The Guardian Herd: Starfire

by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez Narrated by Andrew Eiden

Overview

Riders of the Realm author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez “will lift the reader on the wings of danger and destiny, magic and hope”* in this first book in an action-packed fantasy adventure series. Perfect for fans of the Warriors and Guardians of Ga'Hoole series.

Once every hundred years, a black foal is born, prophesied to either unite or destroy the five herds of winged horses that live in Anok-fated to become the most powerful Pegasus in all the land.

Star is this black foal.

Even though Star seems harmless because he's unable to fly, the leaders of each herd aren't willing take any risks. So, they plan to execute Star before his first birthday. With the threats against him mounting, Star must rely on his friends and the untapped power within to win an epic battle between good and evil.

* (New York Times bestselling author Peter Lerangis)

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

10/06/2014
Alvarez makes a spirited debut in this kickoff to the Guardian Herd series, set in a world populated by flying horses or pegasi. Every century, a black foal is born. On a black foal's first birthday, he or she is empowered by the Hundred Year Star with the ability to become a great healer or destroyer. Out of fear for their potential, most of them are killed rather than be allowed to mature. Starfire of the Sun Herd is the latest prophesized foal, and as his birthday approaches, it seems as though he'll meet the same fate. His mere existence is enough to cause the five herds to scheme and war against each other, even as Starfire himself goes into hiding. Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer, but the huge cast makes it difficult to keep track of characters, especially given the preponderance of names ending in "wing" or "fire." Fans of animal fantasies who persist, though, should find it enjoyable. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jacqueline Flynn, Joëlle Delbourgo Associates. (Sept.)

ALA Booklist

Will prove popular with both animal-lovers and fantasy fans. …A good choice for reluctant readers. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.

Peter Lerangis

From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. It’s a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you.

Kirkus Reviews

2014-06-04
Star, a pegasus fated to wield great power, must choose to use it to either heal or destroy, but only if he can survive until his first birthday.Each century, the Hundred Year Star appears in the sky, announcing the birth of a black foal to one of the five pegasus herds of Anok. The prophecy states that the foal, empowered by the star itself, will rise to either destroy or unite the herds. However, Star hardly seems a pegasus of destiny. While he is fiercely loyal to his friends and brave in the face of his enemies, flight eludes him. His seemingly defective wings are the least of his problems. His appearance has made the leaders of the five herds nervous. Some want him dead, while others see him as a source of power. An over-large cast full of pegasi with confusing names and muddled personalities makes this nearly unreadable: Rockwing, Thunderwing and Grasswing are only part of the problem; it’s compounded by such monikers as Bumblewind and Brackentail, and Flamesky poses a particular challenge. The derivative plot is also problematic, as it is so similar to other series that are both more familiar and better written. Unfortunately, the mysterious beauty of pegasi is lost in a muddle of confusing characters and a less-than-stellar story.Readers should stick with the Warriors and the Guardians of Ga’hoole for better treatments of this formula. (list of characters, map) (Fantasy. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173545695
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/23/2014
Series:	Guardian Herd Series , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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