
The final book in the best-selling Dalemark Quartet, which consists of four fantasy novels by acclaimed author Diana Wynne Jones set in the mysterious world of Dalemark. The Crown of Dalemark is being reissued in OUP's flourishing Oxford Children's Modern Classics series. The Dalemark books are also currently part of children's literature course studies.
The fate of the divided land of Dalemark rests on the discovery of the lost crown and the emergence of a rightful ruler to unite the warring earldoms. Two protagonists, Mitt and Moril, navigate a landscape fractured by ancient feuds and magical instability. As they seek to restore the crown, they face opposition from entrenched political factions and the lingering influence of powerful, unseen entities. The narrative employs a multi-perspective framework that bridges the gap between the past and the present, requiring the characters to reconcile historical myths with their current reality. Their objective is to prevent the total collapse of their world by uncovering the truth behind the legends that have shaped their society.
Readers frequently highlight the complexity of the world-building, noting how the author weaves disparate historical threads into a cohesive conclusion. Discussion often centers on the shift in tone as the narrative moves toward the final resolution of the quartet. Critics appreciate the balance between character growth and the broader political stakes, which prevents the story from feeling purely didactic. Many readers find the interplay between the ancient past and the immediate present to be the most engaging aspect of the series. The work is widely regarded as a significant contribution to the fantasy genre for younger readers due to its intellectual depth and structural ambition.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
2000-09-07
ISBN-10:
0192718355
ISBN-13:
9780192718358
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