The Heart of Stars

Rhiannon's Ride #3

by Kate Forsyth

An evil necromancer has kidnapped the princess Olywynne and her twin brother, plotting to spill their blood-for revenge, and to restore his own family to life. Chaos reigns in the capital, and no one can stop the necromancer but Rhiannon and her winged mare. But can she bring herself to rescue the woman she hates more than anyone-Olywynne, her rival for the apprentice-witch Lewen's love-especially when she stands to lose everything she holds dear in the effort?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Magic, Adult, Adventure, High Fantasy

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.

Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'

Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.

Reviews

[Buffy Greentree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last in the series. I probably should have learnt after the first two that the things that annoyed me weren't going to get better. But I was seeking closure, something I only partially received.
On the positive side, the world that Forsyth has thought out is very detailed, and the Scottish accent at least consistent. There is something intriguing that makes you want to read and discover more.
On the negative side, though, a lot of it isn't very consistent. We never really work out what does and doesn't exist in the world (eg. at one point a dragon is suddenly summoned, does one small task, then is sent off again, despite the fact it would have been really useful in any of the big battles.)
On the writing side, there are parts that go into way too much detail, such as the pages dedicated to listing out the political complaints the new queen has to deal with when she would much rather be out saving her husband, something we wish she would do too.
My final issue with it is the uneven ending. All the bad guys get killed (really quite easily) except for the two worst bad guys, who are taken back to the city, hopefully to be tried and executed but we never get to see this, and since they have already escaped from prison once before, we are not left confident this will actually happen. It is not clear why we didn't just kill them, or have them robbed of their powers so we knew for sure they wouldn't escape again.
It's lots of little things like that which make it overall not as good as it could have been.
Having said that, as fantasy goes, it's still worth a read.

[Shaun]

SPOILER ALERT!


I just finished the book and the series, I loved it the whole way through but I was extremely dissatisfied with the ending much as I was with how the Witches of Eileanan ended. It seems that the author tried to wrap everything up in one short chapter leaving many, many questions such as is the ghost of Magrit going to come back? Are they going to be at war with Tirsolir because of their attempts to take over the kingdom AGAIN? What about poor Elfrida? She was driven mad by the ghost of Magrit why was she treated like an evil monster at the end, turned into a rat and eaten by Goblin? I know she killed Lachlan but she was insane! She was a main good character through the first series, why did it have to end that way for her? And for Johanna too?! Not to mention they never said if Neil was in on the plan to kill Donncan, I have so many questions! I really hope she makes another series about Eileanan, I want to know more!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading this book after buying it right when it came out in the US. Not because I hate the story or the author (because I LOVE them both) but because I find the main character annoying.

It was so nice to see all my favorite characters again: Isabeau, Dide, Finn the Cat, that I could get over not liking Rhiannon. The middle section of the book with Dide and Isabeau was so heart-wrenching but I'm glad it worked out in the end. I was distressed over the whole Margrit deal because of all the hard work Isabeau went through in the first series to get rid of her, good thing for great aim huh?

I wish that Kate Forsyth would write more in this universe because it is exquisitely created, easy to get lost in, and makes me wish I could live there and study at the Theurgia too!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many things are left hanging for my liking. Do they resurrect Olwynne (since they know how now). Does Rhiannon find her family? Will there now be more winged horses with the advent of a new stallion? Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy more than the first six, which reminded me far too much of the Axis/Crusader trilogies. Both Australian authors though, so that's good.

[paeonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is the point of creating a strong female character - and in naming the series after her - if she is has to wait passively to be rescued by her lover in the end? Very disappointing. I won't even go into all the inconsistencies in plot. A weak ending to a series that started strongly.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, really good ending. They left a bit of Rhiannon's family background hanging, but overall, lots of action, all of the way through

[Vickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much action and adventure! This was a real page turner with complicated plotting and all intrigues resolved. Some problems with boring writing where exciting things are described in annoying way. As much as I liked some characters and reading this story I am glad the series is over and it will be a while before I read another book by Kate Forsyth.

[Ioet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Forsyth has done it again. She has deftly interwoven her characters, world, and the history of that world to create a beautiful tale of love, pain, adventure, and heartache.[return][return]In THE HEART OF STARS, half-satyicorn girl Rhiannon, Keybearer Isabeau, and Banrìgh Bronwen all struggle in their own way to save Eileanan from the treasonous plots hatched by a gang of villains.[return][return]This book is absolutely gripping, exciting, and powerful. There are some scenes here that will leave readers in awe at what the characters manage to do. Forsyth doesn't waste time with perfect happiness - Eileanan is a true-to-life reality that is so detailed, so well-crafted, you will have a tough time pulling away. And tragedy happens.[return][return]One of the major questions here is on resurrection: Can it be done? And if it can, SHOULD it be? Characters in Eileanan take it as a fact that No, it should not. I didn't find, however, that there was a good enough reason not to bring people back to life. There needed to be more stress on the order of life, and the consequences of such an act, to convince us why not.[return][return]Another gripe: what's with the order of the book, and the synopsis at the beginning? For a hundred pages you get Isabeau, then for another sixty you get Rhiannon, and so on. In the past, Forsyth has always kept us hanging, a much better tactic when one wants to stress the intertwining of time and life while also making things more exciting.[return][return]But despite that, there are so many things going on - so many subplots and motivations and intrigues to grasp - that it all feels like one giant reality. Unfailingly, everything ties together, and nothing is left undone. It's lovely and complex, just like those tapestries of life Forsyth writes of in her books.[return][return]Pretend this is 4 and 1/2 stars, and after you've read all the other books in the series, go out and get this one. It's worth it, because aside from a few minor pitfalls, Forsyth weaves a beautiful tapestry of intriguing, honest-to-earth human (and half-human) beings. Their motivations, their thoughts, all ring true for some reason or another. That alone makes it worth the read.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

“An evil necromancer has kidnapped the royal twins, plotting to spill their blood for revenge, and to restore his own family to life. Chaos reigns in the capital and Rhiannon finds herself burdened with a heavy charge: to save the one woman she hates above all others.”

This is an interesting book. Not having read the others in the series, I read this with some trepidation, wondering if I would be able to pick up the story. While there may be some background details I’m missing, the story was able to stand on it’s own enough so that I was able to enjoy it without having read the others.

That having been said, there is much about this book that is confusing. There is so much jumping from one main character to another, I wasn’t quite sure whose story this was. From the title, I had assumed Rhiannon would be the main character, but that’s not always the case. In fact, she was the focus in only about a third of the book. Other parts followed the path of Isabeau, Iseault, Bronwen, and others. There is so much going on in this book that I wondered if the writer would be able to tie everything up in the end. She did – and didn’t. I was left with a lot of questions – a lot of dangling ends that leave room for another series. It may be that those questions were answered in earlier books, but logically, then they shouldn’t still be left unanswered in this book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is a high fantasy full of rich world building and unusual characters. The obviously Highland dialect was somewhat distracting and, at times, difficult to figure out, but this isn’t an issue unless you don’t like reading a lot of jargon. If you’ve read the other books in the series, definitely pick this one up. If you haven’t, I do not recommend starting with this one. Like most series, it would be better if you start at the beginning. But still, this is a good book for fans of high fantasy.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third, and final, book in the trilogy Rhiannon's Ride. This book was a good balance of adventure and intrigue. I didn't think it was quite as good as the first two books; there were parts of the book where things got a little tedious and I had to drag myself through them. Those parts were far between and short though; so overall I really enjoyed this book.

Rhiannon takes off to rescue the twins from the Lord of Fettercain while the Keeper of the Keys must travel back through time to prevent the Lord of the Ravens from being raised. This book was, for the most part, fast paced and engaging. Forsyth's greatest strength is in characterization; even the characters with small roles seem to come alive.

As I said, this book switched between the two parties chasing down the bad guys and scenes at the court of Lusescere. Bronwen plays a huge role in this book as she steps up to rule Lusescere in her husband's absence. Lewen plays a much smaller role in the beginning of this book, with Rhiannon really coming into her own on her rescue mission.

This was a great book and a wonderful conclusion to the series. The plot of intricate and finely woven, the switches between viewpoint were well done, overall this was a wonderfully crafted story. A very solid fantasy. I can't wait to read more of Forsyth's work!

[Celia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The final book of this trilogy was probably my least favourite - it's an entire novel about a rescue attempt after several characters are kidnapped. And that's a really long time to keep a kidnapping plot going. I was fairly relieved to reach an ending, and a resolution to most of the many many convoluted plot points that have arisen along the way in this trilogy.

[Stuart Macmartin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upper side of 3 stars. This is more like it. Good action and suspense. Flaws keeping this from 4 stars are the incessant adolescent handling of emotions, and not quite successful attempts to account for the stupidity of most characters in the second book. Some of the characters felt like cardboard cut-outs. But overall what I'd been expecting from this trilogy.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was quite happy with this ending to the trilogy. The bad guys capitulated quite easily in the end. I enjoyed the dimensions of the world that Kate Forsyth creates and the awareness of the impacts that the arrival of one group has on others. I also liked the way some characters grew and accepted their errors. All in all, an interesting fantasy read.

[Zofia von Huck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world of Eileanan, so of course this was going to be five star book.
The story continues from the previous book, with Bronwen taking on more of a key role. I kind of thought that she was the main character here rather than Rhiannon, but it worked fine. I really liked Bronwen in the last book, and she is great here too. I found her a very engaging and relatable character, another strong female lead but very different from the other female leads, such as Rhiannon, or Iseult and Isabeau from the previous series (who both play parts in this story too).
The ending seemed a little rushed. I would have liked to know what happened with Tirsoilleir, or what Bronwen and Donncan thought about their supposed best friend plotting to betray them, or seeing Rhiannon meeting the MacAherns, or Finn giving birth. Maybe one day there will be a revised edition that answers these questions... But overall, it was a very good read and a great ending to this series.
One thing I found odd - why did Buba the owl change sex in this story? Is he the Chaz Bono of owls, or was this a mistake??

[Isabeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww it’s finished 😓

A really great and fitting end to the Eileanan saga. While I wish there was more (I just wanna hear about what the characters are doing, no plot required, please do that Kate) I think it wrapped up in a really good bittersweet way. There was so much JOY in Rhiannon’s Ride, which I feel sets is apart from the first series a bit. It was also a bit less wordy in a good way. Audiobook presentation was phenomenon. I feel like I’m gonna have a book hangover for a while.

[Mirhanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the second, but neither are as good as the first.

I would love to see more books about Rhiannon and Lewen and I hope the author will write them. There's so much left open to write about. However I'd like more that are tightly written like the first Rhiannon's Ride and not sloppy like the second.

[DeAndre Theisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll say it I thought some of the character's weren't really in danger. Then people start dropping and I'm like oh snap no ones safe. Then some things happen and you go okay maybe there's hope for some characters. Then it ends and you go oh I guess I was wrong.

Truthfully 4.4 due to the finishing of a 9 book series. Almost wish there was a sequel to this as well.

[Iain Kaslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolutely brilliant book. A page turning read that's hard to put down and is the triumphant conclusion in the Rhiannon's ride trilogy. Do yourself a favour and get this series as fast as u can u won't regret it.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very disappointing ending to the series. So many inconsistencies and plot holes that made zero sense. Couple this with abrupt personality-changes in many of the favourite characters from the preceding series and you have 2 stars.

[Roz Radmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final part of this fantasy trilogy . With travelling back in time to stop an ambitious , but dead witch from being reborn and Rhiannon having a gruelling flight across raging seas on her winged horse there is never a dull moment in this book . I love it !

[Marylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent read!

A wonderful story that had me unable to put the book down! I cried out aloud Nooo when I came to the last word! I luv how the author Kate Forsyth puts the story together!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This was much more fast paced than the last book.

[Leesha Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series and loved this finale! Gorgeous book, beautiful characters and the most riveting storyline out of the three!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is probably the best I've ever read and this book was such a thrilling ending. I loved it!

[Beth Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this series but the ending was rushed.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably my least favorite of all of the Eileanan tales-- I think at least one of our characters was killed off for convenience. Oh well, it was a wild ride with Rhiannon, that's for sure!

[Laura Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of her books scratch my classic fantasy itch. Such a great series!

[Cassandra Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Kate Forsyth, and a very satisfying end to the series. The Heart of Stars follows three overarching plot threads: the rescue of Doncann and Thunderlily (mostly told from Isabeau's perspective), the rescue of Olwynne and Owein (mostly told from Rhiannon's and Olwynne's perspectives), and the political machinations at court (mostly told from Bronwen's perspective). It does jump around a little, especially at the start - I was a little worried that it was going to switch every chapter, but fortunately after the setup Forsyth dedicates decent chunks to each of the plots so I didn't feel like I was being pulled all over the place. And all of the plots were wrapped up neatly, so that was nice too.

I did raise an eyebrow at the way Rhiannon and Lewen got to save the day at the end (given there was a naval flotilla behind them, complete with a cadre of witches), but hey - the series is named after Rhiannon; it's only fair that she get to steal the show. (Credit goes more to Lewen in that scene actually, but I don't want to reveal any spoilers.)

Forsyth is definitely one of my favourite authors. Love it.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhiannon, Finn, and Jay race after Laird Malvern, who holds Olwynne and Olwein while Isabeau (and friends) hunt for Donncan. With the court in turmoil, Bronwen controversially seizes power.

The series has saved up all the action for the end. The Heart of Stars was a great conclusion to the series. I wish there was more! The plot is still a little disjointed like the previous book, but it also resolves all the plot threads introduced in the early two books (with non-stop action) and mostly involves Rhiannon and characters from The Witches of Eileanan.

As a series, Rhiannon's Ride is a good follow up to The Witches of Eileanan although I liked the latter better. I hope the author writes more in this universe and with these characters in the future.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending to this series is a gripping tale that kept me up much later than appropriate. I just couldn't put it down!

Rhiannon has grown so much since we first met her. The author writes all her characters beautifully and makes you fall in love with all of them... Except for the bad ones of course. We hope Rhiannon kicks their butts.

This book has a fantastic plot with unexpected twists and turn and is set in one of the best fantasy settings I have ever read. It's right up there with the world of Mr Potter. The only negative is that this is the last book of Eileanan. Fingers crossed that Kate lets us explore this wonderful world again one day (hopefully soon!). I will just have to keep rereading the ones I have when I start to miss these characters too much.