Urchin and the Rage Tide

The Mistmantle Chronicles #5

by M.I. McAllister, Christine Enright (illustrator), Janna Mattia (illustrator)

Under the wise guidance of King Crispin, the animals of Mistmantle have enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity since the violent Raven War.

The tranquility is disrupted when a series of tidal waves threatens to destroy the island. The inhabitants must quickly move to higher ground to avoid the devastation. But Mossberry, an influential squirrel with delusions of grandeur, sees the impending disaster as an opportunity to rise to power...and his reckless decisions will put many citizens in harm's way.

In a race against time, Urchin of the Riding Stars, his page, Corr, and the Circle of King Crispin's court must stop Mossberry and usher the animals of Mistmantle to safety. And when the rage tide sweeps a beloved islander beyond the mists, there is only one thing to be done.

Beautiful cover by Christine Enright, beautiful black and white drawings by Janna Mattia.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Animals, Adventure, Childrens, Middle Grade, Science Fiction Fantasy

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2009

About the author

Margaret McAllister writing as M.I. McAllister.

Reviews

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Okay, let me just say this about this entire book series, it was an absolutely wonderful series! I loved each book. I wanted to read the entire series over again to get a feel for the characters by refreshing my memory. I will say that the 1st Book: Urchin of the Riding Stars is still my favorite. This book started off a little slow and I was a little disappointed. Within the 3rd chapter things really started to pick up. I was completely captivated by the book from beginning to end. Sadly, I have been told that this is the last in the series and the ending has me completely wanting for more. I will miss the characters in the books. Farewell to: Needle, Captains Arran & Padra, Brothers Fir & Juniper, Tide, Swanfeather, Sepia, Princess Catkin, Prince Oakleaf, Princess Almondflower, Lord & Lady Arcneck, Prince Crown, most importantily; Queen Cedar, beloved King Crispin, and brave, noble and dear Urchin. It goes without saying that I cried at the beginning of Book 1 and I cried at the end of Book 5. M.I. McAllister; you have left with a graceful swan song with book 5.

[Fiona Altschuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were probably the weakest in the series (for instance, the subplot with Furtle and Ouch was, in my opinion, entirely uninteresting and irrelevant) but the end redeems everything. EVERYTHING. Oh my gosh, the beauty and holiness and sweetness and nostalgia of the last chapters! I started sobbing on page 209 and kept on sobbing until the book ended on page 268, and then I kept sobbing even after I finished the book. I just love these brave, lovely, good animals, and their beautiful, good island. This book never feels aggressive or like it's making a point — I think because it's written with a sweetness and playfulness that no one can resist — but gently and warmly, you put the book away feeling like you want to be a better person.

"Crispin, hasn't it been good!"

Yes, it's been so good, and I'm so going to miss Padra and Crispin and Urchin and Fingal and Arran and Needle and Gleaner and Juniper and all the other wonderful creatures of Mistmantle!!

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in a five volume series about a kingdom on an island protected by mists and the mysterious 'Heart.' The kingdom is 'peopled' by squirrels, hedgehogs, moles and otters, and occasionally a visiting swan.
I cried helplessly and without shame through the last two chapters and everybody should have read this series in their Redwall days, because Redwall is a husk and this is living, breathing, with a beating Heart throughout.

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is not okay.

Wow, this series was fantastic in every way. The characters were my favorites, and the worldbuilding kept getting better and better each book.

I had a feeling this one would end bittersweetly, and that’s okay. I prefer it this way because it leaves an even greater impact.

I so enjoyed reading these back to back & know I’ll cherish this series for years to come.

100000/10 recommend 🥹

Perfect for fans of LOTR, Narnia, Redwall, and Prydain.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad this is the last book of the series. I have grown attached to this mystical island full of noble squirrels, hedgehogs, otters and moles. I envy any 9 year old child begining the series for the first time. It's lovely stuff.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true love letter to Redwall, a marvelous story on its own. I've found a whole knew comfort read series, now I just have to wait for them to republish under a different publisher and see if there's another book in the series. Now pardon me while I go lay down and cry.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying end to the series. I loved seeing the characters grow up, become good honourble people/animals and show the importance of work, no matter what your station. The love and friendship these characters have make me want to be better with my friendships. I really liked this series.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe the series is ended!! This was an amazing book and series and I loved each and every book. The characters are amazing and funny, and it is so wonderfully cozy. A full five stars!

[Q Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fitting conclusion, and makes a case for the best of the sequels, but comes nowhere close the true all time greatness (even for adults, if given the proper respect) of the first book.

A bit of foolish idealism and wearisomeness, in some ways, but still, the stuff with Mossberry was good, and a very fitting, touching conclusion with Crispin, Urchin, and Sepia. And what a marvelous (paraphrased) line from the king before the end of his journey: “Sometimes it’s when we’re just being ourselves that we make a difference. The most important thing I ever did—absolutely, without question, the most important thing—was picking up a little baby out of the sea.”

The ending with Crispin was legitimately emotional and touching—the right ending.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.I. McAllister wrote wonderfully to the end. Urchin and the Rage Tide was an excellent ending to an imaginative and wonderful series. Some authors will lose their touch in the last book, creating a disappointing halt to a series that shouldn't have ended that way, however, this was not the case. The intriguing twists and turns, the heartbreaking losses, and the joyful reunions filled the book with a captivating plot to the end.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final book I am wanting a little more and so sad at the ending and feel that I am losing family members. Urchin, Crispin have grown in their positions so much and just fit in Mistmantle so well. I look forward to reading the series to my kids and having them read the series as they grow. Glad that good still surpasses evil :-)

[Daria]

IT'S THE END OF THE MISTMANTLE BOOKS?! D: (Nooooooooo!)

[Emm]

WHY MUST IT END!!!!!!????

[Nina]

Waiting for it to come out. 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[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

And so I come to the end of the series and am forced to say goodbye to Mistmantle. Though on the plus side, I made it through the whole thing this year, which feels good.

This book was good, though I feel like the actual plot wasn’t quite what I was expecting based on the title and the blurb. The rage tide (more or less a tsunami) comes within the first half of the book, and the stuff with “Brother” Mossberry is resolved around the same time. Instead, the book feels like it’s generally devoted to finishing out Crispin’s story and also wrapping some things up for other characters. Corr gets to go on his first proper mission as a Voyager when Sepia is swept out to sea. This leads to a visit to the volcanic island that Urchin’s mother and Cedar came from, which is neat to see.

But it also ends up feeling like there isn’t as much of a central conflict as there has been in some of the books. I had expected the book to go far into an exploration of false prophets and cults courtesy of Mossberry, similar to how fear was the predominant theme of the third book. Instead, everything with him moves quickly, and it feels like his final fate and that of the followers who did leave the island is never really addressed. I did like the stuff with Sepia in general, but I felt like the relationship between her and Urchin hasn’t had as much buildup as it could have. And the way the story is resolved is neat, and feels appropriate to a book written by the wife of a vicar, but I think I would’ve liked an epilogue to get a sense of what Mistmantle is like going forward.

So while I didn’t like the plot of this volume quite as much as some of the others, I think that’s in part that my expectations based on the blurb lead me to expect something different, and that isn’t really the author’s fault. This was still a well written book and it is nice to get a proper send off to the characters rather than just an abrupt ending. Also, reading the Kindle edition lead me to discover that all the ebooks have forewords where the author talks a little about her process of writing the books, which were cool. I love seeing stuff like that. So overall, I’m glad I read this series and it’s definitely something that anybody looking for a good talking animal fantasy will enjoy.

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put words together well enough to express my love for these books. While I felt as though the author did not let us get to know the characters (one in particular) well enough before expecting an emotional attachment to them in the first book, once I got to the end of that 1st book, I knew the characters well and was completely drawn in to this series. There is a clear good against evil plot line throughout each book, though book 5 is more about their battle against nature, but includes an element of good against evil in the form of mental derangement. For Christians, there is a subplot strongly tied to the main plot which affirms our faith in a loving, protective, and yet sovereign and mysterious God who brings us through all things for our good and His glory. For non-Christians, this plot line should not be offensive as it is not explicitly "Christian," in either terminology nor detail. My 12 year old read these on her own and loved them. I read them after her and loved them even more than she. I am looking forward to reading them to my 10 year old son, as there are many strong characters (male and female) he can admire. (He is capable of reading them, but he steers clear of reading prose, preferring graphic novels.) Be warned that you will not want to leave the island of Mistmanle and its precious inhabitants at the end of this series, and you will grieve for the loss of a primary character, who happened to be my favorite character, despite the fact that he was not the protagonist. Well done Mrs. McAllister!
Edit: Parents, I recommend reading these books prior to your kids. The evil addressed in each book is not glossed over by the author. More sensitive kids or younger kids may not be ready. Only you can know when your individual child is ready, so pre-reading is recommended.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a rule, i am not into reading series. i find that i don't like the feeling of incompletion nor do i like to feel like i have to do required reading.

this series has been an exception for me and i saw it through to book five. i discovered the first in the series at a book fair in my school. and once i met urchin and the other occupants of the isle of mismantle, i was hooked!

in the final book, the valiant animals are battling with mother nature: a rage tide. as the animals prepare to move to higher ground, there is a faction being lead by mossberry, a squirrel with some mental issues.

urchin finds himself in the mist of the rage tide attempting to rescue sepia of the songs, the squirrel he has not yet admitted to being in love with, when she is swept from his hands into the wild ocean. not only are the squirrels, otters, hedgehogs and moles that occupy the island worried about sepia's fate, but two adventurous hedgehogs have chosen this time to explore the island.

the author interweaves the storlines effortlessly and wraps up the fates of all of the mismantle charactesrs with a satisfactory twist.

i have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and would recommend it to any one with a child older than nine that loves to read and likes animals. there are a lot of animals to keep up with, but it is worth the effort. you fall in love with these characters. i'm sad to see the end of the series.

[Charlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series concludes with this book and I'm sad to see the end. Urchin has matured from his arrival on the island in book one, and in each book he has proven his leadership and his courage. In this book, once again the island is besieged, but this time it is nature that brings devastation. But there is also an enemy among the animals, one who believes himself the savior. Crispin is tested once again and the Circle must join ranks and fight the foe without and within while leading the animals to safety.

I once again was reminded of the charity of the animals and the many examples of loving kindness in each book. In another author's hands, the cruelty and the horrors would be magnified; in this author's hands, it is the acts of kindness, humility, and sacrifice that are detailed that attract this reader.

[Pamela Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a splendid addition to the Mistmantle Chronicles. I had originally typed "a splendid finish", but I am delighted to discover that a sixth Mistmantle book is on the way.

Note that that I have written a mild and not-too-specific spoiler in the fourth paragraph, so decide if you want to read that far. In any case, if you haven't read the previous four books, go back and read them first. You'll be glad you did. These are lovely and satisfying books for adults, teens, and older children.

This one deals with a terrible series of natural disasters, whose management by the good leaders of Mistmantle is complicated by the efforts of an insane charismatic leader. That was hard to read about. Some animals who followed him died as a result, but the damage he did was limited by wise decisions and providence.

It also deals with the death of someone readers care about. Although the faith of the Mistmantle animals is not Christian, their belief in the Heart is clearly analogous to Christianity. We see a beloved character (NOT Urchin, of course) face death with courage and die joyfully. The way that animal's friends and family grieve and then begin to adjust is realistic and very moving. I shed many tears reading this book. It models what I think death should mean for a Christian, both for the one dying and for those left behind.

I would not just hand this book to an 8-year-old (assuming you have one who is a good enough reader), but read it yourself first, judge if your child is ready for it, and perhaps read it TO him or her, so you can face the hard things together. It's short enough for a good read aloud, though not in one sitting - it might take a week or two. 10- or 12-year-olds are probably emotionally to read it ready on their own, but consider your own child. (One of mine couldn't handle an American Girl book where a little girl who was the protagonist's friend died.) Teenagers could enjoy this one, too, as could adults of any age, as long as they can suspend disbelief about squirrels, otters, moles, and hedgehogs behaving like people, though some of them still enjoy snacking on bugs and worms. Believing in it gets easier as the book absorbs you.

As with many of the other books in the series, it took me a little while to get into it. It seems to be about charming animals doing odd things like gathering crops, cooking, embroidering, and boating. Sometimes I have trouble remembering who's who. I should probably have written down a cast of characters listing names, species, relation to others, and occupation or memorable characteristic. But then I DO get into it and it's gets much deeper pretty quickly. This is not for preschoolers! It's plenty satisfying for me as a well-read intellectual in my 60s.

I really love the otters. They act so otterly!

[Christa Cabije · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could summarize this book in one word, it would just be...

Pain.

Absolute, heart-shattering pain.

This book is a fitting conclusion to the Mistmantle series, and I love that despite being a fantasy book, it is paints a very realistic picture on how life works. Whether one lives or dies, the sun still rises and sets.

"You've already given your life for the island, every day. Now you're giving your death."
"It's all I have left to give."

I was a sobbing mess by the last five chapters, and by the time that I've finished the book, I've not been able to move on to a new book for a week.

This book features more floods, missing children, vague prophecies, and utter devastation of the heart.

Thank you, McAllister, for writing this series. You have single-handedly rekindled my faith in God. You have successfully made me attached to anthropomorphic animals with strong familial bonds. I know that this will be a series that I will read over and over again---I've already done so for The Heir of Mistmantle during my childhood, but now I am privileged to be able to begin again with Book 1.

This book series has my whole heart.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, if I’m reading a review for a children’s novel, and I read, “If you like Narnia, you’ll like this too,” my eyes narrow and I immediately say to myself, “Baloney!” I’m personally convinced that Narnia is in a class by itself because C.S. Lewis is in a class by himself; we’re not going to get another C.S. Lewis any more than we’re going to get another Shakespeare or another Jane Austen.

However, I think I’m about to make that dreaded statement myself. If you like the Chronicles of Narnia, I really do think you will like the Mistmantle Chronicles. No, I’m not saying that they’re on the same level. But they do legitimately remind me of Narnia, and they are miles ahead of most kids’ books in terms of quality. I highly recommend them to you. This book, the fifth and last of the series, is a deeply satisfying conclusion, and I loved it.

[Frannie Granberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is sorrow in joy and joy in sorrow"

I love this series, but this book in particular holds a special place in my heart. This book has one of the best depictions of loss and grief that I have seen in media anywhere. Mistmantle has always been a series that gives weight to the importance of the lives of all creatures, and this book continues that theme. It has helped me to feel at peace with things that I haven't been able to think about in years. I cannot express my gratitude towards McAllister for this beautiful book. It has helped me to understand that we can still be happy even in great sadness.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried through the last 30% of this book.
It could not be any more sad, it could not be any more joyful. It could not be any more perfect.

I don't want to move on to reading anything else right now. Nothing could be more touching than the lives of these little animals who care so deeply for each other, who are true and brave and loyal and always find the beauty and meaning in simple things, and always find ways to show each other how important and loved they are, and are deeply real.
I wish I could keep reading on and on forever - but I think I'll have to resort to rereading these books forever. I know I will.

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited for 10 years to read this book. And it surpassed my expectations, destroyed me emotionally, and concluded the Mistmantle Chronicles with grace and warmth. Urchin and Crispin's arcs are superb, and any moment with a character who is an otter is full of joy. This book reminded me of the sacrificial love that I am called to as a Christian, as well as the sacrificial love that is demanded from leaders. This book is less action heavy and more emotional than the other books in the series, but it is written beautifully and with such care.

[Ethan Sexton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dangers change with this book, and unfortunately, it's mostly for the worst. I'm not a fan of final books where the antagonist seemingly comes out of nowhere. There are some perspective choices as well that don't work for a final book. In truth, if you were to somehow flip this book and the one preceding it, it would be a more fitting conclusion to the series. Still, the ending is the right combination of bitter and sweet that works so well for endings, and it works as a farewell to the series. If you've read the series this far, it's best to finish the journey.

[Rachel Snowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really lovely series that my kids and I loved reading together. Perhaps it is just the disappointment of the series ending, but I didn't think this was the strongest of the stories. It was still very, very good. It just seemed like there were sort of two storylines leading to a climax at very different times, and one never felt terribly resolved.
Still a beautiful and enjoyable read for our family!

[R1 Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and it made it just how clear Urchin's love for Sepia is. I really hate Mossberry and all the trouble he causes, but it is cool how Juniper skips a stone and the flint falls right out of Mossberry's hand. I don't understand why Crispin had to sacrifice himself, even if it was for Sepia. It was over all a bitter-sweet ending of my favorite series.

WHY DOES IT END?!

[Brianna Ayd · Rating 5 out of 5]

These sweet animals will live on forever in my heart. Beautifully written— laughs and tears were had. Hoping the author will pick up the pen one day and give us more of Urchin and Sepia, the first Queen?? and so much more!! Also I would love a prequel with Brother Fir. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the series and the audiobook was phenom. Well done! Can’t wait to share this when my girls are older.

[AllyRose Caruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very glad I came back to finish this series years after I first started it. I read the first book when I was in elementary school and it just never left me. All the books lived up to my years of expectation. This last book in particular was a lovely way of tying up all the loose ends and setting up a future for the island of Mistmantle.

[Baileigh Dabdoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broooo I remember we had to read Urchin of the Riding Stars in 5th grade and we all became OBSESSED and ppl became unlikely friends in reading the rest of the series. We all cried together throughout all of it