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The Guardian Herd #2
Stormbound
Perfect for fans of the Warriors, Survivors, and Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, this sequel to The Guardian Herd: Starfire will have readers turning the pages to follow Star’s epic tale.
When Star received his powers on his first birthday, he became the most powerful pegasus in Anok. However, many were afraid to follow him and felt safer staying with their over-stallions. The rest unified with Star and formed River Herd.
But now a horrible plague threatens the five herds, and the heartless over-stallion Rockwing of Mountain Herd has plans to kidnap Morningleaf, Star’s closest companion, and take back Sky Meadow. Star begins to question his ability to keep his herd safe, especially with the threat of Nightwing the Destroyer’s return—the pegasus who inherited the starfire before Star and used it for evil. As much as Star wants to rely on his friends again for support, he’s afraid of the starfire he’s inherited. Star can heal, but he can also destroy. And the question is, will his dark powers overcome him?
When Star received his powers on his first birthday, he became the most powerful pegasus in Anok. However, many were afraid to follow him and felt safer staying with their over-stallions. The rest unified with Star and formed River Herd.
But now a horrible plague threatens the five herds, and the heartless over-stallion Rockwing of Mountain Herd has plans to kidnap Morningleaf, Star’s closest companion, and take back Sky Meadow. Star begins to question his ability to keep his herd safe, especially with the threat of Nightwing the Destroyer’s return—the pegasus who inherited the starfire before Star and used it for evil. As much as Star wants to rely on his friends again for support, he’s afraid of the starfire he’s inherited. Star can heal, but he can also destroy. And the question is, will his dark powers overcome him?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
80 people are currently reading
1347 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 81 reviews
March 2, 2022
Wow.. Talk about a cliffhanger! I don't think I ever read a book that ended with a cliffhanger like this one before! And there are many moments of suspense throughout the novel as well! There were several instances where I was almost holding my breath to see what would happen next. Plus there were also several surprises as well! I am happy to say this one was a huge improvement over the first book and I am going to start on the third one right away too. That cliffhanger is just so huge I just got to see what is going to happen next.
So this story is about fear. That became clear while I was reading this. Fear and anxiety. But I don't mean the kind of fear that goes along with phobias like a fear of heights or maybe of fire. There is another type of fear. It's linked to rumors you hear, stories and myths. And if you hear it enough it becomes real. That is in your mind it is real. And the other pegasus believe the rumors about Star. That he will be the Destroyer. Well he proved at the end of the first book he wasn't but those rumors have not gone away. And that affects the behavior of other characters in here, like Rockwing. He is not only land hungry and devious but he believes the stories too.
I do think Star has a bit of a problem. And I don't mean Nightwing or even Rockwing. I mean in trying to please everyone and doing what others say or suggest even if he thinks they are wrong. I think he needs to get some more self confidence. Hopefully he will develope that in the next two books. You cannot go from being bullied by everyone directly to full self confidence even if you are the most powerful pegasus since Nightwing.
This was definitely a very fast moving adventure story in many different environments... I pretty much was busy turning the pages. And there were a few new ideas in here too.
And I must say this book made me think about a few new things in regard to horses. Like when a horse kicks you, which part of the hoof actually hits you? Never thought about it before. But hearing how these pegasus sharpen their hooves to be better weapons made me to ask that. Hmmm... I admit I have no clue! Also does it change depending on which legs they use, front versus rear? And while I do work with horses I am lucky that I never was kicked.
I thought them playing ball with their wings was a tad odd but this is a fantasy story so... I also thought it was so odd with Morningleaf using her wings for a broom! That just seems such a human thing to do...not an equine thing. I have seen horses play with balls and objects though.
So this story is about fear. That became clear while I was reading this. Fear and anxiety. But I don't mean the kind of fear that goes along with phobias like a fear of heights or maybe of fire. There is another type of fear. It's linked to rumors you hear, stories and myths. And if you hear it enough it becomes real. That is in your mind it is real. And the other pegasus believe the rumors about Star. That he will be the Destroyer. Well he proved at the end of the first book he wasn't but those rumors have not gone away. And that affects the behavior of other characters in here, like Rockwing. He is not only land hungry and devious but he believes the stories too.
I do think Star has a bit of a problem. And I don't mean Nightwing or even Rockwing. I mean in trying to please everyone and doing what others say or suggest even if he thinks they are wrong. I think he needs to get some more self confidence. Hopefully he will develope that in the next two books. You cannot go from being bullied by everyone directly to full self confidence even if you are the most powerful pegasus since Nightwing.
This was definitely a very fast moving adventure story in many different environments... I pretty much was busy turning the pages. And there were a few new ideas in here too.
And I must say this book made me think about a few new things in regard to horses. Like when a horse kicks you, which part of the hoof actually hits you? Never thought about it before. But hearing how these pegasus sharpen their hooves to be better weapons made me to ask that. Hmmm... I admit I have no clue! Also does it change depending on which legs they use, front versus rear? And while I do work with horses I am lucky that I never was kicked.
I thought them playing ball with their wings was a tad odd but this is a fantasy story so... I also thought it was so odd with Morningleaf using her wings for a broom! That just seems such a human thing to do...not an equine thing. I have seen horses play with balls and objects though.
December 21, 2014
This story started off with a trot and developed into a full gallop, leaving the reader breathless at the cliffhanger ending. I kept turning the last page over and over hoping there was more! A thrilling follow-up to the stunning debut of the Guardian Herd series. Readers who are new to the series won't have any problems catching onto the well developed, well paced storyline full of dips and turns and surprises.
When Star receives his power on his first birthday, he believes he can unite the tribes and live in harmony, but not everyone shares his vision. Those who believe in Star become his followers, the River Herd tribe. But when the tribe, ruled by a council of pegasi and not an over-stallion, cannot decide where to go to get the food and shelter they need to survive, more division follows.
Still new to his power, Star discovers he can heal or destroy depending on how he feels. Learning how to develop his power and control his feelings provide an undercurrent of tension beneath the main storyline.
This action packed novel delivers a great story full of the nuances Alvarez is known for including well-developed characters full of internal and external conflict tackling the themes of love, hope, loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness, and anger, as well as the eternal desire for peace and the inescapable threat of evil. A wonderful story for children and adults of all ages.
When Star receives his power on his first birthday, he believes he can unite the tribes and live in harmony, but not everyone shares his vision. Those who believe in Star become his followers, the River Herd tribe. But when the tribe, ruled by a council of pegasi and not an over-stallion, cannot decide where to go to get the food and shelter they need to survive, more division follows.
Still new to his power, Star discovers he can heal or destroy depending on how he feels. Learning how to develop his power and control his feelings provide an undercurrent of tension beneath the main storyline.
This action packed novel delivers a great story full of the nuances Alvarez is known for including well-developed characters full of internal and external conflict tackling the themes of love, hope, loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness, and anger, as well as the eternal desire for peace and the inescapable threat of evil. A wonderful story for children and adults of all ages.
January 31, 2016
I should note in advance that this review will contain spoilers from the previous book. If you're reading the review for this book I will have assumed you read the book that came before it.
Where the first novel felt more introductory than anything else, Stormbound is where the author really seems to find her footing. Echofrost gets to have some actual involvement—though still not enough if you ask me—and her character is largely defined by the events in the first book. That's unfortunate, because going back to the first novel it just makes her feel that much more hollow, like a character waiting for an event to happen so she can come to exist.
The editor has apparently compared Star to a combination of Luke Skywalker and Rudolph, but the ending of the first novel painted it up much more like 'Jesus', which had me very worried because the author apparently attends church enough to thank several of its members in the acknowledgment for her first book? Concern escalated pretty quickly that this was going to turn into a very preachy book, especially given the society of the pegasai. The comparison became too poignant when you consider that his birth was heralded by a star, he's immortal, and goes around healing pegasai.
At the end of the first book, when Thunderwing submits to his judgment, it mentions him being healed of his anger and his guilt as well, and when asked by the others to do the same to Rockwing, Star stoically replied, 'No, he has to want it/ask for it.' So apparently you can only get healed of your injuries/evilness if you ask Star for forgiveness.
Thank the stars that the second book did not go this direction. This series has mastered the art of getting my anxieties up, and then going a different direction altogether.
Another example is when Star attempts to use his healing power on a stallion who's been seriously injured, and Sweetroot goes on a tirade about having to draw a line somewhere, because first you're replacing lost limbs, then you're making it so we don't get old, and then you make us immortal. (You know, like he is.)
Sweetroot claims that this robs them of their destiny, and Star musn't do such things. Star meekly accepts this rant because he doesn't want to anger Sweetroot, and besides, she's an elder, so she must be right.
I raged a bit at the notion that The Healer didn't confront her about this, that even if he stole away the negative effects of aging it wouldn't necessarily mean making them immortal, and how she's being a hypocrite by healing others of life threatening afflictions because she's using what the land/ancestors provide - and yet now it has provided Star, so it must be okay to use his power, too.
There are certain conservative Christian sects that don't believe in using medicine to heal the infirm, and there are just as many non-christian spiritualists who believe in 'natural remedies' only. When Star meekly accepted this argument I assumed that the book was going to present this way of thinking without even arguing against it.
However, Star continues to heal others, being sure to keep it secret from her so as to avoid angering her. It becomes clear that she has a very conservative attitude about the world and how things in it work, which the younger circle of friends don't agree with. They don't argue because their culture simply doesn't do that. They leave Sweetroot to her opinions, and then quietly try to stay true to their own feelings and beliefs. It will be interesting to see if their actions speak louder than words, and manage to sway some of the older members.
Initially I was delighted to hear that the pegasus herds were as culturally bankrupt as they are because of centuries of trauma and abuse. That feeling turned to anxiety as well when you consider how Old Testament they are as a people, and how Nightwing was the source of that trauma and abuse. This exacerbated the 'Star is just Jesus' concern, because New Testament god - same as the Old Testament god - here to forgive everyone and cleanse them of their anger and guilt. The book doesn't go that route either, instead it keeps things believable. It keeps the depth that should exist in such a dynamic, instead of creating the sensation of a paint by numbers novel. The book taught me repeatedly that, whatever the author's background is, it may color the events in the novel, but she doesn't let them dominate it.
This book is written very simply with children in mind, but the concepts and ideas it brings up are anything but simple. This is a very mature series for reasons beyond just the gore involved, and it handles these issues with the respect they deserve.
Really, ratings aside, I liked these books enough to pick them up and finish them in the same day I began reading them. They're very much worth reading, and I can't wait to do the same with the third book in February.
Also Shadepebble is adorable, and I really want Frostfire to reconcile with his mom. Stop making me love villains.
Where the first novel felt more introductory than anything else, Stormbound is where the author really seems to find her footing. Echofrost gets to have some actual involvement—though still not enough if you ask me—and her character is largely defined by the events in the first book. That's unfortunate, because going back to the first novel it just makes her feel that much more hollow, like a character waiting for an event to happen so she can come to exist.
The editor has apparently compared Star to a combination of Luke Skywalker and Rudolph, but the ending of the first novel painted it up much more like 'Jesus', which had me very worried because the author apparently attends church enough to thank several of its members in the acknowledgment for her first book? Concern escalated pretty quickly that this was going to turn into a very preachy book, especially given the society of the pegasai. The comparison became too poignant when you consider that his birth was heralded by a star, he's immortal, and goes around healing pegasai.
At the end of the first book, when Thunderwing submits to his judgment, it mentions him being healed of his anger and his guilt as well, and when asked by the others to do the same to Rockwing, Star stoically replied, 'No, he has to want it/ask for it.' So apparently you can only get healed of your injuries/evilness if you ask Star for forgiveness.
Thank the stars that the second book did not go this direction. This series has mastered the art of getting my anxieties up, and then going a different direction altogether.
Another example is when Star attempts to use his healing power on a stallion who's been seriously injured, and Sweetroot goes on a tirade about having to draw a line somewhere, because first you're replacing lost limbs, then you're making it so we don't get old, and then you make us immortal. (You know, like he is.)
Sweetroot claims that this robs them of their destiny, and Star musn't do such things. Star meekly accepts this rant because he doesn't want to anger Sweetroot, and besides, she's an elder, so she must be right.
I raged a bit at the notion that The Healer didn't confront her about this, that even if he stole away the negative effects of aging it wouldn't necessarily mean making them immortal, and how she's being a hypocrite by healing others of life threatening afflictions because she's using what the land/ancestors provide - and yet now it has provided Star, so it must be okay to use his power, too.
There are certain conservative Christian sects that don't believe in using medicine to heal the infirm, and there are just as many non-christian spiritualists who believe in 'natural remedies' only. When Star meekly accepted this argument I assumed that the book was going to present this way of thinking without even arguing against it.
However, Star continues to heal others, being sure to keep it secret from her so as to avoid angering her. It becomes clear that she has a very conservative attitude about the world and how things in it work, which the younger circle of friends don't agree with. They don't argue because their culture simply doesn't do that. They leave Sweetroot to her opinions, and then quietly try to stay true to their own feelings and beliefs. It will be interesting to see if their actions speak louder than words, and manage to sway some of the older members.
Initially I was delighted to hear that the pegasus herds were as culturally bankrupt as they are because of centuries of trauma and abuse. That feeling turned to anxiety as well when you consider how Old Testament they are as a people, and how Nightwing was the source of that trauma and abuse. This exacerbated the 'Star is just Jesus' concern, because New Testament god - same as the Old Testament god - here to forgive everyone and cleanse them of their anger and guilt. The book doesn't go that route either, instead it keeps things believable. It keeps the depth that should exist in such a dynamic, instead of creating the sensation of a paint by numbers novel. The book taught me repeatedly that, whatever the author's background is, it may color the events in the novel, but she doesn't let them dominate it.
This book is written very simply with children in mind, but the concepts and ideas it brings up are anything but simple. This is a very mature series for reasons beyond just the gore involved, and it handles these issues with the respect they deserve.
Really, ratings aside, I liked these books enough to pick them up and finish them in the same day I began reading them. They're very much worth reading, and I can't wait to do the same with the third book in February.
Also Shadepebble is adorable, and I really want Frostfire to reconcile with his mom. Stop making me love villains.
February 3, 2022
The ending is a complete cliffhanger. No resolution at all. I enjoyed the rest of the book.
January 9, 2015
Ok, well I looked at this book a little strangely. I just couldn't imagine a book about flying horses to be very good. I figured it would be a cute story for a young girl. Boy was I wrong! I started reading it and got sucked in immediately! I bas back to being the girl who read every horse and unicorn book I could find! The pegasi are very well developed characters, and the descriptions are so good the imagination takes over and you get sucked into their world of pegasi.
Now, I had not read the first book, which would have helped understand why everyone had hated and tried to kill Star, but It was easy to see how well written the story is to not get hung up on missing information. I really felt like a kid again, believing in magic, flying horses and the belief good always wins over evil.
This was a very fun read. If you can let your imagination take you back to your childhood, believe in magic then you will enjoy this book. It is violent in places, characters die, so a sensitive reader may have a hard time with that. Otherwise it is a great book for any magic and horse lover!
Now, I had not read the first book, which would have helped understand why everyone had hated and tried to kill Star, but It was easy to see how well written the story is to not get hung up on missing information. I really felt like a kid again, believing in magic, flying horses and the belief good always wins over evil.
This was a very fun read. If you can let your imagination take you back to your childhood, believe in magic then you will enjoy this book. It is violent in places, characters die, so a sensitive reader may have a hard time with that. Otherwise it is a great book for any magic and horse lover!
Want to read
December 28, 2014I cannot wait for this book to come out in April!!!!!!!!
February 15, 2018
So frustrating when it ended on a cliff hanger while I was on the bus. I had to go all day before I found out what happened
June 14, 2015
Although the first book really wasn't my cup of tea, I read this one to see how the story develops and to see if I would like this one any more than the first. I am happy to say I consider this book much better than book 1. Do I consider it a good book? ....not really.
What I do like is that Star does a lot more to /earn/ his characterization in this book. He learns things when he tries to help other pegasi. He tries different things to get through to the other characters. He actually develops as a character. Somewhat.
But I had to roll my eyes at the interactions between Star and his herd's medicine mare throughout this story. I know the author is trying to set some limits to the story and to keep the note of danger present in what is happening, but that's the difficulty when you give characters the magical ability to heal anyone and even bring them back from the dead, isn't it! How are you going to limit that? How are you going to make any sacrifice or pain meaningful in your story if your character can just fix any injuries or illness with a simple wish? Well the author here decided to have a wise old medicine mare who tells Star periodically not to heal certain characters at certain times, and it all seems completely random.
I particularly laughed at the scene where the medicine mare asks Star to use his healing warmth to warm the feet of several sick pegasi standing outside in the snow. He is too late with one of the pegasi, whose foot has gone black and frostbitten. Star is about to heal the frostbite but the medicine mare stops him, saying it's just the way of nature and that Star can't heal everyone because then the pegasi will not respect being alive anymore. Uh, lady, you just asked him to use his abilities to stop them from getting frostbite on their feet. But, since one of them already succumbed, it's too late and he has to suffer the rest of his life with a bad foot? The excuses for Star not to use his powers are laughable in this story, and obviously done just so we can still have some feeling of danger for these characters.
And yes, the ending is particularly annoying to me. There have been books in the past that end on some pretty big cliffhangers, it's true. And yes it will happen in the future too. But I can't recall a time I've read a book that was so blatant in its baiting to get you to read the next book. The main villain, which has been built up in both the two books so far, literally lands right in the middle of a giant battlefield just before a big war is about to start.... and that's it. That's the end of the book. Here's your villain, tune in next time! I feel like I just sat through The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug all over again, and the credits start rolling just as the dragon flies toward Laketown.
I'll be optimistic and hope book 3 is even better than 2.
What I do like is that Star does a lot more to /earn/ his characterization in this book. He learns things when he tries to help other pegasi. He tries different things to get through to the other characters. He actually develops as a character. Somewhat.
But I had to roll my eyes at the interactions between Star and his herd's medicine mare throughout this story. I know the author is trying to set some limits to the story and to keep the note of danger present in what is happening, but that's the difficulty when you give characters the magical ability to heal anyone and even bring them back from the dead, isn't it! How are you going to limit that? How are you going to make any sacrifice or pain meaningful in your story if your character can just fix any injuries or illness with a simple wish? Well the author here decided to have a wise old medicine mare who tells Star periodically not to heal certain characters at certain times, and it all seems completely random.
I particularly laughed at the scene where the medicine mare asks Star to use his healing warmth to warm the feet of several sick pegasi standing outside in the snow. He is too late with one of the pegasi, whose foot has gone black and frostbitten. Star is about to heal the frostbite but the medicine mare stops him, saying it's just the way of nature and that Star can't heal everyone because then the pegasi will not respect being alive anymore. Uh, lady, you just asked him to use his abilities to stop them from getting frostbite on their feet. But, since one of them already succumbed, it's too late and he has to suffer the rest of his life with a bad foot? The excuses for Star not to use his powers are laughable in this story, and obviously done just so we can still have some feeling of danger for these characters.
And yes, the ending is particularly annoying to me. There have been books in the past that end on some pretty big cliffhangers, it's true. And yes it will happen in the future too. But I can't recall a time I've read a book that was so blatant in its baiting to get you to read the next book. The main villain, which has been built up in both the two books so far, literally lands right in the middle of a giant battlefield just before a big war is about to start.... and that's it. That's the end of the book. Here's your villain, tune in next time! I feel like I just sat through The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug all over again, and the credits start rolling just as the dragon flies toward Laketown.
I'll be optimistic and hope book 3 is even better than 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
My 11 year old daughter is greatly enjoying this series and once I told her I had it on Kindle, she grabbed the Paperwhite and I didn't see her again for several hours as she eagerly devoured it. Here is her review:Story: Star coming into his power and leading the tribe. But there is dissension and he is too young and inexperienced to not only hold them together but also keep them from starving. Worst, there are always two black winged Pegasus - a good and a bad. Since Star has gravitated to the good, the dark has awakened and a confrontation is coming. Can Star learn to use the powers of healing and destruction effectively enough to stave off the annihilation of his new tribe? And can he keep them together as their new leader?
The book had quite a bit of action and Star's story was compelling - with new surprises and battles around each corner. My daughter said she didn't want to stop reading since it was so exciting. She especially liked that Star could use both the bad and the good powers (gold and silver, healing and destruction) and that there was a 'big bad' enemy as a foil.
When asked about whether she thought it was too similar to Warrior Cat, he said at first it did seem that way but the story comes into its own by the end of the first book and she ended up liking this even better.
The Guardian Herd does have some violence (e.g., a mare dies quite violently) but not nearly as strong as in other books (e.g., Lasky's Horses of the Dawn, which my daughter felt was far too graphic and disturbing). My daughter was not upset by the violence nor felt it was excessive.
This series has a huge fan in my 11 year old and she is eagerly waiting for the next volume in the series. Reviewed from an advanced readers copy provided by the publisher.
July 17, 2022
Stormbound most definitely had the potential to make me cry. I was surprised at the violence between the Anok herds, but it did not make me want to stop reading. In fact, it made me think things through even when I wasn’t reading the book. The plot twists are fantastic, and they make sense. Stormbound is an excellent sequel to Starfire. ‘Never judge a book by its sequel’, I sometimes say, but there is no need to have to say this for The Guardian Herd.
Favorite Characters:
Star
Morningleaf
Bumblewind
Favorite Characters:
Star
Morningleaf
Bumblewind
January 2, 2023
hmm. not as violent and as brooding as the first, but not bad. very nice cliffhanger at the end. i honestly don’t have much to say about this one. i don’t think i understood 50% of this when i read it seven years ago, but i’ll take it. from here on out, i cannot remember a single thing that happens.
January 28, 2016
I'm already rating it 5 stars!
July 13, 2022
This had me on the edge of my seat. Really liked book 2. Looking forward to book 3.
August 8, 2019
Stormbound by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez has been sitting on my shelf since 2015 and I really needed to get it read.
My major issue with this book was the amount of characters. There just seemed to be so many that I could only really get invested in the major POV characters. And even then I can only remember one of their names. I would have chalked this up to being the names (ex. Nightwing, Silverfire, Dawnpetal, etc.) but I've read Warriors for over nine years and I can keep the names straight in that book and they're structured the same way. The reason for my confusion is that all the characters seem to be limited in their voice. I can relate to Star - the main character - because I'm in his head so often. But Morningleaf, another POV character, seems to revolve around Star more then having her own original voice and motivations. When reading, I'm highly character focused, so when the characters don't measure up when it comes to individual voices and motivations it dampens my experience of the plot. But I will state that the plot seemed well thought out. It had good tension, made better because there were more POVs (one of which wasn't friendly to the Main-main characters, Star, which I liked). We also got to see more of the world, since for a majority of the book the characters were traveling. There were vivid details on where the characters were, the changing climate, and the shifts in predictors. But my character centered brain has to insert the complaint that the book didn't seem to use all this traveling as more than a chance for characters to internal monologue. This limited character development to our main characters. It also meant that I noticed the heavy pattern that unnamed characters would die - usually before the chapter even ended. When named characters did die, however, it didn't feel as damaging. The book has darker tones, yes, but it also has yet to make me really care if a character lives or dies yet. I'll be optimistic for the third book, since I continue to love the plot. But I would like it to step up on the character development.
My major issue with this book was the amount of characters. There just seemed to be so many that I could only really get invested in the major POV characters. And even then I can only remember one of their names. I would have chalked this up to being the names (ex. Nightwing, Silverfire, Dawnpetal, etc.) but I've read Warriors for over nine years and I can keep the names straight in that book and they're structured the same way. The reason for my confusion is that all the characters seem to be limited in their voice. I can relate to Star - the main character - because I'm in his head so often. But Morningleaf, another POV character, seems to revolve around Star more then having her own original voice and motivations. When reading, I'm highly character focused, so when the characters don't measure up when it comes to individual voices and motivations it dampens my experience of the plot. But I will state that the plot seemed well thought out. It had good tension, made better because there were more POVs (one of which wasn't friendly to the Main-main characters, Star, which I liked). We also got to see more of the world, since for a majority of the book the characters were traveling. There were vivid details on where the characters were, the changing climate, and the shifts in predictors. But my character centered brain has to insert the complaint that the book didn't seem to use all this traveling as more than a chance for characters to internal monologue. This limited character development to our main characters. It also meant that I noticed the heavy pattern that unnamed characters would die - usually before the chapter even ended. When named characters did die, however, it didn't feel as damaging. The book has darker tones, yes, but it also has yet to make me really care if a character lives or dies yet. I'll be optimistic for the third book, since I continue to love the plot. But I would like it to step up on the character development.
February 27, 2025
The second book in the four-book The Guardian Herd series is not quite as good as the first as it felt a little slower paced and no real solutions were happening with Star's new power and the unity of the herds. Because of that, while in the middle of this book, my kids and I contemplated being done with the series after finishing this one. (Spoiler alert!) But when Nightwing the Destroyer finally arrives to challenge Star at the end (the actual challenge occurs in book 3), we agreed that we wanted to find out what happens next and are hoping the pace picks up a bit in the third book. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 is still a good book--I think the problem is that the first one was so good, it made the second one feel a little disappointing. Still worth the read, especially if your kid likes horses.
October 31, 2018
Man, these books are soooo dark. Which doesn't mean I don't love them. I like that there are consequences and favorite characters can be killed off. One does not get comfortable, that's for sure.
This story expands quite a bit beyond just Star's fate, although ultimately everything is about him, and I enjoyed getting peeks into the other POVs. Alvarez makes you care about the pegasi as individuals (although at times it's super hard to keep track of who is who, especially with them changing their names all the time) and as families.
I'm not sure where it's going to go from here, but I know it'll be dark and exciting. On to book 3!
This story expands quite a bit beyond just Star's fate, although ultimately everything is about him, and I enjoyed getting peeks into the other POVs. Alvarez makes you care about the pegasi as individuals (although at times it's super hard to keep track of who is who, especially with them changing their names all the time) and as families.
I'm not sure where it's going to go from here, but I know it'll be dark and exciting. On to book 3!
July 21, 2018
This is the second book, and again we read this as our read aloud for this month. This was also an amazing story. Star has his Starfire and is learning how to use it. Some Pegasi have accepted him and some have not. Nightwing has awakened. There is so much depth to this story, and since it’s a kids book I didn’t expect that- to be honest. I’m a little irritated that it ends right at a pivotal moment, but it was Also the best place for it to end. The bonus short story is well worth the read as Wells.
April 10, 2024
The Good
I like the descriptions of the world of Anok, I liked the inclusion of more of it.
The characters are coming more into their own. I like seeing new facets of personalities develop
The Bad
Kind of just made me want to read Warriors again.
I can tell what the author is going for, the desire to have deep lore and a sense of wonder in an established, realistic world, but it just feels shallow to me.
The Bottom Line
3/5
Good cliffhanger, better than the first, actually getting interested to see where this is all going.
I like the descriptions of the world of Anok, I liked the inclusion of more of it.
The characters are coming more into their own. I like seeing new facets of personalities develop
The Bad
Kind of just made me want to read Warriors again.
I can tell what the author is going for, the desire to have deep lore and a sense of wonder in an established, realistic world, but it just feels shallow to me.
The Bottom Line
3/5
Good cliffhanger, better than the first, actually getting interested to see where this is all going.
January 15, 2018
Some nice descriptive and poetic writing in this book about anthropomorphic pegasi. My daughter's complaint (as well as mine--we read it together+) is there are too many herds and pegasi to keep track of. Just when you think you've got a handle on the characters more fly in.
The story is surprisingly violent for a children's book (pegasi breaking enemy wings, stomping and burning each other to death). It ends on a cliffhanger. My daughter gives it a 4 star.
The story is surprisingly violent for a children's book (pegasi breaking enemy wings, stomping and burning each other to death). It ends on a cliffhanger. My daughter gives it a 4 star.
June 20, 2018
This is book #2 in the Guardian Herd series. The story continues with Star, the black foal. The author adds in new twists to the story with a plague threatening another herd who refuses help from him and some friends who wish to return to their previous territory all with the looming threat of Star's main adversary. The author kept my interest with the new twists in the storyline. I enjoyed it and wanted to read the sequel.
April 3, 2025
I'm so angry with both horses in the River Herd and in the other herds. So freaking stupid and childish! Star is much kinder than I ever could be because my goodness they are idiots. Star has done nothing but try and help and be kind and do everything for everyone. Yet, he's still not trusted, even by some of his own herd!! It's so frustrating. Now it's worse with what happened and Nightwing!!! Frustrated doesn't even begin to cover it
November 26, 2018
My favourite part was when Morningleaf escaped from Frostfire. I liked how Star forgave Brackenwing, but he did it so easily. My least favourite part was when Nightwing made it to Anok, and killed Rockwing with his magic. Rockwing didn't deserve to die that way, no matter how bad his powers were. I liked this book better than the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2018
I liked this book pretty well. It did leave me wanting the next one, but it didn't strike me as much as the first one (which I listened to on audiobook, which may be part of the reason). Still, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next, and there's time yet to become more attached to these characters (which are pretty well-written) and the plot they follow.
January 16, 2019
Blah blah blah flying horses blah blah blah seen it all before blah blah blah not that exciting - ah maybe sometimes I get a little cynical but this one just never grabbed me, and was just a little dull for me. Others may really enjoy it, but the whole flying horse story was just not for me, and as part two it worked even less well.
April 29, 2023
My favorite series
I honestly love this series more than anything, for me it’s on the same level as the Pegasus series, which is saying A LOT. I’ve laughed and cried, and been so angry with the characters, and I loved every second. I’ve read this series over 30 times now, as a horse lover I can’t stop going back. If you love horses, this is a must read
I honestly love this series more than anything, for me it’s on the same level as the Pegasus series, which is saying A LOT. I’ve laughed and cried, and been so angry with the characters, and I loved every second. I’ve read this series over 30 times now, as a horse lover I can’t stop going back. If you love horses, this is a must read
October 2, 2023
I love this book series. It’s easy one of my favorites. This series gives a thrill every time you read it. I’m currently reading the whole series over again and I’m already on the second book. This series is a 4 part, and it is the definition of a page turner. If you like fantasy and adventure, this would be a great pick.
February 25, 2021
There are no words for how much I truly love this series!! Alvarez does a phenomenal job of bringing the herds of Pegasi to life in your imagination! You can feel the emotion of all the pegasi from Star to Nightwing! Absolutely loved this book and will continue to read it!!
April 1, 2024
It's not necessary a bad book or series, just not really for me. I would have preferred it if the horses (though flying) acted more like horses, not humans.
It does have some interesting points, definitely, and I'm sure many readers will enjoy this series. Just not my thing :)
It does have some interesting points, definitely, and I'm sure many readers will enjoy this series. Just not my thing :)
February 14, 2025
It's okay... I don't really like horse books from the horse's point of view. And the blue tongue plague thing didn't seem that exiting. But that's just me!
I would recommend this to fantasy, and horse lovers
I would recommend this to fantasy, and horse lovers
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