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Tatiana's Reviews > The Blue Sword
The Blue Sword (Damar, #1)
by Robin McKinley
by Robin McKinley
Tatiana's review
bookshelves: 2010, fantasy, ya, favorites, newbery
Mar 23, 10
bookshelves: 2010, fantasy, ya, favorites, newbery
Recommended to Tatiana by:
Heather
Recommended for:
fans of Kristin Cashore, Megan Whalen Turner
Read from March 19 to 21, 2010
This book proves once more that standards for YA fiction have gone significantly down over the last 10 years. You just rarely come by this kind of writing any more.
"The Blue Sword" is an age old story of a young woman who after years feeling not belonging, invisible, and insignificant, finds her strength after being kidnapped by a mysterious Hill-king who possesses magic powers. Gradually she discovers an ancient magic inside herself, comes to terms with her abilities, acquires friends and love and a place where she truly belongs, as unexpected and unfamiliar as this place is to her.
Yes, the story is familiar, but the sign of a real writing talent is to make it special and unforgettable. McKinley certainly succeeds in it. Her writing is flawless and sophisticated, the imagery of mysterious land of Damar is vivid - the horse-riding, the nomadic life style, the castle in the Hills - I get shivers just remembering the tangibility of the descriptions!, and the characters (even non-human characters - horses, hunting cats) are oh so well drawn. I mean a SWORD in this book actually has more personality than famed Bella Swan!
I just don't understand why this book is not better known these days or known as a "hidden gem"? A vocabulary is too sophisticated, or not enough making out in it? It makes me sad that books like this are so obscure and all kinds of trash sells millions of copies!
If I have to point any flaws in the book, I'd say I wish the writing had a little more intensity to it, or I would have loved to see more passion in Harry, to see her unleash the power of her kelar onto a man she loves. But this is a crazy fantasy of mine, there is no real reason to spoil a perfectly good story.
This is certainly not my last Robin McKinley book.
"The Blue Sword" is an age old story of a young woman who after years feeling not belonging, invisible, and insignificant, finds her strength after being kidnapped by a mysterious Hill-king who possesses magic powers. Gradually she discovers an ancient magic inside herself, comes to terms with her abilities, acquires friends and love and a place where she truly belongs, as unexpected and unfamiliar as this place is to her.
Yes, the story is familiar, but the sign of a real writing talent is to make it special and unforgettable. McKinley certainly succeeds in it. Her writing is flawless and sophisticated, the imagery of mysterious land of Damar is vivid - the horse-riding, the nomadic life style, the castle in the Hills - I get shivers just remembering the tangibility of the descriptions!, and the characters (even non-human characters - horses, hunting cats) are oh so well drawn. I mean a SWORD in this book actually has more personality than famed Bella Swan!
I just don't understand why this book is not better known these days or known as a "hidden gem"? A vocabulary is too sophisticated, or not enough making out in it? It makes me sad that books like this are so obscure and all kinds of trash sells millions of copies!
If I have to point any flaws in the book, I'd say I wish the writing had a little more intensity to it, or I would have loved to see more passion in Harry, to see her unleash the power of her kelar onto a man she loves. But this is a crazy fantasy of mine, there is no real reason to spoil a perfectly good story.
This is certainly not my last Robin McKinley book.
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Reading Progress
| 03/20/2010 | page 20 |
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7.35% | "Already liking it..." |
Comments (showing 1-33 of 33) (33 new)
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Heather
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rated it 4 stars
Feb 24, 2010 06:15am
I loved this book when I was younger.
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I want to read on of McKinley's books to check her out, just don't know which one. I am kind of acquiring taste for fantasy and seems like older books are soooo much better written then a lot of contemporary YA trash
I suggest starting with The Hero and the Crown. If I remember correctly, The Blue Sword takes place several decades after The Hero and the Crown. The Hero and the Crown was the first book I had ever read by her and I loved it!
I really loved her. She creates great, worthy heroines. And they aren't physically flawless, meaning they aren't beauties and brains, which I kinda like seeing as it is more true to life.
It's hard to say, because I loved them so much when I was younger, as in 12, I may still love them for no other reason than I loved them before. But I bet I would probably still love them even without having read them. They are kind of timeless, you know what I mean? Not trendy, just well done.
Of course I will. I just need to space them out. Books like this are rare unfortunately. You have to try reading The Thief series though. The quality of writing is the same.
I will. I'm not in the right frame of mind to read it yet, so I'm not going to. You have to be focused to read these types of books because they actually require brain power, lol.
Yeah. But even when I was younger ( I think I read these when I was 12), these books were hidden gems. I'm not sure why.
I loved this book as a teen. I don't feel particularly old, but back then, there was only Robin McKinley and Tamora Pierce on the YA fantasy scene. I re-read this last year to see if it was as good as I remembered, and I was still captivated.The writing is so different than today's YA. The Blue Sword has a lot more story and a lot less romance. That's not to say there isn't romance--but the story doesn't exist solely so you can read hot kissing scenes.
Great reviews! I am currently reading Restoring Harmony it really good btw have you read all of the Hunger Games series?
i recommend reading Chalice, Dragonhaven, Hero and the Crown, and the Outlaws of Sherwood, all by Robin Mckinley. I worship her, by the way.
I can't tell you how thrilled I was to stumble onto your review of this novel, Tatiana. Considering how old it is, and relatively unknown, I didn't expect much when I looked it up on Goodreads. I agree with your assessment that this YA novel is a cut above the rest, despite its age. I also agree that it far surpasses Hero and the Crown, despite the accolades that second book received.The Blue Sword will always stand out as one of my favorite novels. I've lost count of how many times I've read it since first discovering it in my local library as a pre-teen (maybe 20?). Even as an adult, I enjoy going back to this story. It’s become my rainy day, I-need-a-literary-pick-me-up book. It does well in this role because it’s such a quick read and is a high adventure epic fantasy story with great characters, with a fantastic end. You finish this book feeling lighter and happier. Guaranteed or your money back. : ) ha. So, for any YA fans that hasn’t read it, listen your friend Tatania and pick it up.
Seeing you talk about The Blue Sword in such an affectionate way makes me want to re-read this book ASAP:)
LOL do it! :) I've almost talked myself into re-reading it too. Considering the lack luster YA books I've waded through lately, it would be a refreshing change.
I first read this when I was 18 and I've read it numerous times since. Last read it when I was about 45 and still loved it. It is gorgeous and romantic (mostly I fell in love with her horse and her cat, but still). I loved Everything about this book and I still get a thrill when Harry jumps her horse over the wall of the fort.
Blue Sword has "more personality" than popular trendy star. Guffaw-snort. My overwhelming impression, so far, is how McKinley invests minor roles with intricately detailed personalities. Hari's cat Narknon, teethes her gently with "finger-length fangs" in welcome, and hunts their suppers, unasked p109. Her horse Sungold "flicked one ear" in command, and Hari stops fidgeting p123. Mathin, sent to teach her fighting, elaborates on cooking spices, flowers, more.
We get a deep sense of her surroundings. As you say, the bare bones is traditionally old - young girl who feels no sense of belonging grows up and finds her place. But way of telling, ah, deceptive in apparent ease - sublime.
My only quibble might be both her and the King (I cannot spell these odd names - okay 2 quibbles) are not proactive, pushed by inner magic toward destiny. (I haven't finished yet, though.)
Sound like something I'd like, and I've been meaning to try Robin McKinley for several months now. A few questions, if you can remember: Is this written in first person POV? Is there some loving? How old are the main characters?
I try to say "narrator" after the character's first mention if that is the case. Xrate shelf "tick" if explicit sex and violence. May be even too soppy sweet for over 11 nowadays (not me, well over 11).Aahh, not posted. Thanks for reminder. Delay helps me proof-read add and fix.
I had looked for her age, I also add ages after first mentions. Marriageable for sure, 16-22? "taller than most men" around her 5-10 years older soldier brother. Strong enough to wield woman's sword. King Corlath is older, maybe 30s to her teen-20s? Anyone else find or know?
Kathleen wrote: "Thank you. :)"Likewise.
PS I forgot to ask if you saw toothy snowmen on Dr Who Christmas special? I looked close at your seasonal profile photo, couldn't add a "Like" or "comment" there. My mom had to dig her way IN past drifts today.
Glad you like my snow ma'am. Ain't she somethin' -- hand crafted by my niece. Yes, we've had Dr. Who on for hours and hours this Christmas. Hope your mom was able to break in. :)
