07/01/2014
Gr 5–7—Every hundred years in the land of Anok, a black foal is born into one of the five pegasi herds with the power to destroy or unite them all. Star is that foal. Although his wings are useless, making him no greater than a land horse, Star will be executed before his first birthday by Thunderwing, the head of Sun Herd. The last time a black foal fulfilled the prophecy, it resulted in the death and destruction of all the herds. A few supporters believe Star may bring peace to the warring tribes, and one takes the risk of hiding him before his birthday. The disappearance of the black foal launches an epic battle that could result in the decimation of the herd. The typical fantasy tale of an ordinary being destined to become something extraordinary is infused with verve and ingenuity. The pacing is quick, chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down. Readers will be clamoring for the next book in this adventure. Recommended for fantasy fans.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY
10/06/2014
Alvarez makes a spirited debut in this kickoff to the Guardian Herd series, set in a world populated by flying horses or pegasi. Every century, a black foal is born. On a black foal's first birthday, he or she is empowered by the Hundred Year Star with the ability to become a great healer or destroyer. Out of fear for their potential, most of them are killed rather than be allowed to mature. Starfire of the Sun Herd is the latest prophesized foal, and as his birthday approaches, it seems as though he'll meet the same fate. His mere existence is enough to cause the five herds to scheme and war against each other, even as Starfire himself goes into hiding. Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer, but the huge cast makes it difficult to keep track of characters, especially given the preponderance of names ending in "wing" or "fire." Fans of animal fantasies who persist, though, should find it enjoyable. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jacqueline Flynn, Joëlle Delbourgo Associates. (Sept.)
Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” — School Library Journal
“From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.” — Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series
“Alvarez’s world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer. Fans of animal fantasies should find it enjoyable.” — Publishers Weekly
“Will prove popular with both animal-lovers and fantasy fans. …A good choice for reluctant readers. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.” — ALA Booklist
Will prove popular with both animal-lovers and fantasy fans. …A good choice for reluctant readers. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.
From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.
2014-06-04
Star, a pegasus fated to wield great power, must choose to use it to either heal or destroy, but only if he can survive until his first birthday.Each century, the Hundred Year Star appears in the sky, announcing the birth of a black foal to one of the five pegasus herds of Anok. The prophecy states that the foal, empowered by the star itself, will rise to either destroy or unite the herds. However, Star hardly seems a pegasus of destiny. While he is fiercely loyal to his friends and brave in the face of his enemies, flight eludes him. His seemingly defective wings are the least of his problems. His appearance has made the leaders of the five herds nervous. Some want him dead, while others see him as a source of power. An over-large cast full of pegasi with confusing names and muddled personalities makes this nearly unreadable: Rockwing, Thunderwing and Grasswing are only part of the problem; it’s compounded by such monikers as Bumblewind and Brackentail, and Flamesky poses a particular challenge. The derivative plot is also problematic, as it is so similar to other series that are both more familiar and better written. Unfortunately, the mysterious beauty of pegasi is lost in a muddle of confusing characters and a less-than-stellar story.Readers should stick with the Warriors and the Guardians of Ga’hoole for better treatments of this formula. (list of characters, map) (Fantasy. 8-12)
