Beneath the Weeping Clouds

Riders of the Realm #3

by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

From the author of the Guardian Herd series comes the final book in a thrilling fantasy adventure trilogy that SLJ called “perfect for fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series.”

Echofrost, Shysong, and all of Storm Herd are finally free, but their freedom came with a price. Sandwen Rider Rahkki Stormrunner has been captured by the Gorlan giants, who are quickly losing their patience with the Fifth Clan. With Rahkki in grave danger, Storm Herd must join forces with the humans they have long feared to save him.

And as sweeping monsoon rains threaten to ravage the region, enemies and friends, tame steeds and wild, will have to engage in one final battle to decide the fate of all three groups—the Sandwens, the giants, and the pegasi.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Horses, Animals, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens

432 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2019

About the author

I 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)

Reviews

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did love this series even if it's a bit childish. I thought it had a great plot and really showed character development. I loved how there was so many things revealed and that so much could be kept hidden for so long. I also loved Dewberry and she really became my favorite character in this book. I was a great ending but it did leave me wanting more.

[Liahona Whittle]

I loved it!!!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so amazing at 4.8 stars!

[David Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to a great trilogy!

It took me nearly two months to read, but I finally finished it. It was both awesome and tense, but I loved every bit of it. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appropriate for: age 12+

I didn't like the way some things happened in the book, but I really liked it anyway.

[Thunder girl Gaming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, especially The Guardian Herd and Riders of the Realm series. Every book was exciting and once I turned page one of each book, I found I was sucked into the story and was stuck. I had to force myself out to get on with my life but still had the books on my mind. I fell in love with Star and Morningleaf at the beginning. At some points I found myself laughing, crying, and yelling with the characters. When I learned about the Riders of the Realm books, I got them and read through them for hours. I loved Rahkki and I'lenna. I was sad that Echofrost (Sula) and Rahkki and Shysong (Firo) and I'lenna would one day separate but at the same time was excited for StormHerd to finally settle down and Echofrost and Hazelwind to finally start a family. I was surprised when I learned about Windheart and Thornblaze, Dewberry and Bumblewind's beautiful twin foals, I guess because Bumblewind was so young. I have been wondering one thing though. Why, if only Star and Nightwing, (well, and Riversun, Nightwing and Petalcloud's filly) had black coats and feathers, then why did Shysong and Dreal have black tipped feathers, and why did Ilan have black spots and black edged feathers? I pay attention to how every pegasus looks because I like to draw them, and make up my own characters as well. :) I did like the last book, but at the end, I did feel like it was rushed to be finished. I also felt the story was unfinished. It would be nice if there was a continuing story all about how they settled in their new home.
I also think there should be a story about Riversun. She was born with a black pelt, had a few questions about what would happen to her and then there was nothing else said about her. I do have an idea for the continuing story on Riversun, but I do not have the skills or patience to write it down as a book. Maybe she could have powers like the golden and silver starfire but more powerful and different, because she doesn't get her power from the hundred year star, but instead she gets her power from the moon. Moonfire is different from Starfire. I dont exactly know how, but I think if Jennifer gets this idea, and decides to take it to action, then she can plant my idea into pages of a book and let it bloom into a beautiful and exciting story like she has for The Guardian Herd and the Riders of the Realm books.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to make this a review of the series as a whole. It was surprisingly better than I expected - I've gotten VERY disillusioned with "The Special Child and His/Her Special Horse/Pegasi/Unicorn" subgenre - and I finished the series quickly. I enjoyed the characters and their development; the Sandwen culture was intriguing; and the conflict and setpieces were engaging. However, imo, the first series was better, especially comparing the final books of both.

One of my biggest issues was how BtWC wrapped up too quickly. **Minor/ Major Spoilers** What becomes of I'Lenna and her family? Why didn't we get to see the future of Fifth Clan and Storm Herd? Also, the way Rakkhi lives among the giants is rushed, too. Not only are the cultures not fleshed out as much as they should've been, but one (admittedly big) mistake from Rakkhi and, boom, they're just simple antagonists until the end of the story. It's just so reductionist, and it reads like the authoress just really wanted to be done by the third book.

Honestly, this last book would've really benefitted from two or three more chapters, and I think that making it another quartet (like devoting a book to Rakkhi and the giants, or split it between that, Rakkhi surviving the jungle, or hiding out somewhere in Daakur) would've done wonders. And on that note, some pieces of the plot just fall a little too easily into place. Some of the luck Rakkhi encounters, especially since these books never get too deeply into magic or the religion and spirituality of the Sandwen peoples, is just unbelievable enough to break my immersion. It isn't terrible, imo; just noticeably contrived. If he'd matured more and gained more skills either with the giants, journeying through the jungle, living among another culture, or all three, and some of those bits of luck were him applying more of what he'd learned instead of pure fortune or vague foreshadowing, it would've left a sweeter taste in my mouth.

Overall, though, this is a good addition to the Guardian Herd series, if missing some of the potential I'd come to expect since the first series. I look forward to more, especially a series about Riversun.

[Ashley N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, this was a satisfying end to the series. I do have a few issues with the giants' story line; Alvarez created a rich little culture that is deeply misunderstood and villainized. Rahkki's encounter and his ignorance is both wonderful and frustrating on both parties' part. While he is captive, he learns so much about a culture he was completely wrong about, yet after his stay he still ends up blundering in a huge way. He is a child, and importantly, human; yet his mistake is considered unforgivable. It's a good lesson to learn that even being ignorant doesn't excuse insults. However, the lesson is lost because, as the reader, we know that Rahkki's intent was good and even though the action was a terrible faux pas, we sympathize heavily with Rahkki instead of the giants. The ending for the giants was also rushed and didn't feel like the two sides came to an understanding--it was just brute force and luck for the "happy ending" that happened. I would have liked to see the two species come to a common understanding in a different way.

The ending as a whole felt rushed. I would have loved a few more chapters that focused solely on Echofrost and herd, settling into their new home, and more about the future relationship between human and pegasi. (Like, maybe Echofrost returning in a few years to show Rahkki her foal... maybe a new series???) I'm just not ready to leave this world behind. For any of the faults, I still think this series was very enjoyable.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only disappointment I felt was when I reached the end and realized there would be no 4th book! This was really a great, satisfying conclusion to the series. I really loved the different cultures clashing and trying to learn to exist together. The time the main character spent with the giants was very interesting to me, and I felt such anguish at the cultural faux pas that he committed. I wish at the end there had been a way the two sides could have reached an understanding, rather than it feeling like a deus ex machina that the fighting was halted.

I really hope that the ending is setting up for a sequel series, because I enjoyed hearing the description of the new land the pegasi want to colonize and I was disappointed we didn't get to see them actually arrive there. Likewise I was excited that the giants would get back their land and that the humans would have a new queen, but I was disappointed that we didn't get to see any of that start to happen. The ending seemed to come a bit too soon, I wanted more!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Riders of the Realm: Beneath the Weeping Clouds, this 3 part fantasy comes to a heart pounding conclusion. Our warrior, Rahkki Stormrunner who has freed the captured wild pegasi of Storm Herd has himself now been captured by the monstrous Gorlan Giants. The pegasi of Storm Herd must work together with the Sandwen Clan whom they distrust, to free Rahkki from the giants. So the final battle begins between the Sandwens, the pegasi and the giants who have waited long enough for the return of their stolen land. It seems imposible that help will arrive in time to save Rahkki who is braver, stronger and smarter than he knows. He will have to be in order to survive.

[Ember Fire Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series and the original one. If I'm being honest, I wasn't expecting to like Riders of the Realm as it added humans into the pegasi world, but I fooled myself, I loved it!

This book was a blast, following Rahkki, Echofrost, and I'Lenna (sorry if I misspelled anything). If you enjoyed this series so far, give this one a read, as it finishes the story!

I also loved that Storm herd played more of a role instead of just being captured. Dewberry's twins are adorable! The fact that Redfire saved Rahkki, and that Storm Herd helped the rebel villagers/soldiers escape the eighth tower.

[Willow_Tree101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book! The ending finally finished without a cliffhanger and even cried myself to sleep. I know what it feels like to have a close friend who has stuck by your side through the worst fly away. I love in Texas and my bff moved in October to Colorado. I hope another series starts off from Storm Herds point of view. This has been my most favorite series since I started reading and am beginning to save up for renewed series of Guardian Herd because my other ones are falling apart after a year of non stop reading. Keep it up Alvarez!! Love everything you do!!

[Lily Scarlet · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining read! I liked the fast paced ending. I also liked e resolution; it summed up everything in a way that made sense and wasn’t too predictable. Again, I probably would not read this series again, but it was very fun to read. I love the maps and the descriptions of the characters at the beginning; they are incredibly helpful.
Favorite Characters:
Brauk
Rizah
Tuni
Ossi
Rahkki (obv.)
All the Kihlari
All of Storm Herd
Dewberry
Thornblaze and Windheart

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, I think. Plot was good, characters were good, writing style was good. Overall it was just a fun read, a satisfying conclusion, definitely worth reading at least once.

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Worm of the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entire series and the ending was perfect. I cried at Rahkki and Sula/Echofrost’s playfulness before their goodbye but I was happy the way the story ended.

[Em07 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. It has my sister name it and same spelling as my sister. Love the new character name miah ( maya).

[Natalie Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have done it and read all 7 books in the series. And this book was a good end for series/arch 2.
And let me just say that Echofrost has always been my #1 favorite character since the very first book in “The Guardian Herd”. And i love reading her adventures in the Realms. And learning to trust again and gain an amazing bond with her rider.
My least favorite character would be I’Lenna but that mostly have to do with different opinion on whether or not to save your parent who abuse you, have you be whip in the back for helping the poor, won’t hesitate to try and have you killed by any means, slap you in the face, and manipulate you. But like i say different opinion.
I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t any main villains’s death like in “The Guardian Herd” (now that was satisfying). Other then imprisonment and future trail; their fates is left to the reader’s interpretation on whether some will be exiled or executed. Which is fine since it can be a nice break if your tired of the main villains always getting killed eventually.
The ending could have been a bit more emotional if they done a sendoff like in the movie “How to Train Your Dragon 3”, but it was nice having a one last time bonding moment with Echofrost & Rahkki at the end.
It was cool to learn things about the Giants culture and how they live. I especially love the Signed Language since i use to take classes in it back in High School.
When it comes to romance no one get together in the end, but there are plenty of hints of characters having feelings for each other. But none became a couple or confess. It gets forgotten very easy.
I also really love the final battle more then the one from the first arch. But despite the cover they don’t actually fight against or alongside the Giants. Instead peace was made with them at the very end in a clever perfect coincidence way.

Unlike “The Guardian Herd” Arch, you are allowed to get attached to any of the main & side characters, since literally no one dies (except for background characters, but you don’t know who they are so who cares).
Unlike the 6 book where only one dies (which i’m still sad about).
I was hoping there would be an epilogue for the last book but then again “The Guardian Herd” didn’t have that, so how life goes on for these characters are left to the reader’s interpretation/imagination.
But for me personally I really wish this isn’t the end and that any unanswered questions in “Riders of The Realms” would finally be answered or complete instead of incomplete in a new Arch.
I’m hoping that the author would write another Arch since just like with the first Arch “The Guardian Herd” she left a lot of things incomplete and potential new continue story. But if i had to choose i would be more interested in the Pegasi from “The Guardian Herd”’s story.
Especially about Nightwing’s only daughter. But mostly having a prequel about the official origins of Nightwing. And the one that comes as a paperback with one of the 3 first book, doesn’t count since that was more of a “What did he think of Star when he first meet him face to face”

I am curious as to who is the father of Rahkki & I’Lenna since the very first book. But i think i can assume that it’s probably one of those things in which; “ It’s a random person (more then one possibly) who only job is to reproduce or impregnated the queen, and is not important at all to the point that if the Royal Family were to be evacuated in a emergency then that person would be on their own since they are not important or part of the family.”(at least if you were a guy). I believe there is a actual word for that sort of job but i don’t know it. Especially for a guy instead of a girl (who is not a queen mind you, not even married)

But overall it is still a fun and enjoyable book to read. Just hope things would be complete and have answered, cause if you don’t do those things then that just means it’s not over.