Urchin of the Riding Stars

Our rating: ***½

Older Readers

Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, Book 1) (Hardcover)
by M. I. McAllister
ISBN: 0786854863

Price: USD 14.00
89 used & new available from USD 0.41

The animals on Mistmantle Island have always led peaceful lives, but things are thrown into chaos when the young Prince Tumble is found murdered right in a hallway of the royal Tower. As harsher laws are passed and events orchestrate themselves a little too well, it becomes evident that an evil intrigue has formed within the Circle—and will endanger the lives and welfare of many.
Urchin is only a new page and the squirrel who’s never quite fit in, but those few animals who know of his mysterious beginning are sure he’ll have a powerful impact on the destiny of the island.

This is certainly an enjoyable read. The populace of squirrels, hedgehogs, otters, and moles bears a similarity to the Redwall series, but I found the overall feel to be different enough that it doesn’t seem like a case of copycat. This was my second time through Urchin, and although I don’t consider it a must-read, it’s worthwhile if you enjoy this style of fantasy.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Eulalia!

Our rating: ****½

Older Readers

Eulalia! (Redwall) (Hardcover)
by Brian Jacques
ISBN: 0399242090

Price: USD 16.31
63 used & new available from USD 7.19

The Searat captain Vizka Longtooth captures a young badger, which he decides to tame. But Gorath (the badger) is angry at the rats for killing his grandparents, and he plans to escape as soon as he can. Meanwhile, badger lord Asheye has a dream, telling him that Salamandastron’s new badger ruler will be found defending Redwall Abbey. He sends out perilous hare Mad Maudie to find the badger and bring him back. If that wasn’t complicated enough, Redwall Abbey has also banished a young hedgehog thief, telling him not to come back for a whole season. The resulting tale does indeed end up making sense in true Redwall fashion.

Doing a review of a Redwall book is always a challenge. I have read all eighteen books before this one, and I already have a favorite picked out. That being said, Eulalia! certainly meets expectations. The characters are just as memorable as always, the story just as complicated, and the ending just as satisfying.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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The Wind in the Willows

Our rating: *****

All Ages Incredibook!

The Wind in the Willows (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)
by Kenneth Grahame
ISBN: 0143039091

Price: USD 9.60
44 used & new available from USD 6.70

Mole, tired of spring cleaning, decides to leave his cozy little home and take a walk. His ramblings take him to The River, where he meets the Water Rat and the fun begins. Mole stays with Rat in his bank-side home and enjoys sharing the Rat’s love of boating. While staying there, Mole becomes friends with Otter, Mr. Badger, and Mr. Toad. Everything progresses nicely, until the Toad decides to try the wandering life of a gypsy and takes Mole and Rat along. In a highway accident, their lovely little cart is upset by a motorcar. The Mole and Rat are very annoyed, but Toad becomes infatuated with the speed and sound of motorcars and orders one of his own. Unfortunately, he disregards all rules. Badger, Rat, and Mole set out to help their friend over his dangerous driving habits, despite personal discomfort.

How to describe The Wind in the Willows? Sheer, wonderful bliss from beginning to end. There are so many adventures, so many thrills and joys. This is one of my favorite books. This is as good as it gets. (Unless you count Winnie-the-Pooh.) Don’t miss it! It’s perfect for children, young adults, and adults who are young or feel young. I have also enjoyed the audio book, read by Flo Gibson, on numerous occasions. I can close my eyes and hear whole parts of the book. A delightful story.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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The Great Redwall Feast

Our rating: ****

All Ages Picture Books

The Great Redwall Feast (Redwall) (Paperback)
by Brian Jacques
ISBN: 0698118766

Price: USD 6.99
56 used & new available from USD 1.46

“Oho!” you say. “Sarah finally gets to read Redwall books!” Not quite. This can serve as a hold-over picture book for younger readers who can’t read the Redwall Series yet. (Like me.) There’s another Redwall picture book called A Redwall Winter’s Tale. Older readers who can read the Redwall Series will probably enjoy these picture books, as well as younger readers. I didn’t have much trouble understanding the mole-talk. (Except once, and then I finally got it figured out.) And now, here is a delightful summary of The Great Redwall Feast!

The animals in Redwall are preparing a secret feast for the abbot. After the abbot wakes up from his nap, he goes with Constance, Foremole and Matthias on a Bobbatan Quest for a Weary Nod. Is the abbot turning old and silly?

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
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High Rhulain

Our rating: ****½

Incredibook! Older Readers

High Rhulain (Redwall) (Paperback)
by Brian Jacques
ISBN: 0441014364

Price: USD 7.99
49 used & new available from USD 0.69

Riggu Felis, the evil wildcat, has enslaved the otter tribes living on beautiful Green Isle. Back at Redwall, an injured bird arrives bringing news of the growing trouble at Green Isle. Tiria, a young ottermaid, receives a dream from Martin the Warrior urging her to learn all she can about the mysterious place. Along with some friends, she discovers a book containing riddles that, upon solving, provide her with the information she needs. Another dream from Martin convinces her that she must journey to Green Isle and free the otters. After traveling with shrews to Salamandastron, Tiria embarks on her quest with a reinforcement of hares to become, for the otters at Green Isle, their High Rhulain.

Hooray for the latest Redwall book! Brian Jacques did an excellent job, and I hope he continues to write Redwall books for as long as he can. Though not my favorite, High Rhulain is a great addition the growing series.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (8 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
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