Big Books of 2026
The Blue Sword (Damar, #1)

Questions About The Blue Sword (Damar, #1)

by Robin McKinley

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Answered Questions (9)

Which should I read first, this or The Hero and the Crown?
Jason Holt My wife and I read The Blue Sword first. The two books set up an inside joke. If you've read The Hero and the Crown, then you can laugh at the people …moreMy wife and I read The Blue Sword first. The two books set up an inside joke. If you've read The Hero and the Crown, then you can laugh at the people making a legend out of this ordinary person who was just fumbling around trying to do her best. And if you've read The Blue Sword, then you can laugh at this person fumbling around, not realizing that everything she does will become part of a heroic legend.

So, yeah. It works either way.(less)
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Would you categorise this book as a general YA book like Divergent and the Hunger Games? With the generic female protagonist that saves the government and has one of those terrible 'love-triangles'? I'm planning to go on a major trip to the bookstore soon, and I want to know whether it will make it on my list
Allipink I haven't ever read those books you mention, but I would not describe anything about this book as "generic," and there are no love triangles. I don't …moreI haven't ever read those books you mention, but I would not describe anything about this book as "generic," and there are no love triangles. I don't know what you're looking for in a book, but I would never hesitate to recommend The Blue Sword as an example of quality and depth of story and characterization.(less)
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is this a good book?
Parker I've read this at least ten or fifteen times (along with The Hero and the Crown). She's one of my favourite authors.…moreI've read this at least ten or fifteen times (along with The Hero and the Crown). She's one of my favourite authors.(less)
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Would this be suitable to read on a family road trip with a 16, 12 and 7 year old who love fantasy novels?
Lindsey Weeks It’s probably too late to matter—but yes.
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Is this book dark or is it more lighthearted and fun?
Sarah between the two, I would say it's more lighthearted. There are some battle scenes, but there isn't much violence otherwise in the book. It's a bit of …morebetween the two, I would say it's more lighthearted. There are some battle scenes, but there isn't much violence otherwise in the book. It's a bit of a generic coming-of-age adventure story like Tamora Pierce or Flanagan.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (1)

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