Rating: 
Summary: The Best Robin McKinley Book
Review: This book is Robin McKinley's finest work. Start with this title if you read any of her other books. That way you will know if you like her style, and some of the names and places of her complex world of fantasy.
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Summary: Beatiful!
Review: I picked up this book after studying "Beauty" in school. I was surprised because there was nothing in common between the 2 but I much prefer this one. The writing is rather formal and difficult at times but it only adds to the richness of this novel; the almost classic-ness. This book makes you almost believe there is a real Damar, the way McKinley gives so many details about the land and the people. Aerin is a very strongly written character. I loved her in this book, the way she took matters into her own hands and DID something about it. I like the way Luthe phrased it "Dragon-Killer indeed. They do not know how lucky they are to have had you. To have had you at all. And I am fool enough to want to give you back to them." Deep in sword and sorcery, pick up this book for a good read. ¤Age 14¤
Rating: 
Summary: 3 and a half stars
Review: The style of writing was very formal and old-fashioned, which I don't like. It gets very tedious at times, but the book has a lot of good points. Some parts seem a little rushed and confusing, but those are my only gripes. Except for those gripes, I enjoyed this book.
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Summary: Book was ok..
Review: The book starts out slow and then gets going. it is not a super duper book, i would rather read it if i had more time. written so that it is hard to understand, switches times without really letting you know, but the real details in the book were great.Sophie, 7th grade, 13
Rating:
Summary: not bad
Review: I found this book a really interesting story, i have read a lot of fantasy and i read alot, her writing tended to become confusing and at times it was hard to picture what she was saying but it was well written. 14 yrs old
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Summary: It's a good book, but it's got it's low points...
Review: This book is well written but not very intrusting. The plot is very good but you have to step back to see the whole pictur. Not a real page turner. It's complex. From a 14 year old.
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Summary: This is an awesome book!
Review: I have read alot of fantasy books and this one is definantly THE BEST. Aerin is the kings daughter and she was hated because her mother was a witchwoman after she slays dragons and becomes the greatest hero ever.
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Summary: Simply THE Best
Review: Robin McKinley is the Toni Morrison of the fantasy world. She uses dialouge and a first person viewpoint to give her readers the best knowledge possible of the character's mind. Being a horse lover, I found the rich detail describing Aerin's relationship with Talat especially touching. I have read this story many, many times, and read after struggling through Robert Jordan's sorry excuse for an epic saga. This is a great book for anyone, even non-fantasy-ish people. Robin McKinley is a great writer.
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Summary: An exciting medieval adventure book.
Review: Aerin's father is the king of Damar. Aerin is rightfully the heir of the castle and the kingdom, but her mother was from the north. Since her people have been at war with the northeners for years, she is not trusted. Aerin and her cousin, Glanna, do not get along. When Glanna dares Aerin to eat the dreaded surka leaf, wich is said to kill anyone with royal blood, (Aerin later finds out that it will kill anyone) she cannot refuse. Aerin rips off an entire branch and shoves it into her mouth. Seconds later, Aerin falls over with mad hallucinations, and because of her sickness, is forced to stay in the palace for the next two years. While recovering from the surka poisoning, Aerin reads a book on dragons and finds a folded up piece of paper in the pages describing how to make dragon fire ointment. When the effects of the surka wear off, Aerin decides to slay dragons. Aerin finds out that Maur, the black dragon, has been awakened and Aerin decides to do battle with him. Aerin kills Maur, but is badly burned and has a broken ankle Since she is so badly burned, Aerin has to stay in bed for months. After a few months of being isolated in the castle, Aerin starts to have visions of a man who says he can help her. Then one night she gets out of bed in a strange trance and leaves on her horse, having no destination in mind. When she mysteriously arrives at her destination she meets a wizard named Luthe. After magically healing Aerin, Luthe tells her the secret about her mother and gives her the blue sword. In exchange, Aerin agrees to do battle with the evil mage, Agsded This wonderful book was hard to put down. McKinley described the characters in vivid detail. The plot was very well thought out. The Old English style of writing she used fit the book's time period perfectly.
Rating:
Summary: excelent,EXCELENT,EXCELENT!!!!!
Review: this is a magnificant book. i suggest it to any one who likes mythical books. i like the way that McKinley out did her self this time... this is to good to be true. i can definatley realate to aerin and her problems in public. I liked all the characters from the great mage Luthe too the pessimist Gallana. My fav part would probably be when she becaomes "not quite mortal" Im not sure but i think this means that she is imune to time... well anyways this is still the best book i have ever read. the only dissapoint ment to me personaly was the fact that some of the names i could not pronounce. but htis is hardly a reason to knock the score. i read the blue sword after the hero and the crown. but i think it is better that i did it rathere sets the background for the blue sword. i am a 12 year old boy and think this is a more adult audiance but who cares.. well this is a bad summary but it is the best i can do i still recamend this to anyone who is interested in magical times of dragons and mages again this is an excelent.
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