The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword

The Blue Sword

Author: The Blue Sword was written by Robin McKinley, the
author of other books, such as The Hero and the Crown. Both of
these books chronicle the continent of Daria.

Setting: Most of the book takes place in the small nation of Damar.
There are also scenes in an outpost in the Damarian desert, in
race's, known as the Homelanders, outpost. One or two chapters
also take place in the far north.

Note: Harry Crewe is female in case you don't pick that up.

Plot: An orphan young women, 'Harry' Crewe (Harry is what she
preferred to be called) is sent to a remote outpost of the
Homelander empire. The Homelanders are a very British-like race
of humans with about the technological ability of the mid 1800s.
The fort surrounds the town of Istan. At the residency Harry is
adopted by Sir Charles, and Lady Amelia, there the story begins.

      Harry is discontented with life in Istan, she finds it boring and
mundane, any chance for excitement quickly catches her attention.
Damar, a medieval country that has been partly overrun by the
Homelanders, is threatened by the Northerners, a race of human,
and almost-human warriors.
   
    Corlath, king of Damar, comes Istan to ask for the Homelander's
help in closing his mountain passes against the threat. With his
small population, his army is not large enough to beat off a
concentrated Northern assault. Sir Charles, and Colonel Jack
Dedham, leader of the Homelander forces at the fort, receive
Corlath and offer him an insulting treaty. If he gives his country up,
his population will not be slaughtered. The Damarian king does not
take this lightly, he storms out as the Homelanders rush after him
to try to save the meeting.

    As Corlath mounts his horse, he sees Harry Crewe and his
kelar, a type of sorcery that some Damarians are blessed with. The
Gift, as it is known, sometimes grants it's users powers, and
sometimes doesn't. Corlath's kelar tells him that he must bring...