Helpful Score: 16
Reminds me a little bit of Mercedes Lackey's Herald series in that there is a special bond between rider's and their horses. But there is also the element of special magical talents with certain rider pins. This is a fun fantasy novel that I had no problem getting caught up with. My favorite part was when Karigan meets two old ladies in the woods. Exciting adventure. Oh - and there is now a second book (someone reviewed here that they wished there was one): First Rider's Call.
Helpful Score: 11
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a straight-forward fantasy novel so much! "Green Rider" was well-written and a lot of fun. Plenty of derring-do and high adventure, plus political intrigue and some very charming characters (the Misses Bunchberry and Bayberry, anyone?). A just plain out good read. If you like fantasy at all, you'll like this book!
Helpful Score: 6
This is the first I have read by this author, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more. She creates an absolutely plausible fantasy world, and an altogether good read.
Helpful Score: 4
this book was great.
I could barely put it down as I read it. Time would go by so fast and I would be lost in the world that the author created. Lots of adventure, excitement, magic and rescue. Wish I could find the sequel!
I could barely put it down as I read it. Time would go by so fast and I would be lost in the world that the author created. Lots of adventure, excitement, magic and rescue. Wish I could find the sequel!
Helpful Score: 3
Surprisingly good! I have had this book, unread and on my shelf, for over 8 years, but it's a good story and certainly thrilling. I was really surprised by how exciting it was. It had some beautifully crafted sentences and there are two more books in the series that I will watch out for - especially since it seems like there may be a romance between the young Rider & the king. The magical background has a lot of potential for more stories too.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is a good read! The First part grabs you but know that in the middle it lags a little but give it a chance.. because the last half of the book is excellent too. Enough that I had to buy the second book to continue the adventure.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. Kept me interested the entire time and the characters had enough depth that I cared what happened to them.
Helpful Score: 2
This reminded me of the style of Mercedes Lackey's Thief (Thief of Valdemar stories? spelling?? I can't remember) novels. Very good story with a strong female protagonist, somewhat predictable adventures, and seeds for a continuing series. Better than usual writing though, and some unusual magical gifts/objects/lineage, which made it a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
Karigan, a young woman, finds herself kicked out of school and running away to get home. Little did she know that running away would bring her so much adventure. It starts with her meeting a dying messenger bound to deliver a message to the king, whose lasts words employ Karigan to take the message to the king. Along the way she meets up with strange creatures, people who speak of magic, traitors, and the mysterious Gray One.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, thats exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The authors attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable, however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so dont give up on it completely). I look forward to the authors sequel. Im sure it will be even better.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, thats exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The authors attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable, however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so dont give up on it completely). I look forward to the authors sequel. Im sure it will be even better.
Helpful Score: 1
I wasnt sure about this at first, but it got better as it went. I wasnt happy about Karigans indecision and self doubt, but I understand that it is more about who she is than about the overall story. Good characters and good plot. I liked the way magic flowed throughout the story. I liked the Berry sisters and kept expecting them to play a more intricate role as the story went on. I like F'ryan and the other ghosts. I hope many of these characters play a role in the future books in the series. This was a unique tale of a unique land. I eagerly anticipate the other stories in this series.
Helpful Score: 1
I must say, of all the fantasy books I've read, this one took the most time to get into. I thought it was fairly boring...and then slowly, it started to pick up, and by the time I was 2/3 of the way in, I was beyond hooked! All of the little pieces start to come together, and suddenly you're glad that everything happened the way it did.
The characters remain a bit mysterious- the author doesn't just spoon-feed you everything about them, even the main character, Karigan. It is fascinating, though, to learn more about each character through other characters' eyes, and they become very vivid and real. I definitely became attached to Karigan, and even some of the antagonists.
Fantastic- highly recommended!
The characters remain a bit mysterious- the author doesn't just spoon-feed you everything about them, even the main character, Karigan. It is fascinating, though, to learn more about each character through other characters' eyes, and they become very vivid and real. I definitely became attached to Karigan, and even some of the antagonists.
Fantastic- highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a great mix of adventure and magic. Unlike a lot of "historical" books women can fight and defend themselves. It has a good pace and is suitable for young adults.
I loved the plot, but I had to keep putting down the second book in the series (First Rider's Call) because of the very simplistic, lack-of-color writing style. The plot was just as good, if not better, I just couldn't finish the second book because the writing lacked character.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book. The author has a good hand on interplay between characters. I can't say this is an incredible book, but it was good. I liked the world, I liked the characters, and the plot was good. I do wonder why the Eltians didn't show up later on as well. This is a rare book in that I'd really like a second volume! Or another book set in the same world, perhaps. Quite a bit of work went into crafting the culture that it seems sad to not have more stories in it. There are certainly more stories to be told. (And someone should encourage "heros" to be seen for deeds not in war. :))
One thing that wasn't clear was the timing between the fight and her dismissal from school. At the beginning I thought it was a couple days, but later it seemed to be a couple weeks at least. For her sword skill, it would seem it would need to be a couple months--but that's too long for the offended family to have waited to move. So I'm not sure.
One thing that wasn't clear was the timing between the fight and her dismissal from school. At the beginning I thought it was a couple days, but later it seemed to be a couple weeks at least. For her sword skill, it would seem it would need to be a couple months--but that's too long for the offended family to have waited to move. So I'm not sure.
Helpful Score: 1
This is not my normal genre of reading but I was looking for something good for my little sister to read and grabbed this. She's a big fan of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, stuff you probably couldn't pay me to read.
She is only 14 so I read this in advance and am so glad I did! Again, not my normal cup of tea but it was a very good story, great protagonist - a girl of about 15 I think - and enough action and just a hint of romance to keep me interested but not gross her out, lol.
I was happy to see there are more books in this series and can't wait to read & then pass them on.
She is only 14 so I read this in advance and am so glad I did! Again, not my normal cup of tea but it was a very good story, great protagonist - a girl of about 15 I think - and enough action and just a hint of romance to keep me interested but not gross her out, lol.
I was happy to see there are more books in this series and can't wait to read & then pass them on.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my favourite book when I was a teenager and I decided to revisit it to see if it still held up. It's really enjoyable as a fun read -easy to get caught up in!- but is PERFECT as a young adult fantasy read! Some of the descriptions are a bit lacking (especially during battle sequences) and that makes it somewhat hard to follow along at times but overall, I find it to be well-written and entertaining. The fact that the main protagonist is a strong, young woman is what drew me to this book in the first place; I was very happy to find that those kinds of characters are written throughout making the story a solid 50/50 ratio of men and women - not something you find often in fantasy novels.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book. I liked how Karigan gradually learned about her role in the fight for the kingdom of Sacordia between Zachary and his brother Amilton. I also liked the interactions between the characters Karigan and the friends she makes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, First Rider's Call.
On her days-long journey home, Karigan trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. She is leaving school, or, more accurately, she has been asked to leave because she challenged a noble's child in the practice ring (and won!) As she trudges along, she tries to decide what her future will hold now that school is no longer an option. But before her ponderings can become a plan, a galloping horse nearly knocks her down, the rider impaled by black arrows. The rider is one of the messengers of the king, a Green Rider, and he charges her to carry out his mission for him--the mission that has just killed him . . .
I first read this book over 15 years ago when I was in high school. I've reread it many times since and truly enjoy it every time :)
It's a little bit boilerplate as far as fantasy goes. Britain is a good writer but not superb. If you take it for what it is- a really good young adult fantasy series -you won't be disappointed!
It's a little bit boilerplate as far as fantasy goes. Britain is a good writer but not superb. If you take it for what it is- a really good young adult fantasy series -you won't be disappointed!
Great Book, could not stop reading till I finished.
A wonderful fantasy adventure.
Good strong fantasy . . .
A good read. Kept me interested & the plot moving.
This is the 1st book in a first rate series.
This was a great book! Really enjoyed reading it.
