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 … 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.
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There are many out there who think The Hero and the Crown the better book, but I read The Blue Sword first and Harry is my one true love. That’s part of it. I always liked the romance line better in The Blue Sword. And there’s something remarkable in that, because for most of this book the two are separated. Yet I believe in their match unquestionably. Alanna was my first girl with a sword and magic, Harry was the first one I felt was like me.
I read this book every year and marvel at the magnificent world that Robin McKinley created. It’s in my top 5 books. Ever. High fantasy at its best.
If someone asked me what my all time favorite book is, I would give them the same answer I’ve given for many years: The Blue Sword. I love Harry, Corlath, Mathis, Jack, and Damar. Aerin Dragon-killer makes an appearance, which I enjoyed. Great story telling, world building, and character interaction. Swordplay, gorgeous horses, big cats, Luthe (who’s not quite human), and a little romance; this book has it all. I highly recommend this book!
Years later and all grown up, this is still one of my favorite books.
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I really love the world, but I think the greatest part is the main character. It’s a journey to find out who she really is, and what she’s capable of in a world that embraces her instead of trying to fit her in a neat little box.
Just an excellent book! The author is very verbose, but she manages to make the characters very relatable and likeable. I loved this book and will miss the characters now that I am done.
One of my “comfort re-reads”, beloved for many years.
This is one of my all time favorites. Awesome Female Driven lead, goes through quite the journey to learn who she really is
One of the best YA books ever written. Fantastic female hero and amazing story. Newbery Honor Book.
Of all Robin McKinley’s books, this is the one I recommend the most. My copy is well-worn from being re-read many times.
This book was like chicken noodle soup for me—comfortable, warm, and satisfying. This was the first time I’ve read The Blue Sword, but it had the same cozy sense of familiarity as if it were a book I’d grown up with. It’s a delightful fantasy about a lady warrior (my favorite!) with plenty of other fantasy tropes, and is exactly the kind of book that I’ll happily get lost in. Loved it!
One of my favorite books of all time. Robin McKinley is a fabulous author and I’m so thankful we have been invited into her world!
A classic fantasy story
Love this book
A terrific story. Well-grounded, character-driven, with a plot that never gets bogged down. I rooted for the character, Harry, and her cause. I read this book when I was much younger, and it always meant a great deal to me that there was a female author out there who wrote great books with female protags. But the feminism never goes beyond that, which is a relief. Any more and it gets in the way of the story. A perfect example of showing, not telling.
This is one of my favorite books in the whole world. I thank God Anna Hicks made me keep reading past the oranges! And to be fair the oranges set up how drastically Hari’s life changes. Get to chapter four! It will change your life!!!!! Well maybe not, but if you love fantasy you need this book! I enjoyed my 30somethingth reread! lol! Happy Reading!
This is fantasy at it’s finest, great world building and fascinating characters.
One of my favorite books as a YA, and remains so to this day.
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I enjoy how the main character is drawn into a new culture, new everything. She goes from being an outsider to becoming an integral part of what’s happening to her new people. It has a little magic, good characterization, and it’s a simple, smooth, easy read.
I love a strong woman protagonist. Life is hard and sometimes no one will listen so just do the next right thing.