Crown & Scalpel
Close your eyes and look into the light. What do you see?
Now click with your tongue, then face a wall and click again. What do you hear?
This is how Ambarenyll perceives the world after becoming blind in a Darmé rebel attack. Thirteen years later, he finally finds the courage to pick up his stethoscope once more. But just as he starts to practice medicine again, old wounds resurface when the fragile treaty between the Mané and Darmé factions in the Elven Kingdom of Landaïla splinters apart. When the young doctor finds himself having to treat Princess Jade, sole daughter of the Mané King, he is confronted with emotional turmoil that he thought had been long buried. As their attraction grows amidst the backdrop of looming civil war, a dark family secret threatens to throw everything into even deeper chaos.
Crown & Scalpel is a young adult fantasy novel suited for ages 14 and up.
“Thanks for your diligence in portraying the blindness bit right. I’d say you’ve probably come closer than any other author I can readily think of. And yes, I can see you’ve done your homework.”
Daniel Kish, Founder & President of the World Access for the Blind and Visioneers.org and Pioneer and Expert in Human Echolocation
“Just finished "Crown and Scalpel" - it's more than a story; it's a reflection of my reality in blindness. Ambarenyll's use of echolocation and his resilience deeply resonates. This book captures the essence of perceiving the world beyond sight. Great read”
Siobhan Meade @BlindGirlVlogs
Dive into a realm where vision isn't confined to the eyes, but where sound and perception forge a unique understanding of the world. "Crown and Scalpel," set in the mystical Elven Kingdom of Landaïla, presents us with Ambarenyll, a physician unlike any other. Blinded in a violent conflict, he adopts echolocation, mirroring techniques used by some in our community to navigate their surroundings.
This book resonates profoundly with me. As a blind person, the portrayal of Ambarenyll's journey—his return to medicine, his internal battles, and his evolving relationship with Princess Jade—echoes the resilience and adaptability many of us harness daily. The story is more than a fantasy; it's a narrative that reflects our experiences, where perception is not limited to what the eyes can see but is enriched by our other senses.
The political turmoil within the Elven Kingdom, mirroring Ambarenyll's internal strife, adds layers to this narrative, making it a compelling read. The blend of personal growth, intrigue, and the exploration of non-visual ways of perceiving the world offers a fresh perspective that I find both validating and inspiring.
"Crown and Scalpel" is not just a tale of overcoming adversity; it's a testament to the power of perception, the strength found in vulnerability, and the intricate dance of relationships that define our humanity. It's a reminder that our understanding of the world is as much about what we feel, hear, and experience as it is about what we see. This book, in many ways, mirrors the resilience and adaptability that many of us in the blind community live by, making it a poignant and meaningful read.
Siobhan Meade @BlindGirlVlogs