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Hero archetypes
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Synopsis
The alternate Earth of "The Blue Star" is no home to swashbucklers or soldiers. It's a carefully worked out society, approximating the 18th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire. In this world, gunpowder has not been discovered, but magic works. The Empire centered around the city of Netzigon is corrupt, collapsing, decadent, and basically tiresome. The novel follows the adventures of Rodvard Bergelin, who begins as an ineffecutal, milquetoast government clerk and becomes embroiled in a massive plot to pull the Empire down and rebuild a free society. Great Stuff! Originally published by Twaine in 1952. This is the first paperback appearance, one of the early entries in the "Adult Fantasy" series that [Lin Carter](/authors/OL1813446A) constructed for [Ballantine Books](/publishers/Ballantine_Books).
Is The Blue Star appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This 1950s classic fantasy features political intrigue and rebellion in a decadent empire where magic replaces gunpowder. Contains moderate violence related to revolution and political conflict, with sophisticated themes of societal corruption and transformation suitable for mature readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include violence, political violence, and class struggle.
Who'll love this
Teens interested in political fantasy will appreciate watching an ordinary clerk transform into a revolutionary hero in a richly detailed alternate world.