The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword
by Robin McKinley
Published by Berkley Books, New York
1982
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Plot Summary

This Young Adult fantasy book is the story of Harry Crewe, a young 'Homelander' woman who has grown up in the nation of Damar. When her father suddenly takes ill and dies, Harry moves to an army camp on the edge of the desert, with her brother, a soldier in the army. Harry has difficulty adjusting to this new life. She no longer has the freedom to romp and roam, instead she is expected to act as a proper girl should. This leaves Harry feeling restless and unfulfilled.Her life suddenly changes when the golden-eyed king, Colrath, of a neighboring people, the "Hillfolk", rides to the camp to request millitary assistance against the pending threat of attack from the Northeners; an evil and newly-strengthened people over the mountains. The "Homelanders" commanding officer refuses to help.
Colrath leaves the meeting in anger, however, his kelar (magical intuition) insists that Harry is the one that must carry the blue sword and fill his people with hope.The book is a magical and epic adventure that spans across the desert and over mountains.

Comments

This coming-of-age story is a great book for a young adult readership. McKinley includes enough detail in the character and plot developments to allow the reader to thoroughly enjoy the epic adventures, without getting bogged down with details. This writing style of this book is successful in as much as it encourages reading beyond its pages.

Harry, the protagonist is a good role-model for young women. She is a risk taker, and she learns throughout the book to listen to her intuition, even if sometimes others do not agree wtih her. Throughout the book, she struggles with her loyalties between both of her cultures. Many young adults, especially those coming from a multi-cultural background could relate to her situation.

I would recommend this book to any reluctant reader (well, only those with fairly strong literacy skills), especially girls.

Age Range: 12 - 18

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