As Shep and Callie continue their story together, things become increasingly tough. The pack is always on the move, constantly shifting from one place to the next, unable to rest for too long. The pack has grown so big, Shep doesn't even know every dog! Most are unable to hunt; Shep had to regretfully reduce his pack to searching for live kibble instead bagged kibble. They even found a dog, Honey, with a cat-friend, Fuzz, who can bark! Hesitantly, and unwilling to leave a dog behind, Shep let the duo in. As he and the pack move out once more to find a new den, however, they come across an over-turned bus. The door is open, the windows are closed, and all holes are blocked with garbage. Only one entrance to guard - and with the seats on their sides, it forms the perfect sized cave-like structure for every dog. Yet there is one problem - a female dog, known as Blaze, has made her home inside, refuses to go, and is ready to defend her new home with her dying breath. As they spur on an agreement to allow Blaze into Shep's pack, things are settled, and they are allowed to stay. As Shep and Blaze further introduce themselves, Shep realizes there is something he adores about Blaze - he likes her. The two go out hunting the next day, and find a massive, over-turned ship. It's even better than the bus! The pack moves in, and begin their search for organization. As they settle, moods shift. Callie practically hates Blaze, the food must be rationed, even though there isn't nearly show more enough, and the dogs are growing wild. Shep tries everything in his power to stop the madness, and every corner he turns leads to a dead end. Oscar, the young pup who absolutely adores Shep, has begun to spur on stories of Shep being the Great Wolf's Champion, the Storm Shaker. Shep hates these lies - the Great Wolf is special, his story should never be tainted. As these lies spread, so does unwilling loyalty. Finally, Shep puts an end to these lies. The dogs, however, are still wild - and infuriated with the kibble stolen by cats. As rumors spread, Blaze takes control, and throws Honey and Fuzz out. No cat can be trusted, but Shep knows Fuzz had nothing to with it. To make matters worse, Callie ate a strange herb and became horribly ill, Oscar ran away in fury at the stopping of his stories, and Blaze is the new Alpha - and Zeus is alive. He survived, and is coming for Shep - he already took out half Shep's pack with his new pack of Wild dogs. Higgins is dead, Virgil is dead, everyone Shep cares about practically. When he journeyed separately to find Honey, he found her dying - soon, she passed, and Fuzz was found - he joined the pack once more, only because Honey wished him to with her dying breath. Fuzz has a new found honor for Shep, though - he now sees Shep acting with honor. Shep has grown tired of all this, and finally stands up for what he believes is right. As the wild dogs attack, Zeus is almost dead, when suddenly the men in black arrive. They dart all the dogs they can, and the remainders scurry away. Only Shep and seven others made it - time to go rescue his friends.
I absolutely loved the story line behind this book. I personally sided with Blaze and the others at certain points, because I had to agree - Shep needed to step up. I was so, so proud of him when he finally began to make strong decisions. However, I think the end to this story came a bit too suddenly. The ending popped up out of nowhere - I was surprised to see I only had one page left in the book. Maybe the author could have dragged out the end of the battle a little longer to an enjoyable amount? Not saying I don't like the ending, but just maybe it could be been slightly longer, but not long enough that you being to think, 'when does this book end?'. The story was fantastic, though. I am so excited to read the third and final book of this trilogy! :) show less

'All But My Life' is a Memoir told through the perspective of Gerda Weismann Klein, who was 16 Jew when WW2 begins. As her once normal life turns into a world where survival of the fittest takes place, she learns how to keep going when others cannot. She must depart her family, her home, everything she knew, as she is forced to go work at the first camp she'll see. Gerda makes many new friends, and as they continue their stories together, sadly, some must come to an end. Gerda shows her struggles, hopes, pains and joys throughout this autobiography as if she wrote it during each actual painstaking moment. As Gerda survives the horrors of a three-month Death March, placed in a factory that is supposed to explode, escape, and wait several hours in a large, metal, cylinder tube, the miracle her family had hoped for so long ago arrives. At the age of 21, she hears those almost unreal real words, "If any one is there, come on out! Come out, the war is over!"
This is the first autobiography I've ever read before, and I am speechless. It's so, so difficult for my mind to comprehend the fact that this, all of this, happened. The way Gerda words her emotions, thoughts, feelings, experiences...it's like I'm watching it all happen from somewhere up above. Her story of survival is absolutely incredible. The strength she possessed to keep pushing on is just too remarkable for words. Several times, this memoir made me tear up as it was told. This is even happened in class, when we were show more allowed free-reading. Gerda Weismann Klein is just an absolute incredible person. I truly, truly hope her story is remembered, that this memoir is kept, and that several generations in the future can have the chance to read such a heart-wrenching story. :) show less

Shep is an older German Shepard with a tough pup-hood. He grew up in a fighting kennel, being challenged by many bigger dogs and being forced to fight for his life. That was, until he was rescued by a young boy and given a new home. He and his boy loved each other dearly, and always walked to the park each morning. However, one day of Shep's life changes how he'll live forever. As large coal-grey clouds hang in the sky and a strange man enters Shep's house, his family is forced to leave and flee the storm. Without him. Shep is left at his den abandoned by his family, trapped behind doors, and out of kibble. That is, until a young yapper dog climbs onto his windowsill, showing him how to escape through the opened glass panes. He is grateful for the small young dog who's greeted herself as Cassie. The two journey throughout the city, meeting many new dogs, including finding Shep's best friend, Zeus. Yet, as they continue to journey, and more ferocious building-breaking storms rage through the city, Shep grows weary and tired. These small dogs don't know when to rest; and he can tell Zeus is on his last nerve as well. Shep tries his best to help, he really does, but all he ever gets in return is anger or grief. All his plans haven't been working well, and when his pack in attacked by wild street-dogs, Zeus proves he's finally had enough. Abandoning Shep, Zeus joins to the wild dog pack. The two depart their own ways, Shep still with his own new friends. He's devastated, and show more feeling as useless as ever. That is, until the wild dogs attack Shep and his friends, just as a flood hits. Zeus challenges Shep; but Shep can't fight his best friend! As the wild goose close in, the said flood hits, and Shep's pack is forced back onto higher ground. The wild dogs are swept away, including Zeus. However heartbroken Shep feels, he knows he must accept the fact the Zeus had chosen his new life. Shep's friends survived. His pack survived. He survived. They all survived to see what tomorrow will hold.
I adored this book. How the author interpreted the door knobs as silver paws and so many other aspects amazed me. I could've never thought that up. I've read The Storm twice now, and cannot wait to read The Pack and The Return. All the dogs personalities were created perfectly, the hope, the sarcasm, the angry arguments. Even the Great Wolf story was incredible. If I had the time, I'd read this book over a third time. I truly recommend it to anyone who has read the Warriors book series. It fits right in to the story of how animals must survive in a wild environment, Urban or Forest. :) show less

Rhoma Grace has successfully located her brother, Stanton, on a newly built Cancrian refugee camp on House Capricorn. There, he introduces her to one of his closest friends, a young red-head named Aryll. The trio's lives have been going great, taking care of Cancer's wildlife and helping them adjust to a new environment. Everything is fine, until a horrid event occurs at the Cancers scheduled lunch. A young Capricorn girl brutally murders the person next to her in front of everybody's eyes. Not long after, a group of white-suited people appear; they call themselves the Marad. They are a group of Risers, imbalanced Risers; people who shift to the personality and appearance of another House, instead of growing up to be what House they were born into. Imbalanced Risers are murderous, terrorists. They warn them of horrors to come, and Rho immediately sets out to Sagittarius, the House Marad has listed they will attack next. The night Rho arrives there, she gets a warning from Ochus; he tells her the Marad distracted her. They are really aiming for Capricorn. Fueled with distrust, Rho continues to ignore this warning and train young teenagers for combat on Sagittarius. Yet, just like Ochus, predicted, the Marad attacked Capricorn; and Hysan believes Aryll had something to do with it. He found two listed Astral FingerPrints under Aryll's name, two separate identities. Rho believe he's just being mistrusting, and continues her plans to stop the Marad. Time seems to mix-match, show more reverse, and spin in every way possible as LodeStar Mathias Thais is found alive after being accounted dead, and the Marad attack Rho's ship. Kidnapped and threatened with death, Rho's team desperately searches for a way to escape the attacked ship. One of the Marad aim their weapon at Rho and fire; only to hit one of the greatest pilots Rho ever knew, Twain. Not long after, Deke, Rho's friend that felt so close he practically became a second brother, meets the same tragic fate. Rho and Nishi, her friend whom which Deke proposed only hours before the attack, are devastated. Hysan quickly comes in on his own ship for rescue, and saves the remaining team. They make it to Taurus, and began their new plan. Although, Rho is having a hard time focusing; Mathias was tortured beyond horribly in his time spent kidnapped by the Marad, and alms lost all remaining sanity. An Aquarius girl, Pandora, had been put in the same room as him, and he needed to stick like glue to her for the longest time. Rho desperately wanted to apologize to Mathias, for she felt this was her fault. Hysan is beginning to act strange now that Mathias is back, for he knew that Rho had fallen for them both earlier in her life. After being reunited with his parents, it doesn't take Mathias long to readjust; although he'll still need time to recover, after being stuck with those horrible memories of torture. Yet, as his helpful memories return, something comes up that shocks Rho worse than lightning. Aryll is a Riser. An imbalanced Riser. Aryll is working with the Marad. As the trio Rho, Stanton, and Mathias go off to rescue Hysan, who Aryll captured, they barely manage a triumphant outcome. Yet, Aryll manages to escape. Hysan now truly believes Rho has fallen for Mathias all over again, and has walked away on her in a gust of upset fury. Rho tries to focus on other things, but it's difficult; especially when her most recent Sight is over her mother become a Riser, and she had a vision of herself become the same kind only a few weeks ago.
I'm still shocked after reading this book. The mystery that went into all of it, the shock, the betrayal; I could barely tear my eyes away from the pages. I'm already beginning to theorize so many things, most of which revolve around why Rho's mother left and her vision of her mother becoming a Riser. Something seems suspicious about that. This book never bored me. I always so interested on what Rho would do next, how she would make her next move. The fact that Mathias was alive zapped me the most, probably. All these questions that came to electric answers throughout this book have made me anxious for me. I am more than hyped for the third book to arrive! :) show less

Rhoma Grace is a sixteen year old student at an Academy on House Cancer. She is amazing at reading the stars and using her Ephemeris, a map like device that allows her to see the Galaxy. Rho's life is completely turned around when her band is about to begin their stellar performance, and a massive meteor strikes one of Cancer's moons, which collides with another, smacking her home planet. Almost everybody is dead, including the current Guardian for her House. Rho gets the shock of her life when she is called to become the next Guardian. As she is placed in her special naming ceremony, she meets all the superior leaders for other Houses, including the Guardians. She meets a young boy named Hysan, who is the same age as her, and meets a man named Matthias, who she has been training in awkward silence to work with on a form of yoga. The next time Rho opens her Ephemeris, a strange force makes one of her moons flicker; just like it had before the collision. Soon, other planets are flickering, and as she researches this herself, Rho learns of the Thirteenth House. With the Thirteenth House comes the legend of a long lost Guardian and his ability to control Dark Matter. Rho has to warn the others immediately. This man is dangerous; but nobody will listen to a sixteen year old who is speaking of the boogeyman. Soon, Ochus, the Thirteenth House Guardian, is throwing more and more attacks, along with more and more threats. Rho desperately tries to keep up with him, but it's show more impossible. She has already lost her planet, her father, her school and friends to this fiend. She travels to a base camp for all Houses on planet Scorpio, and practices speaking in public to warn those throughout the planet. Of course, she is rejected; but not for long. As Rho gets further into research with linking the more constant attacks and speaking her mind, people listen. They finally listen. As her Guardian friend from Gemini helps win her support, Rho comes to realize; she doesn't feel ready to lead. Yet she has to. She needs to lead these people. So they attack. They attack, but no one can touch Ochus. No one can see him. No one but Rho. Suddenly the entire Galaxy is against her again, but this time more violently; they think she set them up. That this was all a trick. Now, Matthias is dead from trying to protect her while she went after Ochus; Rho is loosing everyone. She feels dead inside. Worse than dead. She has to keep going; and what helps her now is a sudden call; her brother, Stanton, is alive. He survived the horrible damage done to Cancer. Now, Rho will find her brother, and go after Ochus; and nobody is in her way to tell her otherwise.
This book stunned me. I didn't know what to expect when I first looked at the cover and read the blurb when I picked it up out of Barnes and Noble. The title intrigued me; and I'm so happy I bought it. This book was absolutely amazing. I loved the concept of the different races of people living on different planets in the constellations. It was a fantastic idea. This book kept me interested throughout the entire thing, from the little problems and stories, all the way to the massive ones. Rho has gone through so much in this book, it actually amazed me that she was pulling through strong. That is what her friends were there for. This is what our friends are for. I suggest this book to everybody who loves fiction like this, this book and series will and is going to be absolutely fantastic! :) show less

Cole and Gavin have been friends for as long as they can remember. Each has their own specialty; for Cole, it's cooking. For Gavin, it's his sarcasm. Cole is also known for his incredible grades, which have been hard to keep up with the knowledge of his ex-girlfriend, Winnie, who has started a relationship with tone person he hates in particular, Josh Truffle. As he and Gavin planned a joke to change the Wikipedia pages Josh needs for his report, the outcome was successful. Messing around with him was pretty fun...so they decide to go even farther. The two edit Josh's personal Wikipedia page, and even include his death. They play this joke out for all the other people who have been causing them trouble; they continue, until they realize they've gone too far. The horrible accidents from the created pages are starting to come true. As they vow to stay off and shut it all down, the pages stay up. Somebody is continuing to mess around. With the help of one of his new friends, Lila, Cole tries his best to warn the people he can. He tries to warn Winnie all too late; her fake death has become real. Cole had been invited to Winnie's house, and so had Josh. Josh throws himself at Cole in anger, blaming him for her death, and both were sent tumbling out the window. Luckily, Cole managed to get away without severe injury; the same could not be said for Josh. As Cole hears of him passing away as well, he and Lila have to motivate themselves enough to search for the killer at a high show more school party that is being thrown. Shock was the key emotion Cole felt when Gavin admitted to murdering all the innocent people; and attempts to kill Cole himself. Cole's cooking ends it all; with Peanut allergies, he snuck some peanut butter into the treats he'd made, and given one to Gavin.
I'd have to say, this story was quite interesting. I personally enjoyed the idea of using Wikipedia as the main mystery source of this story. Sure, there have been several other horror stories involving the internet, social media, and all of that; but sing Wikipedia? This is the first book I've seen that has used that idea for horror. I personally enjoyed reading this story; it kept me hooked. In some areas, however, the story seemed to drag out a bit. In my opinion, the ending also seemed to happen a bit too quickly. There was (I think) two chapters about the ending, and most of it was questioning on why and how Gavin planned the murders. All around, though, this story was, like I said in the first sentence, quite interesting. The plot was great, and I've even gotten some of my family hooked on this book. :) show less

Dandelion is a valley-born eaglet, and lives at the bottom of Sword Mountain. Valley birds aren't allowed on top of the mountain, let alone inside the castle. She never believed she'd live long enough to get a chance to fly up and look, but that all changes on her sky-born day. As her mother and father are attacked by a lone Archaeopteryx, Dandelion is forced to flee her home. She passes out, only to wake up and find herself inside the Sword Mountain castle! Dandelion desperately tries to work her way into the castle's society, wounded and unable to fly. As she crosses paths with another eagle, Cloud-Wing, the two begin to see each other in halls and hangout. When a mysterious owl comes to the castle one day, after Fleydur a lost prince returns and wishes to invite music to the cold mountain, everything is flowing into chaos. A magical gem goes missing, the owl attempts and nearly succeeds in killing the king on his 100th birthday, and Fleydur is arrested as a suspect. When Dandelion and her new friends find out the truth, the castle's eagles are shocked. Fleydur is released, the owl disappears, and Dandelion lives her life in the castle, still a valley-bird at heart.
This was probably my favorite book out of the SwordBird series. Dandelion and Cloud-Wing were, personally, the best characters. A young average eagle, and an excellent warrior/learner. It's always crazy what kind of relationships can occur. One thing that confused me, was the fact that they had an Osprey and show more Perigine Falcon at the Rock Bottom academy. I thought only Golden Eagles were allowed in places such as that, for they seemed shocked to have Tranglarhad as the new teacher. Either I missed something, or they missed something. All in all, though, the way this story placed out was amazing! I truly hope this young continues her amazing work, and becomes more noticed throughout time. Her books are incredible!! :) show less

Wind-Voice is a young bird, who has no clear heritage on what breed he is. His mother was a Dove, and his father is unknown. He has grown up a slave, captured at a very young age by Archaeopteryxes, and was sent to work for life. Soon, word spreads across the Islands of strange things called Leasorn Gems. As the mighty Archaeopteryx leader sends an army to look for them, a four-winged dinosaur attacks and kills his son, eating him and a new-found gem alive. As a penalty, he was sent to be trapped for two years in an underworld-like prison, by Yama, the Evil Spirit. As Wind-Voice hears of this, he wishes to go out and explore. As he meets a young WoodPecker, the two become close friends and escape. They search far and wide, looking for all the gems and hoping to stop all the evil Archaeopteryxes. As the four-winged dinosaur, who was newly named Yin Soul, corrupts a young Archaeopteryxes mind, this becomes harder. The two make more friends along the way, and they finally find all the gems. Now, Wind-Voice searches through a pyramid, and finds the Hero's Sword. He defeats the corrupted Archaeopteryxes mind, and earns himself a new name; SwordBird, Guardian of all bird-kind.
I absolutely loved all the adventure throughout this book. Watching small, helpless Wind-Voice grow up into a true hero was fantastic. To create a time, where Dinosaurs and birds lived amongst each other was very creative. Even if it was only the few flying creatures there were, it still amazes me. Again, show more the characters had their neat little comical moments that made me smile. Some of them are just hard to take seriously, like little Winger. Although I have read the books in the wrong order, the main idea is still very clear. I cannot wait to finish Sword Mountain! show less

Turnatt, the Hawk Lord, has captured many woodland birds. He controls many Raven soldiers, who have recently turned the Cardinals and Blue-Jays against each other. With this new rivalry, survival for some birds has become harsh. But, as legends are told of an ancient bird named SwordBird, hope begins to spread. Milton, a young Robin slave, volunteered to trick the lead Raven in going out, and to let the slaves escape. He flew to Flame-Back and Skylion, leaders of the Cardinals and Blue-Jays. Soon, both tribes unite to help stop Turnatt from causing further damage to the forest. They learn that magical Leasorn gems are needed to summon SwordBird. At the cost of his brave little life, Milton succeeds with help in getting a stone. Evil Turnatt has been defeated, and all birds are united once more.
"SwordBird" was honestly a very comical book. Even the villains had their little scenes that would make me laugh inside. I love how the author showed so much emotion throughout each bird, throughout each moment. The book had its moments, though, where things seemed to suddenly speed up. Some scenes to take a sudden turn, and new characters popped up from nowhere. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. It still amazes me how well such a young person could write, using that much detail. I really hope she keeps up the good work!! :)

Shard has begun his mission of raising Amaranstu's son, Hikaru. Hikaru is a very bright dragonet who has already learned so much in the small crystal dome with Shard, which Amaranstu sacrificed herself into being for the protection of them both. As Shard tells his "son" of the Gryphon-Dragon past, Shard's wing brother, Kjorn, has returned to the Silver Isles. Sadly, Sverin, the Red King, finally went mad and Nameless with grief. Kjorn tells the pride that he himself will return, for now he has set off again to find Shard. While Shard and Hikrau are in the mountain, earthquakes begin to shake it vigorously, and the ground warms. With Wyrms outside that have been lulled to sleep by the heat they escape, and Shard shows Hikrau what the world truly is. Now, their conjoined journey can start; bring Hikrau to the Sunland dragons, the families and friends of Amaranstu. Yet, as Kjorn is trying desperately to find Shard, his Aesir built body weakens with the flight over the ocean. He is found and held captive by three exile Gryphons and a Nameless wolf, who refuse to believe his is royalty. As the wolf recovers his name, he helps Kjorn escape, sadly awaking the other Gryphons. He has escaped, although, he ran into the Vanhar, who are neither Aesir nor Vanir. Hikrau has already gotten older, and has already learned a lot. As they fly over sea to find the Sunland, Hikaru, notices some Killer Whales down below. When they try to make peace with the strange animals, they attempt to show more kill Shard and Hikrau, and nearly succeed. Shard's hind leg is completely and utterly ripped, broken. Suntanned dragons arrive, and help Hikrau; while leaving Shard stranded on a floating pice of ice. Finally, he has enough energy to stand and fly, and reaches a small cave. There, he meets a Gryphoness, Groa, who heals him. As he and Groa share a dream when Shard awakes; Groa is a pile of dusted bones. Finally, he reaches the Sunland. As he rejoices with Hikaru, he is highly untrusted by all the other Dragons. They send him to a prison where he will surely die, after sneaking out to talk with the Chronicler. Miraculously, Hikrau finds Shard. Then, two of the most unthinkable happen. Caj, Shard's nest-father, has found the Red King and returned him to his name. The second thing; Stigr is alive. At a cost, sadly; he has lost a wing. After Shard is well again, Hikrau tells him he wishes to stay with the dragons, and Shard understands. He travels alone back to the Dawn Spire, where he gathers the lost Vanir and faces the Wyrms again. This time, however, he meets Kjorn, and they fight together. Now, with the Wyrms defeated, the two Princes bring their Gryphon prides to victory, and plan their great, great lives ahead.
I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Watching Hikrau grow up was incredible, and to think, he will only live for a year. Watching him learn, watching Shard teach and learn himself was just amazing. Again, all the tough choices they had to make made me feel split myself. When they wanted vengeance, I could almost feel their rage. It was, honestly, so much like a movie. I could see every event play out in my mind with each new word, desperately thinking what could happen next. The emotions throughout this book were astonishing, and many times over I had to fight myself from crying. Those pure moments of joy Shard had when he found Kjorn and Stigr, along with when Caj returned Sverin to his name came so close to breaking me. This trilogy has been one the best adventures I have ever had, and I hope it is one I never forget!! :) show less

Shard has just begun his incredible journey. He decided, after a conversation with his wolf allies, to travel onto the highest peak of the White Mountains in hopes of having a vision. With the guidance of a mysterious Snowy Owl, Shard succeeds. The vision, however, was thought to have been his father's. Guided through the forest with the Owl again to meet a Great Moose, Shard returns to Catori and friends with confusing and exciting news of his recent vision. While celebrating Half-Night with the wolves, things suddenly go off track. The Sun is rising too early. A massive comet shoots StarWard across the Sky. Shard believes it is a sign; and he follows it, all the way across the ocean. As a Vanir, it seems easy. Suddenly, a massive storm begins to cut him off track. Above clouds, he meets an Albatross; and names him WindWalker. For the journey to be smooth, Shard must forget himself. Become a nameless, witless creature. When he reaches the Lost Land of the Aesir, the place he hoped the comet was leading him to, Shard is still desperately trying to reclaim his name and memories. After helping a few Gryphess fight off a small hunting band of wolves, he does. With new allies and an angry Stigr, Shard tries to reason with everybody. Soon, after showing off his flight, flight, and friendliness, Shard has made him and Stigr new, respected members of the Winderost Pride. Although, being the rebellious and determined soul he is, Shard begins to speak eagles, lions, and wolves show more with painted fur. Soon, he discovers why Sverin hates the dark. Wyrms. Violent, insane, cruel cousins to the dragons. When Shard tries to speak with one, all goes horribly wrong. The Wyrms attack, and follow Shard and Stigr back to Winderost. Suddenly, everything Shard knew is twisted. His wing brother in his old pride, Kjorn, is missing, Sverin is slowly going mad with grief, and Stigr; may or may not be dead from a Wyrm attack. Terrified and named betrayer from the entire Winderost pride (including the King), Shard flies witless and nameless once again, back over the ocean. Soon, he comes across the mountain from his vision; and meets a true dragon. Amaranstu. Helping Shard recover his name and tell him his past, she entrusts him with her egg; and sacrifices herself for the future of Shard and her son.
All around, this book definitely deserves five stars. I could so clearly imagine the shock of each new scene in every character, the struggle for Shard trying to remember his name. Emotions flew so strongly out of this books words. Honestly, I almost cried in the last chapter. The joy and one moment of happiness of that little dragonet entering the world was enough to keep me smiling every time I thought about it. This book will definitely keep you clinging on for more, I can ensure you. Watching Shard grow throughout this book and making the tough decisions he had to have been stunning. I cannot wait to read the final book in this trilogy. It is going to be thrilling, watching Shard and the little dragonet, Hikaru, start their journey together. In fact, I already have started the Third book!! :) show less

Shard is a young male Gryphon who lives under the command of the Red King, along with his sister and mother. In their home of The Silver Isles, Shard is old enough to hunt, fly, fight... and over-throw his King. Most may say his way go flight is strange, but to Shard, it is perfect. One of the last known Vanir Gryphons in the Silver Isles, his ancestors were over-thrown by the Aesir, in which the Red King is. When he sets off onto the dangerous initiation hunt, Shard's life changes forever. He meets a young red she-wolf, Catori. Wolves have been the sworn enemy of Gryphons for years and years. Yet, there is something odd about Catori. Teaching him earth-animal words, Shard defeats a might boar without so much as lifting a talon. As she continues to hint into his strange and long-forgotten past, Catori warns Shard of grave danger. As he returns to his home, things get even weirder. Ragna-The-White speaks to him, an old Widowed Gryphon, hints more into his past as well. As he tries to speak to his mother about it, she warns him to stop. He begins to sneak out at night, meeting Catori and continuing their talk. One night, however, things change. Shard meets his uncle, Stigr, who had been outcasted long ago. He tells Shard he is not the last Vanir. They are living amongst him now. Suddenly, a rumor of war is spread. Now Shard must make the biggest choice of his life. Fight for his King, or against him with his new wolf allies. Shard chooses the wolves... and now must complete show more an epic journey. Search the world for the lost Vanir... and take down his king once and for all.
I honestly loved this book. I couldn't put it down for the longest time. The plot and setting were both very creative, words flowed smoothly throughout the book. Fantasy animals and new story lines along with them hook me up immediately, so I found this book very interesting. However, if you are a huge fan of action novels, I don't really recommend this book to you. There was very little suspense, but definitely adventure. I chose to give this novel 3 stars for one reason. I feel that everything happened too quickly and suddenly. The main thoughts of the chapters throughout the book seemed almost random. For example, in one chapter it seemed Shard was just talking to and meeting Catori, and the next he knew every single thing. The wolf had only hinted such little and limited information. All the other gaps seemed to fill up in seconds. I believe I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars, if the author included a few more chapters, so the main ideas flowed a bit more smoothly into each other. Other than that, I highly recommend this book (and series) to a person who adores the make-believe and fantasy as much as I do. :) show less