Crown of Horns

by F. David Schultz, Audra Balion (Illustrator)

Overview

Intense, powerful, and increasingly relevant. 

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. But in the fight to unite a nation, even the best of intentions can be corrupted. 

Peacekeeping turns violent. Art becomes propaganda. Communities are forced into conformity. Together, they must decide what freedom really means-and what it costs to keep.

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. 

Crown of Horns 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. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781738363414
Publisher:	Crown of Horns
Publication date:	04/25/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	285
File size:	38 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

F. David Schultz is a life-long creator. He has brought works to life on stage performing in theatres throughout his home province of Saskatchewan and delighted imaginations with his eclectic roleplaying games. In his debut novel, Crown of Horns, Schultz worked with his partner of fifteen years to create an imaginative world and thrilling story that for long-time fantasy fans and newcomers to the genre alike.
Audra Balion is a multidisciplinary artist. She primarily paints, illustrates, and creates comics, but she has also been known to sculpt, design for theatre and film, and perform on stage through acting and dance. She loves creating and spending cozy evenings with her two cats.

Table of Contents

Prologue: The Death of Iryna Trembatya

Chapter One: The Birth of Ishkara

Chapter Two: Self Portrait

Chapter Three: Confined

Chapter Four: The Gala

Chapter Five: Restless

Chapter Six: Finally Free

Chapter Seven: The Fire of Her Will

Chapter Eight: A New Life

Chapter Nine: The Cost of Freedom

Chapter Ten: Propaganda

Chapter Eleven: Creating a New Vsevora

Chapter Twelve: A Helping Hand

Chapter Thirteen: A Morning Stroll

Chapter Fourteen: Golden Age

Chapter Fifteen: Masquerade

Chapter Sixteen: Slipping

Chapter Seventeen: The Branching Path

Chapter Eighteen: The Night Market

Chapter Nineteen: Haze

Chapter Twenty: Flame to Ashes

Chapter Twenty-One: The Raid

Chapter Twenty-Two: Dagger's Edge

Chapter Twenty-Three: Broken

Chapter Twenty-Four: Loyalty

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Patrol

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Protest

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Snare

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Absolute Authority

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Aftermath

Chapter Thirty: Caged

Chapter Thirty-One: Deeper Into Shadow

Chapter Thirty-Two: Unity

Chapter Thirty-Three: Behind the Mask

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Dagger Falls

Chapter Thirty-Five: Dismantling the Oppressor

Chapter Thirty-Six: Farewell

Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Message for Vsevora

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Defiance and Dominion

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Amaranthine

Epilogue: Ishkara Eternal

Glossary of Places and Names