You are a squirrel. When you were a baby you were found alone on the beach and was adopted by a very motherly squirrel. As you grew older you become fascinated with the castle and the members of the Cricle who govern the isle of Mistmantle. One day your life long wish becomes true and you are chosen to be a squire! Little do you know that those first months will be the hardest of your life.

A murder occurs. One of the captains who you worlk for assassinated the little hedgehog prince, and the once peaceful isle turns chaotic. Your friend and personal hero is convicted of the crime and banished. What are you going to do? You know he didn't do it, but you're just a squire. What can you do? desperate you go after him, but now you've left the protective mists that cover the isle, and they say once you leave, you can't get back in. Now you're all alone in a world you know nothing about. Oh dear...

Fantasy fans who love epic adventures and stories without orcs, wizards, or dragons. All the characters are animals. Though it may sound strange, this book rates second on my top list of fantasy books. It's only topped by the LOTR.

The backstory and mystery weaved into the plot. It kept me guessing to the very end. The way everything came together was very unexpected and totally awesome! I also enjoyed how the writer gave the antagonist feelings. There were several chapters in his POV that told of how he was struggling to forgive himself and move on after what he did. His fear is actually what brings him down in the end.

Read the next one! This is book one of a five book series. I've read all of them except the last one, but it's on my list!

Some parts were chilling ( I got goosebumps!) Some parts I was in shock. Others made me want to cry.

It's a really really good book!!! It's a shame it isn't more well known.

I would rate this book probably for readers 12+. There's nothing real gory, but some of the themes of revenge and the backstory might frighten younger readers. It's easy reading though.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, Book 1)   from Amazon.Com!

Created Oct 31, 2014 at 4:44pm • Submit your own review...