picking flowers wasn’t the kind of excitement she had in mind. Instead of answering, she changed the subject, What about the maze, Mother? Will you show me the maze?

Lareina smiled, I remember solving the maze for the first time, finding the fountain at its center. It’s a very difficult maze, and I can show it to you; but you’ll have to solve it for yourself.

King Bryant smiled at Ravyn. Maybe you can help me with matters of the court. I’m sure I can find a job for you as a scribe, or something. There are court rulings to be read, accounting papers to double check, trade agreements to work through, and I need someone to document it all.

Ravyn’s button nose wrinkled at the thought of stuffy rooms, filled with stuffed shirts jabbering politics all day long. Umm, writing really isn’t my best quality. I think I should be in charge of inspecting the Estate, and the surrounding countryside. I will give you a detailed report of my findings. You know, should anything be amiss.

Suddenly a young boy burst through the crowd waving his arms wildly at the coach. The driver reigned in the horses with a frantic tug, and the coach lurched to a halt, skittering little stones across the cobbles. The boy scrambled up onto the coach’s runner, clinging to the window casing. He peered in looking for Ravyn.

Ravyn, can’t you stay one more summer? I can’t play knights by myself. I can’t solve the castle’s mysteries alone. We still haven’t found that secret passage Nurse Mayweather hinted was in the library. His tawny head bowed. Please don’t go.

Ravyn sniffed back a tear. She was sorry to leave her very best friend Blade behind. They had the most wonderful adventures sneaking about the castle.

Blade looked hopefully into Ravyn’s face, his green eyes brimming with tears. He bit his lower lip to keep them from falling freely. Ravyn brushed an errant strand of hair away from her watering eyes, straightened her shoulders, and lifted her chin.

I shall miss you too. I shall sorely miss your help with all the dragons and unicorns I will be finding, but I will remember every detail of my adventures and share them with you upon my return. You do the same. We will have twice the adventures when I return.

Her voice softened as she added, Here, take this to remember me by when you get lonely. She unclasped a delicate gold chain from her neck, removing her unicorn pendant. She placed the intricate carving of a proud unicorn in his trembling hands. Pure white quartz shimmered in the mid-day light. Its delicate horn was spiraled in gold, and silver traced each prancing hoof. There was no other pendant like it in all of Aigerach.

Then you take my pendant and keep it close to your heart, he said stifling tears, trying to emulate her poise. He placed a dragon in her hand. It was meticulously carved out of a piece of deep purple amethyst, with silvered wings and glinting diamond eyes.

Queen Lareina smiled. We’ll be back before the beginning of harvest, Blade. We must be going, or we’ll miss the tide. Or is that what you were hoping? she teased with a sly wink. Blade lowered his eyes and slipped back off the coach’s runner edging back into the crowd. Before the driver could order the horses to start, Ravyn wriggled out the coach’s tight window flying across the cobbles to Blade. She gave him a big bear hug, squeezing him long and hard. I’ll miss you so much. Think of me every day, I know I’ll think of you. I’ll be back soon. I promise. She pecked his cheek. Whirling around, she scrambled back through the tiny window in the blink of an eye.

The driver clucked to the horses, and the coach began its bumpy descent to the harbor. King Bryant grinned like a fox. You really should try using the door next time, little bird. The way you flit through the windows is unbecoming of a princess.

Ravyn giggled. Her father furrowed his dark brows in mock agitation. Then laughter erupted from the coach as the horses picked their way down the cobbled lane teeming with well-wishers. Ravyn beamed as the docks came into view.

Glaring down from the battlements of the castle, the Queen’s sister Zelera scowled at the coach as it disappeared into the bulging crowds. She was tired of taking the backseat to her perfect little sister. Zelera was the elder daughter of the deceased King Alric. If she had been born a son, she would be the ruler of Aigerach.

However, King Alric never had any sons, and Lareina had always been his favorite. Pretty Lareina, smart Lareina, talented Lareina. Talented in the Light Arts, yes, but she knew nothing of the power of the Dark Arts. Zelera paced like a panther.

She stopped, gripping the stony wall in her bony fingers. She tossed her dark head back, crying out with evil abandon. Today things were going to change. Like a giant spider in its web waiting for a fly, she had been biding her time patiently until events fell in place. She mastered the Dark Arts, gaining powers no one suspected right beneath their shortsighted eyes. It had taken years of quiet study and cunning to direct attention away from what she was learning. Practicing the Dark Arts carried the penalty of death on Aigerach and had for hundreds of years. That would be the first rule to change, after the fly snagged her web.

A slow lazy smile tugged at the corners of her crimson lips. She had the power to throw the royal family into a timeless void. Bye, bye, baby sister, she murmured to herself.

After she absorbed more power and gained more control of the Dark Arts, she would banish them for all eternity into the Darkness. Her violet eyes blazed as she savored the power she would possess. She would be the absolute ruler, not of Veris, or Aigerach, but of the entire world. No one would loft power over her ever again.

Looking out over the rooftops to the harbor, she could just make out the shapes of the happy family boarding the ship. They looked like little ants heading into their hill. Crushing that hill would be delightful. She spun on her heel, slamming into Connor, the King’s advisor. The bumbling old fool had been with the ruling family for as long as she could remember. She despised her father’s faithful old lapdog. She straightened her spine, looking down her nose at him.

Out of my way you old fool, she sneered, Things are about to change around here, and if I were you, I’d disappear. Feral teeth gleamed beneath thin blood red lips. I can make that happen for you, she hissed, brushing past him with a swish of her robes. He stumbled awkwardly to keep his balance, falling into the rough stones of the battlement. He watched her haughty retreat.

Connor’s chalky brows furrowed as he contemplated her words. Alarm bells rang in his mind; her anger and power soiled the air. It tasted dark and sulfurous. Tossing aside his façade of bumbling gait and frailty, he quickly retraced his steps. He entered the long dark hallway frantic to reach his chambers. He paused, slipping his hand into a chink in the masonry behind a suit of armor standing guard over a dimly lit alcove. A switch released with a light clink, and a panel of wall grumbled open behind the heavy armor revealing a secret passage leading to his study.

Frantic steps drove him up the narrow stone steps. Fingers of shivers raced up his back as he hastily took down his scrying bowl, calling upon the swirling waters to show him the royal family. He sent his aural self out over the rooftops of Veris and down to the harbor.

The ship was well underway. The sea was calm, the afternoon breeze filling its sails, driving the ship rapidly away from shore. Ravyn leaned over the prow soaking up the spray as the ship crested each trough, rapture filling her eyes. Bryant and Lareina leaned against a nearby rail laughing as Ravyn absorbed each salty blast.

Everything looked perfect, but the air vibrated with discord and a rotten taste was building in his mouth. Fear gripped Connor. He knew where the evil he had been sensing was coming from. He’d been scouring the countryside looking for a rogue sorcerer. The evil had been under his nose all along, no sorcerer, but a sorceress.

Zelera. It was obvious she’d been unhappy about losing the throne, but he never dreamed jealousy would lead her down the path of Darkness. She’d never been as adept at the Light Arts, where Lareina shined, but he thought she was content with her role in the royal court.

He began casting a protection spell, draining his stores of energy and cursing the shortness of time. He grabbed the skeins of Light that surround all life on Aigerach, weaving them into a protective net.

He closed his eyes, Blessed Light, give me time to save them.

Returning his gaze to the scrying bowl, he located the ship, now well out to sea. He focused on Ravyn, shooting tendrils of protective netting through the aural field, cloaking her. As the Light wrapped protectively around her tiny frame, he glanced at Lareina, reading fear in her eyes. Light and Dark power erupted along the aural field. Streams of colorful Light sparked as they crashed into black fingers of malignant Darkness. The streams of Light sputtered feebly as the Darkness smothered it, choking it. Overwhelming vile flavors filled Connor's mouth as he watched the Darkness wrap its evil talons around Bryant and Lareina and claw its way across the deck toward Ravyn. Though he was miles away from the ship, he struggled not to vomit.

Aboard the ship, Lareina gasped as the sky smoldered in a smoky black blanket, the image of Zelera’s rage filled face swimming within it. Zelera’s hatred and jealousy stabbed deeply into Lareina’s heart, burning her with its intensity. She summoned all her power, knowing it was not enough to ward off the imminent attack. She tasted the bitter anger swirling around her, clawing at her, knowing in her heart that she could not beat her sister. As waves of despair washed over her, she sensed the sweetness of the Light, directed at Ravyn. She focused all her strength on Ravyn, standing paralyzed in the bow. She formed an image in her mind of safety and security; wrapping her daughter in a cloak of invisibility.

Tendrils of Darkness wrapped tightly around Lareina and Bryant, choking off daylight, but the Darkness lashed blindly about for Ravyn. A vortex formed sucking Lareina deeper still. She thrust all the Light left within her, around her daughter’s shivering form, blasting her away from the doomed ship.

Ravyn found herself wrapped in an iridescent globe that lifted up into the sky, zipping away from the ship. It glided with ever-increasing speed northwest, spinning and tumbling this way and that. Her eyes darted about trying to focus on any spot for more than a moment; she glimpsed her parents disappear into the inky Darkness. The Darkness wore a face belonging to her auntie. It made no sense. Tears flowed down her cheeks.

The Darkness shrieked in frustration, and tendrils of evil slashed the skies for its missing quarry. Too late, the colorful shimmering orb was miles away, and Ravyn could only see the ocean blurring beneath her. Her stomach turned somersaults as the globe swiveled and spun, searching for safety and security, following the order imbedded in that last spell. Heaviness fell on Ravyn’s eyes, and she could no longer keep them open. Colors blurred, the sweet smell of Light magic easing her fright, she drifted into dreamless slumber.

Connor collapsed against his workbench knowing Ravyn was safe, but Lareina had cloaked the girl in invisibility. He sighed; there was no way he would find her with a scrying. Her aural trail was lost to him until she came into her own power. He struggled to push himself upright, staggering to his cabinet of magical tools. Zelera would know the difference in the taste of two separate magic forces.

The King and Queen knew he was a Master of the Light. Everyone else thought he was just a doddering ancient adviser. It wouldn’t take Zelera long to conclude his talents. He hurried to gather his more unusual supplies, those rare and irreplaceable. Bending the Light about him, he draped himself in invisibility. He hastened out of his rooms, descending the narrow flight of stone steps. He needed to hide, until Ravyn’s sixteenth year, some nine years away. In his haste, he nearly ran into Blade. The boy was sitting on the cold stone steps head buried in his hands, weeping softly.

Blade was alone. Again. His father had been King Bryant’s best friend and the General of his army. He was gone a year now, victim of a terrible hunting accident. Blade’s mother died two years before while giving birth, along with his little brother. The King and Queen had taken him into the castle, providing him with his necessities and an education. Ravyn was his best friend. Now she would be gone for an eternity, the whole summer. Blade lifted his head, sensing someone watching him. He brushed a sleeve across his damp cheek.

Connor had a soft spot for the boy. Blade, something terrible has happened. I have no time to go into details. Even as I speak, Zelera will be looking for me. For your safety son, you must trust me and come away. Life is going to change around this castle, and I don’t want you here alone.

Blade looked around for the person to whom the voice belonged. It sounded like Connor, though more vibrant. Connor, sir, is that you? Where are you? whispered Blade eyeing the cold brick walls.

Yes, son, it’s me. Now keep quiet, and don’t draw attention to yourself. We’re going to leave this castle, you and I. I want you to go to the stables and get two horses saddled. Ride the first horse, and lead the second, which I will ride. You may have noticed I’m invisible at the moment. We’ll exit the northern city gates. If anyone asks where you’re going, say the horses are going to pasture. That’s a chore you’ve done in the past, isn’t it?

Blade nodded, wide-eyed as he continued to search the empty passageway for Connor.

Wonderful, let’s be on our way. The sooner the better. I will fill you in on the details when we’re safely in the hills.

Blade’s brows bunched up like fuzzy caterpillars as he tried making sense of what was happening. Connor must be a practitioner of the Light Arts. Connor had always been friendly, rarely even scolding him. In fact, he always played games with Blade and Ravyn, teaching them about the secrets of the castle. Blade leapt up and started bolting down the stairs. A gentle hand grasped his shoulder, and he slowed his pace.

Continuing out through the bustling Great Hall, he pushed open the huge wooden doors. The creaking hinges seemed to scream, Someone’s sneak-ing, someone’s sneak-ing. As he looked over his shoulder, he saw the castle staff running in all directions, oblivious to one little boy. He held the door wide for a moment, hoping Connor was through. He strode across the courtyard to the gravel path leading down to the stables. He could hear Connor’s feet crunch the gravel slightly behind his, and adjusted his cadence to match.

He let out a long-held breath as the stables came into view. He found Gerord, the stable boy, mucking out the stalls. The aroma of fresh hay wafted up as Gerord tossed a large forkful of clean hay into the stall. Hi Gerord, how’re you today? he asked the gangly youth.

Gerord leaned on his pitchfork, brushing the sweat from his brow, I’m nearly done with me chores; all that’s left is to take Midnight and Moonlight up to pasture. With the King and Queen gone, they won’t get out of the stables much. They like running free on the range.

Blade couldn’t believe his luck. I came down here ‘cause I’m bored. I’ll go for a ride and take them up for you.

Gerord scratched the scraggly scrub on his chin. Well, I don’t want the stable-master thinking I’m ditching me duties, but if you really want to, I’d be heaps grateful. Maybe I can get home before me supper gets cold for once.

Blade tended to Midnight and Moonlight, putting on their bridles and saddles. He tossed a brush, some extra nails, a pick, and other animal husbandry gear into a saddlebag. Midnight stamped his feet, eager to be away. Blade untied the horses, leading both away from the stalls. Master Connor, he whispered, you here?

"Already seated upon Moonlight my friend, but you had best think what you want to say to me, as I am now thinking my thoughts to you. You don’t want people to think you have gone daft, talking to the air. I’ve given you the ability to hear my thoughts, temporarily, and I can hear yours."

Blade chuckled. Master Connor is a practitioner of the Light, not a crazy old loon like everyone thinks.

"Yes, that’s true, and I will tell you more once we have made our grand escape."

Blade mounted Midnight, starting toward the gate, which Gerord had opened for him.

Gerord stood by the gate, hands on his hips, Why’d ya go and saddle them horses, Blade? The horses won’t need them at pasture.

Before Blade could think up a suitable response, the stable-master hollered for Gerord. Blade gave Midnight a nudge; the horse fairly leapt past the gate, Moonlight following suit.

Blade leaned close to Midnight’s ears, talking calmly to the skitterish stallion, easing the horse through the city streets. The townsfolk were milling about. The crowds from earlier hadn’t

Reviews for Return of the Crown

[slvoight_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as a Goodreads ARC giveaway. This was a great book and I really enjoy it

[jamesmasters · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fine read that I enjoyed. It tells the story of a girl named Ravyn who is sort of “expelled” from her home and her mother and father (the king and Queen) are presumed dead, even though they are really just in a frozen magical state (under a spell) from the queens evil (and I mean EVIL) sister Zelera, who assumes the role of ruler of not just the lands of Aigerach, but the whole world. But Ravyn has other ideas, and she, along with her trusted advisor Connor and best friend Blade (and magical creatures) plan to take back the crown and save her parents. But the evil empress wants Ravun dead, so there is plenty of peril and tension along the way. I enjoyed the ride and can see this being a big hit with teens and middle schoolers, but I will confess that I am well into my forties and though it was great.

[coreez-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall I thought that “The Return of the Crown” was an impressive novel that I would have no problem recommending to my friends and family. I was immediately pulled into the story, and thought the author did an excellent job of world-building and keeping the action moving forward. It is very well written, although at times I thought it could use some trimming as the pace seemed to slow with some unnecessary descriptions or superfluous events that seemed to take us in circles at times. But this ranks up there with some of the better YA fantasies I’ve read, and would encourage fans of the genre to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.

[j4t4thomas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “Return of the Crown” by Millie Burns follows in the tradition of fantasy-quest literature, this time the fate of the world rests in a young princess named Ravyn who is coming into her magical powers during her 16th year. She needs to rescue her parents, the King and Queen of Aigerach from the curse of the queen’s older sister, Zelera. Zelera is skilled in the Dark Arts (Bad magic), and the King and Queen (and everyone else) practices the Light Arts (Good Magic). The theme of good v. evil is very front and center in this novel, and there really isn’t much middle ground. I read this in a few nights and it was great right up until the final showdown. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[kaylees_26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel by Millie Burns was a lot of fun, more so than I’d expected it to be. It was full of adventure and action that kept me interested, and I liked the heroine, Ravyn. She was smart and resourceful and brave and strong. Kind of a tomboy but is relatable. Sometimes I was unclear on a few things, mainly the passage of time and where the characters were in relation to one another (far? Close?) I could never quite get a clear grasp. Also, there seemed like there were A LOT of characters but we never really got to know most of them very well. I know this is standard with fantasy books, but for me it just gets confusing at times when every page or two we are meeting new characters. But I think the plot was good and it made for an entertaining read. I recommend this book for readers aged 12 and up who like an engaging story of action and fantastical adventure.

[mark2williams_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For me, this book started off kind of slow and it took a while for me to become connected to the characters. I didn’t really like the cover, and it took a while for me to figure out how old Ravyn was, and I wish I would have known this sooner so I could picture her better. But once I got into the story everything started coming together and I really liked the adventures and dangers Princess Rayvn and her friends faced. My favorite was the dragon and the Harpys. Actually, all of the magical creatures were pretty cool. I liked that they had names and actual personalities. Overall I thought this was a very good book and I really liked it. If there was a sequel I would want to read it.

[steffyc_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply fabulous. Beautiful, descriptive narrative that just sucks you right in from the opening pages. The writing was so descriptive and atmospheric I felt like I was watching a movie unfold before my eyes (note- this would make an AMAZING movie!!) I didn’t want to put the book down once I started reading, as there was always something waiting to happen just around the corner. I loved the depiction of magic in this world and thought it was unlike any I’d seen before. Ravyn and Blade and Connor are great, and so are the supporting characters. A definite must-read for fans of the YA/fantasy genre. Well done.

[readergurrl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My ultra-picky daughter read this book in two days, which is incredible! I can’t praise a book high enough that will make her read it cover to cover that fast. I knew that I enjoyed it, but to me the highest compliment is from my pre-teen who usually only likes Twilight (yeah, I know) Harry Potter and The Mortal Instruments. So Ms. Burns is in some fine company indeed! Excellent writing style and I must give a compliment on the stellar editing, as I don’t think I noticed any errors at all, which is very rare for an e-book

[darla_ortiz_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although this book moved along at a slower pace than what I am used to, I felt the message of the book was good. The writing was good enough to keep me involved and turning the pages, but I could put it down. The other reviews give some synopsis detail so I won't repeat. Let me just say that I liked the way the author depicted characters dealing with choices and situations. The writing style switched from different characters point of view which added to the depth of the book. I think if it had been written from just one point of view, I wouldn’t have been as good. Overall, I like the book and liked the enchanted landscape the author created.

[nikkih7117 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this novel. On one hand it is extremely well-written and flows nicely. I’ve read a lot of fantasy and there were some creative and highly original aspects the author explored that I’d never seen anywhere and I found that refreshing. However, much of it just felt so familiar it was almost predictable. While there were some new angles (seeing the threads was very cool), most of the time I just felt like I was reading a different version of a story I’ve already read somewhere before, and the archetypes and characters were pretty stock and standard. No real thinking outside the box here which is something that is required to earn the highest praise from me. But if a tried-and-true fantasy is what you like, then you will love this one. The prose is lovely and the shorter chapters give it a brisk pace. While it didn’t exactly blow my mind, it was a nice read that I’m sure others will enjoy.

[jhonnip_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Fantastic fantasy adventure suitable for all ages. The heroine, Princess Ravyn, is a teen, but this isn’t just another YA fantasy book. There is little to no angst, and it is not a romance (thank God). The writing very strong and the plot is compelling and intelligent enough for adults to be hooked as well. Recommend for fans of the fantasy genre, as well as action or adventure. Would love to read more from this author in the future.

[bellareadz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great book for teens as well as adults. Not many books I read can crossover like that, but it has elements that will appeal to almost everybody. Millie Burns writes like a seasoned pro and master of her craft as she weaved an adventurous and exciting tale that kept me up until the wee hours of the night and turning the pages on my Kindle as fast as I could. There was never a boring moment and I was eager to see what would unfold next, and if the young magical princess would be victorious against her evil, wicked and powerful aunt. Does she succeed? You just have to read to find out!

[clairebearzz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book I’ve read from Millie Burns, but I really hope it won’t be the last! I loved how Ms. Burns writes in such a descriptive and literary way, but its not boring with too many unnecessary details… I felt like I was really inside the story as it unfolded every step of the way, not outside looking in. Even with the 3rd person POV (which isn’t really my fave) I felt connected to the characters and liked that the occasional POV change here and there let us see more perspectives. I thought the epilogue was interesting too and am wondering if this is leaving the door open for a part 2? Recommend for fans of literary fantasy and adventure.

[april_dawn_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"Return of the Crown” by Mille Burns is a traditional fantasy about a young girl who wishes to save her parents and her kingdom. It is a typical quest-novel, and the lines between good and bad are very obvious with little subtlety. There are no shades of grey in this black-or-white world, and for me that takes the realism down a notch, even if it is a fantasy. I would have liked to see the characters be a bit more fleshed out and even humanized some, as sometimes the descriptions were a bit over the top with describing just how “bad” something was, or how “good”. Just a personal preference. However, for younger readers this lack of nuance may be a benefit, and it does simplify what otherwise could be complex plot points. But all in all this is a safe and satisfying read – I mean safe as in I’d rate it PG, no real sex, language (the occasional mild one here and there) or gratuitous violence. It doesn’t feel particularly original in theme or premise, but there is a certain sense of comfort in that as well.

[stacydecker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those books where the synopsis (the book description) does not do it justice at all. Not that it’s bad, I just don’t know how intrigued I’d be to read it just on that alone. It just sounds pretty run-of-the-mill for these types of books. Well, I’m glad I gave it a shot because this book was amazing! And so much happens, and there are so many cool characters and magical creatures, it’s hard to describe, you just have to experience it for yourself. I loved the epilogue and hope this mean that there will be another, although this novel does seem like a standalone. Oh well, one can hope!

[sam_ryan_20 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I admit I’m not a huge fan of “fantasy”. I like my novels as realistic as possible, and I’m not particularly a fan of “teen” heroes/heroines. So why did I read this book? Well, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone for a bit and try to expand my horizons. The synopsis seemed straightforward enough, and I could tell by the sample pages that the author actually knew how to write. So I gave it a shot. Imagine my surprise when I started reading only intending to read a few chapters and before I knew it I’d crossed the 60% mark! I just didn’t want to stop, it was that good! I found myself wholly immersed in the world Ms. Burns created and was rooting for young Ravyn and crew. And I hated Zelera SO MUCH! You know that’s the sign of a good writer when you want to scream at and hit one of the characters! Haha. Needless to say I really enjoyed this novel (much to my surprise) and want to thank Millie Burns for making my foray into the world of fantasy such a magical and memorable one. I’ll be back :-).