Customer Reviews

Finest Creation

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

 

 

"The Finest Creating" is intended for young adults. This book is set in the middle ages, with a sprinkling of magic and magical creatures. The plot follows two main characters. The first is an orphaned girl, the king's nephew. She and her brother have gown up in isolation, and at the start of the story are about to travel with their cousin, the prince, to his weding. The second main character is a magical horse, one of "the finest creations". These magical creatures are morally superior to humans. Their purpose is to guide their chosen humans into being better people. This quest is complicated by their other goal, which is to never let anyone know that they are more than simple horses. The mood of this novel is light and enjoyable.

I had three problems with this novel. First, the middle of the novel is a bit slow. Second, I don't see how the magical horses are supposed to provide moral and ethical guidance to people, while being constrained to pretend to be ordinary horses. Apparently the author doesn't know either, because the magical horses choose good people and then simply protect them. Third, it ends rather suddenly, with the plot continuing in the next book, and I prefer stand alone books. If these sound like overly fussy complaints to you, I'm sure you will love "The Finest Creation."

Overall, the author has crafted an enjoyable story, with interesting people and just the right amount of magic. The mood is quite dissimilar from Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar, which has lots of moody sulking and melodramatic complaints. Rabe's people & horses are happier and more concerned with others, so their quandaries build sympathy. I enjoyed watching the young magical horse grow and learn.

Jean Rabe has authored a lot of stories and books in worlds originally established by others and, although she has had a greater impact on many of those worlds than is sometimes realized, it is wonderful to see her create a world that is entirely of her own making. Aimed at a YA audience, The Finest Creation has a magical feel comparable to Harry Potter, but characters who are more innocent (and less bratty) and a less convoluted plotline. Jean has a real affinity for describing the feelings of her young protagonists and for showcasing the natural world, including the equine Finest Creations. Creative and original. Donald J. Bingle, Author of Forced Conversion.

"The Finest" are mystically forged creatures of perfection sent by the creators to aid the Fallen (humans) during their lives. The Finest resemble ordinary horses, are highly intelligent, and can communicate telepathically with other Finests and animals. However, they cannot speak with humans. The Finest are "shepherds". Each is given a "charge" which the shepherd will gently nudge or guide in life. Yet the Finest must not allow the humans to realize he is more than a mere horse.

Prince Edan Montoll of Galmier was en route to Duriam, where he was to marry a princess of Nasim-Guri and unite the lands, when dark assassins attacked. Only thirteen-year-old Meven and his younger sister, Kalantha, (Edan's cousins) survived. They lived only because of Gallant-Stallion "Rue".

Rue's mentor also died in the attack. Rue accepts the two children into his care. They are his first assignment and he fears himself unequal to the task. Dark, evil forces gather bent on the destruction of the two orphans (who are now the last of the royal line).

***** Oh, WOW! It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of reading such a wonderful tale of fantasy. Here is a book that you will not want to set down for any length of time. It will adorn your "Keeper" shelf to be read again in the future. I predict awards for this gem. This is not one to be missed! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The cover's nice enough to catch my eye. The review blurbs comparing this book to a cross between Narnia and Valdemar was enough to convince me to pick it up.

Unfortunately, this book lacks the charm of Narnia, and the action of Valdemar. The characters don't develop well at all, the plot was shaky overall and downright unbelievable in places. Of the two big revelations toward the end of the book, one I'd called during the first couple of chapters, the other was improbable enough to be unbelievable.

Sorry, but I won't be picking up the rest of the trilogy.

This is a wonderful book - I had a hard time setting it down and have even bought a copy for my mother for Christmas (who is a horse lover and doesn't like sci-fi books).

I would (and have) recommend this book to anyone interested in a good read. My only complaint was that I was late to work one day because I made the mistake of trying to only read a couple of pages (which turned out to be a couple of chapters).

I've been reading science fiction and fantasy books for over 30 years and this book sucked me in. I was totally engaged with the characters and the plot line. I can barely sit still as I wait for the second book in the series to come. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. The character of Kal is one of my favorites.

I couldn't believe this got published, and then I read who the author's friends were...

Has a HUGE show don't tell problem, flat, unengaging characters, and a boring, predictable plot which is not make fresh or original in any way. It read like an outline of a story. I kept reading in hopes it got better, but had to put it done in despair about half way through.

I gave it two stars because it was a fairly creative idea (that I wish this author could have done more with) and it was readable (in terms of grammar and spelling).

unlike the previous reviewers, i did not really like book overly much, but it was a read. i found the evil, talking birds a bit corny, and not really all that evil, just dumb. And if you hate books that focus around young children (teenage), this was one of those.

The one good thing about the book, the ending. the last 50 or so pages were quite good, and may have been enough to make me read the next book.

But give this book a go any way, YOU may like it.