Who Would Like This Book:
If you love classic fantasy with a strong female lead, evocative world-building, and just a dash of romance, "The Blue Sword" is the book for you. Robin McKinley weaves a rich tale of self-discovery as Harry, a young woman who never really fit in, finds her place (and her magic) in a desert kingdom inspired by colonial history. The world of Damar is vivid, the supporting characters feel authentic, and the comfort-read quality of the writing makes it a favorite for many who grew up with it or found it later. Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, anyone who craves horses and swords in their stories, or readers seeking empowering, well-written YA fantasy.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the story's pacing slow at the start and may struggle with lengthy descriptive passages. Others feel uncomfortable with the "chosen one" trope - Harry seems to gain mastery over language, swordplay, and magic at an unrealistic speed. There are also critiques about cultural dynamics and the "white savior" undertones, as well as a few readers who found Harry's emotional responses (especially to being kidnapped) a bit underdeveloped. If you prefer fantasies with complex villains, nuanced examinations of colonialism, or want more grounded character growth, this one might not totally hit the mark.
About:
The Blue Sword is a fantasy novel set in the magical world of Damar, following the story of Harry Crewe, a young woman who is kidnapped and taken to the desert kingdom by the Hill folk. As Harry learns to adapt to her new surroundings, she discovers her own magical powers and her destiny to save the land of Damar. The book is praised for its vivid imagery, intricate world-building, and strong character development, with elements of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age themes woven throughout the plot. The writing style is dense yet captivating, drawing readers into the richly described world of Damar with detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling.
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From The Publisher:
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children's Book
Newbery Honor Book
Horn Book Fanfare
ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
A Newbery Honor Book and a modern classic of young adult fantasy, The Blue Sword introduces the desert kingdom of Damar, where magic weaves through the blood and weaves together destinies. New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author Robin McKinley sets the standard for epic fantasy and compelling, complex heroines. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and Rae Carson will delight in discovering the rich world of Damar.
Harry Crewe is a Homelander orphan girl, come to live in Damar from over the seas. She is drawn to the bleak landscape, so unlike the green hills of her Homeland. She wishes she might cross the sands and climb the dark mountains where no Homelander has ever set foot, where the last of the old Damarians, the Free Hillfolk, live.
Corlath is the golden-eyed king of the Free Hillfolk, son of the sons of the legendary Lady Aerin. When he arrives in Harry's town to ally with the Homelanders against a common enemy, he never expects to set Harry's destiny in motion: She will ride into battle as a King's Rider, bearing the Blue Sword, the great mythical treasure, which no one has wielded since Lady Aerin herself.
Legends and myths, no matter how epic, no matter how magical, all begin somewhere.
Ratings (44)
Incredible (19) | |
Loved It (19) | |
Liked It (5) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (90):
Read It (44) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (35) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (7) |
4 comment(s)
According to my reading tracker, I’ve now read this book five times in the last six years. It’s a comfort book, though I could never put my finger on exactly why. It has a bunch of the tiny little elements I enjoy, I guess: the underdog, the mentor, the kind and enigmatic immortal, horses.... But not the romance. I’m weirdly indifferent to the romance in this one, and sometimes I straight-up don’t care for Corlath.
Overall, though, it’s such an easy story to fall into. The whole thing flows magnificently, and is marvelously uncomplicated and adventurous. It’s truly escapist, and I adore it for that.
I should've loved this book.
So many people love this book, and seeing all of their great reviews makes me feel as though I read a different book entirely. To be fair, this was published in 1982, far before I was born, and very far before I started loving books. Perhaps the time gap had a hand to play in my opinion of The Blue Sword, although I have read books written far before then and enjoyed them. Oh well.
Let me start off with what I thought about our main character, Harry.
I didn't dislike her in any way, but I also wasn't fond of her. I admired how she reacted to the situations she faced, but there was nothing about her I felt was relatable or emotionally compelling.
Her romantic relationship with Corlath at the end of the book seemed to come out of nowhere. There weren't any moments between them where I felt any sort of chemistry, or a connection of anything other than their shared power.
The plot was fine, but also nothing that impressed me. There really isn't much I want to say about it, positive or negative.
I feel bad about my absence of feelings for this book. If I didn't like it I should at least hate it, but it didn't inspire any feelings in me except for disappointment.
The Blue Sword definitely isn't a book I'd actively recommend to anyone, but considering how many good reviews and ratings there are for it, maybe you'd like it if you read it! Maybe I just can't see what everyone else is seeing.
I remember reading this as a kid and loving it! Might have to do a reread...
Annoying to read
What can you read after
The Blue Sword?
About the Author:
Robin McKinley has won various awards and citations for her writing, including the Newbery Medal for The Hero and the Crown and a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword. Her other books include Sunshine; the New York Times bestseller Spindle's…
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