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Title details for Urchin of the Riding Stars by M.I. McAllister - Wait list

Urchin of the Riding Stars

#1 in series

by M.I. McAllister
Andrew Sachs
Audiobook
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
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0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
On a night of riding stars, a tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised by a kindly squirrel, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of the way he will influence the island of Mistmantle.
The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When their young son is found murdered, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, the wicked Lord Husk and Lady Aspen are determined to take control. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake....
Triumphant heroes and brilliantly wicked villains do battle in this heart-stopping adventure in the great tradition of Watership Down and The Wind in the Willows.
From the Compact Disc edition.

  • Creators

  • Series

    The Mistmantle Chronicles

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    June 27, 2006

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780739345313
      • File size: 205352 KB
      • Duration: 07:07:48

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Text Difficulty: 3-6

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Hedgehogs, squirrels, otters, and moles are kings, queens, warriors, and orphans in this island kingdom inhabited by animals. This first installment of the Mistmantle series follows the adventures of a small squirrel, Urchin, who is destined for greatness, though he does not know it himself. Andrew Sachs's extraordinarily pliable voice tells a story that resembles Shakepeare's tragedies in its tangle of intrigue and heroism. It might actually spark young readers' interest in the Bard, so it's worth the listen--although I suspect the audio version improves upon the written book. If you're the parent of a particularly tenderhearted youngster, however, beware. No animal in this story is too charming to escape danger or death. A.M.D. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from September 12, 2005
      British actor Sach's storytelling voice is both gentle and bright in narrator mode; the introductory strains of magical-sounding strings, woodwinds and shimmery chimes mesmerize. So the stage is set for jolly fantasy-adventure,
      and listeners will be eager to go along. McAllister's (Ghost at the Window
      ) brisk and colorful tale—part Redwall
      , part Wind in the Willows
      —introduces Urchin, an orphaned squirrel born on a night of riding stars and destined for great things (and potentially great danger) on the mystical, and mist-enshrouded island of Mistmantle. When Urchin accepts a position as a page to Crispin, a captain in the king's castle, he begins to discover his destiny—and it all starts with an intriguing royal murder-mystery. Sachs shifts nimbly from highbrow to common accents, giving voice to squirrels, otters, moles and hedgehogs of various station. From the sage, elderly Brother Fir to the particularly amusing earth-mother squirrel Apple, who often sputters in her excitement, Sachs has an assured, entertaining style. Ages 8-up.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Text Difficulty:3-6

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