Robin McKinley

This epic fantasy/romance won a Newbery Honor in 1982. It tells the story of orphaned Harry Crew who is sent to live with her brother in a Homelander colony named Damar. Her brother is stationed at the far end of the colony near the land the Free Hillfolk still contol.

Harry lives with the head of the Homelander delegation and his wife and tries to make a new life for herself. Unlike most who have come to the far reaches of Damar, Harry falls in love with the bleak desert and enjoys being there.

But there are problems. The Northerners are threatening an invasion though the Homelanders don't believe that they are much threat. King Corlath of the Free Hillfolk come to see the head of the Homelanders to ask for alliance against the Northerners and is rather rudely dismissed.

But he gets a look at Harry and his magic demands that he kidnap her. Harry is thus taken into the culture of the Hillfolk and taught to be one of the King's Riders. Harry fits right in. Learning a new language, learning to ride the Hill horses, and learning to fight with a sword come easy to her - as if she had known those skills all before.

Harry's path seems to echo that of an earlier lady hero - Lady Aerin - who is something of a legend to Cortlath's people. Harry also manifests the Hill magic that is gradually leaving the Hillfolk which gives her visions of the future and visions of Lady Aerin.

As they prepare for battle against the Northerners, Harry comes to believe that Corlath is overlooking a potential point for the coming invasion. When she can't convince him, she sneaks out to return the the Homelander outpost to try to recruit help to secure this mountain pass. She's accompanied by two Hillfolk companions but recruit some other help along the way including a Homelander Colonel who is also in love with Damar.

This was an excellent fantasy story. It is also a romance since Harry and Corlath fall in love over the course of her captivity.… (mehr)