Crown of Horns
There are no benevolent Dictators
Relevant & intense: a political fantasy novel
Ishkara, a refugee with a vision for unity, seeks to heal the scars left by generations of war. To do so, she enlists the aid of a constable, an artist, and an outsider. As they fight to unite the nation, they learn that even the best intentions can be corrupted.
Peacekeeping turns violent. Art becomes propaganda. And those outside are forced to conform. Together, they must decide what freedom really means—and what it costs to keep.
Crown of Horns, written by F. David Schultz and illustrated by Audra Balion, is a political fantasy that explores the rise of authoritarianism and the power of art and culture in the face of tyranny. Longtime genre fans and newcomers alike will be drawn in by its diverse cast, story-first worldbuilding, and page-turning intensity.
A novel inspired by Ukraine
Step into a world inspired by the beauty and culture of Ukraine, where mountains are made of mirror-glass, firebirds soar overhead, and wars are fought over the shape of one’s horns.
A portion of every book sale goes to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Aid for Artists project. The importance of preserving art and culture are at the heart of the story, and it was important that the work give back to those fighting to keep Ukraine’s rich heritage alive.
A gripping tale in Balion’s world
Crown of Horns is set within the same world as Flight Nineteen, the premier graphic novel by Audra Balion. As such, it was incredibly important for Audra to be involved. She created the beautiful continent of Vsevora. Inspired by Ukraine with cities given Ukrainian names. Two of which are even named after her grandparents: Ostap and Olga. From there, she opened up the world for her partner F. David Schultz to create a story of political intrigue. With characters inspired by Balion’s designs and fondness for creating powerful women with horns and antlers, Crown of Horns quickly took shape—figuratively and literally!
