Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Green Rider--A review



A non-spoiler review of Green Rider.

Summary from the back of the book:
On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, (16 year old) Karigan G'ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But before Karigan's ponderings can become a definite plan, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods, its rider slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young rider lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a "life and death" message for King Zachary. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to deliver the message "for love of her country." As he bestows upon her the golden winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, he whispers with his last breath, "Beware the shadow man....."

My review:
This is a book for those who truly love fantasy. Kristen Britain plunges you deep into the forest of her world. Sometimes it was hard to see through the trees, especially in the first 100 pages. I found myself a little lost at first, perhaps receiving information before it was relevant. And with her attention to detail, I was a little weighed down. But someone recommended it to me, so I had patience with it even though several times in those first 100 pages I was tempted to put it down and pick up one of the other 2 books I had purchased that day. But, I was glad I hung on. The last 350 pages were amazing. Now, I'm dying to read the second book in the series. Her story and world had many layers and I often found myself surprised. Her main character was believable and lovable. I can't wait to read the next book. In fact, now I'm tempted to buy the next book before I read the other two books I already purchased. We'll see if my willpower holds out.

Update: I have no willpower. I am ashamed at my weakness. Oh well, I'll make myself feel better as I read "First Rider's Call". (book number 2). I'm so excited.

8 comments:

  1. This is so weird, but I just got this book in the mail today, from paperbackswap! Small world!:) Great review! I'm looking forward to reading it now!:)

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  2. That is odd in a serendipitous kind of way. Ooh, I'm glad you're reading it. When you're done we'll have to discuss. Then we can read book 2 together. :)

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  3. Huh, the book summary sounded kind of boring to me. But I'm glad you liked it in the end!

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  4. Natalie, lol. The funny thing is that is only the first paragraph of the book summary on the back. I left out the second paragraph because I almost fell asleep when I was writing it. :) Yeah, the book summary really doesn't do it justice. It's a shame. I guess I should've tried my hand at my own book summary for it. It might've been better. I was feeling uncreative though.

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  5. I think my daughter would like this story. I may have to check out the 2nd paragraph on the back. I have the same lack of willpower. I would have totally gone and gotten the 2nd book. Heehee.

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  6. Isn't it wonderful to find a book you love and you know there is another book to read next! And sometimes an author will write a book I adore and never write another - argh! Or in the case of one book I just read, it was too short! I wanted more!

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  7. I have read Green Rider and it is a great book! Actually, I've read all 3? of the books in the series. Each book is better than the one before it.

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  8. I think my daughter would like this story. I may have to check out the 2nd paragraph on the back.Vlone Outfit

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