rebeccazh's review against another edition
Reread this and [b:The Hero and the Crown|77366|The Hero and the Crown (Damar, #1)|Robin McKinley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386642407s/77366.jpg|2321243] together. They're both really good. It's rare that I come across such solid fantasies now; it seems that I either come across the new YA/fantasy-lite or epic fantasies. [b:The Hero and the Crown|77366|The Hero and the Crown (Damar, #1)|Robin McKinley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386642407s/77366.jpg|2321243] and [b:The Blue Sword|407813|The Blue Sword (Damar, #2)|Robin McKinley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1286927812s/407813.jpg|2321296] are coming-of-age stories of heroines growing into their own power and discovering their destiny. Both heroines, Aerin and Harry, are wonderful to read about. They struggle against uncertainty, a nebulous fate and a seeming lack of purpose or worth in themselves, but grow into their own abilities and are tested against increasing difficulties.
McKinley's writing is beautiful and vivid. She excels at evocative descriptions -- especially things to do with the nebulous or the instinctive. Aerin and Harry both seem to be guided by a powerful instinct when all seems to fail. Her writing is not suited for writing heroines who are passionate or emotional. There is a kind of -- dream-like overlay over some of the most climatic moments, causing them to lose some urgency imo.
The side characters were great. I would like to know or see more of them. I love that the horses are as vivid as characters in their own right.
McKinley's writing is beautiful and vivid. She excels at evocative descriptions -- especially things to do with the nebulous or the instinctive. Aerin and Harry both seem to be guided by a powerful instinct when all seems to fail. Her writing is not suited for writing heroines who are passionate or emotional. There is a kind of -- dream-like overlay over some of the most climatic moments, causing them to lose some urgency imo.
The side characters were great. I would like to know or see more of them. I love that the horses are as vivid as characters in their own right.
ryvenfox's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
larpar's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Very enjoyable and uplifting read
celandine's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite fantasy novels of all time, The Blue Sword is a classic that never grows stale. McKinley deftly weaves a stunning tale with a new world and traditions with so much ease and detail, you feel as if you're in Damar yourself. Wonderment doesn't begin to describe the feeling of reading this book and finding yourself in a new world of magic and horses and a delicate romance.
norna28's review against another edition
4.0
This book is about a young girl named Harry and her transition from being quiet and submissive to a strong and independent leader. Her transition began with her being kidnapped by the king of a neighboring colony. She comes to learn of a hidden talent as well as who she is.
I liked this book but Robin McKinley really likes her geography. I had a bit of trouble getting through her descriptions of the land and battle scenes but overall enjoyed it. McKinley is talented and I enjoyed her writing.
I liked this book but Robin McKinley really likes her geography. I had a bit of trouble getting through her descriptions of the land and battle scenes but overall enjoyed it. McKinley is talented and I enjoyed her writing.
mariannes's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
enbyglitch's review against another edition
3.0
Not for me, but I can see and appreciate the merits of this book. Definitely inspired GRRM's Daenerys & Drogo storyline and probably many authors putting female characters front and center.
The colonists/magic indigenous relationship looked interesting for a second but then was dull if not problematic. Similarly was excited for Harry's initial bucking of gender norms, just to be hailed as the prophesied Lady Hero in a new environment.
The colonists/magic indigenous relationship looked interesting for a second but then was dull if not problematic. Similarly was excited for Harry's initial bucking of gender norms, just to be hailed as the prophesied Lady Hero in a new environment.
captainhotbun's review against another edition
I just struggled to focus and dont wanna reread it right now.
aemkea's review against another edition
4.0
There are only a few times where I recognize a book as something missing from my life. I wish I'd met this book years ago. Loved it.
harimadsol's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0