Product Description

For over a decade, Robin McKinley's richly woven saga has gripped the imagination of readers and caused critics to hail her as a master of fantasy. It is the story of Aerin, haunted since childhood by the legend of her mother-a "witchwoman" who enspelled the king and then died of disappointment after giving birth to a daughter, rather than the heroic son the kingdom needed. But little did the young princess know the long-dormant powers of her mother would wield their own destiny. For though she was a woman, Aerin was destined to be the true hero who would one day wield the power of the Blue Sword....

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #561962 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .84" h x 5.22" w x 8.00" l, .53 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From AudioFile
A flawless production brings to life the sweeping fantasy tale of the lonely and unhappy Aerin, daughter of King Arlbeth and the "witchwoman." Scorned and rejected, Aerin hopes to prove her worth by recovering the lost crown of Damar. Roslyn Alexander's vocal performance ably differentiates characters without intruding herself upon the action, allowing McKinley's words to do the storytelling. The number of cassettes may deter younger listeners, particularly since the story starts out slowly, but tension and excitement build with each cassette. Adolescents who are continuously plugged into their personal cassette players may be wooed back to a worthwhile library experience with this exceptional production. Ages 12-adult. S.G. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Ingram
The dazzling prequel to The Blue Sword follows the adventures of the Damarian king's daughter, Aerin, as she fights to claim both birthright and love. "Splendid high fantasy . . . superb, filled with tender moments, good characters, satisfying action, and sparkling dialogue."--School Library Journal. Newbery Medal Book, 1985; ALA Notable Book, 1984; ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 1985. Young Adults.

About the Author

Robin McKinley's other books include the Newbery Award-winning The Hero and the Crown; Newbery Honor Book The Blue Sword; Sunshine; Spindle's End; Rose Daughter; Deerskin; The Outlaws of Sherwood; and the short story collections The Door in the Hedge; A Knot in the Grain and Other Stories; and, with her husband, the author Peter Dickinson, Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits. She lives in England with her husband, three whippets, and over five hundred rosebushes.