Green Rider
Magic, danger, and adventure abound for messenger Karigan G'ladheon in the first book of the New York Times-bestselling Green Rider fantasy series
On her long journey home from school after a fight that will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G'ladheon ponders her uncertain future. As she trudges through the immense Green Cloak forest, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods.
The rider is slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king of Sacoridia.
Before he dies, he begs Karigan to deliver the “life and death” message he bears to King Zachary. When she reluctantly he agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission, whispering with his dying breath, “Beware the shadow man...”
Taking on the golden-winged horse brooch that is the symbol of the Green Riders, Karigan is swept into a world of deadly danger and complex magic, her life forever changed. Compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is accompanied by the silent specter of the fallen messenger and hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.
With memorable characters, unique magic, and a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, this action-packed, feminist fantasy is a must-read for lovers of the genre.
On her long journey home from school after a fight that will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G'ladheon ponders her uncertain future. As she trudges through the immense Green Cloak forest, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods.
The rider is slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king of Sacoridia.
Before he dies, he begs Karigan to deliver the “life and death” message he bears to King Zachary. When she reluctantly he agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission, whispering with his dying breath, “Beware the shadow man...”
Taking on the golden-winged horse brooch that is the symbol of the Green Riders, Karigan is swept into a world of deadly danger and complex magic, her life forever changed. Compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is accompanied by the silent specter of the fallen messenger and hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.
With memorable characters, unique magic, and a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, this action-packed, feminist fantasy is a must-read for lovers of the genre.
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Community Reviews
I enjoyed going along on Karigen's quest. I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve read a classic hero's journey. My only complaint is that the book felt like it just dragged on.
My favourite quote: “The clerk shrugged and pushed the doors open. Dean Geyer, a distinguished looking man with snowy hair and bright blue eyes, sat at this vast desk, just about to insert a mast into the upper deck of a large model ship. “I see how busy he is,” Stevia whispered to the clerk. Matterly reddened."
Genre: YA Fantasy
✨️ Magic: yes
🌶 Spice level: none
📚Book 1 of 8
Method of reading: ebook
Rating: 3.5/5
Vibe: Adventure, courage, magic, destiny, friendship, mystery, danger, loyalty, self-discovery
Tropes found:
- traditional heroes journey/quest
- ordinary girl thrust into adventure
- coming of age
- loyal mount (The Horse)
- dark forces stirring
Characters:
Karigen (FMC)
Likes: She’s strong and very capable without rubbing that fact into your face. She’s humble about it. I enjoyed watching her learn from her mistakes (ex. She stopped following deer trails at dusk).
Dislikes: There wasn’t anything I disliked about her.
A really great fantasy book. Perhaps somewhat predictable at times, but that's not to say it wasn't mostly clever. Sometimes the classic fantasy ingredients work, and the expected parts did here. Mix that with the unique qualities and this was definitely worth the read for anyone who loves fantasy. I love the main character and can't wait to read more of her.
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