Customer Reviews

The Mistmantle Chronicles: Book One:: Urchin of the Riding Stars

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

On a cold night, a night of riding stars, a newborn squirrel is found all by his lonesome on a distant beach, shivering, and close to death. His mother is nowhere to be found, so he is adopted and raised by a kind squirrel, in the land of Mistmantle. The young squirrel is given the name Urchin. And, given the mysterious story of his life, young Urchin is unaware of the powerful destiny that awaits him, and will influence the entire island of Mistmantle. When Urchin is old enough, he takes on a position in the Castle, where the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle are having their positions threatened by an evil plot that has already taken the life of their son, Prince Tumble. Captain Crispin, a good friend of Urchin, is blamed for the death, and sent off to a faraway land, while the real culprits, Lord Husk and Lady Aspen, work to take control of the Castle, and disgrace King Brushen. Little do they know, the islanders and ancient prophecies are watching over Mistmantle, and with the help of Urchin of the Riding Stars, victory may not truly be theirs.

I have a confession to make, there was something about the cover illustration of URCHIN OF THE RIDING STARS, that made me purchase it on sight, before I had even read the inside flap. The only thing I knew of the story, was that it was an adventure about an island inhabited by animals. Well, I couldn't be happier that the purchase was made. URCHIN OF THE RIDING STARS is one of the best adventure novels that I have read over the course of 2005. Urchin is the sweetest character, who is brave, and wise beyond his years. His friends, Padra, Captain Crispin, Needle, and many more are intriguing, and each bring their own personality to the story. Those who enjoy books such as Brian Jacques' REDWALL series, will adore URCHIN OF THE RIDING STARS, and will find themselves gripping their seats in anticipation for what will happen next. A marvelous addition to the science fiction/fantasy genre.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

A fan of Brian Jacques' Redwall series for years, I picked this up in a local bookstore to see how it compared. While I was not as impressed with it as I am those of the Redwall series, I still enjoyed the first in this series and look forward to more from this author. If you are in to adventure novels of this type or are looking for a good book for your children, I would recommend this story.

Too often I've seen books, well-written and compelling, passed off as just another "children's" story, something that anyone above the suggested reading level shouldn't read. A book like this one could easily be thrown into that category. After all, talking animals on a fantasy island, seems pretty childish. There is no cursing, and it is relatively short, especially with the double-spaced printing of the book.

However, that is the books biggest downfall; it is too short. Other than that, this book is nearly flawless. McAllister is has crafted a wonderful, exciting world. The descriptions are well done. The plot is gripping.

McAllister's greatest achievement is, however, is in her character development. She has created a wonderful, lovable, and memorable cast of characters. From Crispin, to Urchin, to Husk, the characters have been masterfully created. It's amazing, in such a small amount of writing (relatively), McAllister could succeed so grandly. Within the first 20 pages, I was already idolizing Crispin as a hero.

Of course, the story is not lacking, either. This is a story of plotting and betrayal, deception and loyalty, compassion and evil. It is filled with suspense and drama, and you will not want to put it down until the end.

And it is not without its dark side. The island of Mistmantle is under a dictatorship, with a puppet king being played by a totalitarian, ruthless captain. Brutal work parties and "culling" have been instituted over the people. (culling is the act of killing new born babies with any physical defects present, which is branded as a type of "euthanasia" by the leaders).

A word of warning to any over-sensitive parent, there is alcohol use, as in wine, and several murders from knife to poison. Personally, I don't believe that this should affect how the book is seen, as they are all completely needed to craft such a compelling story.

Comparisons to the Redwall series are inevitable, but not justified. I'll admit, I'm a fan of the Redwall books, I've read about half of them, and that's the whole reason I picked this book up. The only similarity to the two, however, is the presence of anthropomorphic, talking animals such as squirrels, otters, and moles. Perhaps there is more action in Redwall, but other than that, the Mistmantle Chronicles is superior. It is plot-heavy, compelling, and leaves us with more than a simple "good vs evil" approach, but instead gives us moral ambiguity and social issues.

Urchin of the Riding Stars is a fantastic book, appropriate for any age. An above average reader could easily finish this book in 2-3 days, even one day if you can set aside a few hours. Easily worth the time and effort. And, if you find the problem of the book being too short, there are sequels waiting. I can't wait until I get the next one in the mail.

This is an amazing book filled with the best storyline ever.It had me hooked the whole way through and I felt like I was one of the animals.The king's son is killed and the evil Husk and Lady Aspen are blaming Crispin, the kind gentle squirrel that has helped and guided Urchin, a litle orphan squirrel.Crispin is banished from the island and Urchin is the only one that can help. Will he rescue Crispin in time or will the island suffer under the rein of Husk?

I had read all the Redwall books at least once, and then I found this one. It is a very good book, but It is not as good as Redwall. Redwall just seems to have more feeling or something. Still, I highly recomend this book and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Urchin of the Riding Stars is my favorite book ever. It has a lot of aventure and action. Like when Captin Husk got arrested and had a war.

Mistmantle chronicles book one Urchin of the Riding Stars is a book about a kingdom on an island far away on an island surounded by mist. An adventourous book about a young squirrel found nearly dead by a kind captian. This squirrel has a great deal of task to complete in this book. I highly recomend it.

I thought this story was well written. I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you like Red Wall or Harry Potter this is the book for you. I disagree with RolnPokk(the person who wrote the other review). I think the way the author combines human and animal characteristics is great. If gives the story an interesting take.

This is the first book in the Mistmantle Chronicles and in my opinion so far, the best. This story of adventure, mystery, betrayal, conspiracy, courage, friends, light and darkness is nicely done.

One night, on night of riding stars, when the stars leave their places in the sky and swirl around close, a baby squirrel falls from the sky. Brother Fir and Crispin find him, name him Urchin, and give him to Apple, a kind and forgetful squirrel. Many years pass. One day Urchin is sitting on top of a hill, watching where he will be working the next day: unloading ships with a working party for the rest of his life. He wishes he was a tower animal, a squirrel who works and lives in the tower of Mistmantle, possibly a Captain, serving the King. Then he sees Crispin, a Captain of Mistmantle, walking to him. Crispin invites Urchin to the turret of the tower to meet Brother Fir and for a great view of the riding stars happening again that night. Later in the night Crispin asks Urchin to be his page. Urchin is happy, for he is to be a tower page, and apprenticed to his hero. But then in the morning things go terribly wrong. Crispin is exiled from Mistmantle for a crime he did not do. Instead of going home, Urchin is apprenticed to Captain Padra, Crispin's closest friend. It is up to Urchin with the help friends to unravel the dark conspiracy, save the island, and to discover his destiny.

My daughter really loves this book. I wouldn't recommend it for older readers as it is typical of fantasy and fairy tale stories, but for small children who like to be read to, it is a must. I would also think kids with pretty good reading skills will enjoy it as well.