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The Mistmantle Chronicles #4
Urchin and the Raven War
After his last adventures, Urchin of the Riding Stars has taken his place as a trusted member of the Circle in King Crispin's court. Life on the island is back to normal, with little Princess Catkin growing up and testing everyone’s patience in the process.
But daily life is disrupted when Lord Arcneck and other inhabitants of Swan Isle come to Mistmantle asking for help. Their home has been taken over by bloodthirsty ravens that are attacking them and ravaging everything in sight.
The brave animals of Mistmantle rush to the aid of their friends, but in doing so, incur the wrath of the invaders upon themselves. The vengeful ravens are powerful and won’t stop until they hunt down and destroy every creature on the island. Only by using all of their courage and cunning will Urchin and his friends stand a chance to preserve life as they know it on their beloved home.
But daily life is disrupted when Lord Arcneck and other inhabitants of Swan Isle come to Mistmantle asking for help. Their home has been taken over by bloodthirsty ravens that are attacking them and ravaging everything in sight.
The brave animals of Mistmantle rush to the aid of their friends, but in doing so, incur the wrath of the invaders upon themselves. The vengeful ravens are powerful and won’t stop until they hunt down and destroy every creature on the island. Only by using all of their courage and cunning will Urchin and his friends stand a chance to preserve life as they know it on their beloved home.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2008
19 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 28, 2023
This fourth book was so intense with the raven war and not knowing who might fall to their sharp talons.
Like the previous Mistmantle books, there were prophecies, heroics, wise words, bloodshed, deception, and so much heart.
This story is bittersweet, but it’s a good one! And I can’t wait to end the series with book 5!
Perfect for fans of LOTR, Narnia, Redwall, and Prydain.
Like the previous Mistmantle books, there were prophecies, heroics, wise words, bloodshed, deception, and so much heart.
This story is bittersweet, but it’s a good one! And I can’t wait to end the series with book 5!
Perfect for fans of LOTR, Narnia, Redwall, and Prydain.
August 31, 2010
Mistmantle! I've missed you so much! Here is another tale of Urchin, Crispin, Padra, Fingal, Cedar, Neddle, Apple - all of the small woodland animals we hold so dear in our hearts. New fascinating characters are introduced as well - Catkin, Corr, and Myrtle take their places in the Mistmantle story tapestry as though they had been there all the time. Although the plot is a clear-cut conflict between good and evil, it is another wonderful romp through the world of Mistmantle. As always, we the readers jeer at the villains, abhor the traitors, and cheer on our chivalrous little heroes with good heart.
March 2, 2024
Another terrific installment of The Mismantle Chronicles! On to the fifth and last book!💕
June 23, 2025
My memory from 15 years ago was that this was even better than the original, the best of the saga. I was totally wrong.
It’s okay, like all of these stories, but it manages to fall somewhat flat in spite of stakes that are supposed to be epic.
The biggest reason is that at this point all the important characters are totally static. They already underwent their inner journey in the first book, and a little in the second, and just a tiny bit in the third.
So at this point the only thing that can happen is “bad guys come”. There should have been more real inner drama to bring out the exterior drama.
It’s okay, like all of these stories, but it manages to fall somewhat flat in spite of stakes that are supposed to be epic.
The biggest reason is that at this point all the important characters are totally static. They already underwent their inner journey in the first book, and a little in the second, and just a tiny bit in the third.
So at this point the only thing that can happen is “bad guys come”. There should have been more real inner drama to bring out the exterior drama.
December 26, 2023
I have really enjoyed reading this series to some grandchildren.
May 10, 2022
Another magical, Mistmantle adventure with my 9yo. I love this series.
April 22, 2024
I honestly had a more difficult time getting through "Urchin and the Raven War" than any of the previous novels in the series, and when I talked to my daughter about it, she admitted that she did too; but she encouraged me to read the last book.
Just a couple of quotes I marked:
"We are being called to fight beyond all that our strength and numbers can do. It's not only their strength and their numbers that we're up against.
It's that powerful, poisonous evil that drives them from inside. It's beyond us. But it's not beyond the Heart. Nothing is--so we call upon the Heart to fight our battle for us, and the Heart will."
"He didn't know whether he would survive this. But he knew that the power that gives life and freedom would live, and the power to kill and devour would destroy itself."
Just a couple of quotes I marked:
"We are being called to fight beyond all that our strength and numbers can do. It's not only their strength and their numbers that we're up against.
It's that powerful, poisonous evil that drives them from inside. It's beyond us. But it's not beyond the Heart. Nothing is--so we call upon the Heart to fight our battle for us, and the Heart will."
"He didn't know whether he would survive this. But he knew that the power that gives life and freedom would live, and the power to kill and devour would destroy itself."
December 13, 2023
I definitely have some quibbles with this book, but on the other hand there are some really good character moments and payoffs that got a smile out of me. And I'm still really enjoying this series - my issues are more along the lines of things that could've been better than things that make it a bad story.
As I said in my review of the first book, one of the things I've really liked about Mistmantle compared to Redwall is that Mistmantle eschews the "good species versus evil species" thing. From the start, there have been noble and evil characters among the squirrels, moles, otters, and hedgehogs. This book diverges from this with the ravens, who are purely evil. There's not a single even slightly conflicted raven character, and instead all are focused wholly on killing and eating. This is to the point that when many ravens are trapped by the animals of Mistmantle, none can be taken prisoner because the ravens turn on each other and tear each other apart. On the one hand, it is interesting to have a very different threat, an existential one that won't rest until all of our heroes are dead. On the other hand, I miss the more complex morality of the other stories.
I also sometimes found the action a bit muddled, though that may be because of the speed at which I read the book. It felt like things jumped around a bit and it wasn't always clear what characters were where or how different locations connected. This has been somewhat true of previous books, but it's more of an issue when depicting a war on an island, where location matters a lot to the flow and pace of the plot.
I did really enjoy the callbacks to previous books. The whole plot is kicked off by the return of the swans from the first book, who are calling on Crispin to help them against the ravens. And Crispin's first wife from that same book features, as her grave is the site of an important battle and, for some reason, the mendingmoss that's introduced to help heal animals from their wounds. There's also finally a big payoff to Gleaner and her protection of Lady Aspen's grave - I never would have expected Gleaner of all characters to And I loved seeing Urchin as the one taking on an apprentice, just as he was apprenticed to Crispin at the start of the series. It feels like a lot of plot threads have come full circle while still leaving room for the story to continue to grow.
So while there are some things I might've liked to see done differently in this book, it was still a really enjoyable installment in the series. And now I'm getting sad that, just like the animals have to say goodbye to one of the characters at the end of this book, I'll have to say goodbye to this series soon. But I'm glad I found it and it's definitely a great hidden gem for anybody who likes animal fantasy.
As I said in my review of the first book, one of the things I've really liked about Mistmantle compared to Redwall is that Mistmantle eschews the "good species versus evil species" thing. From the start, there have been noble and evil characters among the squirrels, moles, otters, and hedgehogs. This book diverges from this with the ravens, who are purely evil. There's not a single even slightly conflicted raven character, and instead all are focused wholly on killing and eating. This is to the point that when many ravens are trapped by the animals of Mistmantle, none can be taken prisoner because the ravens turn on each other and tear each other apart. On the one hand, it is interesting to have a very different threat, an existential one that won't rest until all of our heroes are dead. On the other hand, I miss the more complex morality of the other stories.
I also sometimes found the action a bit muddled, though that may be because of the speed at which I read the book. It felt like things jumped around a bit and it wasn't always clear what characters were where or how different locations connected. This has been somewhat true of previous books, but it's more of an issue when depicting a war on an island, where location matters a lot to the flow and pace of the plot.
I did really enjoy the callbacks to previous books. The whole plot is kicked off by the return of the swans from the first book, who are calling on Crispin to help them against the ravens. And Crispin's first wife from that same book features, as her grave is the site of an important battle and, for some reason, the mendingmoss that's introduced to help heal animals from their wounds. There's also finally a big payoff to Gleaner and her protection of Lady Aspen's grave - I never would have expected Gleaner of all characters to And I loved seeing Urchin as the one taking on an apprentice, just as he was apprenticed to Crispin at the start of the series. It feels like a lot of plot threads have come full circle while still leaving room for the story to continue to grow.
So while there are some things I might've liked to see done differently in this book, it was still a really enjoyable installment in the series. And now I'm getting sad that, just like the animals have to say goodbye to one of the characters at the end of this book, I'll have to say goodbye to this series soon. But I'm glad I found it and it's definitely a great hidden gem for anybody who likes animal fantasy.
June 17, 2025
Another really good one in the series. It was hard at times to read about the cruelty of the ravens but it wasn't graphic. A lot happens in the book but it is the characters that I have come to love that really connect me with the story. It is strange in some ways to have Urchin and his peers growing up as in some ways it seems so little time has passed since we started the first book and "met" them. Catkin reminded me so much of the daughter I am reading this aloud to and she knew it.
[Catkin] "I want to do things for myself, by myself. Big, brave things." "Most of life is doing little things," said Cedar gently, "and doing them really well." "They might be little brave things," said Crispin. pg 30
"There were times when he hated being king, especially at times like this, when he had to take risks with the lives of brave animals who were dear to him. But if he were to die today, it would not be a scrap of a life that was laid down. It would be the life of a king of Mistmantle, offered to the Heart in a cry for the island." pg 103
"Your father and I have different ways of doing things," said Crispin. "He believes that the animals are there for the king, and I believe that the king is there for the animals. I don't want animals to die for me, but because I'm king-if necessary-I'd die for the animals. That's being king. At least, it is here." There was a silence as Crown's eyes met his. "When I'm king," said Crown quietly, and sounding a little embarrassed, "I want to be a king like you." pg 260
pg 255 second line is missing an "i" in little
[Catkin] "I want to do things for myself, by myself. Big, brave things." "Most of life is doing little things," said Cedar gently, "and doing them really well." "They might be little brave things," said Crispin. pg 30
"There were times when he hated being king, especially at times like this, when he had to take risks with the lives of brave animals who were dear to him. But if he were to die today, it would not be a scrap of a life that was laid down. It would be the life of a king of Mistmantle, offered to the Heart in a cry for the island." pg 103
"Your father and I have different ways of doing things," said Crispin. "He believes that the animals are there for the king, and I believe that the king is there for the animals. I don't want animals to die for me, but because I'm king-if necessary-I'd die for the animals. That's being king. At least, it is here." There was a silence as Crown's eyes met his. "When I'm king," said Crown quietly, and sounding a little embarrassed, "I want to be a king like you." pg 260
pg 255 second line is missing an "i" in little
September 18, 2022
At first I thought that I liked this book less than the others in the series, because it is so much more violent and graphic. But as I finished it now, I felt the beauty, the realness and the peace around it.
How could I not love how much these animals care for each other and look out for each other? The message is so clear to me - be kind, be brave, be honest. Love the people around you, and love yourself, too. Be thankful for what life has to offer.
I know these books draw heavy on Christian allegory which I'm usually not the biggest fan of. But I grew up Christian as well, and in these books I see all the things that I stand behind that are integral parts of Christianity - to love thy neighbour, to have faith in the good in the world, to do the right thing, even if it is difficult or requires bravery. And, again and again, it shows forgiveness and acceptance for people that are different from us and who have chosen different paths. These books might be the closest thing I have to a bible.
How could I not love how much these animals care for each other and look out for each other? The message is so clear to me - be kind, be brave, be honest. Love the people around you, and love yourself, too. Be thankful for what life has to offer.
I know these books draw heavy on Christian allegory which I'm usually not the biggest fan of. But I grew up Christian as well, and in these books I see all the things that I stand behind that are integral parts of Christianity - to love thy neighbour, to have faith in the good in the world, to do the right thing, even if it is difficult or requires bravery. And, again and again, it shows forgiveness and acceptance for people that are different from us and who have chosen different paths. These books might be the closest thing I have to a bible.
June 21, 2023
"We will win, King Crispin, because it's impossible."
For some reason, despite the title having a literal war in its name, I find this book to be the chillest book of the series. Maybe because the story's enemy feels like someone that could be easily defeated. Or perhaps because the enemies' motivations are simply not strong enough to overpower the heroes'. But in spite of all that, this was still an entertaining read. Little did I know that this was only the beginning of an end. This story is the calm before the ultimate storm, which is the fifth and final book after this.
Book 4 features more betrayals, an inter-island war, manipulations of a prophecy, and just the Mistmantle island animals being exasperated over the things they have experienced over the last few books. As per usual, their faith in the Heart remains to be one of the highlights, and I will never tire of reading about their devotion to it.
For some reason, despite the title having a literal war in its name, I find this book to be the chillest book of the series. Maybe because the story's enemy feels like someone that could be easily defeated. Or perhaps because the enemies' motivations are simply not strong enough to overpower the heroes'. But in spite of all that, this was still an entertaining read. Little did I know that this was only the beginning of an end. This story is the calm before the ultimate storm, which is the fifth and final book after this.
Book 4 features more betrayals, an inter-island war, manipulations of a prophecy, and just the Mistmantle island animals being exasperated over the things they have experienced over the last few books. As per usual, their faith in the Heart remains to be one of the highlights, and I will never tire of reading about their devotion to it.
January 30, 2024
I loved this book. The two new children of Crispin and Cedar, Oakleaf and Almondflower, are both very cute, but not very important characters. Catkin always knows how to make herself a main character, but she much different since she grew up. I wish Juniper had more star moments, though. I was biting my nails every time there was a raven fight, because I though Crispin's gonna die! Crispin's gonna die! but I'm glad that he didn't. Myrtle's Royalty's gonna die made me sure that Crispin or Catkin was gonna die, but what do you know! the symbol meant that the Silver Prince was gonna die from Gleaner chucking a dagger in his throat! I'm also surprised that Apple and Filbert got married! Well, on to
Urchin and the Rage Tide!
Urchin and the Rage Tide!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2021
Normally, I prefer more personal stakes for a story, like in Mistmantle Book Three, rather than the all out war of this book. M.I. McAllister thankfully seemed to predict that and crafts a war to remember. The way she interlocks personal stakes with every character amplifies the feeling that the fate of the Isle of Mistmantle hangs in the balance. While there are some inconsistencies with character perspective, this is easily the second best Mistmantle book.
March 27, 2023
Perfect. Phenomenal. This series is a true love letter to Redwall, and it fills the corners of my heart that Jacques' series left behind. Like - I can't complain about the end of a 22 book series, it had to end sometime, but I will still never be able to stop seeking out more of Redwall, and this is exactly what I crave. Beautiful in it's own right, and everything I miss every time I pick up a book that isn't Redwall.
April 14, 2023
Another excellent installment in the Mistmantle Chronicles. The quality of the writing and the storytelling are surprisingly even throughout this series: none of them stand out to me as particularly better or worse than any of the others. I love them all! In each book we see lovable characters facing difficult challenges and learning to stand up for truth and right, regardless of the dangers.
June 3, 2018
AMAZING................... CLIFF HANGER
April 13, 2020
Must read!
September 28, 2021
I loved this one more than the previous,
January 15, 2023
Oh my goodness, this was my favorite one yet!
December 20, 2023
A great continuation of the Mistmantle series!
February 9, 2024
The family loved it, very gruesome in places
Want to read
December 31, 2024O
June 18, 2025
Family read aloud. Loved!
July 18, 2025
Nearly non-stop action in this one!
November 21, 2025
Another thrilling adventure! On to book 5.
January 30, 2010
Once again M.I. McAllister provides us with a wonderful adventure of Urchin and his friends. While Mistmantle is attacked by savage ravens screeching "Kill and Destroy," it easy to visualize the courage and terror felt by the animals of the island.
I enjoyed the introduction of Corr and the overall plot and action of the book. I was caught up in their desperation to save Mistmantle. I liked the ongoing character development of Catkin and the growing importance of Fingal. Each chapter jumped around to different animals or areas of the island. While that definatly portrayed the fury of action, I think the story suffered a bit from it. I felt that we "lost" a few characters. Urchin included. Until near the end of the book, he didn't even seem a main player. The book indicated that Needle, Sepia and Juniper were busy but I often found myself asking where they were and what they were feeling. There are a lot of key players in this series (and adding more with each book), so I know that we can't feel connected with all of them all the time but I was left not feeling a strong connection with any of them. Also, it must be said, as the younger crowd becomes more and more important on the island, the original characters have faded a little into the background. I understand that is the natural progession of a series but I do love Padra and missed his wisdom and wit!
I enjoyed the introduction of Corr and the overall plot and action of the book. I was caught up in their desperation to save Mistmantle. I liked the ongoing character development of Catkin and the growing importance of Fingal. Each chapter jumped around to different animals or areas of the island. While that definatly portrayed the fury of action, I think the story suffered a bit from it. I felt that we "lost" a few characters. Urchin included. Until near the end of the book, he didn't even seem a main player. The book indicated that Needle, Sepia and Juniper were busy but I often found myself asking where they were and what they were feeling. There are a lot of key players in this series (and adding more with each book), so I know that we can't feel connected with all of them all the time but I was left not feeling a strong connection with any of them. Also, it must be said, as the younger crowd becomes more and more important on the island, the original characters have faded a little into the background. I understand that is the natural progession of a series but I do love Padra and missed his wisdom and wit!
July 14, 2012
All is peaceful on the isle of Mistmantle until the arrival of longtime friend Lord Archneck, the leader-swan from Swan Isle. His island has been attacked by ravens and he has come to ask for help from King Crispin and the creatures of Mistmantle. The request cannot be denied and our Mistmantle friends go to defeat Lord Archneck’s enemies. Little do they know this will cause them to be the next target for these noisy, clamoring, self-centered black birds. The battle is on! A perfect backdrop for friendship, loyalty, quick thinking and heroism of ordinary, everyday characters we know and ones we will be meeting for the first time.
*Design your own tapestry to tell your story.
http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery...
Science: There are many different animals in this fourth book of Mistmantle. Choose one to learn more about. Why not try ravens, swans, or hedgehogs.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/An...
http://www.shades-of-night.com/aviary...
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com...
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/An...
Website Connections: Check out the Mistmantle website for more information!
www.mistmantle.co.uk
*Design your own tapestry to tell your story.
http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery...
Science: There are many different animals in this fourth book of Mistmantle. Choose one to learn more about. Why not try ravens, swans, or hedgehogs.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/An...
http://www.shades-of-night.com/aviary...
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com...
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/An...
Website Connections: Check out the Mistmantle website for more information!
www.mistmantle.co.uk
July 19, 2010
I gotta say after reading this book I officially started to hate ravens. Such bloody creatures, even in real life...
Mc Allister is unstoppable when it comes to animal fantasy books. I gotta say that it tops the ones that are famous that's for sure, as I enjoy thisseries way more. The style continues in the same direction, and unlike some/most authors I know she doesn't ruin the next book in the series by making it rushed, choppy or boring - it continues to have the same free-flowing format.
The characters are so easily lovable it can be at times even scary. The story, though it seems boring and only for girls who like animals, can be even read by guys who enjoy animal stories, so if you're a guy and thinking that you can't read/won't like this book, go off, find a copy and read it to see that you're so wrong.
I can now say that I'll love the next book also, and will buy it as soon as it comes out
Mc Allister is unstoppable when it comes to animal fantasy books. I gotta say that it tops the ones that are famous that's for sure, as I enjoy thisseries way more. The style continues in the same direction, and unlike some/most authors I know she doesn't ruin the next book in the series by making it rushed, choppy or boring - it continues to have the same free-flowing format.
The characters are so easily lovable it can be at times even scary. The story, though it seems boring and only for girls who like animals, can be even read by guys who enjoy animal stories, so if you're a guy and thinking that you can't read/won't like this book, go off, find a copy and read it to see that you're so wrong.
I can now say that I'll love the next book also, and will buy it as soon as it comes out
February 13, 2009
Urchin and the Raven War is the fourth book in the Mistmantle Chronicles series. In this book the island of Mistmantle comes to the aid of the swans and other creatures of Swan Isle when they are attacked by vicious ravens. But, after they help rid Swan Isle of the ravens, the birds quickly set their sights on Mistmantle and attack full force. The animals of Mistmantle fight bravely to save their island from the attacking ravens. With the help of a few special creatures Mistmantle is returned to peace. Another wonderful book in this creative series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews