What do you think?
Rate this book
All Things Impossible #1
Crown of the Realm
In this first volume of the All Things Impossible series, an ancient evil has returned. An ancient war has resumed. And for the first time in elven history, the Crown of the Realm has been stolen.
But young Derora Saxen knows nothing of such things. When she sets out from her village with her best friend Kelin, she knows only that she wants to be a warrior.
She does not know the immortal chemmen have escaped the realm of darkness to which they had been banished for millennia. She does not know chemmen armies are already exacting revenge on their hated enemies, the elves, or that chemmen assassins have already killed the elven king and queen.
And she does not know that by helping a stranger, she will be drawn into a struggle that began long before she was born, and take the first steps on her path to destiny. In the fires of an ancient war, a new hero will be forged…
But young Derora Saxen knows nothing of such things. When she sets out from her village with her best friend Kelin, she knows only that she wants to be a warrior.
She does not know the immortal chemmen have escaped the realm of darkness to which they had been banished for millennia. She does not know chemmen armies are already exacting revenge on their hated enemies, the elves, or that chemmen assassins have already killed the elven king and queen.
And she does not know that by helping a stranger, she will be drawn into a struggle that began long before she was born, and take the first steps on her path to destiny. In the fires of an ancient war, a new hero will be forged…
259 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2009
11 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 2, 2020
A Bloody Good Read.
I like to read, or rather I love to read. I have read over 3000 fiction novels in my life. I can't remember a day that I haven't been reading a book.
This book ranks as one of my favourites of all time. A big claim perhaps but I love the characterisation and the writing style the author. she draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you there until the very last word in the book
D. Dalton has written an excellent story, the characters are relatable, and familiar. You will laugh cry and cringe along with them.
The hero of the story Derora Saxon wants to become a hero and a warrior, not what is expected of a girl from her small out of the way village, yet she has her mind set upon the goal despite her "Charger" being an farm cart puller and her battle ground being a field out of sight of the adults in the village and her army a rag tag group of youngsters who play at being knights.
A little hurdle like that isn't going to stop her, she best all comers from the youngsters in the village despite her diminutive stature.
Event take her and her friend through a series of adventures out in the wider world and trials and obstacles that would make any human being falter, turn back, or run for the comfort of home. Yet her determination and sometimes stubborn refusal to be beaten or broken hold her and her friend in good stead and help her fight, crawl and claw her way through.
The story draws you in and leads you through the adventures, as new characters cross paths with Derora they become people you want to know and befriend, or dislike with equal passion depending upon how they treat our heroes.
I have read this book 3 times since it came into print and can't wait for the 2nd book to be available to buy.
I have given a copy to my daughter to read because I know that she and Der are kindred spirits, and I hope when she reads it to my granddaughter, she will love it as much as I do and be instilled with the belief that a Girl can do anything she puts her mind to, without ever listening to the nay sayers who tell her Girls don't, Girls shouldn't, Girls can't, because they do, they should and they can do anything, all it takes is determination and and willingness to try.
Thank you D.Dalton for introducing me to a character who will be firm friend and someone I remember for a long time and hope to see again and again if only in my head and not in the real (and frankly dull) world we plod through daily doing our 9-5 to pay the bills.
I like to read, or rather I love to read. I have read over 3000 fiction novels in my life. I can't remember a day that I haven't been reading a book.
This book ranks as one of my favourites of all time. A big claim perhaps but I love the characterisation and the writing style the author. she draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you there until the very last word in the book
D. Dalton has written an excellent story, the characters are relatable, and familiar. You will laugh cry and cringe along with them.
The hero of the story Derora Saxon wants to become a hero and a warrior, not what is expected of a girl from her small out of the way village, yet she has her mind set upon the goal despite her "Charger" being an farm cart puller and her battle ground being a field out of sight of the adults in the village and her army a rag tag group of youngsters who play at being knights.
A little hurdle like that isn't going to stop her, she best all comers from the youngsters in the village despite her diminutive stature.
Event take her and her friend through a series of adventures out in the wider world and trials and obstacles that would make any human being falter, turn back, or run for the comfort of home. Yet her determination and sometimes stubborn refusal to be beaten or broken hold her and her friend in good stead and help her fight, crawl and claw her way through.
The story draws you in and leads you through the adventures, as new characters cross paths with Derora they become people you want to know and befriend, or dislike with equal passion depending upon how they treat our heroes.
I have read this book 3 times since it came into print and can't wait for the 2nd book to be available to buy.
I have given a copy to my daughter to read because I know that she and Der are kindred spirits, and I hope when she reads it to my granddaughter, she will love it as much as I do and be instilled with the belief that a Girl can do anything she puts her mind to, without ever listening to the nay sayers who tell her Girls don't, Girls shouldn't, Girls can't, because they do, they should and they can do anything, all it takes is determination and and willingness to try.
Thank you D.Dalton for introducing me to a character who will be firm friend and someone I remember for a long time and hope to see again and again if only in my head and not in the real (and frankly dull) world we plod through daily doing our 9-5 to pay the bills.
May 17, 2019
Derora Saxen knew there was more to life than the quiet town she called home. But when the cultists turned up, looking for an outlaw, destiny came calling. When her father sent her on a quest to petition assistance she had no idea of the danger. No idea that a plea for aid would result in her path crossing with enemies long forgotten, and put her, and those who walked beside her, in their sights. War is coming, and those already aware of the danger have done nothing but run. The time has come to make a stand, or watch the world burn.
Crown of the Realm is the first book in D. Dalton's All Things Impossible series. From the start, you are drawn straight in. From regicide to pony jousting, cults to ancient and forgotten threats, it certainly encompasses a fantasy lovers expectations. The third person narrative is engaging, descriptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to breeze through as events unfold and the stakes rise. Loyalties and history are questioned as the choices made for the greater good seem to have consequences beyond those imagined. I enjoyed Derora's character, her moxie really made me smile, as did her persistence, perseverance, and strength of character. More than once I felt a pang of sympathy for those in her path, particularly her reluctant and long-suffering companion, Kelin. Danger, chaos, and questions drive the character centred plot through an epic adventure fraught with peril. A great start to what promises to be a gripping series.
Crown of the Realm is the first book in D. Dalton's All Things Impossible series. From the start, you are drawn straight in. From regicide to pony jousting, cults to ancient and forgotten threats, it certainly encompasses a fantasy lovers expectations. The third person narrative is engaging, descriptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to breeze through as events unfold and the stakes rise. Loyalties and history are questioned as the choices made for the greater good seem to have consequences beyond those imagined. I enjoyed Derora's character, her moxie really made me smile, as did her persistence, perseverance, and strength of character. More than once I felt a pang of sympathy for those in her path, particularly her reluctant and long-suffering companion, Kelin. Danger, chaos, and questions drive the character centred plot through an epic adventure fraught with peril. A great start to what promises to be a gripping series.
Read
September 26, 2024Derora Saxen is a bold and compelling character who imposes herself on a quest that is beyond anything she’s ever imagined. This novel has great characterizations and fantastic worldbuilding. It’s everything you’d expect from a high fantasy. It takes some dark turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out how they’ll get out of danger. There’s also literary twists and turns as you wonder who the bad guys really are. I love the twist with the two primary antagonists too. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
Amazon has it categorized as a Teen & Young Adult Exploration & Ancient Civilization but that is not at all what this is. I’d call it Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Action & Adventure, or Fantasy Sword & Sorcery. There are no wizards in it, but there are swords and magic.
I purchased the paperback directly from the author at a comic-con event.
Amazon has it categorized as a Teen & Young Adult Exploration & Ancient Civilization but that is not at all what this is. I’d call it Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Action & Adventure, or Fantasy Sword & Sorcery. There are no wizards in it, but there are swords and magic.
I purchased the paperback directly from the author at a comic-con event.
June 30, 2019
I had mixed feelings going into this book, but I was quickly caught in the adventure. Der is an intrepid heroine whose enthusiasm is catching. She and her friend Kelin are caught in a war neither of them expected. This fantasy has elves, dwarves, knights in shining armor and several different villains. The trials that the ensemble cast of characters goes through can be tough to handle at times, but their ability to rally was inspiring. Although it is written for YA, I highly recommend it for all ages who like a well written story, with a well developed world and characters that are fascinating.
March 15, 2020
Sixteen-year-old Derora Saxon's world is turned upside down when men hunting an outlaw enter her village. She sets out with her best friend to help. Little does she know she's about to be pulled into and Elvin war that threatens her life and the lives of her friends.
Crown of the Realm is a 500-page action-packed fantasy with excellent world-building and well-developed characters. Author D. Dalton does a fine job of bringing the world of the elves and dwarfs to life. Recommended for those who enjoy fantasy and adventure.
Crown of the Realm is a 500-page action-packed fantasy with excellent world-building and well-developed characters. Author D. Dalton does a fine job of bringing the world of the elves and dwarfs to life. Recommended for those who enjoy fantasy and adventure.
August 5, 2019
Excellent book, it kept me engrossed until the very end.
November 20, 2019
Magic and mischief
I enjoyed the story and characters a lot. A few surprises in the book were nice as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I enjoyed the story and characters a lot. A few surprises in the book were nice as well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
March 30, 2020
Interesting, but jumpy.
July 2, 2020
I had high hopes for this book from reading the description, and I'm happy to say it exceeded my expectations at every turn.
Rich, well-developed characters and fully fleshed out fantasy world with many millennia of history baked in. There are familiar creatures to satisfy fans of classical Tolkien-esque fantasy, as well as new race of immortal beings totally unique to this world.
D. Dalton excels at writing action, and her fight scenes and battles jump off the page and ignite the imagination. I was on the edge of my seat desperate to know how those turns in the plot would resolve themselves!!!
The action and resolution at the end was a perfect and a satisfying way to wrap up book one in this series. I'd definitely recommend Crown of the Realm to any NA/Adult fantasy fans looking for an immersive fantasy world and epic adventure!
Rich, well-developed characters and fully fleshed out fantasy world with many millennia of history baked in. There are familiar creatures to satisfy fans of classical Tolkien-esque fantasy, as well as new race of immortal beings totally unique to this world.
D. Dalton excels at writing action, and her fight scenes and battles jump off the page and ignite the imagination. I was on the edge of my seat desperate to know how those turns in the plot would resolve themselves!!!
The action and resolution at the end was a perfect and a satisfying way to wrap up book one in this series. I'd definitely recommend Crown of the Realm to any NA/Adult fantasy fans looking for an immersive fantasy world and epic adventure!
March 28, 2011
I grabbed this book for free from manybooks.net and read it on my phone. While it is not at a "Lord of the Rings" level, it is still much better than many books I've read in the fantasty genre's war games subset. I highly recommend this book to anyone with the patience to stumble through some of the more odd bits of plot, as there were a few sections that left me asking, "What?" All in all, I want to share it with others, though.
Updated to Add: Then I read the book's description on here. First in a series? There is going to be a series?!! I'm so excited!
Updated to Add: Then I read the book's description on here. First in a series? There is going to be a series?!! I'm so excited!
Read
August 18, 2011beautiful....funny...engaging and couldn't wait to read the next... :-)
July 12, 2012
I do not generally read fantasy- I am a horror/suspense fan. However, I found I could not put this book down. I sneaked in reading at work, at home, and anywhere I could until I finished it.
August 18, 2013
der actually made me believe in my dreams.... thanx for that Deb. i owe u 1 for that.. for giving me Der....
December 29, 2013
I love Derora! She seems a lot like me. Very outspoken, and knows that general common sense will get you into, or out of, most situations.
October 12, 2019
Highly recommend for a good dose of adventure and fighting spirit.
October 19, 2017
It is a very good read... highly addictive story. a must read. :)
August 14, 2016
The making of a young female hero. This is a great hero's journey of classic light versus dark. The perfect read if you want to escape this world and be inspired.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews