Books
x dismiss this message

Did you know you can edit this page?

see page history

Description edit see section history

As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's lust and madness. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will... read more

Summary edit see section history

A story about the neglected princess Lissar whom always lived in the shadow of her mother and father. Her mother dies and when Lissar reaches womanhood it's clear that she looks like her mother.Because she is beautiful she was raped so she runs away with her dog. It's a beautiful story about a... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

A story about the neglected princess Lissar whom always lived in the shadow of her mother and father. Her mother dies and when Lissar reaches womanhood it's clear that she looks like her mother.Because she is beautiful she was raped so she runs away with her dog. It's a beautiful story about a girl who recovers from the traumatic experience of being raped with the help of time. She overcomes by starting out anew and finding a real home with a man who helps her every step of the way.

People edit see section history

  • Lissla Lissar (Deerskin): A neglected princess who grows up to look just like her mother.
  • The Queen: Mother of Lissar, the most beautiful woman in all seven kingdoms.
  • The King: Father to Lissar who was the best king in all seven kingdoms.
  • Ash: A fleethound and Lissar's faithful friend.
  • Prince Ossin: A prince of a neighboring kingdom who is fond of dogs, and sends Ash as a present to Lissar.
  • Viaka: Lissar's maidservant and friend.
  • Rinnol: An old woman who teaches Lissar herblore. Hurra's aunt.
  • Hurra: Lissar's nursemaid.
  • King Goldhouse (Cofta): Prince Ossin's father, king of the sixth kingdom
  • Queen Clementina: Prince Ossin's mother
  • Fichit: One of Lissa's maids, Rinnol's niece
  • Lady Undgersim: The woman in charge of organizing the ball for Lissa's seventeenth birthday
  • Lady Gorginvala: A friend of Lady Undgersim's
  • The Lady (Moonwoman): A magical woman who saves Lissar.
  • Barley: A farmer who Lissar meets after running away.
  • Ammy: Barley's wife
  • Lilac: Woman who works in King Cofta's stables and befriends Lissar
  • Redthorn: Head of King Cofta's stables
  • Jed: Worker in King Cofta's stables who is injured
  • Testor: Worker in King Cofta's stables
  • Camilla: Cofta's and Clementina's daughter
  • Curn of Dorl: Member of Cofta's court
  • Jobe: Worker in Ossin's kennels
  • Hela: Worker in Ossin's kennels
  • Berry: Worker in Ossin's kennels
  • Corngold: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Nob: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Tolly: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Pur: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Ob: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Ferntongue: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Harefoot: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Fen: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Meadowsweet: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Ilgi: Ossin's dog who dies and leaves her litter of pups
  • Aric: A little boy who becomes lost.
  • Bunt: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Blue: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Kestrel: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Aster: One of Ossin's dogs
  • Trivelda: A princess who would marry Ossin
  • Mik: The messenger who delivers Ash to Lissar
  • Stronghand: A kind, older gentleman with whom Lissar dances.
  • Fiena: A village herbwoman who Lissar meets
Show all 44 characters
Popular Covers

Loading covers…

Choose your book’s cover

Setting & Locations edit see section history

First Sentence edit see section history

MANY YEARS LATER SHE REMEMBERED HOW HER PARENTS HAD looked to her when she was a small child: her father as tall as a tree, and merry and bright and golden, with her beautiful black-haired mother at his side.

Table of Contents edit see section history

PART ONE
Chapter 1 - (3-11) Chapter 2 - (12-23) Chapter 3 - (24-35) Chapter 4 - (36-46) Chapter 5 - (47-54)
Chapter 6 - (55-61) Chapter 7 - (62-73) Chapter 8 - (74-91) Chapter 9 - (92-100)

PART TWO
Chapter 10 - (103-111) Chapter 11 - (112-118) Chapter 12 - (119-132) Chapter 13 - (133-143) Chapter 14 - (144-151)
Chapter 15 - (152-162) Chapter 16 - (163-178) Chapter 17 - (179-186) Chapter 18 - (187-193) Chapter 19 - (194-202)
Chapter 20 - (203-211) Chapter 21 - (212-219) Chapter 22 - (220-229) Chapter 23 - (230-237) Chapter 24 - (238-245)
Chapter 25 - (246-255) Chapter 26 - (256-262) Chapter 27 - (263-275) Chapter 28 - (276-285) Chapter 29 - (286-293)
Chapter 30 - (294-304) Chapter 31 - (305-313) Chapter 32 - (314-321) Chapter 33 - (322-329)

PART THREE
Chapter 34 - (334-339) Chapter 35 - (340-353) Chapter 36 - (354-375)

Series & Lists edit see section history

This book is in Endicott's Adult Fairy Tales Reading List. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Robin McKinley (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Ace Books
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN: 0441142265
Page Count: 309

Awards edit see section history

Classification edit see section history

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Young Adults

This novel centers around a rape and an act of incest which, while not graphic, are pretty emotionally fraught. I don't think the story is inappropriate to young adult readers, but parents should be prepared to discuss with their children some of the issues involved.

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • Unnatural Issue

We’re hiding the errata, movie connections, books that influenced this book, books influenced by this book, books that cite this book and books cited by this book sections. If you would like to add content to them, you must first make them visible.