I first read this book sometime in the mid to late 90's and it has the distinction of being the first book I ever borrowed from the Library and, being struck with a burning desire to own it, went into my local book store and gave it to them and asked them to please order it for me. It came in from America. This was big in, I think 1998. No internet shopping for teenage me (did they have it then?). This review was previously posted on The Book Depository previously.
This is the story of Harry Crewe who finds herself leaving home after the death of her father, and entrusted in the care of her brother Richard - who she has not seen for several years. Soon after arriving in Damar, the outpost Richard is posted to, strange and interesting things begin to happen, and she soon finds herself caught up in events that will change everything.
In more recent novels, magic has become something of a tool. Take Harry Potter for example, it's a you do this, you say that, and the pin has turned into a duck. In this book, magic is more an uncertain force that can make you act, even if you are most unwilling.
This is an excellently realistic fantasy novel, with a heroine you can be proud of - she is not one of these wussy heroines who seem to populate so many novels. The world is expertly created, no need to suspend your disbelief here, you do so automatically as everything seems perfectly reasonable and believable as you read it. The book is rich in detail, and as it continues, draws you in until you are completely absorbed. I believe the first time I read this, I read it cover to cover in a day (thankfully it was a weekend, otherwise my teachers might have had something to say about that).
The only issue I had was a pet peeve with dialogue. Does everyone always have to say things? It reads as Harry said, said Richard, And then Corlath said:. There are many other words that could or should have been used. However, it is a small peeve in an otherwise brilliant book. It's a YA Fantasy Novel, but I would recommend it to anyone.
The description is thus;
"Harry Crewe is an orphan girl who comes to live in Damar, the desert country shared by the Homelanders and the secretive, magical Free Hillfolk. When Corlath, the Hillfolk King, sees her for the first time, he is shaken - for he can tell that she is something more than she appears to be. He will soon realise what Harry has never guessed: She is to become Harmid-sol, King's Rider, and carry the Blue Sword, Gonturan, which no woman has wielded since the legendary Lady Aerin, generations past..."
Re Lady Aerin, her story is another connected novel called the Hero and the Crown.
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