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Firebringer #2
Dark Moon
Volume Two of the Firebringer Trilogy
“Carefully plotted, with satisfying action and fully developed, intriguing characters, this is sure to please fantasy lovers.”—Booklist
He was the youngest prince the unicorns had ever known: Aljan son-of-Korr, Dark Moon. A silver crescent on his brow and a white star on his heel were tokens that one day he was destined to become the legendary Firebringer—but Jan had no knowledge of fire, nor of where to find it.
Swept out to sea while defending the unicorns, Jan is washed up on a distant shore, only to find himself the revered captive of a strange race of two-foots who treat him with awe, even as they hold him against his will. It is here that he witnesses the magic of fire for the first time and, even more importantly, discovers how he himself can create it. But can he escape and bring the knowledge back to the unicorns in time to save them?
“Carefully plotted, with satisfying action and fully developed, intriguing characters, this is sure to please fantasy lovers.”—Booklist
He was the youngest prince the unicorns had ever known: Aljan son-of-Korr, Dark Moon. A silver crescent on his brow and a white star on his heel were tokens that one day he was destined to become the legendary Firebringer—but Jan had no knowledge of fire, nor of where to find it.
Swept out to sea while defending the unicorns, Jan is washed up on a distant shore, only to find himself the revered captive of a strange race of two-foots who treat him with awe, even as they hold him against his will. It is here that he witnesses the magic of fire for the first time and, even more importantly, discovers how he himself can create it. But can he escape and bring the knowledge back to the unicorns in time to save them?
237 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1992
22 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Ann Pierce
18 books641 followersMeredith Ann Pierce is a fantasy writer and librarian. Her books deal in fantasy worlds with mythic settings and yet overturn standard expectations, frequently featuring young women who first wish only to love and be loved, yet who must face hazard and danger to save their way of life, their world, and so on, usually without being respected for their efforts until the end of the story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 30, 2020
Absolutely enjoyable!!! I read this about two mo. after reading the first (see 1st book review). A jaw dropping continuation that keeps it up just as the first book delivered. For each chapter I finished I had to physically tell myself to pull away, get stuff done,not engulf myself in the book and not see the light of day until I finished. I've gotten obsessive with the series. The chapters mirror one another perfectly, so the entire book is so well plotted. The creatures are magical, the world so surreptitious in it's workings sometimes you will not help but get lost. I loved reading this when I was younger, and for sure, I will read these over again.
June 19, 2016
Book two of the Firebringer Trilogy is a heart-pounding continuation of Jan's adventures. Pierce's writing continues to inspire. The characters and the world feel, if anything, more real as the plot thickens. This does not feel like a typical book #2, a placeholder novel--no, it's a fully realized book that comes to a satisfying conclusion. Jan, the prince of the unicorns, explores a foreign world and through his travels, his knowledge about his own unicorn people deepens. Relationships between characters are pushed to their limits. Readers will love the drama, adventure, and magic of this wonderful book.
I highly recommend this trilogy and I'm excited to begin the third and final installment!
I highly recommend this trilogy and I'm excited to begin the third and final installment!
July 22, 2011
Sequels are never as good. We all know this. I mean, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Charlies Angels (I guess those are all movies, whatevs). But really, its true. This book is no different. I know it must be hard writing the middle section of any story but Dark Moon did not have anything too spectacular or unpredictable happen. I still enjoyed reading it though. The "two-footed" creatures (humans) are not able to be understood whereas the unicorns are. Also, I love how she writes. Like a romantic Yoda almost. I guess that doesn't sound that great though. Anyway, once I finish the third, I'll let you know if the second is necessary to read at all (unless you have a unicorn obsession like me, then duh).
December 30, 2019
More angsty unicorns. This one expands the world of the last book and throws Jan into the human world for half the book. That part was really interesting and the philosophy on which the world operates is very cool, and I definitely liked this book better than the last. It still feels a bit pretentious, and Jan's story wasn't as interesting to me as the stories of what was going on with the rest of the herd. Some of the language and description is difficult to understand, but overall the characterization is better and the plot is pretty strong.
February 6, 2022
Reread: All-time Favorite
I love these books. I loved that we got to follow Tek in this one as well as Jan. Tek was one of my favorite characters growing up. I love the Summer Sea and what we learn about the world, but I think this is my least favorite of the trilogy.
Also, reading again as an adult, I have really come to realize how awkward the language is in this book. It's just kind of bizarre in points, and I definitely don't understand why they couldn't have spoken in a more modern dialect. This book it is worse than the first for sure. But as it is a treasured favorite it just sort of surprised me, rather than me disliking it.
I was a bit foggy on what occurred when in these books, so I'm excited to go into the third book as it has some of my favorite pieces of the series!
I love these books. I loved that we got to follow Tek in this one as well as Jan. Tek was one of my favorite characters growing up. I love the Summer Sea and what we learn about the world, but I think this is my least favorite of the trilogy.
Also, reading again as an adult, I have really come to realize how awkward the language is in this book. It's just kind of bizarre in points, and I definitely don't understand why they couldn't have spoken in a more modern dialect. This book it is worse than the first for sure. But as it is a treasured favorite it just sort of surprised me, rather than me disliking it.
I was a bit foggy on what occurred when in these books, so I'm excited to go into the third book as it has some of my favorite pieces of the series!
June 5, 2017
In dit tweede deel vindt Yan eindelijk zijn levensgezellin, maar hij wordt ook de gevangene van mensen, en ontmoet gewone paarden. Bij deze mensen leert hij ook de mogelijkheden van vuur kennen, en hoe hij het zelf kan maken. Na zijn ontsnapping slaagt hij er zelfs in om een belofte van vredesonderhandelingen met de griffioenen te pakken te krijgen. De lezer wordt achtergelaten vol verwachting naar boek III, waarin de eenhoorns eindelijk hun lang verloren thuis zullen proberen te heroveren.
Eens je begonnen bent in dit boek, wil je niet meer stoppen, de auteur weet een grote drang naar meer op te wekken!
Eens je begonnen bent in dit boek, wil je niet meer stoppen, de auteur weet een grote drang naar meer op te wekken!
May 4, 2018
Fantastic! The action ramps up in this sequel to the Firebringer. Our two main characters, the dark one-horned stallion himself and his mate the fierce mare, Tek, srtuggle through many trials and tribulations that left me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm so disappointed that there is only one more book in this series. And why didn't she write more unicorn books? She's a wonderful author. Onto the last book :( Five out of five stars to Dark Moon.
October 9, 2021
Een boek waarin een eenhoorn de hoofdrol heeft lees je niet zo vaak. Ik vond dit dan ook een erg leuk boek. Yan is de prins van de eenhoorns maar valt bij een aanval van griffioenen van een klip de zee in. Hij wordt gered door twee-beners en door hen gevangen gehouden in het paleis van de koning. Hij weet te ontsnappen en dan volgt een tocht terug naar zijn eigen volk/kudde. Ondertussen weet hij ook een vredesverdrag te sluiten met de griffioenen en met andere volkeren, zoals reigers en bosmensen. Nu moet ik op zoek naar deel 3.
March 17, 2021
Dark Moon е втората книга от поредицата за Огненосеца, фентъзи, което разказва историята на еднорога Ян, предсказан да бъде герой на своя вид. Авторка на произведенията е Мередит Ан Пиърс, която се радва на култов статус сред феновете на така наречена ксенолитература, а именно книги, които представят гледната точка на видове, които не са хора, а в случая не са и хуманоиди.
Цялото ревю прочетете на линка:
https://citadelata.com/dark-moon-fire...
Цялото ревю прочетете на линка:
https://citadelata.com/dark-moon-fire...
February 16, 2017
Review to come.
March 24, 2017
Review to come.
July 8, 2022
This is the second book in the Firebringer trilogy.
After a mating feast, Alyan falls of a cliff after a surprise griffon attack. Lucky (for us readers) he ends up in the human world (the two-legs). While we follow Yan's adventure we also follow Tek's journey. Korr, the new king, goes absolutely nuts. Dangerously nuts.
We also meet new characters like the blue heron queen Tlat, foster pans, humans, unicorns of the sea and much more.
This was a reread and i loved it as much as i read it the first time.
After a mating feast, Alyan falls of a cliff after a surprise griffon attack. Lucky (for us readers) he ends up in the human world (the two-legs). While we follow Yan's adventure we also follow Tek's journey. Korr, the new king, goes absolutely nuts. Dangerously nuts.
We also meet new characters like the blue heron queen Tlat, foster pans, humans, unicorns of the sea and much more.
This was a reread and i loved it as much as i read it the first time.
October 10, 2025
Okay so I personally wasn't too much into the human stuff (it wasn't bad or anything, but just didn't grab me as much) but I do love Jan's development in this, as well as Ryhenna and Dagg and of course our beloved Tek. Honestly I thought what was happening back at the unicorn herd (with it turning into a borderline cult) was far more interesting than whatever Jan was going hanging out at the human's place.
February 1, 2016
I read many reviews for this book that gave me a sense of dread, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found it to be even better than the first book.
It's worth noting that there are two stories going on at once in this novel, and for the most part they mirror each other, alternating chapters. The story of Tek and the unicorns so interestingly mirrors the culture of the humans in subtle ways that both sides seem to build off one another, and you don't spend the next chapter wishing you could skip back to the story you're 'actually invested in'.
Jan's character develops in many ways, and seeing them all in their adult roles is very interesting. Even the romantic elements work well.
I've already recommended it to several friends, and purchased hard copies of the series in addition to the kindle copies, because of the quality of these first two books.
Well, that and there doesn't appear to be an ebook version of the final novel, and having a hard copy of only the third seems silly.
It's worth noting that there are two stories going on at once in this novel, and for the most part they mirror each other, alternating chapters. The story of Tek and the unicorns so interestingly mirrors the culture of the humans in subtle ways that both sides seem to build off one another, and you don't spend the next chapter wishing you could skip back to the story you're 'actually invested in'.
Jan's character develops in many ways, and seeing them all in their adult roles is very interesting. Even the romantic elements work well.
I've already recommended it to several friends, and purchased hard copies of the series in addition to the kindle copies, because of the quality of these first two books.
Well, that and there doesn't appear to be an ebook version of the final novel, and having a hard copy of only the third seems silly.
May 27, 2020
I'm kind of ambivalent about these books. They're excellent fantasy for young readers, which seem to be the target audience.
This installment introduces moral conflict and the possibility that creatures other than the unicorns, though different, may have their own story, nobility, and right to exist that doesn't require the unicorns' say. We start to see a world with infinite shades of gray instead of the black and white we started the series with.
I read this one quickly. The plot doesn't bog down too much, overall, but the building up of the injustices that were happening as the winter wore on might seem to drag to some.
Several characters develop, or are revealed to have, added depth, which is especially welcome in the lack of teenage rebellion.
This book is light, quick, and possesses a moral that doesn't bring it down. Worth reading.
This installment introduces moral conflict and the possibility that creatures other than the unicorns, though different, may have their own story, nobility, and right to exist that doesn't require the unicorns' say. We start to see a world with infinite shades of gray instead of the black and white we started the series with.
I read this one quickly. The plot doesn't bog down too much, overall, but the building up of the injustices that were happening as the winter wore on might seem to drag to some.
Several characters develop, or are revealed to have, added depth, which is especially welcome in the lack of teenage rebellion.
This book is light, quick, and possesses a moral that doesn't bring it down. Worth reading.
August 3, 2016
While I quite like Pierce's interesting take on a unicorn society (with humans cast here at the villains, enslaving horses, or daya to their will), I didn't find Dark Moon as exciting as Birth of the Firebringer. I often get lost in books that make up names for human objects we already know (ie. boats, coins, etc.) and I got a bit annoyed that Jan seemed to have lost his wits as well as his name, spending much of the story oblivious to things are are perfectly obvious to the reader.
Still, Pierce has a beautiful writing style and I will continue on to the third one with interest.
Still, Pierce has a beautiful writing style and I will continue on to the third one with interest.
March 15, 2018
This book took me about 50-60 pages to fully become reabsorbed into the world of the Firebringer, but once I reached that point the plot sped up greatly and there was never a dull moment! I liked the addition of a few new characters, and I am eager to see more of the gryphons in the final book of the series. A well-written novel for sure, with beautiful, lyrical language that will take the reader right into the world of unicorns, pans, gryphons and more.
February 18, 2011
Dark Moon suffers from the typical second-book syndrome - not that even a good #2 could have made the cliché plot work well. I only gave it three stars because I felt guilty for rating the sequel of an awesome book like Birth of the Firebringer with two.
August 27, 2012
I don't think it was as good as the first one. The themes covered in the book were so dark and depressing that it wasn't particularly enjoyable. The foreshadowed alliance between the gryphons and unicorns was the most interesting part. I will be reading the third book to see what happens.
February 6, 2011
The second book of this unicorn series was not as good as the first. Things seemed contrived and the plot didn't move very quickly... it's no wonder I didn't finish the series as a kid.
September 8, 2025
A surprising sequel to Birth of the Firebringer.
Jan falls in love, but the story isn't really about romance, but mostly deals with his journey to a faraway land, where he has to survive among humans. The descriptions of the fantasy human society is another great example of the author's skill at worldbuilding - we see everything through the eyes of Jan, so the human world and humans themselves feel alien and disorienting. As in the first book, the reader is made to identify firmly with the unicorns and through their narration experience life as a four-legged horned horse. The way they fight, eat, make love (no details though!), communicate, organize their society.
This book deepens Jan's character and focus on how to understand and emphasize with other creatures/species different from oneself.
Jan falls in love, but the story isn't really about romance, but mostly deals with his journey to a faraway land, where he has to survive among humans. The descriptions of the fantasy human society is another great example of the author's skill at worldbuilding - we see everything through the eyes of Jan, so the human world and humans themselves feel alien and disorienting. As in the first book, the reader is made to identify firmly with the unicorns and through their narration experience life as a four-legged horned horse. The way they fight, eat, make love (no details though!), communicate, organize their society.
This book deepens Jan's character and focus on how to understand and emphasize with other creatures/species different from oneself.
February 25, 2022
I had my copy of the first book of this trilogy for years, unable to find books 2 and 3, until the reprint of all 3 back in 2003. You can imagine my delight when I was finally able to get the full story, after years of wondering about the rest of the saga! I love books 2 and 3, but I do consider the first book to be the strongest of them all.
Re-reading them as an adult, I would say this book is the weakest of the trilogy. I did enjoy separating the characters and giving us as readers two different interwoven stories to follow, but I wasn't as engrossed with the part of the story that follows Jan in the world of primitive humans. I would prefer this fantasy tale to stay entirely in the realms of the wild, without human inclusion.
Re-reading them as an adult, I would say this book is the weakest of the trilogy. I did enjoy separating the characters and giving us as readers two different interwoven stories to follow, but I wasn't as engrossed with the part of the story that follows Jan in the world of primitive humans. I would prefer this fantasy tale to stay entirely in the realms of the wild, without human inclusion.
July 18, 2023
BEAUTIFUL, just BEAU-TI-FUL. This was such a gorgeous read, I am still completely enraptured by this book. This is fantasy done incredibly right, fantasy with heart. It was magical yet profound and deep and touching and just stunning. Story-telling at its best. Beautiful world, endearing characters, gorgeous language, profound and engaging story, just utterly magical. One of those books that just make your heart soar. And thanks to this book, my love for unicorns is rekindling. I am so glad I still have one book to go and can already tell that this will become one of my favorite series of all time.
December 28, 2020
This is the second book of the trilogy, which wasn't really intended to be so when the first book was published, but since the initial one left many questions unanswered this one works fairly well. It continues to tell the story of Jan, the Firebringer, and his adventures with his band. This book has him traveling to find his mate, but when tragedy strikes, he finds himself in the world of the two-leggeds, which we didn't even have an inkling of in the first book.
This installation focuses more on plot than the first one, as the rich world has already been constructed, and the author is more free to weave elements of the characters' worlds into a rich tapestry. The writing is somewhat effusive, but highly descriptive, if a bit artificial at times. The second one avoids the trap of serving as little more than a seguay from the first to the third novel, and is a capable story itself, one which leaves readers hungry for more. I enjoyed this trilogy, having first been introduced as a child, but I think I get more out of these lovely adventure stories as an adult.
This installation focuses more on plot than the first one, as the rich world has already been constructed, and the author is more free to weave elements of the characters' worlds into a rich tapestry. The writing is somewhat effusive, but highly descriptive, if a bit artificial at times. The second one avoids the trap of serving as little more than a seguay from the first to the third novel, and is a capable story itself, one which leaves readers hungry for more. I enjoyed this trilogy, having first been introduced as a child, but I think I get more out of these lovely adventure stories as an adult.
December 31, 2023
I read the first book of this series as a teenager, and it stood up well when re-reading as an adult, so I was somewhat disappointed that this second book of the series felt so juvenile. I enjoyed continuing the story but the action was slow and the main character was annoyingly obtuse to the many clues being dropped along the way. It had no twist I couldn’t see from a mile away - unlike the first book which manages a pretty good one near the end.
October 10, 2018
Even Better Than The First!!!!
I had read the first book in the trilogy over 20 years ago and I finally found it and devoured it. The second one was even better. It kept my attention from the beginning to the end.
As in the first, the use of horsey type terms was amazing and delighted me. I am thoroughly invested in Jan and all of his friends. Can’t wait to read the third!
I had read the first book in the trilogy over 20 years ago and I finally found it and devoured it. The second one was even better. It kept my attention from the beginning to the end.
As in the first, the use of horsey type terms was amazing and delighted me. I am thoroughly invested in Jan and all of his friends. Can’t wait to read the third!
July 24, 2020
Such a gripping part 2 to Jan’s story! This book was more engaging than the first, with more in-depth storytelling and adventures. It kept me enthralled from start to finish and I found myself eager to get back to Jan and his world whenever I had to put the book down. I’m picking up book 3 as we speak, as I simply cannot wait to find out how the Prince of Unicorns’ story ends!
August 6, 2021
Het verhaal van Yan gaat verder. Dit boek is echt een tussenboek, waarin de focus ligt op groei van de personages naar het laatste boek. Het verhaal liep vlot, had goede spanning en liet weer een ander deel van de wereld zien. Ik vond het af en toe iets teveel deus ex alma momenten hebben, waardoor het toch op het laatste moment goed afloopt. Ik ben benieuwd naar de conclusie.
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June 20, 2024Excellent book still. I think I enjoyed it even more this third time around. Still haven’t the foggiest what breed the the da are supposed to be with their standy-uppy manes. They clearly are not fjords. But I guess it’s too much to ask for a book featuring unicorns, gryphons, and dragons, to be exact in its horse breeds.
March 12, 2024
Birth of the Firebringer was my very favorite book growing up. I read it every single year for many year but I had no idea there were two more books! I enjoyed reading the story of Moonbrow and learning more of the Red Mares back story. Amazing book. Not to start book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews