Urchin och den försvunna arvingen

The Mistmantle Chronicles #3

by M.I. McAllister, Carolina Lundgren Klintefelt (Translator)

Den lilla tronarvingen är kidnappad! Och snart börjar det gå rykten på ön: kapten Husk kan inte alls ha dött när han störtade ner i den djupa hålan, för det är en och annan som har sett honom på håll ... Urchin och hans vänner Nålan, Sepia och Juniper har plötsligt fått en hel hög nya mysterier att lösa. Gamle broder Silver säger att det lilla kungariket och dess invånare hotas av sin värsta fiende någonsin - men vem kan det vara?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Young Adult

417 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Margaret McAllister writing as M.I. McAllister.

Reviews

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book of the Mistmantle Chronicles was a wonderful read! While different than the first two, it still has the same heart, coziness, and wholesomeness as the others. I’m sad I’m almost done with this series!

If you love fables, animal fantasy like The Wind in the Willows, or Redwall, you have to read this series! It’s quickly becoming one of my favorites!

[Allison Tebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes one thing after another attacks you, the most important thing in your life is taken away - it feels like all hope is lost. But the Heart is with us through it, loving us, and watching us - and when we surrender and trust Him - He find that He has given us back infinitely more than we ever lost.

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

THIS SERIES 😭

I teared up during this one. The Heir of Mistmantle was touching, heartbreaking, inspiring, and full of mystery. I love how the theme of this story was about exploring fear and how often that’s our greatest enemy, not physical limitations, sickness, or people.

And the themes of courage and rising above one’s past (or heritage) was also so good, and the beauty of the last couple of chapter really made my heart ache in the best of ways.

So many Biblical themes too, which were stunningly beautiful.

I adore this series! Truly perfect for fans of LOTR, Narnia, Redwall, and The Chronicles of Prydain!

Now only book 4!

[Q Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

About as good as the prior book. Feels in some ways like contrived drama—and could go by it’s rarely acknowledged subtitle, “Be More Careful How You Pick Your Babysitters”—but solid.

The Juniper and Husk stuff was really strong.

[Myersandburnsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series so far. I love this culture and community of animals. This series a perfect read for my soon to be 7 YO

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Heir of Mistmantle" is my favorite of the Mistmantle Chronicles thus far. I loved the themes of The Heart (God) making all things work for good and of overcoming fear.

Quotes to remember:

"The Heart brings good from all things, all things, however impossible that may seem. Bring your wretchedness, your anger, and your unwelcome knowledge to the Heart." (168)

"Your father's blood isn't what makes you who you are. You chose the Heart that loves you, and the Heart that keeps you. You are free from your past." (194)

"It is the child of ignorance. ... It's name is fear. ... Fear! I don't mean the healthy fear that makes you careful, but the overwhelming fear that cripples you! ... Fill your lives with the enemies of fear! Take love, take hope, take friendship, take music, take laughter, support one another. The Heart has no room for fear!" (247)

"Remember," said Brother Fir, "that if your heart should break, the Heart that cares for us broke with love for us, but it still beats for us, keeps us, and loves us." He raised a paw. "May the Heart enlighten you, enfold you, keep you." (305)

[Paige Benzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series hits the sweet spot between representing good vs evil but not being afraid to let good characters suffer consequences, or sometimes even die. it can be dark, but my 7 year olds love it and it has started some really good conversations. bits of the Gospel are there if you look!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heir of Mistmantle is the third in the Mistmantle Chronicles series. The basic storyline of all the novels is that a group of animals (mostly squirrels, otters and moles) live on the island of Mistmantle and through the course of the books something bad/mysterious happens and everything is sorted out by the end. This reminds me of a more juvenile version of the Redwall books by Brian Jacques - there is less fighting, but still interesting animal characters. Overall, I think the series is good, but I think The Heir of Mistmantle was not the best one.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

elsker når denne boka om antropomorfe dyr som var blant mine favorittar då eg var liten (og heilt ærleg, no òg etter å ha lese dei på ny) eigentleg er ein adapsjon av kva me går gjennom for tida

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable installment in the series, and while this is still a book aimed at children, I think it actually had a good amount of complexity for the target audience. Some time has passed since the last installment, and the King and Queen have a newborn daughter, the titular Heir of Mistmantle. But peace and happiness don't last long, as the girl is kidnapped, and in the aftermath rumors start to spread that the evils of the past are returning.

The story does a great job of tackling what it says is Mistmantle's greatest threat - fear. There's no actual overarching villain or malevolent force this time, and I find that a nice change. Not that a big bad villain is a bad thing, but exploring the dangers of fear and rumor is a good lesson for kids and one that's probably going to be a bit more applicable in their day to day lives. Even the kidnapper of Catkin is acting out of fear for the girl's safety - Linty lost a child of her own in Husk's purges, and when her paranoia becomes too great, she steals Catkin away to save her from the threats she sees all around. The book also tackles xenophobia and the fear of growing up to be like your parents, both of which I enjoyed seeing handled by talking animals.

As always, the story is told quite well, with an interesting cast of characters and a lot of charm. I enjoy seeing Urchin and his friends grow and take on larger roles in their society. And I like Juniper and his prophesy, even if I was able to guess at some of the details well in advance. I really like that there's no truly evil character here - just people doing what they think is right acting from bad information and out of fear, leading to bad effects. McAllister does a good job of making the reader understand the points of view of all the characters and I think that's great for the kids reading this to help them understand how and why people can act in bad ways.

The ending of the book does feel a bit like a conclusion to the story, and I think I would be okay if this was just a trilogy. There are some things still to be shown, but so far it's told a good story and told it well. Fortunately, there are two more books in the series, so hopefully I'll have some more adventures with Urchin, Juniper, and Needle before I have to say goodbye to the series.

[Clarabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'histoire s'ouvre sur un petit instant de répit avec les préparatifs du baptême de Chatoune, la fille du couple royal, Crispin et Cèdre. Mais ce moment de liesse sera de courte durée car les ennuis s'enchaînent : l'héritière disparaît, une épidémie de typhoïde s'abat sur l'île et une marée de boue vient ruiner les décors. Le moral des troupes est au plus bas. Et c'est là que survient la folle rumeur du retour de Bogue le Tyran !

Pour ce troisième tome, on se replie sur l'île d'Outrebrume devenue le théâtre de tous les dangers. L'action est plus lente mais la menace rampe et s'infiltre à chaque coin de page. On sentirait presque les poils se dresser...
L'histoire aborde aussi des sujets sensibles, comme la folie, la jalousie, la peur de l'autre, le rejet et l'exclusion (ou quand ton seul tort, c'est de ne pas appartenir à Outrebrume depuis des générations et des générations).
Bref. L'action dans ce tome 3 est plus lente parce que la menace est partout. #tension_dramatique Elle surprend les personnages, elle saisit le lecteur, elle se faufile comme une couleuvre et elle bondit sans crier gare. Que de tristesse au moment de fermer le livre... dire adieu à Oursin et tous ses amis me file toujours un peu le bourdon.
Et pourquoi Gallimard n'a pas traduit / publié les deux tomes suivants ? Gné.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best so far in the Mistmantle series. It was written in 2007 but almost fit event for event with 2022!

Spoiler:











For me the overall theme was not to live out of fear and I found that an excellent reminder. But one I would want to discover through reading the book not be told ahead of time.

[Sarah Dixon Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the Mistmantle world.

I hesitated to give this one five stars because it was dark and heavy, especially for my more sensitive reader. However, the themes of courage and overcoming fear were wonderfully explored and brought to completion.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and the characters and just about everything about it, but in the audio version some of the characters have grating whiney voices that I am not a huge fan of.... The story overcomes that annoyance, but it IS there..... and yet, can't wait for the next one!

[J. Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. I. McAllister did it AGAIN. The themes of this book are so true and good. I absolutely adore the focus on Juniper and Sepia and Fingal (I love them so MUCH), and seeing everyone again! And UGH the ending is so good and makes me want to cry

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three begins with the heir of Mismantle (Princess Catkin) having gone missing. In addition, a strange illness has taken hold of the island and rumors of the evil character from book 1 returning. Is he really dead after all? With every book, we are introduced to new characters and love them just as much as the originals.

[Nicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am curious to see how this series continues as I feel that it could definitely end here and be a beautiful trio. These books are fun, serious, teaching and incredibly adventurous. <3

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series remains consistent. Story line keeps you guessing. An enjoyable read to grandchildren.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This prologue picks up a bit after book 2, after King Crispin and Cedar are married, and Queen Cedar is about to give birth to Mistmantle’s heir; the baby princess is born and on her naming day a terrible incident occurs in tandem with a budding epidemic across Mistmantle. Rumors swirl, prejudice festers, along with complaints and grumbling and accusation against the leaders of the island. Then natural disaster strikes and the danger of mudslides puts everyone in danger and the animals scramble to put things right, at great cost.

One of the best scenes is Crispin dealing openly and publicly with the rumors and accusations against Mistmantle governing, without condemnation of those grumbling against him, rather than hiding, sending someone else, or seeking revenge, a rare thing to read about. Another interesting theme of where to put one’s trust or the nature of faith is explored subtly throughout this installment, coming to a pointed crossroads for one character, who is definitely not a priest or in training for the position, who comes very close to using the Heartstone almost like a magic charm to ward off evil, but an incredibly important distinction is made and lesson on faith taught—to trust in the Heart itself, not the tool provided as a gift from the Heart. A parallel theme of working with what is available, however imperfectly is woven throughout the story.

Overall this was the most tedious of the three books I’ve read thus far. It started and ended well as far as hooking me into the narrative and the pacing of the story, but around the time the rains hit I too got stuck in the mud. The pacing slowed, there was either too much or too little going on to engage me like the prior two books did. It started getting a shade preachier regarding more abstract themes (fear is the enemy to overcome, self identity, legacy…). The timing of this story also was unclear, I’m pretty sure quite a bit of time passes from the start of the epidemic to the end of the mudslide but it’s not really clarified how much time so ultimately it ends up feeling like one really long day. It does tie up neatly and fully, and the very end makes me wonder if the author originally planned it as a trilogy only and maybe ran out of inspiration for the plot.

I will note that the books in this series have heavy themes—don’t let assumptions of the “cute talking animals” trope fool you. This isn’t a cute and cozy read aloud for your elementary crowd. On account of the CCs listed below, I’d recommend this from *maybe* 8th grade as the youngest and up. High school and up if you have a child who is sensitive to death and dying, particularly involving animals.


CCs:
Magic: the animals live on an island enveloped by a mysterious, enchanted mist, which can itself actively allow or prevent creatures from arriving on the island. There’s a rather beautiful discussion with regards to magic and its uses in Book 2 between Urchin and Cedar that seems to clarify some questions about the nature of the sorcerer’s power, as well as the power protecting Mistmantle, in which both evil and good are very clearly separated from each other. The animals are anthropomorphized.

Worldview: There is a spiritual aspect to this story, with Brother Fir serving as a spiritual leader/priest throughout, and multiple characters pray to The Heart, blessing in the name of The Heart, seeking protection, comfort, and guidance from The Heart, and a sacred stone, the Heartstone, given to the inhabitants of Mistmantle as a sign of sovereignty; Juniper is taken on as an apprentice to Brother Fir and at one point intentionally impersonates Fir to hear an urgent deathbed confessional as well as using the Heartstone to validate his priestly status, he later repents of both acts; another character who is definitely not a priest or in training to be one comes very close to using the Heartstone almost like a magic charm to ward off evil, but an incredibly important distinction is made and lesson on faith taught—to trust in the Heart itself, not the tool provided as a gift from the Heart;

Romance : Moth, Lugg the mole’s daughter and faithful mole maid to the culling babies, has a boyfriend, a carpenter mole named Twigg, who intends to marry Moth; a character is revealed to have had a secret marriage and secret baby, and who seeks their destruction in favor of marrying another female squirrel;

Disturbing : Central to the entire plot is a traumatized mother whose own baby was culled in the days of Husk is referred to as being broken and unreasonably terrified in her mind, and subsequently she steals the baby princess to ‘keep her safe’; speculation grows that Husk of the first book is not dead but either survived falling into the pit or possibly undead by evil magic; a character is described as having gone insane and threatens to harm or kill others who attempt to help her, she ultimately attacks those who came to her aid and successfully insisted several and ultimately is the cause if death for one; some animals are taken to witness the remains of a dead character to prove that death did indeed occur;

Violence/death : a story is told in a deathbed confession of a character killing his wife and newborn baby by pushing them off a cliff and when only the baby survives, he attempts to drown it (unsuccessfully); a character dies somewhat slowly in order to reveal a confession; a dead characters demise is described according to the body’s remains; a character is unexpectedly attacked and stabbed, he succumbs to his wounds, the descriptions surrounding his heroic death, noble character, and touching memorial are understandably heavy and sad.

If you’re here from the Reshelving Alexandria 52 Book Challenge 2026, the list below has categories this book would fit into:

2. A story with forgiveness after a great betrayal

3. A book with a person who chose mercy over revenge

5. A book with a character who rescues someone in danger

7. A book with rebuilding after loss

9. A story with a community coming together after disaster

13. A book modeling caring for the sick, elderly, or dying

23. A story with a foster or adopted child

24. A book with a character who stands up for someone being bullied

27. A story where a small good deed has a big impact

35. A book about foresight, responsibility, and the effort to avert harm

37. A book with the making of peace after conflict

39. A novel with kindness in a harsh setting

40. A book with sharing food as an act of love

41. A story with patience towards someone who doesn’t deserve it

43. A book with protecting children in crisis

45. A novel where love is proven through action, not words

46. A book with healing within community

47. A story with choosing responsibility over comfort

48. A novel with hope in hopeless circumstances

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really admire this book for its main conflict. After two books where the main villains are elaborate to an almost cartoony fashion, it is really a neat little twist to have the main conflicts be natural disasters, rumors, and distrust.

There is no bad guy that Urchin has to take on - the closest you get to a villain is a mentally ill nurse who is driven to paranoia (and the book makes sure that you pity her instead of wish her dead like with Husk and Silverbirch) and a handful of grumpy Mistmantle residents spreading rumors - and most of it is just Urchin and his close friends trying to save the island of Mistmantle from plague and mudslides.

However, the book's biggest strength is also the biggest weakness, because while it was a nice change of pace to have the "villains" be weak, ordinary townsfolk with no big agenda or giant army at their beck and call...the Mistmantle villains in the first two books were some of the best parts of the previous books and you kind of miss having that antagonist that must be taken down in order to free an entire island of tyranny. Going from assembling a resistance to overthrow a king to watching squirrels tending to the sick or making sure a tunnel doesn't collapse is both a change of pace and, unfortunately, less exciting.

I did like this book, though. I still think the first book is the strongest of the ones I read, but I have yet to be actually disappointed in a Mistmantle book.

This is also the saddest book in the Mistmantle Chronicles so far. One of the main characters loses his mother to this plague, and while she's dying, she gives one of the most heartwrenching deathbed confessions I've read in recent years.

When talking squirrels make me teary-eyed, I consider it good writing.

[Two_Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

When was the last time you ever felt so happy and yet sad to the point where you couldn't help but tear up a little? I'm generally not an emotional man, and yet The Heir of Mistmantle is such a beautifully written work of fiction; I was brought to edge of tears on multiple occasions. McAllister is a master of speaking to the heart.

She somehow manages to impress and improve upon every installment in this series. To date, this book is my favorite. I cannot wait to dive headfirst into the next book. More than ever, I've been given a desire to know where these characters will go next and what incredible challenges they will overcome.

This is easily one of my new favorite books of all time. I give it my highest recommendation to anyone who is interested in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series so far, we read through it much quicker than the first two. I see why reading the first two before this gives it more depth and meaning. There were elements I guessed correctly but some I didn't figure out till it was revealed in the story. I was brought to tears by a significant event that would be a spoiler. While there was heartache in this story it wasn't as dark as the first two. I was also struck by how beautiful the descriptions are as I read aloud. There were so many passages I marked.

"My granny used to say that you have to look at them and think of all your hopes and dreams and ambitions," said Needle. "You sort of keep looking at the stars and looking at your dreams as if the two go together. It's because, when the stars go around the tower, they go out of sight and come back again, and that's the way it can be with your hopes and dreams." pg 15

"The Heart brings good from all things, all things, however impossible that may seem. Bring your wretchedness, your anger, and your unwelcome knowledge to the Heart." "I can't, sir," said Juniper. "You can't yet," said Fir, "but you will. Life consists of doing the impossible." pg 168-169

"Husk chose evil. He wanted power and glory for himself, and he'd do anything to get it. You haven't chosen that way, you've chosen love and loyalty. Look what you did, going to Whitewings! You're loyal to Urchin, even though you're jealous of him. You have excellent qualities. Fir chose you. Your father's blood isn't what makes you who you are. You chose the Heart that loves you, and the Heart keeps you. You are free from your past." pg 193-194

"There was ignorance to fight on this island and a battle within himself. Before he could speak to the islanders, he must face his hurt and anger." pg 198 "Why did anyone think that kingship was about ruling, ordering, and holding power? To him, it was simply looking after the island for his lifetime, nurturing it, being like a father to the island as he was to Catkin." pg 199

"I wish none of it had happened," whispered Juniper. "All the things he did and what he became. But it did, and we can't change the past. We can only make a difference now." pg 239

"It is the child of ignorance. Its name is fear," he said. "Fear! I don't mean the healthy fear that makes you careful, but the overwhelming fear that cripples you! Dearest animals, don't plot and whisper about each other. Fill your lives with the enemies of fear! Take love, take hope, take friendship, take music, take laughter, support one another. The Heart has no room for fear!" pg 247

"When I saw that mirror just now, I didn't know it was me. I look grown up, like a proper member of the Circle. But I don't feel any different inside." "I know," said Padra gently, "that's what it's like, growing up." pg 312

[Christa Cabije · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Find the king, find the queen, find the heir of Mistmantle."

This is my most favorite book out of the five in the series. This was my first-ever read during my childhood, and now I am so hyped to be able to read this with the context of the first two Mistmantle books.

This book features an epidemic, kidnappings, mental health issues, hauntings, and floodings. It is one of the most intense books yet, and I love how McAllister pictures suspense while being able to keep the reader's interest over the switching point-of-views to address different plotlines. Their devotion to the Heart remains stronger than ever. Characters have had major developments since their humble beginnings in the first books.

"Life consists of doing the impossible."

"Dearest animals, don't plot and whisper about each other. Fill your lives with the enemies of fear! Take love, take hope, take friendship, take music, take laughter, support one another. The Heart has no room for fear!"

[R1 Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty good, but I still like the second book better. I never would of expected Lugg to die, though I never really cared about him. I honestly thought that Juniper was the heir of Mistmantle, due to Damson never telling him his heritage, but no! He has to be Husk's son! (I never woulda thought that anyone could be stupid enough to marry Husk, but then Spindrift came into town.) I just want to MAUL Hobbs and Yarrow, but Quill can be excused. I was kinda disapointed that there were no sword fights, but it had a happy ending over all. I hope that nothing bad happens to Catkin in the Raven War. Better get reading!
#Linty, get some therapy!!!!!

[Ethan Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of personal stakes, and man, does this book deliver that. Once again, M.I. McAllister writes an engaging, snappy A-plot. Unfortunately, the B-plot is again lacking. The characters don't really carry the same weight that I wish they did, even though they're all very distinct from one another. Ultimately, it's still a recommended read from me as any three star book is, but not quite universally. If you like the characters and world, you'll probably like this well enough.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, obviously.

The books keep introducing new heartwarming characters, and the sheer kindness and goodness portrayed throughout the book made me cry several times.
I also loved the point this book made about how rumours and fear are tge biggest threats to peace within a society.

I'm so glad there are two more books for me to reread, but I'm also sad there are only two more.

Honestly, it breaks my heart that not more people know this book series.

[Adinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een goed slot, waarin nagenoeg alle nog openstaande vragen worden beantwoord. Deze keer komt het kwaad bovendien niet van buiten het eiland, maar van binnenuit. Sterk uitgangspunt, en een een mooie wereld met sympathieke personages.

[Rosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters

A story reminiscent of The Sword in the Stone: young folks learning the world and how to find their place in it through problem solving and tests. Interesting plot, well developed characters, enjoyable and satisfying story. Highly recommend.

[Nate Duriga · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting kids novel that manages to touch on conspiracy theories, mental illness and health epidemics...while sticking with forest animal characters and their heroic acts.

I double-checked the date, because it seemed like the book of 2020, but it was written over a decade before that !

[Cora Mabry · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, this book is about 100 pages too long.

I really liked Juniper’s character arc in this story, but I didn’t like the reuse of the Husk plot line and the Linty/Catkin plot line. That was sad and honestly kind of disturbing.