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McKinley, Robin
8 Reviews
(2)
YA
Newworld, Maggie's home, is science-driven; magic, fairy tales, and fantasy are all frowned upon, which is why the mysterious, sentient shadows that surround Maggie's stepfather are troubling--as is Maggie's ability to see them. Maggie is a sardonic and sharp narrator. McKinley's skill at building memorable worlds is also evident: Newworld itself is as intriguing as the characters.
Reviewer: April Spisak
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2014
(2)
YA
Princess Sylvi's people have been allies with the neighboring pegasi for centuries. There has always been a language barrier--until Sylvi and pegasus prince Ebon are bonded. Sylvi and Ebon can communicate freely in silent-speech, the pegasi's native language, which threatens the magician-interpreters of Sylvi's kingdom. McKinley's writing is leisurely and descriptive, full of the enjoyment of imagining her winged-horse culture.
Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2010
(2)
YA
As in Water, Dickinson and McKinley each contribute fantasy short stories united by an element, this time fire. The two writers' talents are well matched, creating a volume that's even in tone and quality while introducing novelty with every story opening. Dickinson's offerings are notable for their sophisticated magical thinking and subtlety of expression; McKinley's for down-to-earth truths and emotional resonance.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2009
(3)
YA
Mirasol the beekeeper becomes Chalice to a land in turmoil. She must hold her world together and convince her Circle to accept a Fire Priest as Master. Using an alternate medieval setting, McKinley colors Mirasol's world with rich detail and lyrical prose using honey-golden imagery. The story moves carefully and languorously.
Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess
(4)
YA
Jake lives in a national park dedicated to dragon preservation. After witnessing the death of a mother dragon, he becomes surrogate mother to her baby. Jake often sounds superior and has an annoying penchant for parenthetical interruption. The story has little suspense, but McKinley's affection for animal life is evident. In her customary way she evokes a complete, detailed alternate reality.
Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2007
(2)
YA
In this collection of alternating short fantasies, the stories take their directive loosely enough (oceans, a tidal river, a desert pool) to present a diverse and satisfying whole. Both writers' tendency to luxuriate in the conventions of fantasy is a strength in many of the stories. Readers versed in these writers' work will recognize familiar themes and references; newcomers will find scope for imagination; and all will be richly rewarded.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2002
(4)
YA
Rosie isn't your average princess: growing up blunt, willful, and tomboyish, in her teens she apprentices herself to a blacksmith. McKinley's new, feminist take on "Sleeping Beauty" would be welcome were it not for her self-indulgent style, with parentheses often longer than the sentences they're embedded in. Despite some rich description and a new ending, this retelling is unlikely to prick the interest of any but McKinley's most devoted fans.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2000
(4)
YA
Illustrated by
John Clapp.
This picture book edition of a story first published in Imaginary Lands, a collection of short fantasy stories for young adults edited by McKinley, is illustrated with lush watercolors. The love story--though she has plans to establish a farm with Donal, young Maddy finds herself seduced by a legendary hill creature--may miss its audience in this format.
Reviewer: Anne St. John
8 reviews
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