The Blue Sword (Newbery Honor Roll)

Well, they don't really write high fantasy as they used to, now do they? There has to be a reason that Robin McKinley's THE BLUE SWORD, first published in the 1980s, is still being widely read and adored, and that is because it is arguably the absolute best in its genre, an unmatched blend of strong characters, political intrigue, and quite simply the best damn fantasy world ever imagined and written.Outlander Harry Crewe, new to their newly colonized homestead in Damar, feels a connection to the deserts beyond her new home...a connection that she doesn't understand until she meets--and is taken by--the Damarian king, Corlath. For Harry is part of a prophecy that tells of a female warrior's destiny to save Damar from their enemies. In doing so, Harry becomes a part of a culture that's strange and mysteriously familiar at the same time, and cannot even begin to comprehend the extent to which her legacy will be imprinted on Damarian history.It's a little strange for me to read THE BLUE SWORD for the first time, nearly ten years after I picked up The Hero and the Crown and read it to pieces for about four years straight, it having been my favorite book in middle school. THE BLUE SWORD was written before The Hero and the Crown. I can hardly wrap my mind around that! The depiction of the Damarian landscape is incredible: ranging from endless red deserts to the hidden valleys and villages within the mountains. Robin McKinley's language is not quite lyrical, per se, but there is a certain hypnotic rhythm that her descriptions possess. That, combined with the scope of the worldbuilding--the politics, myths, fashions, traditions, everyday duties--is entrancing. McKinley inspires awe in readers.Harry, of course, serves for many as the blueprint of the admirable fantasy heroine. True, at times it feels like the mysterious magic of Damar is carrying her along, instead of her leading it. But her magnanimity, her determination to succeed even as she does not completely understand what's happening to her, is inarguably admirable. Corlath's appeal, I think, comes less from his specific characteristics, and more from his inexplicable status as the archetypal complement to Harry's heroine role. However little or much we perceive of Harry and Corlath's personalities, beliefs, or desires, however, they are a pair for whom we feel absolute sympathy.I have little more to say because I feel like this is one of those instances where the more I try to examine what made this book move me so, the less impressed I will be by it. So I'll just say that the scope of what it accomplishes is unparalleled, and if you read it at the right stage of life--say, on the brink of adolescence, just when you're searching for a role model--then THE BLUE SWORD will undoubtedly become your bible of sorts.

This author is very good. The story, the characters, and the world building all come together seamlessly. The story holds you from the beginning to the end.

An adventure that reminds me of the writings of J. R. Tolkien. A fast paced fantasy story whose main character is a young independent woman who calls herself "Harry." Based loosely during the time period when one of the great Queens of England ruled many lands under the British Empire, the orphaned Harry is going to a desert land to be near the base where here brother Richard is stationed. A tall blond with a quick and hot temper, Harry has always been adventurous, independent, and has an indomitable spirit. When she has a chance, brief encounter with the Hillfok King of Damar, King Corlath, her life changes forever. She is soon abducted in the middle of the night, and wakes to find herself with the King and his Riders, in a land that thrives on an old magic called kelar. It is soon discovered that Harry has very strong kelar. She begins training to become one of the King's Riders, always pushing to be the best. As Harry wins a celebratory competition by being first, she becomes Harimad-Sol, and is given the blue sword of the long ago heroine Aerin, her keeps appearing through Harry's kelar. Harry then teams up with King Corlath to help defeat a ferocious, nonhuman army that is coming out of the North. When Harry disagrees with King Colath over engaging the help of her English soldier friends, there is a rift between them that leads Harry to go off on her own to do what she has seen herself doing in visions. Along her way, Harry is joined by friends and fighters who have heard of her greatness, in given the honor to carry Aerin's blue sword, Gonturan. Soon she finds herself leading a small army to what is almost certain death. But Harry has come to love the city of Damar and the various tribes of the Hillfolk that make up the kingdom of Daria, so even though she must do what she thinks is right, she fears that if she survives, she will never live to see the city of Damar again , or be rejected and banned from Daria by King Corlath due to her desertion on the eve of battle. There are lots of twists and thrills as that lead to a bloody battle before you reach the explosive ending. This is one of the best fantasy books with a lady heroine, I have ever read.

Every few years I read this book again, and every time I have a hard time putting it down until it is finished. It is one of my favourites. Kings, castles, horses, magic, a kidnapped heroine, an impossible battle to win, romance... it doesn't get any better than this!

I love this book. I personally enjoyed it more than her other books. I have re-read it over and over again. I first bought this book in 2009, but still enjoy the story today. I wish it would come out as kindle book, I would buy it again.

I first read this book and its prequel, The Hero and the Crown, right after they were published, but I've re-read The Blue Sword five or six times since then. It's exciting, mysterious, romantic and thought-provoking--all that you can ask for if you are looking for excellent entertainment. I have read most of Robin McKinley's books, and this one is my favorite. There are few more appealing heroines in any novel, fantasy or otherwise, then Harry Crewe.

I love it. It's such a nice story and the prose is really beautiful. Robin McKinley is an extraordinary Author. I enjoy all her books.

I have read this book many times since my youth and love it just as much at each reading. I highly recommend it.