Harry Crewe had to leave everything she knew when her father died. She said farewell to the green, rolling hills of her home to move to the desert, a charity case of a friend of her brother’s.
There, she’s caught up in the political drama playing out between the Homelanders and the magical Free Hillfolk – which is, in Harry’s mind, much more interesting than fulfilling the social expectations of high-born Homelander women.
That drama takes her on a journey she never expected – and puts her front and center in saving the desert country from invaders.
I wasn’t sure about The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley – all the talk of magic and war on the back cover was rather off-putting for me. However, I loved Robin McKinley’s Beauty and my daughter continues to urge me to read her Outlaws of Sherwood (which I will, some day), so I decided to trust the author and read it.
Oh – I am so glad I did! Exciting, somewhat unbelievable yet never over-the-top, The Blue Sword also concludes a subtle romance that does not disappoint.
Highly recommended for ages 13 and up.
Cultivating Readers 