The Mistmantle Chronicles: Urchin of the Riding Stars

Author:

M. I. McAllister

Illustrator:

Christine Enright

Published by:

Purple House Press

First Published:

24 May 2021

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

The Mistmantle Chronicles were first published in 2005, but have been revamped for a new generation of readers by Purple House Press, with lovely atmospheric cover illlustrations by Christine Enright. I've recently discovered them, and the first book really reads like an animal fantasy classic - the story is pacy, gripping, well written and full of wonderful characters and messages. As well as a few subtle Bible references, there's also a bit of a nod to Shakespeare going on in this first story! They are well pitched for readers 9 and up - my 14 and 16 year olds have just devoured 'Urchin of the Riding Stars' and are clamouring for the second book! If you have children who have loved The Green Ember (S.D. Smith), they will love this series too!

Heads Up!

The villain, Captain Husk, orders the culling of baby animals born small or with possible disabilities. The reader never sees a baby animal actually killed, but the threat is always there (in the end, of course, the animals are all saved and Husk is defeated!) - I feel like there's a powerful underlying message here about the value of all life which is rarely touched on in stories for children.

Publisher Review

On a night of riding stars, a tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised by a welcoming colony of animals, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of his mysterious origins. The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When a murder is committed, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, ruthless animals are determined to seize the throne. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake... Triumphant heroes and brilliantly wicked villains do battle in this first book of the treasured, heart-stopping Mistmantle adventure series. Glorious new illustrations by Christine Enright capture the spirit of Urchin and his world.