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The Guardian Herd #1
Starfire
An action-packed debut novel in an exciting new tween fantasy series, perfect for fans of series like Warriors, Survivors, and Guardians of Ga'Hoole.
Once every hundred years, a black foal is born, prophesized to either unite or destroy the five herds of flying horses that live in the land of Anok. This foal is fated to become the most powerful pegasus in all of Anok. Star is this black foal.
Even though Star has malformed wings that make him unable to fly, the leaders of each herd will take no risks. They will execute Star on his first birthday. With the help of his friends, Star must escape the clutches of the powerful leaders. His epic journey of self-discovery turns into a battle between good and evil that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
Once every hundred years, a black foal is born, prophesized to either unite or destroy the five herds of flying horses that live in the land of Anok. This foal is fated to become the most powerful pegasus in all of Anok. Star is this black foal.
Even though Star has malformed wings that make him unable to fly, the leaders of each herd will take no risks. They will execute Star on his first birthday. With the help of his friends, Star must escape the clutches of the powerful leaders. His epic journey of self-discovery turns into a battle between good and evil that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
137 people are currently reading
4318 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
14 books511 followersI am the author of two thrillers, FRIENDS LIKE THESE and LIES LIKE WILDFIRE from Delacorte Press. I also write middle-grade fantasy stories, THE GUARDIAN HERD and RIDERS OF THE REALM from HarperCollins Children's Books. THE PET WASHER is my indie novel.
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“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.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
Praise for LIES LIKE WILDFIRE
"Consider this a must-have thriller." School Library Journal
"Five Fiery Stars for this bingeable, edge-of-your-seat, twisty thriller." NATASHA PRESTON, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake
"Twisty and fast-paced and visceral. I couldn't put this one down." KATIE COTUGNO, New York Timesbestselling author of 99 Days
"A twisty, fast-paced thriller about accountability, guilt, jealousy, and survival." Kirkus
Praise for The Guardian Herd Series
“Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down.” School Library Journal
“Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer." Publishers Weekly
"The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd." Booklist
"This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling." Kirkus Reviews
“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.” (Peter Lerangis, New York Times bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
September 1, 2014
So, this is a pretty violent book for an elementary level reader.
Like, we're talking full on implied rape(to be fair, I probably only picked up on this because I'm older than the target demo. But it's still implied), genocide, fairly graphic (describing the sound of a spinal cord being broken, the rush of blood after a killing blow, etc) fighting, and the entire premise is based on the idea of a horse dying violently before it's first birthday.
It's also pretty full of tropes that are kind of toxic to youngsters (the mother gets fridged, women only have positions of power if they marry (sorry, mate) into them, lots of fathers casting out their children, cheating, and there's even a scene where one of the horses is mocked for the way she looks. Like, what's the point of a fantasy world if you're just going to make everything resemble a western european medieval fantasy ideal?
I mean, on a technical level, this was a decent book. The plot worked, the characters worked, the worldbuilding was solid, but I can't say that I'd recommend it.
Like, we're talking full on implied rape(to be fair, I probably only picked up on this because I'm older than the target demo. But it's still implied), genocide, fairly graphic (describing the sound of a spinal cord being broken, the rush of blood after a killing blow, etc) fighting, and the entire premise is based on the idea of a horse dying violently before it's first birthday.
It's also pretty full of tropes that are kind of toxic to youngsters (the mother gets fridged, women only have positions of power if they marry (sorry, mate) into them, lots of fathers casting out their children, cheating, and there's even a scene where one of the horses is mocked for the way she looks. Like, what's the point of a fantasy world if you're just going to make everything resemble a western european medieval fantasy ideal?
I mean, on a technical level, this was a decent book. The plot worked, the characters worked, the worldbuilding was solid, but I can't say that I'd recommend it.
June 3, 2015
Reading this made my inner child (who often escapes and runs amok as an outer child, but that's an issue to deal with another day) gleefully, squealingly happy. About the only thing that would've made the whole thing even better would've been the presence of unicorns. But that's just my horse-obsessed inner child speaking.
The story revolves around a very familiar theme, that of loneliness and not belonging and wondering if everyone would be better off if you just ran away. Believe me, as a teenager, I ran the gamut of these emotions, so I could fully empathize with Star, the protagonist of the story. As a black pegasus in a world where black pegasi aren't an everyday occurrence, Star feels like an outcast. Add in an ancient prophecy attached to those rare black pegasi, one of which is born every hundred years, which states that the pegasus foal will either unite or destroy the herds and become the most powerful pegasus in the land, and it's no wonder Star is either shunned or actively bullied by the other foals, not to mention many of the adult pegasi. As a final insult, Star doesn't fully belong to his herd: His mother had been driven away from her herd and was taken in by the Sun Herd, then died after giving birth to Star; the lead mare, Silvercloud, promised Star's mother she'd protect him, a promise she's kept all these years, to the detriment of her relationship with the herd's over-stallion, Thunderwing. So not only is Star concerned about his destiny, he feels guilty for destroying the lives of those protecting him. This makes for one sad, lonely little youngster. The fact that, on top of all these issues, Star is a pegasus who can't fly . . . Well, it's no wonder he feels depressed! In the end, Star comes through his trauma and finds his place in the world, but it's a bumpy road he has to travel before reaching that peak.
This is definitely not a light and fluffy book, an impression one might get upon hearing that it's all about pretty, pretty pegasi. But right from the start, in the first chapter, we deal with bullying and fear and the threat of death. From there the book gives us fighting between herds and even within the herd--fighting that ends in a lot of death--more bullying, physical violence, betrayal and vengeance, near-death experiences due to starvation and infection, a forest fire that kills yet more pegasi . . . you get the picture. But don't be put off and think it's too dark for a kid. Trust me, at heart kids are sociopaths, and I mean that in the most positive way: They're still forming their moral compass and books that show how things can go wrong, how life isn't always fair, but how things like love, compassion, cooperation, and sacrifice can save the day provide helpful guidance. Kids are plastic, elastic, and flexible; they can handle more serious issues that we adults might want to shield them from. But exposure to the darker side of life, even viewed through the lens of fantasy, gives kids a more well-rounded attitude and the potential to cope with any future issues that might befall them. They'll sympathize with Star and root for him even as they growl at Star's enemies, especially Brackentail; they'll cry when things go wrong and yelp for joy when Star finally starts to fulfill his destiny. In short, I can see both girls and boys devouring this book and any follow-up volumes.
I've noticed some people dinging the bit where Star's tears cause flowers to spring up in their wake, complaining it's too far-fetched and silly. Um, we're talking about a book concerning talking pegasi and a star on a hundred-year cycle that gives one particular pegasus a unique power. You're going to complain about the idea of flowers growing from tears? *opens mouth, pauses, shuts mouth and shakes head* Yes, Star's tears bring forth flowers, which I took as an obvious and overt sign that his destiny isn't written by an ancient prophecy. Star's destiny is one he will write every day, one of his own making. A destiny I'm eager to read about in however many sequels Ms. Alvarez decides to write (very, very many, I'm hoping).
The story revolves around a very familiar theme, that of loneliness and not belonging and wondering if everyone would be better off if you just ran away. Believe me, as a teenager, I ran the gamut of these emotions, so I could fully empathize with Star, the protagonist of the story. As a black pegasus in a world where black pegasi aren't an everyday occurrence, Star feels like an outcast. Add in an ancient prophecy attached to those rare black pegasi, one of which is born every hundred years, which states that the pegasus foal will either unite or destroy the herds and become the most powerful pegasus in the land, and it's no wonder Star is either shunned or actively bullied by the other foals, not to mention many of the adult pegasi. As a final insult, Star doesn't fully belong to his herd: His mother had been driven away from her herd and was taken in by the Sun Herd, then died after giving birth to Star; the lead mare, Silvercloud, promised Star's mother she'd protect him, a promise she's kept all these years, to the detriment of her relationship with the herd's over-stallion, Thunderwing. So not only is Star concerned about his destiny, he feels guilty for destroying the lives of those protecting him. This makes for one sad, lonely little youngster. The fact that, on top of all these issues, Star is a pegasus who can't fly . . . Well, it's no wonder he feels depressed! In the end, Star comes through his trauma and finds his place in the world, but it's a bumpy road he has to travel before reaching that peak.
This is definitely not a light and fluffy book, an impression one might get upon hearing that it's all about pretty, pretty pegasi. But right from the start, in the first chapter, we deal with bullying and fear and the threat of death. From there the book gives us fighting between herds and even within the herd--fighting that ends in a lot of death--more bullying, physical violence, betrayal and vengeance, near-death experiences due to starvation and infection, a forest fire that kills yet more pegasi . . . you get the picture. But don't be put off and think it's too dark for a kid. Trust me, at heart kids are sociopaths, and I mean that in the most positive way: They're still forming their moral compass and books that show how things can go wrong, how life isn't always fair, but how things like love, compassion, cooperation, and sacrifice can save the day provide helpful guidance. Kids are plastic, elastic, and flexible; they can handle more serious issues that we adults might want to shield them from. But exposure to the darker side of life, even viewed through the lens of fantasy, gives kids a more well-rounded attitude and the potential to cope with any future issues that might befall them. They'll sympathize with Star and root for him even as they growl at Star's enemies, especially Brackentail; they'll cry when things go wrong and yelp for joy when Star finally starts to fulfill his destiny. In short, I can see both girls and boys devouring this book and any follow-up volumes.
I've noticed some people dinging the bit where Star's tears cause flowers to spring up in their wake, complaining it's too far-fetched and silly. Um, we're talking about a book concerning talking pegasi and a star on a hundred-year cycle that gives one particular pegasus a unique power. You're going to complain about the idea of flowers growing from tears? *opens mouth, pauses, shuts mouth and shakes head* Yes, Star's tears bring forth flowers, which I took as an obvious and overt sign that his destiny isn't written by an ancient prophecy. Star's destiny is one he will write every day, one of his own making. A destiny I'm eager to read about in however many sequels Ms. Alvarez decides to write (very, very many, I'm hoping).
February 13, 2022
This is going to be a very hard book to give a star rating to... I have mixed feelings about it. I love the pegasi in it obviously because they are horses (with wings) but the overall story is just so dark. It's filled with so much dark and evilness that just overwhelms everything else. And it's not just the bullying (and yes there is a ton of it in here and it is so cruel) - it actually goes beyond bullying into another category! It's darn right disturbing! And yes, there are lives lost in here too. From cruelty.
The end made me teary eyed. And the very end was predictable.
There is simply too much of everyone bashing Star for just simply being born... Just because he was born black and he was an orphan. Many of the adults in the herd want to murder him too but they drag the torture out by saying they have to wait until his next birthday! There is just SO much wrong with that. That is abuse. Planned abuse. And then because his wings are too big and he cannot fly other colts pick on him. No one stops them. The entire book is almost one giant "let's bully Star" fest.
Which is awful.
I had no idea the book would be so dark and depressing! I thought reading is supposed to be an escape? How can reading something like this be an escape? The book does make a statement way at the end about how people (or in this case the pegasi) are broken and need healing - that it is the reason they act that way - but knowing that doesn't really help the reader (especially if the reader is actually being bullied in real life). Reading that will only be a trigger.
This book needs a trigger warning for abuse and bullying. Because its very strong and throughout the entire book. And its full of violence. And blood. And cracked skulls.
I think this story goes way beyond the territory fights you see in a horse herd.
The end made me teary eyed. And the very end was predictable.
There is simply too much of everyone bashing Star for just simply being born... Just because he was born black and he was an orphan. Many of the adults in the herd want to murder him too but they drag the torture out by saying they have to wait until his next birthday! There is just SO much wrong with that. That is abuse. Planned abuse. And then because his wings are too big and he cannot fly other colts pick on him. No one stops them. The entire book is almost one giant "let's bully Star" fest.
Which is awful.
I had no idea the book would be so dark and depressing! I thought reading is supposed to be an escape? How can reading something like this be an escape? The book does make a statement way at the end about how people (or in this case the pegasi) are broken and need healing - that it is the reason they act that way - but knowing that doesn't really help the reader (especially if the reader is actually being bullied in real life). Reading that will only be a trigger.
This book needs a trigger warning for abuse and bullying. Because its very strong and throughout the entire book. And its full of violence. And blood. And cracked skulls.
I think this story goes way beyond the territory fights you see in a horse herd.
January 30, 2016
I'm going to start off by explaining that I am 28, so that may weigh my opinion a bit. I don't think it's a huge deal since I was reading 'adult' fantasy when I was 12. I don't imagine I would have had any problems enjoying this series then, and I don't know.
The biggest problem with this novel is that it feels less like a novel and more like a character introduction. It feels like the entire novel is spent getting to know who Star is so that by the end of it we're ready to start involving some more fleshed out story elements and character interactions. The Kindle price tag of 1.99 usd only reinforces that opinion for me, as that is significantly cheaper than every other book in the series - a significantly more expensive 9.99 usd.
The story is a little overplayed. Once every century a star appears, a special snowflake is born, and if he can survive one year the star will gift him with its powers and he will become either savior or foe. The saving grace is that his special snowflake syndrome does result in some pretty serious problems birth wise, and these issues are things he has to suffer through before surviving to his first birthday. It has the typical schoolyard bullies, but they are so vastly minor to the adult bullies who are basically afraid that he will end their entire species. That's not largely a unique idea, but the factions rallying either around or against a little black foal was just interesting enough for me to get over it.
Which brings us to the saving grace of this series - the characters. The characters are very endearing and grew on me, even the villains. I became invested in what everyone was trying to accomplish.
Except Rockwing, he's just... Yeah he's likely the worst thing about this series, especially with how he handles the climax at the end of the second book, but that's a criticism for 'that' review. Suffice it to say there is nothing of value to his character, and he's as shallow a villain as you can get. The series doesn't need him, there were plenty of other interesting antagonists who weren't just terrible people. The author has already shown that she can do better, and then she gave us Rockwing, it's almost unacceptable.
Some other criticisms of this novel include:
Fire doesn't work that way, living creatures are not inherently flammable and don't go up in a blaze due to a few embers.
You've made a race of sapient beings—not sentient; the pegasai in this novel build things, they have complex social systems, they have intricate plans—but you also have them as able to talk before they're even off milk, and they physically mature in a year or two. The average terrestrial horse lives 25-30 years, many of the older characters in these books are in there 70s, with one in her 90s. Human being develop in a very different way than non-sapient animals for a reason. I understand this is fantasy, but please. Please pick a side of the fence. Either they're horses that can communicate among themselves, like the rabbits in Watership Down, or they're a magical sapient race that has more in common with humans than horses. The way it's done in this is just weird.
To conclude, it's a fun book, but it warrants the cheaper price tag from the other books in the series. It has fun characters. (I wish my mom were more like Silvercloud, if I'm being honest.) But often those characters will do things that don't make a lot of sense for the sake of a story that needs to play out the way it did. The conclusion left me dreading the next novel, but I picked it up anyway, and will be reviewing that as well.
The biggest problem with this novel is that it feels less like a novel and more like a character introduction. It feels like the entire novel is spent getting to know who Star is so that by the end of it we're ready to start involving some more fleshed out story elements and character interactions. The Kindle price tag of 1.99 usd only reinforces that opinion for me, as that is significantly cheaper than every other book in the series - a significantly more expensive 9.99 usd.
The story is a little overplayed. Once every century a star appears, a special snowflake is born, and if he can survive one year the star will gift him with its powers and he will become either savior or foe. The saving grace is that his special snowflake syndrome does result in some pretty serious problems birth wise, and these issues are things he has to suffer through before surviving to his first birthday. It has the typical schoolyard bullies, but they are so vastly minor to the adult bullies who are basically afraid that he will end their entire species. That's not largely a unique idea, but the factions rallying either around or against a little black foal was just interesting enough for me to get over it.
Which brings us to the saving grace of this series - the characters. The characters are very endearing and grew on me, even the villains. I became invested in what everyone was trying to accomplish.
Except Rockwing, he's just... Yeah he's likely the worst thing about this series, especially with how he handles the climax at the end of the second book, but that's a criticism for 'that' review. Suffice it to say there is nothing of value to his character, and he's as shallow a villain as you can get. The series doesn't need him, there were plenty of other interesting antagonists who weren't just terrible people. The author has already shown that she can do better, and then she gave us Rockwing, it's almost unacceptable.
Some other criticisms of this novel include:
Fire doesn't work that way, living creatures are not inherently flammable and don't go up in a blaze due to a few embers.
You've made a race of sapient beings—not sentient; the pegasai in this novel build things, they have complex social systems, they have intricate plans—but you also have them as able to talk before they're even off milk, and they physically mature in a year or two. The average terrestrial horse lives 25-30 years, many of the older characters in these books are in there 70s, with one in her 90s. Human being develop in a very different way than non-sapient animals for a reason. I understand this is fantasy, but please. Please pick a side of the fence. Either they're horses that can communicate among themselves, like the rabbits in Watership Down, or they're a magical sapient race that has more in common with humans than horses. The way it's done in this is just weird.
To conclude, it's a fun book, but it warrants the cheaper price tag from the other books in the series. It has fun characters. (I wish my mom were more like Silvercloud, if I'm being honest.) But often those characters will do things that don't make a lot of sense for the sake of a story that needs to play out the way it did. The conclusion left me dreading the next novel, but I picked it up anyway, and will be reviewing that as well.
December 31, 2015
I loved this book! at first, I thought it would int be good but then I started to read it And finished it in a day! Fellow Reader,If your looking for an book you can never put down READ THIS!
ps-Read with caution, once its over you have to wait for the 2nd to come out ITS KILLING ME!
ps-Read with caution, once its over you have to wait for the 2nd to come out ITS KILLING ME!
November 17, 2014
Overall, an OK book. It struck me as violent, but that is one of the themes of the book (overcoming a natural tendency to violence). I read it because my 9yo wanted it and I thought I'd read it first...I'm glad I did, because there are a few items I'll discuss with her as she reads it. Though the characters are all pegasi, they are very human in many ways, and this book could be an opportunity for discussion about bullying, growing up, war and fighting, and even group dynamics.
I was hooked, and the writing is good. I don't know that I would let very young readers read this without some guidance or at least previewing it.
I was hooked, and the writing is good. I don't know that I would let very young readers read this without some guidance or at least previewing it.
October 20, 2014
Star is the “black foal” – a black pegasi that is born once every 100 years. On the black foals’ first birthday (at midnight), the Hundred Year Star gives its power to the black foal of the century. With this power, the black foal can become either the Destroyer or the Healer of the herds. Either way, the foal will become more powerful than any pegasi in Anok. Thunderwing (and most of Sun Herd) thinks that Star will become the Destroyer, if he lives. Star doesn’t blame them – he isn’t so sure himself! Thunderwing, the over-stallion (chief) of Sun Herd now is the head of the Guardian Herd, the herd to which the black foal is born. It is the Guardian Herd’s responsibility to keep track of the black foal and to determine it’s fate when the time came. Thunderwing gave Star until his first birthday to live and then declared that Star must be killed in case he becomes the Destroyer. When the lead-mare of Sun Herd helps get Star to safety by bringing him to a secluded cave, she gets kicked out of Sun Herd. She dares to go back only to warn the Sun Herd about the pegasi army about to attack the Guardian Herd because they lost track of Star. The warning didn’t help. Now Star’s friends’ lives are in danger! What can he do?
This is an amazing book! It reminded me a little bit of the Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter, with all of the Herds and all – but it was also very different (not just because it’s about pegasi). I liked it. The Guardian Herd series is very unique and I like that it hooks you right in the first paragraph! I could not put it down! ( Seriously. I didn’t really leave my bean-bag chair at all until I was done… ;) )! Ms. Alvarez is a great author with a descriptive writing style that gets the reader involved. Star is a character you really come to care for. He is a great main character, and is a nice guy pegasi. I like how Star’s character developed during the time he spent exiled in the cave. I love how Ms. Alvarez describes the world of Anok. It felt like I was really there, diving through the trees, galloping through the plains! I thought all the interactions between the herds and members of each herd was interesting. You got to learn about their society and chain of command and such. I can’t wait for the other books in this series! Bonus points for an awesome cover too!
*NOTE* I got a free copy of his book in exchange for an honest review
This is an amazing book! It reminded me a little bit of the Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter, with all of the Herds and all – but it was also very different (not just because it’s about pegasi). I liked it. The Guardian Herd series is very unique and I like that it hooks you right in the first paragraph! I could not put it down! ( Seriously. I didn’t really leave my bean-bag chair at all until I was done… ;) )! Ms. Alvarez is a great author with a descriptive writing style that gets the reader involved. Star is a character you really come to care for. He is a great main character, and is a nice guy pegasi. I like how Star’s character developed during the time he spent exiled in the cave. I love how Ms. Alvarez describes the world of Anok. It felt like I was really there, diving through the trees, galloping through the plains! I thought all the interactions between the herds and members of each herd was interesting. You got to learn about their society and chain of command and such. I can’t wait for the other books in this series! Bonus points for an awesome cover too!
*NOTE* I got a free copy of his book in exchange for an honest review
January 12, 2016
I honestly don't know what to rate Starfire. It was beautiful, it was ugly. It was heartbreaking, it was triumphant. I loved it, I hated it. The book just made me emotional. I don't know if it was my mood, or if it reminded me of growing up "different", something altogether different, or a mix of all three, but it hit me in the feels and I've been left reeling. I need to let the story sink in more for an accurate rating.
March 27, 2016
I found this as a complete copy of warriors! Even though it says for warrior fans it was to much like it! The names were the same and the plot was close to the same! Seriously instead of going to "the medicine cat" the Pegi go to the "medicine mare". It was also ridiculous! Pegi with claws and Pegi crying. I know a lot about horses and these creatures are not even like horses or Pegi! As you can see I'm really disappointed in the quality of this book.
April 7, 2015
I love animal fantasy (it's my favorite style), but I'm skeptical since I've found fewer and fewer good books falling into this category. First, I was drawn in by the cover and I decided to read the first 20 pages. No sample has ever gripped me this tight (yet). Every century, a black pegasus was born and on his first birthday, the Hundred Year Star would cast its fire down onto him making him the most powerful pegasus alive thus turning him into the Destroyer or the Healer. With immense power, he could either kill or heal. This outcome was unpredictable and this is why all the clans of pegasi were nervous about Star's existence and most didn't want to take chances at all. What made me want to read the rest of the story was the fact that Star, the black foal (a mere child really) knew he would be executed on his next birthday by his own herd and he was at peace with the thought. He enjoyed the little time left with his best friends in a world of hostility and bullying.
And I find that to be a very powerful emotion to start a book with. Very well done Jennifer. I relished this story. And it only gets better and better. I loved the constant duality between dwindling hope and unshakable belief - would Star become the Destroyer or the Healer? And what choices do we really have in life? In this book, I saw our own world from two different perspectives - one is raging war, the other, soul healing forgiveness.
Simply awesome. A beautiful story, really well and smoothly written with a great flow (it feels like you're drinking nectar). The characters feel real, the details of their winged lives make you feel like a pegasus yourself. There are a couple of shocking scenes in battle as the war ravages the lands and the souls of the pegasi, but they only enhance the message at the end. This book is a wonderful example of the depth of the animal fantasy category. When bulgy ornaments are removed from the picture, exposing the simple truth, all becomes clear. This is why children books are good for adults, too :)
I can't wait for book 2 ^^
And I find that to be a very powerful emotion to start a book with. Very well done Jennifer. I relished this story. And it only gets better and better. I loved the constant duality between dwindling hope and unshakable belief - would Star become the Destroyer or the Healer? And what choices do we really have in life? In this book, I saw our own world from two different perspectives - one is raging war, the other, soul healing forgiveness.
Simply awesome. A beautiful story, really well and smoothly written with a great flow (it feels like you're drinking nectar). The characters feel real, the details of their winged lives make you feel like a pegasus yourself. There are a couple of shocking scenes in battle as the war ravages the lands and the souls of the pegasi, but they only enhance the message at the end. This book is a wonderful example of the depth of the animal fantasy category. When bulgy ornaments are removed from the picture, exposing the simple truth, all becomes clear. This is why children books are good for adults, too :)
I can't wait for book 2 ^^
September 19, 2015
Review to come.
February 10, 2021
My 10yo LOVES Warriors but found this book upsetting and way too violent.
May 3, 2024
I'm going through an animal phase--is that a thing? I've been reading stories with animals as characters. (And no, it's not just a kid's book thing-- check out REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES and LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY.) I suppose it's not surprising since one of my all-time favorite books is WATERSHIP DOWN where all the characters are rabbits.
This book is the first in a series featuring Pegasi -- flying horses. There are factions and battles and power struggles and good over evil. It's fast-paced and full of adventure--perfect for middle school readers (and maybe some adult readers as well. ) :)
This book is the first in a series featuring Pegasi -- flying horses. There are factions and battles and power struggles and good over evil. It's fast-paced and full of adventure--perfect for middle school readers (and maybe some adult readers as well. ) :)
October 24, 2014
I have to thank the awesome Janicu for sending me an ARC of this book! Yay! You can check her book review blog here: www.specficromantic.com (which is also awesome!).
I’m sure you guys all know by now but I LOVE horses and all thing equine, which extends to the mythological side too. So when there was a book coming out about pegasi (is that the right plural?) I just had to read it!
Starfire is a fantastic book. I really didn’t have much expectation for it and was a bit worried when we were just thrown into the action at the beginning. I was completely lost and the sort of terse and fast style of writing didn’t help me get engaged with the story either.
However, things quickly settled down and I started enjoying this novel a lot! Starfire is a wonderful character; resentful about his affliction that makes him outcast in the herd as well as the prophecy looming over his head, hopeful for acceptance and his future, and strong and resilient. He doesn’t let awful situations that happen to him get him down but perseveres to the best of his ability and makes decisions that aren’t always easy.
Although there a lot of names and characters, they were introduced gradually so I didn’t have much problems with it. I loved the world building in this book and seeing how the herds interact with each other as well as hierarchy in their own herds.
For a children’s middle grade book, there pegasi sure are brutal. They can be quite violent, cruel, and cold to their own members or those outside of their herd. I sort of liked it this angle, gave the book a less fancy, sugary feel but a book with substance. Some readers might be a bit put off or surprised by what occurs.
All in all, a great series starter and I would love to read more about Starfire and the rest of the pegasi in this world!
I’m sure you guys all know by now but I LOVE horses and all thing equine, which extends to the mythological side too. So when there was a book coming out about pegasi (is that the right plural?) I just had to read it!
Starfire is a fantastic book. I really didn’t have much expectation for it and was a bit worried when we were just thrown into the action at the beginning. I was completely lost and the sort of terse and fast style of writing didn’t help me get engaged with the story either.
However, things quickly settled down and I started enjoying this novel a lot! Starfire is a wonderful character; resentful about his affliction that makes him outcast in the herd as well as the prophecy looming over his head, hopeful for acceptance and his future, and strong and resilient. He doesn’t let awful situations that happen to him get him down but perseveres to the best of his ability and makes decisions that aren’t always easy.
Although there a lot of names and characters, they were introduced gradually so I didn’t have much problems with it. I loved the world building in this book and seeing how the herds interact with each other as well as hierarchy in their own herds.
For a children’s middle grade book, there pegasi sure are brutal. They can be quite violent, cruel, and cold to their own members or those outside of their herd. I sort of liked it this angle, gave the book a less fancy, sugary feel but a book with substance. Some readers might be a bit put off or surprised by what occurs.
All in all, a great series starter and I would love to read more about Starfire and the rest of the pegasi in this world!
October 9, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Review from my 11 year old:Starfire is an interesting story that keeps a reader engaged through the entire story. However, some rather graphic violence throughout was a bit too much and could have been handled better by the author (as done in the Warrior Cats series, for example) so as not to pull out of the fantasy setting. As well, an unusual ending (having to do with the villain) was a welcome change from most books of this type of series.
Story: A young pegasi lacking in confidence yet very powerful must gain the trust of his herd when it is prophesied he could be a destroyer. He will have to prove himself and come into his power in order to do so - and survive the time it will take to do so.
The book was engaging but did leave a lot of the action until the very end. Very typical for a first book in the series (build up and backstory) but the ending did leave room for a lot of adventure to come for the herd.
Although very similar in many regards to Warriors (naming conventions, herds/clans with territories that battle against each other, and follow their own codes, and have prophesies), there is enough difference to make it interesting and unique (not least of which is that it isn't set on Earth).
My 11 year old recommends it and will be reading the next books in the series. Reviewed from an ARC.
June 30, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a children's/middle-grade story about a black foal named Star, who was destined to be either a 'destroyer' or a 'healer'. He would find out by his first birthdate. Some of the Pegasi in his own herd as well as other herds were afraid to wait to see which one he'd be and were intent on executing him. This is an action-packed story with really good plot development.
There were a lot of 'cutesy' names for each Pegasus - Echofrost, Grasswing, Twistfire etc. It did get somewhat confusing trying to keep them all straight. Also, there is some violence in this book - a little more graphic than I'd expect for a book for this age group. I wasn't particularly bothered by it and it wouldn't keep me from allowing my children to read it. Others may have concerns with it though, so I wanted to point it out as a warning.
It's a very good story with a beautiful ending.
This is a children's/middle-grade story about a black foal named Star, who was destined to be either a 'destroyer' or a 'healer'. He would find out by his first birthdate. Some of the Pegasi in his own herd as well as other herds were afraid to wait to see which one he'd be and were intent on executing him. This is an action-packed story with really good plot development.
There were a lot of 'cutesy' names for each Pegasus - Echofrost, Grasswing, Twistfire etc. It did get somewhat confusing trying to keep them all straight. Also, there is some violence in this book - a little more graphic than I'd expect for a book for this age group. I wasn't particularly bothered by it and it wouldn't keep me from allowing my children to read it. Others may have concerns with it though, so I wanted to point it out as a warning.
It's a very good story with a beautiful ending.
December 21, 2014
Recommended for older fans of the Warriors series. Far bloodier and more violent than Warriors, the death count is much higher. Far more fantastical that Warriors, the pegasi described are beautiful which was the most enjoyable aspect for me. The main characters are likeable and engaging, but I remain unconvinced as to whether I will read further in the series. Some of the descriptions of violence seemed to be too far (and unnecessary) for me with "fire melting flesh and feathers from bones" and "spilling guts" across stones. I'm not opposed to violence in stories when necessary and done well, but this seemed to be to simply elicit an emotional reaction from the reader which I did not enjoy. To it's credit, it is a page-turner that I read in all one sitting and did make me cry so it is definitely impactful.
November 16, 2020
Although i loved the story. And the pacing of it all i don't think I'll be buying the second book. Like many stories in this sub-genre of animal fantasy stories, gore and violence is to be expected. This book felt like it tried to carry the details a fair bit further than most others would and although I'm sure there's many who appreciate these details I'm not one of them. Despite this I did truly like the story and the build up for everything. Thank you Jennifer Lynn Alvarez for this great journey
April 19, 2015
Alvarez transforms the classic archetype of the hero's journey into the story of Star, the black foal who is destined to be either a healer or a destroyer if he survives his first year and receives the power of the Hundred Year Star.
Alvarez populates her fantastical world of good and evil with five pegasi colonies battling for power and peace.
A very engaging story for older children and children-at-heart.
I'm excited to read the next book in this new series!
Alvarez populates her fantastical world of good and evil with five pegasi colonies battling for power and peace.
A very engaging story for older children and children-at-heart.
I'm excited to read the next book in this new series!
January 6, 2016
I've read and thoroughly enjoyed middle grade books before but unfortunately this book just never really grabbed my attention.
There's plenty here for people to like from the pegasus to the legend and many horse lovers will enjoy this book.
I wish I had more to say but this book really just wasn't that interesting for me.
There's plenty here for people to like from the pegasus to the legend and many horse lovers will enjoy this book.
I wish I had more to say but this book really just wasn't that interesting for me.
May 10, 2022
The writing is juvenile and stilted and the battle scenes are gruesome. It’s like the Warriors series but with horses, and maybe even worse writing. I only finished it because my kids read it first and I wanted to see what they’d read.
December 9, 2014
"I really liked that he had a lot of action and fighting! The ending was really good and was very surprising. I can't wait till the next book comes out." Aidan Mullins 6th grade
January 16, 2015
The book was special in its own way. It was a little violent, but overall it's a book everyone should read. I am a big fan of the author anyway. And she did a especially great job on this one!
October 7, 2017
its full of mystery and tension
June 13, 2018
I loved this book! My favorite part was that Star could fly after all. I can't express my love for this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2018
Is this copied off of warrior cats?!?
June 17, 2021
I feel like this is just copying Warriors…I kind of feel like this is unoriginal. It got boring really fast, too.
February 15, 2018
Kept me on my toes!
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love how much Star changes in this book from not really wanting to be the black foal to accepting and embracing it. And I also loved the plot in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2017
Well, that was disappointing.
I was really looking forward to this book. I love horses and fantasy, so I try to get my hands on anything that combines the two. Pegasi are rarely featured in fantasy, with the exception of Pegasus himself. So I was excited about the possibilities of a fantasy where winged horses are the main characters.
Part of the reason why this book was a fail to me was because I read it just after finishing the far superior The Firebringer Trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce. Like this series, the Firebringer Trilogy is about mythical horse-like creatures (in this case unicorns) with a hero who is supposed to save his people. Heck, the main characters in both series even have black coats.
Unfortunately, that's where the similarities end. Starfire is not nearly as well developed. The characters are flat. The world-building is intriguing, but we don't get enough information to really flesh it out. I want to learn why the heroes in this world are famous, instead of vague details that don't really tell me anything. Even the names in this series are silly and hard to keep straight.
I also found this book to be very poorly written. The sentences were wooden and flat. The action scenes were confusing and abrupt. I know this is a children's book, but that doesn't excuse poor writing. There are many children's book that are wonderfully or at least decently written.
Also, I realize this is a fantasy, but I was really annoyed with the inconsistencies about horses in this book. Creatures that live up to a hundred years would not be weaned at six months old. They would be considered infants for a couple of years.
I also don't understand how something as large as a winged horse would be able to fly the day it was born. Baby birds can't even do that, and they are much, much smaller. While we're on the subject, there is a scene where Star (the main character) and his nurse-sibling Morningleaf are nursing from the same mare. However, Morningleaf is somehow nursing from the air while Star is nursing on the ground. I still can't warp my head around how that is possible.
I think there are way too many pegasi in each herd. The five herds are made up of thousands of winged horses each, which is difficult to visualize. Also, the word steed is used as a synonym for pegasus in this book, which is strange. Steed generally means a horse with a rider, so I don't know why the pegasi would use it to describe each other.
I'll echo other reviewers and agree that this book was pretty violent, especially considering the age it is marketed at. One pegasus is killed in a fire and the scene is described in graphic detail. There are also many other deaths in the book.
As you can tell, I did not particularly enjoy this book. However, I bought the first three in the series in one go because I was excited about it, so I did go ahead and read the second book. Thankfully, it is quite a bit better than this one. Still, I'm not sure I would recommend this series.
I was really looking forward to this book. I love horses and fantasy, so I try to get my hands on anything that combines the two. Pegasi are rarely featured in fantasy, with the exception of Pegasus himself. So I was excited about the possibilities of a fantasy where winged horses are the main characters.
Part of the reason why this book was a fail to me was because I read it just after finishing the far superior The Firebringer Trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce. Like this series, the Firebringer Trilogy is about mythical horse-like creatures (in this case unicorns) with a hero who is supposed to save his people. Heck, the main characters in both series even have black coats.
Unfortunately, that's where the similarities end. Starfire is not nearly as well developed. The characters are flat. The world-building is intriguing, but we don't get enough information to really flesh it out. I want to learn why the heroes in this world are famous, instead of vague details that don't really tell me anything. Even the names in this series are silly and hard to keep straight.
I also found this book to be very poorly written. The sentences were wooden and flat. The action scenes were confusing and abrupt. I know this is a children's book, but that doesn't excuse poor writing. There are many children's book that are wonderfully or at least decently written.
Also, I realize this is a fantasy, but I was really annoyed with the inconsistencies about horses in this book. Creatures that live up to a hundred years would not be weaned at six months old. They would be considered infants for a couple of years.
I also don't understand how something as large as a winged horse would be able to fly the day it was born. Baby birds can't even do that, and they are much, much smaller. While we're on the subject, there is a scene where Star (the main character) and his nurse-sibling Morningleaf are nursing from the same mare. However, Morningleaf is somehow nursing from the air while Star is nursing on the ground. I still can't warp my head around how that is possible.
I think there are way too many pegasi in each herd. The five herds are made up of thousands of winged horses each, which is difficult to visualize. Also, the word steed is used as a synonym for pegasus in this book, which is strange. Steed generally means a horse with a rider, so I don't know why the pegasi would use it to describe each other.
I'll echo other reviewers and agree that this book was pretty violent, especially considering the age it is marketed at. One pegasus is killed in a fire and the scene is described in graphic detail. There are also many other deaths in the book.
As you can tell, I did not particularly enjoy this book. However, I bought the first three in the series in one go because I was excited about it, so I did go ahead and read the second book. Thankfully, it is quite a bit better than this one. Still, I'm not sure I would recommend this series.
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