Starfire

October 6, 2014
Alvarez makes a spirited debut in this kickoff to the Guardian Herd series, set in a world populated by flying horses or pegasi. Every century, a black foal is born. On a black foal's first birthday, he or she is empowered by the Hundred Year Star with the ability to become a great healer or destroyer. Out of fear for their potential, most of them are killed rather than be allowed to mature. Starfire of the Sun Herd is the latest prophesized foal, and as his birthday approaches, it seems as though he'll meet the same fate. His mere existence is enough to cause the five herds to scheme and war against each other, even as Starfire himself goes into hiding. Alvarez's world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer, but the huge cast makes it difficult to keep track of characters, especially given the preponderance of names ending in "wing" or "fire." Fans of animal fantasies who persist, though, should find it enjoyable. Ages 8â12. Agent: Jacqueline Flynn, Joëlle Delbourgo Associates.

June 15, 2014
Star, a pegasus fated to wield great power, must choose to use it to either heal or destroy, but only if he can survive until his first birthday.Each century, the Hundred Year Star appears in the sky, announcing the birth of a black foal to one of the five pegasus herds of Anok. The prophecy states that the foal, empowered by the star itself, will rise to either destroy or unite the herds. However, Star hardly seems a pegasus of destiny. While he is fiercely loyal to his friends and brave in the face of his enemies, flight eludes him. His seemingly defective wings are the least of his problems. His appearance has made the leaders of the five herds nervous. Some want him dead, while others see him as a source of power. An over-large cast full of pegasi with confusing names and muddled personalities makes this nearly unreadable: Rockwing, Thunderwing and Grasswing are only part of the problem; it's compounded by such monikers as Bumblewind and Brackentail, and Flamesky poses a particular challenge. The derivative plot is also problematic, as it is so similar to other series that are both more familiar and better written. Unfortunately, the mysterious beauty of pegasi is lost in a muddle of confusing characters and a less-than-stellar story.Readers should stick with the Warriors and the Guardians of Ga'hoole for better treatments of this formula. (list of characters, map) (Fantasy. 8-12)

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July 1, 2014

Gr 5-7-Every hundred years in the land of Anok, a black foal is born into one of the five pegasi herds with the power to destroy or unite them all. Star is that foal. Although his wings are useless, making him no greater than a land horse, Star will be executed before his first birthday by Thunderwing, the head of Sun Herd. The last time a black foal fulfilled the prophecy, it resulted in the death and destruction of all the herds. A few supporters believe Star may bring peace to the warring tribes, and one takes the risk of hiding him before his birthday. The disappearance of the black foal launches an epic battle that could result in the decimation of the herd. The typical fantasy tale of an ordinary being destined to become something extraordinary is infused with verve and ingenuity. The pacing is quick, chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down. Readers will be clamoring for the next book in this adventure. Recommended for fantasy fans.-Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Grades 4-7 Every 100 years, a black foal is born in the land of the pegasi, a foal that is destined to either destroy or heal the five herds of winged horses. This time, it is Star, a pegasus who cannot fly, only walk, and from the start, when his mother dies giving birth, he is ostracized, bullied, and feared. Only Morningleaf and a few other foals befriend Star, but they cannot protect him from their herd's overstallion Thunderwing, who promises to kill Star on his first birthday, before he can fulfill his destiny. Clearly the beginning of a series, this first novel still stands alone and will prove popular with both animal lovers and fantasy fans. Its steady pacing and action-driven plotlines also make this a good choice for reluctant readers. The lineages at the beginning of the book are important to keep track of all the pegasi, and the map helps readers navigate the herd migrations and boundaries. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2015
Born the dark foal of Anok, Star is different from other pegasi--he can't fly, and on his first birthday the light of the Hundred Year Star will empower him to heal or destroy. Thunderwing, the herd's over-stallion, has vowed to kill him first. Scenes of adolescent pegasus bullying are overwrought, but the magical frame makes strong scaffolding for the well-executed plot.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)