Note well!
Robin McKinley is not affiliated with the site, apart from
having sent occasional mail through her agent. She has her
own site and blog and forum. Also Facebook
and Twitter.
Amanda Ridder, the original author of this site, disappeared for a
while, so I have copied the site and made
a mailing list.
regarding Amanda's Web site.
regarding mine.
Biographical
information collected from her books, speeches, and short biographies, as well
as information about how to contact her and order her books.
Leave comments, ask questions, or participate in discussions about Robin
McKinley and her books. For website comment use this livejournal page.
Old discussion of Robin McKinley and her books. None of the
links for responding work. Use the mailing list for
discussion.
A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
This first novel by McKinley sets the precedent for fine characterization and
storytelling that she demonstrates throughout her work. In Beauty, she
takes a pleasant, familiar story and makes it vivid, detailed, and entrancing. (1978)
This book features four fairy-tale type short stories: "The Stolen Princess", "The Princess and the Frog",
"The Hunting of the Hind", and "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." All are told
with exceptional detail and flavor. (1981)
The first book written about the land of Damar, this novel features Harry, a somewhat awkward and unusual young woman whose destiny leads her far from the familiar but sedate Homeland, into a vivid land of magic, kings, mages, and swords. As always, Robin McKinley's storytelling abilities make the story surprisingly believable and the writing wonderfully melodic. (1982)
This novel was written as a prequel to The Blue Sword, set hundreds of years earlier, but featuring the familiar character Aerin. This is the story of her painful youth as she fulfills the destiny that earns her a place as a hero and a legend. The magic that Robin McKinley weaves in this book earned her the Newbery Medal. (1984)
Imaginary Lands
Short story collection
(1985)
Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, outlaw in Sherwood forest. The tale has been told and retold countless times, but Robin McKinley adds texture and characterization to the story that other authors have not. In her story, the characters become real people with real struggles and personalities, and the story becomes richer and more detailed. (1988)
Rowan
Illustrated (by Donna Ruff) children's book. "A child and a new puppy work
through the difficult initial adjustments and soon belong to each other."
(1992)
Robin McKinley again demonstrates her art as a storyteller with this
terrifyingly powerful fairytale. In Deerskin, Princess Lissar grows up
to demonstrate the very same beauty as her mother. So similar did they appear
that the king turned in wrath on his daughter after his wife died, and Lissar
must flee her home. This vivid story is full of emotion and strength, and
McKinley illustrates both of them perfectly. (1993)
NOTE: this book is based on Charles Perrault's "Donkeyskin", and is much
darker than McKinley's other books. A large portion could be considered
outright depressing. Sensitive people, and parents who like sheltering their
children, may wish to avoid it.
And Other Stories
McKinley's latest book features five short stories, four of which are set in Damar. Revisit Luthe and meet new characters in "The Healer", "The Stagman", "Touk's House", "Buttercups", and "A Knot in the Grain". (1996)
With this book McKinley probably becomes the only author of two books
telling the story of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty and her two sisters go
into the country with their father after disaster strikes, but the world,
characters, and story behind the Beast are all different.
(1997)
The Stone Fey
This is an illustrated children's book version of "The Stone Fey", a short
story originally published in Imaginary Lands, an anthology edited by
McKinley. Illustrated by John Clapp.
(1998)
Spindle's End
Robin does "Sleeping Beauty"
(2000)
Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits
Stories by Robin and Peter Dickinson
(2002)
Sunshine
Robin does vampires, with overtones of "Buffy" worldbuilding and Anita Blake.
Strongly recommended.
(2003)
Dragonhaven
Designed and written by Amanda J. Ridder
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