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Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Crowns and Kingdoms is the fourth book in the Bohemia series by Norris Bloom. While travelling with Brando, Bohemia’s aegis and chief knight, sixteen-year-old Adela, Bohemia’s lost princess, sneaks into the gypsy kingdom of Bohemia to seek out Regin and Grimhilt (the wise ones). On confirmation that Adela is, in fact, the Princess of Bohemia, Adela then learns that within one year she is to marry a suitor of Regin and Grimhilt’s choice. Torn between wanting to save Bohemia or save herself, Adela accepts the crown in order to save the people of Bohemia from King Otto’s tyranny. Otto and his sister, Ava, plot to kill Queen Adela, only to find that she has more supporters than they had bargained for. With the people of Bohemia still suffering due to extreme poverty, brought about while Otto had ruled the kingdom, Queen Adela announces that a tournament will take place in Bohemia. She challenges knights from other kingdoms to take part in order to crown the finest knight in all of the land, rewarding him with gold. Although new friends and allies being made is the goal of the tournament, the chain of events about to unfold at the hands of the evil former king is a whole new ball game – one that could ultimately destroy the kingdom.
I very much enjoyed the thrill and adventure that Crowns and Kingdoms brought with it. Norris Bloom’s delightful children’s tale introduced an ordinary young girl, showing her to be extraordinary and filling the shoes of her deceased parents. Different cultures collide and fears of one another dissolve when the people of the different kingdoms converge on the land of Bohemia to take part in the tournament. Adela’s own self-discovery and willingness to put others before herself is a valuable lesson. Each chapter is written from a different character’s point of view, enabling the reader to gain the full perspective of what is going on in every aspect of the story. I found myself cheering the good guys, booing the schemers, and hoping for a happy ending, just as if I were watching a film. A glossary of all of the unique and unusual words is also included in the book, so as to remove any confusion that these words might bring. Crowns and Kingdoms would be a great addition to any children’s library, whether at school or at home, and I recommend this book to readers over the age of 12 who enjoy a fun and adventurous romp into the fantasy world of a different culture.
