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Riders of the Realm #2
Through the Untamed Sky
After winning the wild pegasus mare named Echofrost in a contest, Rahkki Stormrunner becomes an official Rider in the Sky Guard army. But Rahkki is terrified of heights, and Echofrost is still difficult to tame. And with Echofrost’s herd captured by the giants and the growing threat of battle looming over the Realm, the new pair will have to work through their fears in order to fly with the army and free the herd.
Meanwhile, back in Rahkki’s village, rebellion is brewing, and Rahkki learns there is a sinister plot to overthrow Queen Lilliam. But the queen suspects Rahkki’s behind it, and he is under intense watch.
As Rahkki and Echofrost travel to Mount Crim to free Storm Herd, Rahkki fears that the greatest danger may not come from the impending battle against the giants, but from within his own clan.
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez takes readers on another action-packed adventure, where mystery abounds and threats are around every corner—and it will take trust, loyalty, and ultimately the deep friendship between pegasi and humans to survive.
Meanwhile, back in Rahkki’s village, rebellion is brewing, and Rahkki learns there is a sinister plot to overthrow Queen Lilliam. But the queen suspects Rahkki’s behind it, and he is under intense watch.
As Rahkki and Echofrost travel to Mount Crim to free Storm Herd, Rahkki fears that the greatest danger may not come from the impending battle against the giants, but from within his own clan.
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez takes readers on another action-packed adventure, where mystery abounds and threats are around every corner—and it will take trust, loyalty, and ultimately the deep friendship between pegasi and humans to survive.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2019
48 people are currently reading
278 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)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2019
This book had so much emotion. I loved following Echofrost and Rhakki on their confusing journey through love, hope, courage, trust, and search for freedom. I loved meeting new characters that Alvarez introduced and seeing more of old favorites. This book follows Echofrost as she works to save Storm herd, but at the same time wrestles with how much she is willing to give for Rhakki. Rhakki is trying to figure out what really happened to his mother and who and what his friends stand for: to keep Lilliam as queen, or overthrow her? Both Echofrost and Rhakki discover more about themselves and discover what freedom, friendship, and family (or a herd) really means. Loved it!
Read
July 21, 2019It is a wonderful sequel to the first book, full of adventure, betrayal, and mysteries unraveled. I seriously can’t wait until the last book comes out!!
July 15, 2019
4.5 stars
Like with other books by Jennifer, I consumed this. And like with the others, this ends on such a cliff hanger! Through the Untamed Sky is a lot more political then the first book in the series, and focuses more on the "landwalkers" than pegasus. This was slightly disappointing, but I do enjoy reading how Echofrost's and Rahkki's relationship blossoms. It's not the most surprising or maybe original plots, and I can sort of predict how the author might end the series, but the journey is very enjoyable, and that's the important part of any series.
Like with other books by Jennifer, I consumed this. And like with the others, this ends on such a cliff hanger! Through the Untamed Sky is a lot more political then the first book in the series, and focuses more on the "landwalkers" than pegasus. This was slightly disappointing, but I do enjoy reading how Echofrost's and Rahkki's relationship blossoms. It's not the most surprising or maybe original plots, and I can sort of predict how the author might end the series, but the journey is very enjoyable, and that's the important part of any series.
Read
September 29, 2020Great second book
It took a while to finish, but I got it done. I finished it nearly a year ago, but I only now can write a review. The third book is just as good, but this one is amazing. I love the back-and-forth between points of view. I highly recommend it for horse lovers and fans if the original Guardian Herd series.
It took a while to finish, but I got it done. I finished it nearly a year ago, but I only now can write a review. The third book is just as good, but this one is amazing. I love the back-and-forth between points of view. I highly recommend it for horse lovers and fans if the original Guardian Herd series.
August 7, 2020
This particular book out of the series is my favorite. It’s really not how you would picture pegasus, goblins, and people, but it’s the best Pegasus book I’ve ever read. And if your like me and love a good book about Pegasus than you’ll love this book.
October 8, 2022
I actually really liked this book. I'm not entirely sure what I liked so much about it, but it may have had something to do with Princess I'Lenna. I really like her. I look forward to the next book!
July 25, 2019
My name is Rahkki, and I must help Sula free her captured pegasi herd from the giants. However, I must learn to ride her first, and my fear of heights complicates things. I've also learned there are rebels plotting to overthrow the queen, and I've been approached to become a rebel leader. I don't want to get involved, since the queen already wants to see me dead. I've survived an assassination attempt, and I've been put into other situations where I was likely to die. Many people think I have magical powers now, and I'm discovering it may be best not to correct them. Even the queen is fearful that I can control dragons. She's decided I'm going to lead the land armies against the giants and dragons even though I have no training. In her mind, if all works well, I'll be killed.
The summary above describes the gist of the plot, but there are many other issues. Rahkki learns that his mother may be alive which would be a big problem for the queen. However, if she's alive, why hasn't she returned? Sula injured Rahkki's brother in book one, and that has created problems. Rahkki is smitten with the queen's daughter, and she may be deceiving him. What is she up to? The entire adventure is told through the eyes of Rahkki, a "landwalker", and Sula, a pegasus. Sula is a main character and is known as Echofrost to the other pegasi. The author freely uses both names depending on the other characters involved. Echofrost's entire focus is on saving the herd, and she once swore she'd kill Rahkki someday. Rahkki's kind ways are slowly changing her, and she's surprised that they might actually become friends. She's always wanted to be free, but what does that actually mean? Overall, I'm enjoying the series, and you really need read Across the Dark Water first. Unfortunately, I'll need to wait a year for the next book in the series to be published.
The summary above describes the gist of the plot, but there are many other issues. Rahkki learns that his mother may be alive which would be a big problem for the queen. However, if she's alive, why hasn't she returned? Sula injured Rahkki's brother in book one, and that has created problems. Rahkki is smitten with the queen's daughter, and she may be deceiving him. What is she up to? The entire adventure is told through the eyes of Rahkki, a "landwalker", and Sula, a pegasus. Sula is a main character and is known as Echofrost to the other pegasi. The author freely uses both names depending on the other characters involved. Echofrost's entire focus is on saving the herd, and she once swore she'd kill Rahkki someday. Rahkki's kind ways are slowly changing her, and she's surprised that they might actually become friends. She's always wanted to be free, but what does that actually mean? Overall, I'm enjoying the series, and you really need read Across the Dark Water first. Unfortunately, I'll need to wait a year for the next book in the series to be published.
August 16, 2019
Ms. Alvarez becomes a stronger and more competent writer with each book she publishes. I feel like I've been watching her grow as a person since reading her first book. The plot of the Riders of the Realm books is engaging and keeps me turning the page until the end.
Comparing Riders of the Realm to her first series, The Guardian Herd, I feel like the characters in this book are more compelling. Even the antagonists make choices that make sense to them, and the reasons for their actions are explained to us in a sensible way. Few characters are painted in a one-dimensional strictly 'good' or 'evil' way.
I really liked that the issues in this story have no simple solutions. Every choice has consequences, both good and bad, and once the characters make a choice they must face the realty of what that will mean.
I really enjoyed how the characters evolve and grow in a natural, fluid way. I definitely believed in the relationship that develops between Echofrost and Rahkki. How she hates the ones she has met in this new land upon first arrival, and how she has come to sympathize and even love Rahkki as the story has unfoldded.
The climax was one of my favorite from all her books so far. Ms. Alvarez I feel really captured the confusion of the battlefield, and how quickly 'us' versus 'them' can flip a conflict in an instant. I really look forward to the next book.
Comparing Riders of the Realm to her first series, The Guardian Herd, I feel like the characters in this book are more compelling. Even the antagonists make choices that make sense to them, and the reasons for their actions are explained to us in a sensible way. Few characters are painted in a one-dimensional strictly 'good' or 'evil' way.
I really liked that the issues in this story have no simple solutions. Every choice has consequences, both good and bad, and once the characters make a choice they must face the realty of what that will mean.
I really enjoyed how the characters evolve and grow in a natural, fluid way. I definitely believed in the relationship that develops between Echofrost and Rahkki. How she hates the ones she has met in this new land upon first arrival, and how she has come to sympathize and even love Rahkki as the story has unfoldded.
The climax was one of my favorite from all her books so far. Ms. Alvarez I feel really captured the confusion of the battlefield, and how quickly 'us' versus 'them' can flip a conflict in an instant. I really look forward to the next book.
January 2, 2020
Riders of the Realm book 2. Twelve-year-old Rahkki has just won a contest by riding a wild pegasus, Echofrost. Now the mare that paralyzed his brother is his responsibility and he must be paired with her and join the Sky Guard that protects the kingdom. Echofrost is struggling at being controlled by Landwalkers while her wild herd is being held captive by giants. The new queen, that ousted Rahkki's mother, is quickly losing the favor of the people and her daughter, I'Lenna, is up to something. When the queen orders the army to take the wild herd from the giants in order to sell them, it's up to Rahkki and Echofrost to learn to work together in order to save them.
Teaching considerations: AR level 5.4, 10 points. This fantasy novel will hit the mark with grades 4 – 7. There are multiple examples of foreshadowing and it could be used to reinforce this concept. This is really designed more as an independent reading novel, but could be used in a small literature circle for students interested in fantasy, horses and adventure.
Teaching considerations: AR level 5.4, 10 points. This fantasy novel will hit the mark with grades 4 – 7. There are multiple examples of foreshadowing and it could be used to reinforce this concept. This is really designed more as an independent reading novel, but could be used in a small literature circle for students interested in fantasy, horses and adventure.
April 7, 2020
Personally I loved this book. I know it's probably a bit childish, but I love fantasy and action and this book was perfect for that. I loved how this book was done as it managed to tell so much while keeping so much hidden to be revealed later. I also loved all the symbols and connections made throughout the story. It was a great book to read and it really helped me to start getting inspiration again.
December 21, 2022
This was also pretty good! I liked how fast paced it was. I probably would not want to re-read it but it was fun in the moment.
#ReadItInTwoDays
The ending is heartbreaking. Like no joke a bajillion cliffhangers.
Can't wait for the next book!
Favorite Characters:
Firo (Shysong)
Sula (Echofrost)
Rahkki
Brim
Brauk
All of Storm Herd
Dewberry
#ReadItInTwoDays
The ending is heartbreaking. Like no joke a bajillion cliffhangers.
Can't wait for the next book!
Favorite Characters:
Firo (Shysong)
Sula (Echofrost)
Rahkki
Brim
Brauk
All of Storm Herd
Dewberry
September 11, 2021
4.5 stars
October 14, 2021
I loved reading this book! I'm so happy that this series has kept its charm, now off I go to read the next one!
July 28, 2022
Alright! This was a great read. I couldn’t put it down. I read in two days and I love the different feels it gave me. Can wait to start the next one.
December 30, 2020
Appropriate for: age 12+
December 31, 2020
Reading this series aloud to my daughter and she can’t wait for the next book. Enjoyable characters and engaging plot with fast action and interest. Recommend for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews