School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-In this sequel to Urchin of the Riding Stars (Hyperion, 2005), Mistmantle's animal inhabitants are preparing for the coronation of Crispin the squirrel. All does not go smoothly, and Urchin, a Companion to the King, is kidnapped and taken to the island of Whitewings, where he is imprisoned by a silver-obsessed dictator. As is always the case in books of this genre, good is victorious in the end. Readers leave the animals to their happy lives, though presumably there will be some new disaster presented in another installment. While predictable, this is an engaging read with appealing characters and lots of action. Rayyan's whimsical illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are quite effective. Unfortunately, the artist repeatedly represents a character that was meant to be a hedgehog as a mole. This is a minor criticism, but it is an inconsistency that fans of this genre are likely to notice. The similarities to Brian Jacques' "Redwall" series (Philomel) are obvious. It is interesting to note that McAllister avoids the implication that some animals are just "born bad" by having the evil characters come from the same species as the good ones. The author also uses a slightly smaller cast of characters and steers away from the use of any potentially confusing dialect, which makes this series approachable for readers who may not be quite ready for the "Redwall" books.-Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In the second installment of the Mistmantle Chronicles, Urchin attempts to escape the wicked Kind Silverbirch in order to return to the island of Mistmantle and save it from evil forces. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
In Urchin of the Riding Stars, spunky squirrel page Urchin fulfills (maybe) a prophecy that he would unseat a great ruler. In this predictable but sweet second adventure, Urchin is kidnapped by mad King Silverbirch, and the always-good, always-cuddly squirrel rescues Silverbirch's subjects (more small, furry animals) from the greedy usurper's enslavement. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
