Across the Dark Water

In this exciting follow-up to the Guardian Herd series, kicking off the Riders of the Realm trilogy, the pegasi of the Storm Herd encounter numerous dangers when they journey across the sea to seek out a new home. Refugees from a land torn apart by war, Echofrost and her herd of winged horses want to ensure the survival of their species by colonizing a new continent; instead, they discover a Landwalker (human) society that uses tame pegasi in war and defense against marauding giants. When Echofrost and her friend Shysong are captured by humans, they must engineer an escape before they’re enslaved forever. Their only potential ally is 12-year-old Rahkki Stormrunner, who feels an unexpected connection to the wild pegasi and their plight. But unable to understand each other, Echofrost and Rahkki may remain at cross-purposes until it’s too late. Alvarez offers strong worldbuilding and an evocative picture of winged horses in action, though leisurely pacing can cause the narrative to drag. An exploration of the unkind human treatment of the sentient pegasi provides darker dimension in this entertaining adventure story. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jacqueline Flynn, Delbourgo Assoc. [em](May) [/em]