Pros: Gripping epic fantasy with wonderful characters!
Cons:
Rating: 5 out of 5

Also posted on Epinions.com.

I just got a review copy of Kristen Britain’s First Rider’s Call, the sequel to her 1998 novel Green Rider. Usually when I get a sequel as a review copy, I’m stuck jumping in at the middle of the story and hoping the author gave each book some measure of autonomy. In this case, I blinked at the cover, thought “don’t I have a copy of Green Rider that I never got around to reading?” and ran off to dig it out. Next morning, I settled in to give it a read before starting in on the sequel. I’m so glad I had it sitting around, because I’m hooked on Kristen’s world and characters and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Karigan G’ladheon is on her way home alone from school. She got into—or rather, won—a fight with the wrong nobleman’s son, and was suspended after he complained to influential family members. As she contemplates facing her wealthy merchant father and telling him of her failure, she comes upon a dying man, one of the Green Riders, the king’s own messengers. He insists she take an oath to deliver his message safely to the king, and gives her the golden winged-horse brooch he wears.

Nothing in Karigan’s life will ever be the same again after that meeting. She’s pursued by assassins and a mysterious “shadow man.” The Green Rider’s horse has a mind of his own, and doesn’t hesitate to take her where he wills. The ghost of the Rider seems to follow at her heels, and a few mysterious allies also pop up to lend a hand. Karigan is certain she’s hip deep in something that’s none of her business, but every indication is that whether or not she likes it, she’s already become a Green Rider.

 
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