Crown of Destiny is compelling, daring, and delivers on all the promises made by its premise!

Happy Release Day to Ashton E. Dorow!!!

I have previously enjoyed Ashton’s “Royals of Acuniel,” a medieval-times era, princesses-and-castles, action, adventure, and romance series with each book being inspired by a different Bible story. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll also know that I was deeply sad when it ended. Full transparency: I’ve never been one for change! That being said, the blow was softened by the promise of this new series, “The Crown of Aerilon,” and the first book did NOT disappoint!!!

About Crown of Destiny:

The battle for the crown of Aerilon begins…

In the kingdom of Aerilon, ruled by a queen paranoid of losing her throne, keeping your head down and staying silent is the only way to survive. And for Ayleth of the Jusaren Kindred, a quiet, obscure existence tending sheep on her family farm is exactly what she wants. She knows all too well what comes from speaking out against the queen, and dreads doing anything that could endanger those she loves.

But everything changes the day a Master Scholar arrives with a shocking message: the Eternal One has chosen her as the next ruler of Aerilon.

Terrified of her so-called destiny, Ayleth wishes to forget the old man’s prophecy. That is, until a shocking betrayal forces her to flee for her life with the Scholar’s mysterious companion, Kane, as her protector. Thrust into a perilous journey, separated from all she’s ever known, and leaning on a stranger for survival, Ayleth can no longer avoid the decision she must make… Will she keep to the safe and easy path? Or remain obedient to the Eternal One—no matter the cost?

In Crown of Destiny we are introduced to Ayleth, a shepherdess content to spend her days in the beautiful pastures near her home, making music with her wooden pipe. Of course, as so often happens with these kinds of fantastical stories, Ayleth soon finds her entire world turned upside down and herself in the center of a prophecy that could change the entire kingdom’s fate. Forced to flee for her life with the handsome and mysterious Kane as her only protector, Ayleth must navigate what it means to answer a calling from the Eternal One (God) and fully trust in His plan. 

This story is loosely inspired by the story of David and Saul, but instead of David the Shepherd, we have Ayleth the Shepherdess. Rather than King Saul, Ashton gives us the ruthless Queen Eris, determined to keep her throne at any cost. And instead of giants, well… I can’t spoil everything that awaits you in the mythical land of Aerilon, can I?

“Crown of Destiny” is compelling, daring, and delivers on all the promises made by its premise. There are deep themes of faith woven throughout, things about trusting in God’s plan and boldly and faithfully following His calling, relying on His strength rather than our own. These deeply resonated with me and inspired me to look at the early years of King David’s real life in a different way, drawing fresh encouragement from ageless Bible truths. The emotional beats of the story are strongly allegorical, making it easy to compare the characters’ journeys to our own walks with God. The inspiration of the David-Saul-Goliath narrative is clear, and sets up for an exciting series of sequels yet to come. Oh! And the romance? A slow-burn built on chivalry and loyalty that will captivate your attention from the very beginning. But you’ve been warned—the cliffhanger this book ends on is a masterclass in suspense, in all the best ways! In short, this book will have you hooked in no time, and leave you inspired to fearlessly and faithfully follow God’s call in your own life.

*I received an advance copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

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