Cover for Crown of Horns featuring a horned woman with red paint across her face.

By F. David Schultz

Crown of Horns

There are no benevolent dictators.

An intense political fantasy—think 1984 meets The Witcher—Schultz's debut novel follows the rise of authoritarianism and the fight to end it.

As Ishkara struggles to unite a nation torn apart by civil war, she enlists the aid of a constable, an artist, and a masked outsider to turn the tide.

Just as their efforts make a difference, everything is turned against them. Peacekeeping becomes violent. Art becomes propaganda. Suddenly, they're scrambling to pull the pieces together before the nation falls apart.

Inspired by the rich culture and history of Ukraine, Crown of Horns is brought to life with over 40 illustrations by Saskatoon artist and world builder Audra Balion.

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Where to Buy

Crown of Horns is available direct:

Through distribution, you can ask for Crown of Horns at your local bookstore or library. You can use the ISBN for reference:  978-1-7383634-0-7

It's also available through several major retailers:

Two masked people walk along next to a forest of grass, taller than they stand. They are in masks. On the left is Kalrevi, a woman with black hair and a dress with a tattered cut, and Surrendra on the right, he has six arms.
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[A] world that you don't want to leave once you're in it.

 

- SARAH, READER

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I've only read one book in the last two years and I'm glad it was this one.

 

- CAZ LIM, AIR GUITAR CHAMPION OF SASKATCHEWAN

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A beautiful mix of political intrigue and fantasy worldbuilding!

 

- NATHAN, READER

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I read 35 pages the first day. The next day I read 200... The day after that, I finished it!

 

- BRIAN HILDEBRAND, AUTHOR OF ONE SPELL AND THE RENEGADES

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Kalrevi is my favourite character. I could hang out in her chapters all day.

 

- ERICH, READER

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I'm loving the audiobook! When's the movie coming out?!

 

- SIMON R., LISTENER

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.

Together, we have raised over $1100 CAD to help Ukrainian culture thrive.

An illustration by Audra Balion featuring a building based on Hutsul architecture and two people playing instruments inspired by the Ukrainian trembita.