Customer Reviews

Moonsilver (The Unicorn's Secret #1)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We bought this as a read aloud for our 5 yr old. She enjoyed it, but I felt it was still over her head so I'll wait and read it to her next summer. Unfortunately, it read like an introduction to a series of books instead of one good story that will be followed by another (I like books to "stand" on there own without being dependant on what comes before or after). I have to mention I love series, but each book should hold its own. Oh, and I found it enjoyable too.

My 8-year-old niece loved this book and so did I. It has all the elements of enchantment--abandoned orphan girl, cruel guardian, hints of a mysterious, perhaps even royal, past and, of course, unicorns--even a baby unicorn. But I particularly enjoyed the tone and style of the book. It's appealing and fun, but it isn't overly sweet. As my niece said, "It isn't silly." It's set in a realistic medieval world that gives added emphasis to the daring efforts of Heart, the main character, to save the unicorns. I guess the book is designed for beginning readers, but it didn't seem simple or like it was talking down.
We can't wait for the third book in the series!

Heart Avamir was abandoned in a field one day by her parents - whom she doesn't remember in any way, shape, or form - and was taken in by a cold-hearted man named Simon. Her existence is not pleasurable, as she spends her days and nights working in the fields, but all that changes when she finds a beautiful white horse with many scars, who quickly takes to Heart's gentle and kind nature. Due to the fact that the mare is limping around, and malnourished, Simon wants nothing more than to sell the mare to the knacker - someone who will kill the horse - but Heart convinces him otherwise. With the help of Ruth, a kind, old magic lady who lives next door, Heart is able to give the mare, now named Avamir, the care that it needs. And soon, Avamir has begun to foal. Her baby is lovely, and Heart quickly names him Moonsilver. Then trouble strikes, and Heart knows that she must take care of the horses before something absolutely dreadful happens to them.

I have always loved stories about unicorns and horses, and Kathleen Duey is definitely one of the best authors out there when it comes to writing on either of these subjects. However, I found myself enjoying MOONSILVER, even more than I ever thought possible. Duey's imaginative prose is magical, and her descriptions of the people found throughout the town in which Heart lives in couldn't be better. Her character development of young Heart and the kind, old Ruth is wonderful, and is sure to win over young readers.

Erika Sorocco

Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

I love this series of books. My daughter is in first grade and cannot put these books down - and neither can I, her 40 year old mother. It is such a lovely, warm story, full of love and sympathy. It is just perfect for little girls, who love horses and unicorns and stories about them. I don't understand why this series is not more popular than it is... they are not stocked at the bookstores. Even my library does not have the full set. But each story leaves you longing for the next one. We are currently on book 5, Sunset Gates.

This book series is extremely well written and keeps you engaged in the on-going story of Heart and the unicorns, Avamir and Moonsilver. I bought these books for my seven year old Daughter and ended up glued to the books myself. She is thoroughly enjoying them and I had to keep reading from one book to the other to find out what was going to happen. I myself am an avid book reader and was pleasantly surprised to find myself as an adult pulled into the story to that extent. I would heartily recommend these books to any child interested in horses, unicorns or someone looking for a well written story. Heart is a wonderful heroine and someone all little girls can look up to. Happy Reading.

These books are gems!!!

Heart is a true hero, a good-hearted girl finding her way along a difficult path, learning own strength. Readers will be happily drawn into her journey as she discovers herself and the magical world around her.

I loved this series. I only wish I still had small children to read it with! That said, my teenage daughters loved the books too.

I really like the unicorn's secret series. I read all of the books that have been written this summer, and I really think people should read True Heart. True Heart is my favourite one.

My daughter brought the first book of this series home from the library and really enjoyed it. We looked it up on-line and were very excited to see that there were a total of 8 books in the series. She got all of them and we have really enjoyed reading them together (she is 7). A very sweet story with lots of the things that little girls love.

More suited to parents who read to kids. Difficult for kids to read by themselves ...

A lot of reviews here imply they are for 5-7yrs. I would place it more at 9 yrs but it depends on the kid. Best to make your own mind up.

"She was startled by a sudden cadence of distant hoofbeats. She caught her breath and opened her eyes, staring into the murky dusk." (book 1)

"Fiona loaned her a loose-sleeved raspberry blouse and an embroidered pinafore of columbine blue. Talia's aunt gave her a copper-colored scarf with a lacey edge." (book 3)

This is the best book I have ever read. It is really short and easy. If you buy this book you should get the rest of the books in this series, too.