Have you ever thought to yourself how great it would be to see a female protagonist over the age of 30? Have you ever thought how great it would be to see said protagonist embark on an adventure?

Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke, the first book in The Crone Wars series, is the answer!

On the day of her 60th birthday, Claire Emerson’s life changes far beyond any change she has ever experienced. Marriage, divorce, motherhood, and grandmother-hood cannot, and has not, prepared her for the world of magic that awaits when she is gifted a special pendant by her grandson.

I was lucky to pick this book up for free during an event in the early months of 2024, and I’m so happy I did. The story is a refreshing take on the hero’s journey in which the hero is a 60 year old grandmother who is ill prepared for said journey. She can’t even read the book required of her without the glasses she’s frequently misplacing and the pains she goes through as a woman of 60 is realistic.

But still she endured! Even when Claire wanted to give up, she didn’t. I feel like that will resonate with many readers, especially for a crowd over 30.

What made the book special was the way it depicted that you’re never too old to rediscover who you are and to learn that maybe your place in the world isn’t what you thought it was.

I’m so ready for the next book in the series.