The Blue Sword, by Robert McKinley

Reviewed by: The Goose

Today we are going to take a step off the beaten Fantasy path. I think that it is time that some of my obscure favorites put their faces into the light. So far, as Blind Monkey will attest, I have reviewed Science Fiction Staples. Books and authors recognized for their creative genius.

Let’s have some fun instead.

I first read (actually had it read to me) The Blue Sword while still in Elementary School – Fifth Grade actually. I know story time is a throw back to Kindergarten but my teacher (Mrs. Froehlich) thought it was a good idea and she was probably right.

I have read it more than a score of times since.

In all the years since I have kept that story in fond memory and have a beat up and torn copy of the book.

Clearly the book is written for older children or young adults – I guess I’m just young at heart.

Based heavily on the Brittish Empire in India, McKinley takes us to Damaria, very far from The Homeland. And in Damaria she takes us to the last, furthest most fort of the Homelanders: Istan.

Harry Crewe is the protagonist of the story. Recently arrived in Daria, her brother Richard is nominally in charge of her after her Father’s death.

Oh. Did I not mention Harry is a woman? How forgetful of me. Angaharad Crewe is Richard Crewe’s younger sister. Richard is stationed at Fort Mundy in Istan. Harry goes to live with him after her father’s death. Is that clear enough? I hope so.

Now, Harry has a run in with the last, free King in Daria: Corlath, King of the Hill Folk. His people live in the mountains across the desert from Istan.

Thinking nothing of the encounter she continues on with her normal routine. Then one night she is rudely awakened by her head bouncing against a horses withers.

It is not, though a story from A Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Get your minds out of the gutter! Remember this book is targeted at preteens.

For some reason, this story reminds me a lot of Kipling but made for an older audience. Could just be the India – esque landscape, but it could also be the amazing animal friends that Harry makes a long the way.

The story is A LOT of fun. It has intrigue, romance, fighting, and magic. Lots of magic. There isn’t anything spectacular about this book. BUT, I guarantee that if you like a good fantasy story, and one that will involve you and take you away from whatever doldrums you are dealing with that this book will do it for a while.

The writing is clean and imaginative. The characters while purposefully stereotypical are engaging and believable. Read it and enjoy. After you are finished with that go get The Hero’s Crown. A prequel to Blue Sword.

Hardcover School & Library Binding 1st edition (February 1983) William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 0688009387 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.04 x 9.32 x 6.30