Shaykitteh's World of Books

Robin McKinley has a gift of writing books that stand the test of time.  This was one of my favorite books growing up and remains as one of my favorites.

Harry (Angharad) Crewe moves over from "Home" to Daria after her father dies, to be close to her brother who is in the Military. This storyline bares similarities to England taking over India, and having soldiers, families, and children live in India with them, separate from the natives or having some of the natives as servants. With those similarities aside, The Blue Sword shows the spirit of the natives of a land trying to keep themselves and their culture alive.

Harry is stolen away in the night by the Hillfolk, at their King's command, but for reasons unknown completely to the King (Corlath) or his people at the time. Living with the King's Riders and their people in Damar, Harry becomes Harimad-sol, a warrior of high rank who provides hope to the people of the Hills against the impending Northern invasion as well as the Homelanders who have been slowly taking away the Southern parts of the land.

Saying more would spoil the novel, but expect fantasy, love, hope, and fighting... everything that can be found in a good fantasy novel. For more information on the older world of Damar, before the Homelanders came, you'll want to read The Hero and the Crown.

For Harimad-sol & Corlath's story can be purchased at The Blue Sword.