Customer Reviews

Airs Beneath the Moon (Horse Mistress Saga)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Larkyn Hamley lives in the Uplands in the Duchy of Oc. Until recently she's lived a pretty normal life on the family farm with her three brothers. Until she finds Char. Horses are more than rare in the Uplands, and until now Larkyn has never seen a real one. But, here she is, and it's only the beginning. Char dies trying to give birth to her foal. Not just any horse, but a winged horse! Winged horses, by law, belong to the Duke. Their bloodlines are monitored. Winged horses are bred. They don't just show up on farms in the Uplands. Until now.

What Larkyn doesn't know is that winged horses bond for life with one female only. Usually those females are specially chosen, monitored, and trained. All Larkyn knows is that her new friend Tup needs to be fed and cared for, and Tup doesn't really like her brothers. By the time Mistress Phillipa Winter from the Academy arrives, it's too late. Larkyn and Tup are inseparable. There is really no choice to be made. She wasn't chosen, she's not prepared, she's far too young, and she may never fit in, but Larkyn is off to the Academy with Tup, to train for their service to the Duke.

It's quickly apparent that fitting in, while virtually impossible, is the least of Larkyn's problems. And, difficult as the situation is, Larkyn is the least of the Academy's problems. When the Duke dies, and his son takes over, there may be a lot more to worry about, for the entire Duchy.

This book is unbelievably absorbing! At first I found it mildly hard to follow, because it doesn't explain everything outright. Gradually, I realized that all my questions were answered as the story unfolded. By the end I not only appreciated the assumption of intelligent readership, I also realized how much more involved in the story I was, because of the way it was written. Not to mention that it is, plain and simple, a great story. All of the characters are very well formed, very real, and interesting. The Duke's son is incredibly disturbing, as are some of his habits, most of which are only alluded to (and trust me, that's a good thing). But he's kind of pitiful at the same time; you almost feel a little bad for him. Almost.

This is the first in what is planned as a trilogy. Good thing too, otherwise I would have some issues with Ms. Bishop. I hadn't had nearly enough by the end of this book. It doesn't so much end with an "OMG! What happens next?" but more of an "I want to know more. I want to spend more time here." I think I'll end up reading it over and over until the next one comes out!

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

I run an online community for young (and not so young) girls who love horses and was thrilled to receive a preview copy of Airs Beneath the Moon. But now that I've finished reading it, I'm sad. Why? Because I want to keep reading.

I want to continue getting lost in the story of Larkyn Hamley, a young farm girl whose life changes course when she bonds with Tup, a winged horse, and joins the Academy of the Air to train for an elite team of courageous young women who partner with their flying horses to serve and protect the Duchy of Oc. I want to follow the growth of Larkyn's spirited bondmate who (like Larkyn) does not fit the mold at the Academy. I want to imagine him flying above the Duchy, a place unlike any that exists in our time and space, but one that feels familiar to anyone who loves horses.

I want to learn more about the interesting characters. Like Phillippa Winter, the kind horsemistress who takes Larkyn under her wing (so to speak). And Hester Morning, who sees Larkyn for who she is, not where she comes from. I want to detest the mean characters, like Petra Sweet, who think Larkyn is inferior just because she's a farm girl who rides bareback. Or William, heir to the Duke's throne, who is so desperate to experience the power of flight he's capable of evil things.

I want to continue feeling all the emotion and excitement that comes with being transported into a great story filled with interesting characters and imaginative settings. An inspired writer can give wings to your imagination. Although I may never experience the thrill of flying a winged horse, thanks to the talent of Toby Bishop, I can imagine.

NOTE: Parents should know that Airs Beneath the Moon is written for fluent readers, so younger girls may find it challenging. Also, the bad guy in the story is really bad. Although the author doesn't go into detail, some of his evil actions may be troubling for younger readers. If Airs Beneath the Moon was a movie, it would probably have a PG rating. If parents have a concern, read the book first (you'll love it too!) or (better yet) read it with you

Since there are so many reviews that describe the book, I shall not to save time. This was an enjoyable book, and like the many above, I found myself absorbed in the book. I had a hard time putting it down. The story line was something new and interesting. As well as finding strength in women, no matter the birth. (bringing a young woman out of 'common' area to rise to be a horsemistress).

Here is why I did not give it 5 stars; 1.) there is no where the book states it will be a trilogy. So I found myself at the end saying, there are so many unfinished things, which can aggravate a reader. I had to go searching the web to see if Toby was going to finish this (what I hoped to be) a series. (And just so you know- NOT all stories are finished - a Wonderfully engaing book called 'The Beserker's Horse' written in the 1990s was never completed- but ended somehwat like this- wrapped up- but unfinished.)

The other (spoiler alert) 2.) No matter if you are man or woman- we all have carnal desires. I dislike how it seems in the book- they made sex the object of evil in this book. First - they called it 'breeding' and in several caes you the horse is put down when their bonded Horsemistress chooses to 'breed'. It seemed a woman could not be both a Strong woman and one able to have sex int his book. 2Second, the Duke's sexual passions bordered on deranged desires. He beat the women almost to- or to death, and in one case they mention how his passion to bond with a horse 'stirred him like no women could'. I just did not like how they made sex so evil in this book.


But best be sured- I will be buying the rest of the series, to see how this pans out.

Skipping the synopsis since it's been done before. I absolutely adored this book, which I had expected to be much less than it was. The ONLY reason there's not a fifth star there is because I had to come here to find out it would be a trilogy, and I pray it gets finished.

Another excellently thought out review posted by M. Verdecchia noted the negative way sexual content was dealt with in the book. Given certain small details:

1) The way that the main character seems to be bringing horsemanship - not just equestrian skill - to the order
2) Not ALL sexuality was demonized, just, well, the "bad guy" in the series
3) The Horsemistresses appeared to be an order remeniscent of religious orders that demanded chastity and celibacy
4) At least one "good" Horsemistress was a bit affectionate toward a certain gentleman
5) Unicorns demanded virginity too in folklore, if it goes that way, and well... maybe I missed it but I'd thought that the horses had normal lifespans... meaning retirement could well be marriage

I suspect reformation and distinctions betweeen what is evil, and what is natural, will be forthcoming.

One can only hope.

Jaelle
(24 years with horses, natural meets classical horsemanship, centered riding style)

This book clearly should have been a YA novel, as the storyline will appeal the most to girls ages ~12-16. Unfortunately there is mature content (off-stage SM). More unfortunately, it is really not important to the storyline, and could have been left out. Too bad, because this could have been a cute little YA novel.

I have a few gripes with the novel from an equestrian standpoint. For the sake of her plot, the author has speed-aged the flying horses so that they can be ridden while flying at 18 mos (pg.154). Presumably (you would think, wouldn't you?) these horses have had significant training on the ground before you do anything quite so crazy...so...these horses are being ridden when they are one year old?
In RL, not even racehorse trainers work their horses that young. They start around 18mos, with very light riders, learning the basics. The consequences of working a horse hard before 4 is that it often breaks down. Hence the short working lifespans of racehorses and western futurity horses. If $$$ is important (or you're an impatient idiot) you start them early. If the horse is important, you wait until at least 2-1/2, when most of their growth is done & the growth plates in the knees have fused.
So...my beef. Unless the winged horses in question mature at TWICE the speed of a normal horse - there is no way they should be flying around with riders at 18 mo. Furthermore, I would love to know how these amateur teenage girls, with minimal riding instruction (there is a heck of a lot more to it than 'walk, trot, canter, STOP') can train these horses in a matter of months. I hate to see authors, even ones operating in la-la fantasyland, suggesting that anybody can ride a horse, anybody can train a horse, its easy, no one will get hurt, no need to wait for the horse to grow up just hop up baby!!!

Okay, rant over. If you can't resist the flying horse on the cover (heck, I couldn't), read the book. It has some cute parts. More importantly, it has flying horses. If you're getting it for your horse-crazy daughter, you might want to read it first. Let's just say the whips hit more than horse-flesh.

PS, to those who think I'm too harsh. This book may have entertained you - in fact, no doubt it has entertained lots of people. For those who like this sort of book - Mercedes Lackey fans, maybe? - it's probably worth a try. But if you're looking for a really good new fantasy to try, a book with interesting, complex characters, and a world that let's you suspend disbelief...well, this wouldn't be my first suggestion. Sorry Ms. Bishop.

It's a story of great possibilities for females no matter breeding or way of life. It tells of a gift that's fantastical but demands a price that's just as extraordinary.
The book was astonishing. I was sucked in (despite the poor and inadequate discription on the back) within the first few pages. The storyline seems very straight forward, but as it goes on, you start to see a glitter of depth.
There is definatly a rocky path ahead for Larkyn and I hope to enjoy the challanges along with her.

Airs Beneath the Moon is a well-crafted novel which keeps the reader "flying high"! Bishop is a master at character development and setting. The Duchy of Oc and the Acadamy of the Air are fully-realized, as are the characters who live there. The battle against the villainy of the Duke creates tension which holds the reader until the last page.

Even as her beloved horse lays dying from a hard foaling, Larkyn Hamley recognizes a miracle has visited her life. The newborn colt has wings, and thus must be brought to the attention of the Duke of Oc. Before his representative can arrive to claim the baby horse, Lark and Tup have bonded, making her entrance into the Academy of the Air a necessity. Lark is a fish out of water at the Academy, and even before she arrives, she makes an enemy of the old Duke's heir who desperately wants to upset the order of things by using her colt, and he will stop at nothing to claim Tup for his own.

**** Though the story is complete in and of itself, it does leave you wanting to see more of Oc and its winged horses and their riders, particularly Lark and Tup. Sweetness and love are contrasted with greed and arrogance sharply as the story unfolds, making powerful images come to life. If you enjoyed the HarperHall of Pern or the Heralds of Valdemer, then you are almost certain to love this as well. ****

Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer

I read this book earlier this spring and thought, this is a great horse story! The characters were interesting and the plot had enough mystery to keep you wondering what is going to happen next. There were wonderful details--you almost felt like you were riding the winged horse way above the ground... At the end, you knew another book has to be coming soon. I even contacted the author to ring my praises on this story and she told me it is part one of a trilogy (Horsemistress) which she has nearly finished writing. Second story, Airs and Graces, will be out in December. Third one next year. Best one I have read since the Dark Horse Series of five books written by Mary H. Herbert back in the early 90's. Get those if you can find them in used book stores. You won't be disappointed if you like this book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys horses. It is reminiscent of all the horse tales I read as a child mixed with my fairy tales. At first glance the story is similar to other books like Mercedas Lackey's "Arrows of the Queen" which is about a poor farm girl unknowingly bonding with a special horse and winding up in an special Academy. However, the world and politics are very different and new.

I can't help wonder if the author got the idea of the title from Mary Stewarts mystery tale titled "Airs Above the Ground" which features the Lippizaner's.

I would like to mention that one reviewer stated that some scenes are not appropriate for young readers. Based on the fairy tales that I read which frequently had some blood and suffering in them with very different endings then the Disnified versions most kids know, most young readers (ages 7 and up) will take the scenes in stride or even skip over them without fully understanding them. After all how many of us have our kids read the Bible - even the kids version that I got at age 6 is filled with murder, torture, the destruction of two cities and the entire planet.

Most kids under age 10 will probably not enjoy it more from a reading and interest level rather than an 'appropriateness' test.