The Blue Sword by Robin Mckinley

 

Title:  The Blue Sword

Author:  Robin McKinley

Genre:  Fantasy Novel

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Publication Date:  1982

Pages:  320p.

ISBN:  98-068800980

Synopsis/Review

 

This is the story of Angharad Crewe, called Harry, a Homelander orphan who crosses the ocean to be with her brother Richard. She is sent off to Istan, the Homeland’s remotest town in the Royal Province of Daria. 

Istan, called Ihistan by the native, is considered an important outpost that boasts a number of diplomats as well as soldiers. When Harry arrives in Istan, the outpost receives a visits from Corlath, King of the Hillfolk who still possesses the Magical Gift.  He has come to warn the Homelanders of an impending invasion from the barbarian outlanders. One glance at Harry, Corlath sees that she carries something in her, a power she did not suspect nor he understands, but that his kelar tells him will help his Hillfolk. And so he abducts Harry in the middle of the night, and   carries her off into the desert.

Harry’s  fear gives way to wonder when she discovers, that she too , possesses a strong kelar, a magical element of the royale bloodline

 Harry  feels at home with the king and his people. She is now called Harimad by the Damarians. Harry learns that she and her brother Richard are both part Damarian, through their great grandmother on their mother’s side.

Harry learns how to ride and fights like a warrior. She clashes swords with the Northerners and engage the invaders in a fierce, bloody battle. The interaction between Harry and Corlath includes romantic kisses and embraces. By the end of the book, we learn that they live as husband and wife and have several children.

Robin McKinley’s book is a fantasy novel about a young woman’s journey of discovery of her heritage. Harry is caught between the culture she grew up with the culture she has grown to love.  This is a tale of good and evil, about war and the preparations against the invasion.  There is a clear theme of overcoming prejudice and fear between different people in order to save their world.  Harry Crewe is the protagonist, proud and stubborn, she clashes with many personalities, possesses a magical gift and willingness to learn, and finds her place among the Hillfolk but still holding on to the culture of her homeland.

Mckinley’s characters are believable and diverse. Major chararacters are Harry, Corlath, Colonel  Jack Dedham and Mathin, one of Corlath’s riders and Harry’s teacher of warfare.

AWARDS

Newbery Honor Award

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Notable Book