she is a very reluctant one.
Upon becoming an orphan, Harry Crewe is sent to the Desert land of Damar where her brother is stationed with the Homeland army. She falls in love with the wildness of the desert, but is restrained to much of the same activities she had at home: taking tea with the army wives and daughters, riding gentle ponies, etc.
But there is magic in the hills of the desert--an ancient magic that can be very painful for the bearers--and Harry, though she doesn't know it, possesses a strong gift of her own. Corlath, king of the mysterious Hillfolk, cannot ignore the demands of his own gift, and kidnaps Harry from her home in the dead of night.
Though it is first unclear to both Harry and Corlath what her destiny might be and why she has been chosen, she is trained as a warrior and leaves her old life behind her forever as the Hillfolk prepare for war with the inhuman armies of the North.
Though it is first unclear to both Harry and Corlath what her destiny might be and why she has been chosen, she is trained as a warrior and leaves her old life behind her forever as the Hillfolk prepare for war with the inhuman armies of the North.
Why I love it: As you can probably tell, this is an adventure novel. Robin Mckinley is a master of storytelling, and the writing in this book (and all her books) is beautiful and exciting. The land of Damar is an imaginary place, with a new culture and language, but Harry's world parallels the Victorian-era British empire, so it is easy to mentally imagine the social problems in the conquered land. But what is so cool is that Harry rises above both her own social constraints and the divide between the two cultures. Harry is a foreigner and a girl, but that doesn't stop her from having an incredible adventure and changing the fate of two very different peoples.
Why you will love it too: this book is the perfect blend between adventure, magic, and romance. Harry is insecure, but stubborn and strong deep down, and really finds her inner-awesomeness in this book. Corlath is confindent and stubborn and strong, but finds his humility. Now throw in some incredible war-horses, a hidden city, an ancient magic, and a battle scene, and you have "The Blue Sword".
Sadly, no Youtube special today. I'm truly surprised that this one isn't a movie already, but maybe it is better this way. If you like this book, there is a prequel, "The Hero and the Crown", but I didn't like the romance aspect of it very much.
I recommend this book for girls (especially, but boys may like it as well) in junior high or high school. I think elementary school is a little young to appreciate it, and Harry has to train for a long time to become a warrior, so that takes some fast reading and perseverance. For anything older though, this is a really great story and one that I have read again and again. Enjoy!
Sadly, no Youtube special today. I'm truly surprised that this one isn't a movie already, but maybe it is better this way. If you like this book, there is a prequel, "The Hero and the Crown", but I didn't like the romance aspect of it very much.
I recommend this book for girls (especially, but boys may like it as well) in junior high or high school. I think elementary school is a little young to appreciate it, and Harry has to train for a long time to become a warrior, so that takes some fast reading and perseverance. For anything older though, this is a really great story and one that I have read again and again. Enjoy!
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