Enchanter (novel)

Enchanter is a fantasy novel written by Robin McKinley, published in 1992. It is the third book in the Damar universe, following The Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword, but can be read as a standalone story. While set in the same world, Enchanter focuses on a different region, Alhilea, and is thematically distinct from the more traditional heroic fantasy of the Damar duology.

The novel tells the story of Alianne "Alia" Aeriel, a young woman from the remote Aeriel clan in Alhilea. Alia possesses powerful but uncontrolled magical abilities. She is initially unaware of the full extent of her powers, believing them to be limited to simple enchantments and a gift for creating beautiful illusions. Alia's life changes dramatically when her older brother, a scholar named Daiel, brings home the exiled King Cimorene of Damar as a guest.

Cimorene's presence forces Alia to confront the true nature and potential danger of her magic. She discovers that she is a powerful enchanter, capable of both great good and immense destruction. The story follows Alia's journey as she learns to control her powers, understand the complexities of magic in her world, and grapple with the moral responsibility that comes with such abilities. Her relationship with Cimorene, who is far more knowledgeable about magic than anyone Alia has previously encountered, becomes crucial to her growth.

The central themes of Enchanter include self-discovery, the responsibility of power, the nature of magic, and the importance of individual choice. Unlike McKinley's earlier Damar books, Enchanter has a more introspective and psychological focus, exploring the inner life of its protagonist and the challenges she faces in coming to terms with her own identity. The novel is notable for its nuanced portrayal of magic as a force that is neither inherently good nor evil, but rather shaped by the intentions and choices of the wielder.