The Dryad's Crown (Tales from Efre Ousel Book 1)

5 Star Review

Click HERE to Purchase Your Copy Today!

Editorial Book Review:

By JP Klingsmann

David Hopkins has crafted a vivid and immersive epic in The Dryad's Crown, the inaugural volume of the Tales from Efre Ousel series. By combining a profoundly personal narrative with a richly detailed world-building, this novel sets itself apart in the contemporary fantasy genre. Hopkins' narrative is distinguished by a delicate and intricate equilibrium between intimate character moments and a grand, mythic scope, which effectively engages readers and underscores themes of power and identity.

The writing is fluid, seamlessly transitioning between the emotional depth of Silbrey, a wood nymph who has been influenced by her adversity-filled past, and the vivid descriptions of the fantasy world. Hopkins provides an innovative viewpoint by delving into her personal struggles and resilience, without resorting to conventional fantasy clichés. The blend of myth and raw human feeling makes the story feel urgent and relatable.

Central to the novel are ideas about who we are, the choices we make, and the cost of vengeance. Hopkins examines family ties, loyalty, and the fight for autonomy against corruption and ancient threats. The book also thoughtfully engages with topics like polyamory, sexual expression, and the influence of religious authority. These elements give the story a contemporary relevance that encourages readers to reflect on love, belief, and power in new ways.

The narrative captivates readers on an emotional level, eliciting both tension and empathy for Silbrey's journey. It also encourages contemplation of the impact of trauma on identity and the potential for hope in challenging circumstances. It presents a difficult intellectual challenge to readers by combining myth and contemporary issues, tradition and rebellion. This is a work that addresses broader human questions with honesty and artistic skill, rather than merely a thrilling fantasy tale.

The Dryad’s Crown emerges as a powerful and thoughtful fantasy novel, offering a world that is as beautiful as it is complicated.

About the Author

David Hopkins

Grab your free copy of "War of the Hounds," a Tales from Efre Ousel novella, by signing up for David's newsletter at thatdavidhopkins dot com.

David Hopkins is a fantasy novelist with an interest in Shakespeare, medieval history, fairy tales, and myth. He is the author of The Dryad’s Crown, a story set in the vast world of Efre Ousel. BookLife described book one of The Dryad's Crown as "a welcome, inventive, humane fantasy, set at the scale of a single fascinating life."

David has been a regular contributor to D Magazine, Smart Pop Books, and Fanboy Radio. He has written op-eds for the Dallas Morning News and Chicago Tribune, comic books and graphic novels in a variety of genres, and even a few D&D adventures.

David is married to artist and designer, April Hopkins. He has two daughters, Kennedy and Greta, and a dog named Moose.