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The Rose Legacy #3
The Rider's Reign
The conclusion to Jessica Day George's fantasy series about a girl using her ability to communicate with horses to save the future of her kingdom.
Anthea and her friends are on a mission. Anthea's mother has kidnapped a Coronami princess, the herd stallion, and half a dozen more horses--enough to start her own herd. Suspecting that she is making a deal with the antagonistic emperor of the neighboring land, Kronenhof, Anthea and her friends race there to meet with the emperor and try to find Princess Margaret and the horses.
But they don't have much time before Coronam declares war against Kronenhof, which would leave Anthea and her companions trapped in a hostile country. Will they be able to outmaneuver Anthea's mother, who has always been one step ahead of them? And what should they do about the rumors of wild horses in Kronenhof's forests?
Anthea and her friends are on a mission. Anthea's mother has kidnapped a Coronami princess, the herd stallion, and half a dozen more horses--enough to start her own herd. Suspecting that she is making a deal with the antagonistic emperor of the neighboring land, Kronenhof, Anthea and her friends race there to meet with the emperor and try to find Princess Margaret and the horses.
But they don't have much time before Coronam declares war against Kronenhof, which would leave Anthea and her companions trapped in a hostile country. Will they be able to outmaneuver Anthea's mother, who has always been one step ahead of them? And what should they do about the rumors of wild horses in Kronenhof's forests?
Unknown Binding
First published June 16, 2020
41 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Day George
27 books5,935 followersJessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she had a Maltese named Pippin, and grew up with a poodle mix and a Brittany Spaniel. Right now she has a Coton de Tulear named Sunny). You could talk about Norway, and how it's the Greatest Place On Earth, and Germany, The Second Greatest Place On Earth. You could ask her about yarn, and indicate a willingness to learn to knit your own socks, if you can't already do so.
And, well, you could talk about books. Jessica's books, other people's books. It's really all about the books. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: Friends, family, school, they were just obstacles in the way of getting more books.
She would like it if books came with chocolate to eat while reading them.
And, well, you could talk about books. Jessica's books, other people's books. It's really all about the books. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld: Friends, family, school, they were just obstacles in the way of getting more books.
She would like it if books came with chocolate to eat while reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 10, 2020
I've wanted to write this ending scene since I came up with the idea for this series over ten years ago! I still tear up every time I read over it!
*takes victory lap*
January 2020: Just finished the copyedits! So excited for this book!
March 2020: Proofreading! And now to the printers!
*takes victory lap*
January 2020: Just finished the copyedits! So excited for this book!
March 2020: Proofreading! And now to the printers!
June 21, 2020
This series brings back all the love and intensity of belief I had as a kid about how it would be to have a horse of my own and to be able to talk to animals. I love the characters and the world-building and the intrigue and the relationships, and most especially, the horses. There were some intense twists and turns and some satisfying resolutions. However, I would really like more stories set in this world!
May 1, 2022
I loved this whole trilogy so much. I highly recommend this trilogy to animal/horse lovers because the whole trilogy was based on horses and humans. The thing that really attracted me to the trilogy was The Bond called The Way between some humans and horses that allowed them to speak to each other in both of their minds. This book kept me on my toes the whole time! I think that it should be a reminder to people that we don’t control horse and we aren’t more important and they aren’t less important then us, humans and animals are equals, no one is a higher rank then anybody else, we are the same even though we may look different and are different species.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2020
The writing is so choppy here. I don't remember much about the first two books, and this one doesn't do a great job reminding me. I still don't remember Lady Cassandra is, or what role she played, or why calling Anthea "Thea" is such a big deal when almost no one does it. But mostly, it's the choppiness of the writing: it gives the book a jerky quality, and it often creates problems with pacing.
"Or Bathilda … which isn’t actually a name." Everyone who's reading this has read Harry Potter. Sigh.
The horse talk: even worse than the choppiness. Weirdly, the best parts of this book are the dinners. The dialogue is crosstalk, but it works there.
I do this to myself. Why am I such a completionist?
Update: I realized in the light of day that I never said anything about the plot - probably because the writing drove me so crazy. There was just that one mention of pacing. But the plot - it veers from topic to topic with no clear explanation of passing time - or character motivation -
- and that ending - I know exactly what it means to do, and yet the idea of a story with these stakes (hostage-taking! murders! war-mongering!) being reduced to makes everything that came before it less dangerous and high-stakes, and not rah-rah-empowerment. Just one cutting rejoinder! That's all you need to fix everything!
This is probably the simplistic sort of ending appropriate for a book where the horses have simplistic points of view, but I don't think I'm supposed to finish a story thinking, "all that stuff about war was just guff, hmmm? Essentially unserious?"
They started down the shallow stairs to the ballroom floor, with Anthea’s gold gauze overdress floating around her raspberry pink silk slip.Where do I start? "They" started walking, with a switch to "Anthea", singular, in the same sentence! The parenthetical comment "(mostly)" - if it's important, say it; otherwise cut the parentheses from your final draft! Why order the white dress only to decide to throw it overboard before it's ever worn? Where were your friends beforehand?!
During their journey from Travertine to Kronenhof, Lady Cassandra had gone through all their things and threatened to throw the bulk of them overboard. Jilly and Anthea had prevented that (mostly), but the compromise was to allow Lady Cassandra and her maid to alter their gowns, and to fit them out with some she had brought with her.
Anthea was quite pleased with her new wardrobe. She had intended on wearing her white silk gown with the red roses to this first court function, but when Jilly and Lady Cassandra pointed out that it made her look a great deal like her own mother, Anthea had thrown it overboard herself.
"Or Bathilda … which isn’t actually a name." Everyone who's reading this has read Harry Potter. Sigh.
The horse talk: even worse than the choppiness. Weirdly, the best parts of this book are the dinners. The dialogue is crosstalk, but it works there.
I do this to myself. Why am I such a completionist?
Update: I realized in the light of day that I never said anything about the plot - probably because the writing drove me so crazy. There was just that one mention of pacing. But the plot - it veers from topic to topic with no clear explanation of passing time - or character motivation -
- and that ending - I know exactly what it means to do, and yet the idea of a story with these stakes (hostage-taking! murders! war-mongering!) being reduced to makes everything that came before it less dangerous and high-stakes, and not rah-rah-empowerment. Just one cutting rejoinder! That's all you need to fix everything!
This is probably the simplistic sort of ending appropriate for a book where the horses have simplistic points of view, but I don't think I'm supposed to finish a story thinking, "all that stuff about war was just guff, hmmm? Essentially unserious?"
July 6, 2020
An excellent ending to this series! I enjoyed the whole thing. George does a wonderful job with the book's pacing and keeping the momentum going—I did not want to put the book down. It did take a little to remember what was going on, but again, George weaved reminders into the beginning of the story in just the right way. I've loved all of George's books that I've read. This one is no exception.
October 27, 2022
This was a thrilling book, with many twist. I loved how heartfelt the ending was.
November 21, 2021
Hmm...It wasn't bad, it's just I have read a lot of much better books by Jessica Day George so I thought this one fell a little under. I kept thinking more relationships would develop but they didn't - and it's the end of the trilogy... unless she plans to expand it? It kinda seems like she does with the way things ended.
At least our main character Anthea grew up a lot from the first book, was quite glad to see that. Her mother Genevia though - this super cool villain just kinda...bowed (?) to the old teacher lady? Huh?
It felt kind of anti-climactic for me, after a strong second book. If you want to try Jessica Day George I would suggest Tuesdays at the Castles series, or some of her other stand-alones.
At least our main character Anthea grew up a lot from the first book, was quite glad to see that. Her mother Genevia though - this super cool villain just kinda...bowed (?) to the old teacher lady? Huh?
It felt kind of anti-climactic for me, after a strong second book. If you want to try Jessica Day George I would suggest Tuesdays at the Castles series, or some of her other stand-alones.
August 5, 2020
I love this so much.
I don't think I have a lot a lot to say about it but it must be known that I love The Rider's Reign and the horse brigade and the cast of this book so much. So much.
The pacing here was excellent, the worldbuilding exceptional as always - expansive in a way that made sense while keeping the things we loved about the previous books (though I did miss Cailrin McRennie and Uncle Andrew a lot, they had a really good moment each at the end so it was fine. Keth dropped off the face of the planet, but oh well I guess). I ended up loving Aunt Cassandra and the vibes she had with the kids, even if I missed the other adults. The plot moved in a new direction but it still made sense with the rest of the build-up of the other books, especially with the constantly evolving sense of our main villain, Genevia. The interrelationships with Finn and Anthea and Jilly were particularly fabulous, I want to hang out with them forever, and I would feel very blessed to live in Leana where they were in charge of the country, possibly the world.
Also, as stated in my other reviews, the tenderness of Anthea's conversations with the horses, and just everything about the Way makes me cry forever because it's so warm and tender and sweet and wholesome. So much of this book is just so sweet and good that it's easy for me to dismiss how much rolicking fun it was as well. Great pacing, peril, schemes that ran the gamut from international politics and intrigue, to spying and sneaking, to Jilly wearing something outrageous, to tea parties and hostage situations and good manners and posture. All of it was so fun, and all the pieces worked together, and as a reader I felt every inch of the stakes in every part of the story that Anthea did, even as parts moved around.
Absolutely masterful.
A truly wonderful ending to a great, fun trilogy. There are so many more things I want, but all of it is selfishness on my part, wanting more of a good thing, and none of it is dissatisfaction with the story, which ended wonderfully.
I don't think I have a lot a lot to say about it but it must be known that I love The Rider's Reign and the horse brigade and the cast of this book so much. So much.
The pacing here was excellent, the worldbuilding exceptional as always - expansive in a way that made sense while keeping the things we loved about the previous books (though I did miss Cailrin McRennie and Uncle Andrew a lot, they had a really good moment each at the end so it was fine. Keth dropped off the face of the planet, but oh well I guess). I ended up loving Aunt Cassandra and the vibes she had with the kids, even if I missed the other adults. The plot moved in a new direction but it still made sense with the rest of the build-up of the other books, especially with the constantly evolving sense of our main villain, Genevia. The interrelationships with Finn and Anthea and Jilly were particularly fabulous, I want to hang out with them forever, and I would feel very blessed to live in Leana where they were in charge of the country, possibly the world.
Also, as stated in my other reviews, the tenderness of Anthea's conversations with the horses, and just everything about the Way makes me cry forever because it's so warm and tender and sweet and wholesome. So much of this book is just so sweet and good that it's easy for me to dismiss how much rolicking fun it was as well. Great pacing, peril, schemes that ran the gamut from international politics and intrigue, to spying and sneaking, to Jilly wearing something outrageous, to tea parties and hostage situations and good manners and posture. All of it was so fun, and all the pieces worked together, and as a reader I felt every inch of the stakes in every part of the story that Anthea did, even as parts moved around.
Absolutely masterful.
A truly wonderful ending to a great, fun trilogy. There are so many more things I want, but all of it is selfishness on my part, wanting more of a good thing, and none of it is dissatisfaction with the story, which ended wonderfully.
"The very idea that you could just waltz right in and steal a herd of horses and a hostage princess? Armed with what? Your wits, your cousin, a pair of handsome boys, and an owl?"
"More or less."
Read
September 20, 2020I liked this book. I am not going to rate it because I have more criticism than not, although I enjoyed it. A decent ending to a good series. I liked it a lot, it was fun and fast paced and thrilling. I am not going to include all my complaints but here is the biggest one: THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO GET MARRIED!!!!!!!
October 6, 2021
This story was a perfect ending to George's trilogy! I found it a little difficult to follow along, but I'm sure it's because I haven't read the first two books in awhile. I wish I there had been an epilogue or some sort of ending that showed what the characters were doing now that their big complications were over, but nope. Still a good story!
August 8, 2020
This was an amazing book! I really wish that the series wasn't over, because I would gladly keep reading. I would totally recommend.
June 10, 2021
Not to down the mood, but I didn’t like it as much as the first two. Though it was a fun and never ending of surprising twists in the story!!! I’m just a little disappointed(and I’m sure I’m not the only one) that Finn and Anthea didn’t interact much if you understand what I’m saying!!! It wasn’t a bad book it was really good. But I think if Finn and Anthea did a little more I would like it just a little bit more!!! Otherwise, it was a perfectly good book!
July 31, 2025
I was so into this book. Political intrigue, kidnapped princes and princesses, stolen horses, ghost horses, the many horrors of Thea's mother, I mean it really is the trilogy finale that you are hoping for. There are a few characters we don't see very much since most of the story takes place in another country, but overall I think most readers will enjoy how the story wraps up.
I listened to this book and the audio is quite good. I love the accents the characters have and the narrator is able to do both women's and men's voices well.
I'm glad I stumbled into this series when looking for booktalk books for third graders and I'm glad my horse girl heart made me finish. Would recommend.
I listened to this book and the audio is quite good. I love the accents the characters have and the narrator is able to do both women's and men's voices well.
I'm glad I stumbled into this series when looking for booktalk books for third graders and I'm glad my horse girl heart made me finish. Would recommend.
October 1, 2020
The sheer dastardliness of Anthea's mother is a bit overwhelming--which leaves Anthea a bit dull as the crisis approaches. But her friends, some unexpected allies, and, of course, the horses, all help save the day. Good conclusion to a fun series.
July 17, 2023
A meager three stars. I found the plot a bit contrived, the writing not exceptional, and the use of “beloved” just plain annoying. All the same, the trilogy makes a decent “beach read” for middle grade horse lovers.
December 8, 2020
Honestly I barely remembered what happened in the last book so it was hard getting into this one. Contains: mild violence, mentions of animal neglect
July 27, 2020
“The Rider’s Reign: A Rose Legacy Novel” is the final book in the trilogy that began with “The Rose Legacy,” the book that is also the title of the three-book series. In it we learn of a world in which some humans can communicate with horses. And any horse-loving human reading this trilogy would only wish that this was, indeed, a real thing. Talking to horses — how amazing would that be?
The main character, Anthea, had a troubled childhood. She had lived with her aunt and uncle after being passed from relative to relative because she has no parents. Finally, she is sent to the north, to a farm, where she learns to her horror that there are horses. You see, in the kingdom of Coronam, horses are feared and hated as the cause of a plague that decimated the land. But what Anthea finds out is that she has the ability to communicate with horses, and in fact, has a horse named Florian that she had bonded with as a baby.
Florian is important throughout the trilogy, as are other horses and humans. Finn is the leader (not-quite king) of the once-independent land of Leana. Jilly is Anthea’s cousin, and she grew up on the horse farm. The adult characters are not as clearly drawn as the children, but George cleverly shows that not all adults are as they might first appear. She manages that brilliantly with Jilly’s mother, Cassandra, who performs quite an admirable about-face during this novel.
Read the rest of the review at PamelaKramer.com.
The main character, Anthea, had a troubled childhood. She had lived with her aunt and uncle after being passed from relative to relative because she has no parents. Finally, she is sent to the north, to a farm, where she learns to her horror that there are horses. You see, in the kingdom of Coronam, horses are feared and hated as the cause of a plague that decimated the land. But what Anthea finds out is that she has the ability to communicate with horses, and in fact, has a horse named Florian that she had bonded with as a baby.
Florian is important throughout the trilogy, as are other horses and humans. Finn is the leader (not-quite king) of the once-independent land of Leana. Jilly is Anthea’s cousin, and she grew up on the horse farm. The adult characters are not as clearly drawn as the children, but George cleverly shows that not all adults are as they might first appear. She manages that brilliantly with Jilly’s mother, Cassandra, who performs quite an admirable about-face during this novel.
Read the rest of the review at PamelaKramer.com.
June 11, 2024
Well this one was definitely one step up from the previous one, but still nowhere near the first one. Especially the ending, while positive, was very confusing, in the way that everything was just solved. Reading the excerpt it just has little connection to what's actually in the book - Anthea's mother doesn't want to start her own herd, she doesn't care, and the wild horses have a lot less effect on the plot as well. At least Arthur was somewhat useful, and apparently Constantine changed a bit, but honestly I just don't get the whole Constantine character and "plot" at all.
Also, naming horses Blossom, Bluebell and Buttercup was evil, by the end I had no idea which was which. I'm also sad we didn't learn more about the secret and elusive hierarchy of the mares, I get it that it's supposed to be private but Anthea had a mare, several characters had mares, and besides that one comment from I think Campanula we get no hints about what's that like. And I felt that was a missed opportunity for worldbuilding, especially as even psycho-Constantine talked to the mares with respect. Forget the war, I want to know that story.
Anyway, despite my complaints, I really enjoyed the books and am sad there's no more. If anyone's thirsting for something similar, I can recommend Kristen Britain's Green Rider series, some elements in this trilogy definitely reminded me of that.
Also, naming horses Blossom, Bluebell and Buttercup was evil, by the end I had no idea which was which. I'm also sad we didn't learn more about the secret and elusive hierarchy of the mares, I get it that it's supposed to be private but Anthea had a mare, several characters had mares, and besides that one comment from I think Campanula we get no hints about what's that like. And I felt that was a missed opportunity for worldbuilding, especially as even psycho-Constantine talked to the mares with respect. Forget the war, I want to know that story.
Anyway, despite my complaints, I really enjoyed the books and am sad there's no more. If anyone's thirsting for something similar, I can recommend Kristen Britain's Green Rider series, some elements in this trilogy definitely reminded me of that.
August 14, 2020
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Buuuuuuut, I had to give it only 4 stars because I take issue with stories that don’t resolve themselves. Is our wonderful Jessica Day George going to write another? Or is this the end End?
When there are too many questions and not enough answers at the end of a series, it grinds my reading nerves, and I get all grumpy! And I don’t like to be grumpy.... it’s dumb to be grumpy. But, without fail, if a book series I love leaves the series open-ended, I get grumpy. Sorry everyone.
HOWEVER, despite my grumpiness, I really really enjoyed this series! It was full of action and fun and giggles and tears and a good solid story!!! I’m so glad I got my hands on a copy, from the library, so quickly that I could enjoy the last book!!
THANK YOU JESSICA DAY GEORGE FOR CREATING AN AMAZING SERIES THAT MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS AND HORSES!!!💖💖💖💖
When there are too many questions and not enough answers at the end of a series, it grinds my reading nerves, and I get all grumpy! And I don’t like to be grumpy.... it’s dumb to be grumpy. But, without fail, if a book series I love leaves the series open-ended, I get grumpy. Sorry everyone.
HOWEVER, despite my grumpiness, I really really enjoyed this series! It was full of action and fun and giggles and tears and a good solid story!!! I’m so glad I got my hands on a copy, from the library, so quickly that I could enjoy the last book!!
THANK YOU JESSICA DAY GEORGE FOR CREATING AN AMAZING SERIES THAT MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS AND HORSES!!!💖💖💖💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
I just love Jessica Day George’s books and Rider’s Reign exceeded my expectations! I loved the twists in the plot and the way all of the characters were developed throughout. The villains were appropriately villainous - evil but believably so and with relevant motivations (power- it’s such a corrupter!). I love Anthea’s relationships with Jilly, Finn, and Cassandra especially - they have their squabbles and conflicts but ultimately have each other’s backs and will work together to get that.
Also - I’m not a horse person, but my heavens, this book makes me one, it’s so well done! I love “the way” and the relationships between horses and riders.
One of the best books I’ve read this year! So glad I have a hardback copy!!!
Also - I’m not a horse person, but my heavens, this book makes me one, it’s so well done! I love “the way” and the relationships between horses and riders.
One of the best books I’ve read this year! So glad I have a hardback copy!!!
June 24, 2020
I've been looking forward to reading the final book of the Rose Legacy series and it didn't disappoint. It was a fast paced story that managed to wrap the series up quite well.
I have a few remaining questions (Does Adil finally get home, What happens with Finn and Anthea, Does Anthea get Miss Miniver's approval?) but overall, the big one's are answered and you're not left hanging on what happens next.
Favorite quote: "Don't worry about it! No one likes your mother." That made me laugh out loud, literally.
I have a few remaining questions (Does Adil finally get home, What happens with Finn and Anthea, Does Anthea get Miss Miniver's approval?) but overall, the big one's are answered and you're not left hanging on what happens next.
Favorite quote: "Don't worry about it! No one likes your mother." That made me laugh out loud, literally.
July 26, 2020
Haha I read this book in about four hours (not skimming, I promise, it was just that good). This series is probably my second favorite by Jessica Day George, she is just an amazing writer. Anthea is totally the coolest main character that I have read about in a very, very long time, and the horses just make her and the book 100% better. So sad that this was the end of the series, but I will be re-reading SEVERAL times.
September 12, 2020
To me this fell a little flat near the end. So much was building up and the ending was hurried and too simple.
I do like the way the horses are presented in their conversations to each other. I don’t think we get enough of the villains to be realistic people but the introduction of new characters were intriguing and added a nice change up to the usual group.
It didn’t feel like the ending to a series but for younger readers, it works well enough.
I do like the way the horses are presented in their conversations to each other. I don’t think we get enough of the villains to be realistic people but the introduction of new characters were intriguing and added a nice change up to the usual group.
It didn’t feel like the ending to a series but for younger readers, it works well enough.
Read
March 3, 2024George closes the Rose Legacy with a flourish, the final installment as well-paced and compelling as the first. We see the worldbuilding spread across countries, diving deeper into political relations and intrigue. I still feel invested in the characters (especially Jilly) and their adventures. I wanted a bit more of a resolution between the characters, but overall, it was a satisfying end to the series.
August 25, 2020
This was an okay ending to the series. The story was pretty good and I liked the wrap up, but the writing itself felt awkward at times.
I think I would have liked this more when I was younger, or if I loved horses. I'm keeping the series around for when my daughters are a little older (my oldest loves horses and is six).
I think I would have liked this more when I was younger, or if I loved horses. I'm keeping the series around for when my daughters are a little older (my oldest loves horses and is six).
January 23, 2026
This was a GREAT end to the trilogy. I love it so much. I hi-lighted about 10 things in it! I especially love the quote: “”My motto is where there is a shmekure, there is your mother.” “Oh, is it?” Asked Athena in amusement. “Yes,” replied Jilly. “I’m going to embroider it on a pillow. As soon as we get home and I learn to embroider.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2020
A must read book
O my gosh! When I finished this book I knew I had to write a review, I don’t usually, the Rose Legacy Books were, in my opinion it is Jessica Day George’s finest work, if you are reading these reviews to see if you should read them, you should.
O my gosh! When I finished this book I knew I had to write a review, I don’t usually, the Rose Legacy Books were, in my opinion it is Jessica Day George’s finest work, if you are reading these reviews to see if you should read them, you should.
October 18, 2020
A couple things about the resolution I wasn’t quite satisfied with, but overall a wonderful conclusion to the series!
Great characters and relationships, and I definitely got choked up at some of the horse scenes.
CW: Animal injury and neglect/abuse, bomb attack
Great characters and relationships, and I definitely got choked up at some of the horse scenes.
CW: Animal injury and neglect/abuse, bomb attack
November 3, 2020
so good.
but i want a fourth book!!
where was that amazing finn + anthea romance we were all waiting for?!
...
honestly i didn't get the plot too much. i need to reread the whole trilogy in a row :).
...
love it tho!
but i want a fourth book!!
where was that amazing finn + anthea romance we were all waiting for?!
...
honestly i didn't get the plot too much. i need to reread the whole trilogy in a row :).
...
love it tho!
November 10, 2020
This one involves ghost horses, a treacherous plot, a parade, a stone, and a trip. The ghost horses were my favorite part of the story. The story surprised me a few times, and there is a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews