Author: Kristen Britain
First time published: 1998, DAW
THE GREEN RIDER SERIES #1
Synopsis
The dying messenger is found -- with two black arrows in his back -- by Karigan G'ladheon, a merchant's daughter, who has just been cast out of the renowned school at Selium for retaliating to the torments doled out by an aristocrat. Unwillingly, she is caught up in the designs of a deadly mage who would release ancient evils into the world, and his human cat's-paws whose aims are more immediate. Flying from the archer whose black arrows capture the souls of their victims, and other enemies both human and monstrous, Karigan must come of age immediately if she is to survive and warn her king of his peril.
Reviews of this book
By sam
from ny
Date: 31.08.2005
god this book is great!!! with the realistic characters, intrigue, and interesting twists, this is a great read. combining the ghost idea with a fantasy twistwas fantastic!! the idea for an evil trapped getting ready to be freed reminds me of the book elfstones of shannara by terry brooks, another good read. also, the romantic twist between karigen, the other rider, and/or the king is very mysterious
By Sarah
from Denver, CO
Date: 08.08.2005
When I saw Green Rider on the book store shelf, I picked it up, read the back cover, and put it back. But after searching for a good book for half and hour, I was drawn back. I bought it and began to read. By the 100th page, I set the book down and walked away. It was rather slow to me, although intriging. I picked it up again 6 months later, and contiued to read. By the 200th page, I couldnt put the book down. Karigan was a believible character, she had quirks, something I like in characters. I loved how all the characters, however small, had different personalities. All in all, I think Green Rider is an excellent book, with remarkable characters.
By Madeline
from Chilliwack, BC
Date: 03.10.2004
I had never heard of Kristen Britain until I saw First Riders Call at the book store. Im always on the look out for new fantansy books and I noticed the front cover right away. As I read the inside jacket, I realized that this was actually the second book in the series. I was a little disappointed because the book store didnt have Green Rider in stock; however, the brief introduction to her writing was enough to make me head out of town and find it at another store.
I was so pleased when I started reading Green Rider because it had me interested from the very start. There are some books that are a slow at the beginning or some that are lacking to the bitter end, but the writing in Green Rider kept me captivated all the way through. So much, in fact, that I couldnt wait for the paperback of First Riders Call and spent the $40 for the second book.
The only negative comment I have is the fact that her third book is not even finished yet. I went through withdrawls the first time I finished her books, knowing that the third one was not out yet. But then I did the unthinkable and read them again. What a mistake, the old wound has reopened. It was five years in between her first two books. I can only hope that it wont be so long for the third.
By Miranda
from Vancouver, WA
Date: 28.08.2004
The Green Rider was a delightful surprise! I purchased the book at the airport in order to occupy my time during a long flight. From the first page I felt myself drawn in and I couldnt put the book down until I came to the very last page. The book occupied all my free time, even spare minutes between teaching classes. Never before have I been so engrossed into a book. Kristen Britain has a talent for creating characters you feel that you know intimately. It was almost with a sadness that I completed this book, longing for more pageturning adventure, courage, and a touch of romance.
By Kushiel
from Canada
Date: 19.12.2003
I remember buying this book for two things: one, the cover. It appealed to me. And when an image gives me such impression, the story behind it is usually something I want to read. Second, Terry Goodkinds recommendation. Im a fan of TGs books and I love what hes created. I think hes brilliant. So if he would recommentd a book, then theres a good chance its a good one.
Kristen Britains first book in what I hope is the start of a long career is innovative when it comes to what makes a novel a Fantasy book: magic. She created the Green Riders, a select group of people with unique, and each different, abilities that help them to serve the kingdom as messengers, and sometimes soldiers. "Green Rider" tells the story of Karigan Gladheon who comes to the messenger profession quite unexpectedly, and rather reluctantly. As she witnesses the death of Rider Coblebay, Karigan is handed the mission of carrying on the message he was to deliver to the king. The DYer wall that protects Sacoridia from the Blackveil Forest is failing, threatening to release a dark magic that could well destroy the kingdom. Karigan must reach the king at all costs. On her way to court, she faces many obstacles and suffers a few brushes with death. However, she gets there, but this is only part of the mission...
In conclusion, this debut story is a good one, but I wouldnt say it blew my mind. Its good enough for me to continue reading the series and look up future works by Ms. Britain. I wouldnt label her the "new Tolkien of the century," as Marion Zimmer Bradley wrote about this book. Its worth a read, though, and Ill give it 3.5 stars out of five.
