A review by ireliajellycomb
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I find this a comfortable nostalgic read, but the book hasn't aged as well as The Hero and the Crown—the prequel to this book. If I recall correctly, McKinley wrote this as a counter reaction to the stories of young white women being kidnapped for a harem and then falling in love with their captors.  McKinley was keen to have a protagonist with more spine than those desert fantasies, and so wrote our Harry as her protagonist.

Personally, I enjoyed Harry's story and how the magic kelar is almost like a character of its own in the book. Magic remains mysterious in McKinley's writing, and feels truly mythic. But some readers may be more critical of the colonialism in this book, because Harry is a (British) outlander and her friend Colonel Jack remains a major character when maybe her Damarian companions could have used more speaking time and characterization.

Personally, I love this duology and have liked it even more as I got older. Harry is a relatable protagonist who feels like an outsider, and is struggling to do the best she can in a situation where very little is under her direct control, or ever even hers. I think both books are worth reading, but you can read the prequel The Hero & The Crown as a standalone as well. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings