The Mistmantle Chronicles

Title by Stan Phillips

M.I. McAllister

Reviewed by Maressa Mortimer

Mistmantle:UrchinoftheRidingStars

This is the first book of the Mistmantle series, and it is a wonderful start to any series! Urchin, the main character is a red squirrel with unusual fur. That’s not the only unusual thing about him, though. His arrival on the island of Mistmantle is special as well, but this is kept quiet.

The story starts when Mistmantle is going through a hard time. The animals on Mistmantle are struggling, although some of the older animals are heard saying that it never used to be like this: work parties, long hours, no time to play and have fun, and worst of all, the culling of sickly animals. Is the king to blame? He is griefstricken after all, and doesn’t seem to be himself. The animals are loyal, and wouldn’t think of rising up against their king, but will the king have to abdicate?

M McAllister, the author has done a great job in choosing the animals and their distinct traits. Urchin the squirrel was supposed to be working on one of the timber ships, but he is chosen by Crispin, one of the Captains, to be his page. Urchin is thrilled, but before he has started work as a page properly, disaster strikes the island. What is Urchin to do? Go with Crispin or stay on this island?

In the end, Urchin is attached to Pado, one of the other Captains. Urchin’s life is full, he works hard, but his best friend, Needle, a lovely hedgehog girl, is having a difficult time. The animals in the sewing room are made to work very hard, and when her sweet little brother is targeted for culling can Urchin keep his promise to save Needle’s brother?

The book is written well, and moves fast, without rushing you. There is time to get to know the other animals, otters, rabbits and hedgehogs, but I must admit, I loved the red squirrels the most. Urchin is special, not just because of his arrival or the colour of his fur, but his courage and trust is so heartwarming! His loyalty is special and I loved how he shone throughout the book without sticking out, or becoming surreal.

There are a lot of characters in the book, but even though there is a list with them all at the beginning of the book, the story flows so well, I didn’t need to look at the list, as their characters are all different, making them memorable. The descriptions throughout the book of the animals, the king’s palace, the island, all are well-written, drawing you in, making you see the story come to life.

The story is exciting and beautiful, not glossing over grief and hurt, but bringing good out of it. There is sadness in the book, but the writer, M. McAllister, has dealt with it well. All through the book, there is the prophesy attached to Urchin, and I couldn’t wait to see it fulfilled, although a few times, I wondered how he was going to survive long enough to see it happen!

The book is written for preteens, but I couldn’t wait to read it, and I’m so glad I did. Knowing the sad parts in the book will help me as well when reading this with my children. The book has been around for a while, but has recently been reprinted, and I am so glad! This is definitely a mustread, and I can’t wait to read book 2!