Riders of the Realm #1: Across the Dark Water

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The first book in an exciting, action-packed trilogyfrom the imagination of Guardian Herd series author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez. Perfect for fans of Lisa McManns Going Wild, Brandon Mulls Wild Born, or Erin Hunters Warriors series.

Twelve-year-old Rahkki is a stable groom for the Riders in the Sandwen army, who must battle deadly spit dragons and hordes of warring giants. The Sandwens believe they have tamed all the wild pegasi in the lush jungles of the Realm and turned them into flying warhorses. But when a herd of wild steeds flies over their village, Rahkki and his clanmates are stunned.

Meanwhile, a small herd of pegasi have journeyed across a treacherous ocean to settle in a new, and free, land. Led by Echofrost and Hazelwind, the Storm Herd steeds are unaware of the Sandwen clan. But when the unthinkable happens, Echofrost and the rest of Storm Herd will have to come to trust the Sandwens, or both may not survive.

Reviews

Praise for LANDFALL ; Perfect for fans of Charlottes Web and the Guardians of GaHoole series, Alvarez advances the story arc thoughtfully and gives a cliffhanger ending that will leave readers clamoring for the final series installment. Booklist Praise for STORMBOUND ; Filled with fantastical action, and rich with description. A well-paced and engrossing story. Alvarez has created a series that will be beloved by readers. Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) Animal-lovers and fantasy fans will enjoy the second installment in this series. Rapid-fire pacing keeps the book moving. Booklist Praise for STARFIRE ; Chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down. School Library Journal From page one, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez weaves an epic tale of a doomed black Pegasus foal named Star, whose race against time will lift the reader on the wings of destiny and danger, magic and hope. Its a world I did not want to leave, and neither will you. Peter Lerangis, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author in the 39 Clues series and of the Seven Wonders series Alvarezs world is lush with description and atmosphere, and her premise has much to offer. Fans of animal fantasies should find it enjoyable. Publishers Weekly This epic adventure is richly developed. Compelling. Kirkus Reviews Will prove popular with both animal-lovers and fantasy fans. A good choice for reluctant readers. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd. Booklist Readers will be enthralled. The story is action-packed and full of adventure, making it difficult to put down. Perfect for fans of Erin Hunters Warrior series. School Library Journal A story with both wings and heart, Across the Dark Water is a breathtaking ride into a rich and dangerous world. Animal-lovers and thrill-seekers alike will cheer for Echofrost and Rahkki at each of the many twists and turns. Clever, epic, and wildly imaginative! Kamilla Benko, author of The Unicorn Quest An epic adventure that moves at the speed of flight. Thrilling, compelling and completely enchanting. I fell in love with the Storm Herd, and one particular winged steed that Pegasus himself would fall for! Kate OHearn, author of the international bestselling Pegasus series Exhilarating! A well-woven tale full of loyalty, bravery, danger, and love. Readers will be delighted! Lindsay Cummings, New York Times bestselling author of the Balance Keepers series A riveting, richly imagined epic tale of loyalty, bravery, and friendship that will make your heart (literally!) soara pulse-pounding adventure! Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is a true master of her craft. Kristen Kittscher, author of The Wig in the Window and The Tiara on the Terrace Getting swept up in Jennifer Lynn Alvarezs rich world of flying steeds, Landwalkers, giants, and spit dragons was the most fun Ive had all year. Its like How to Train Your Dragon meets Watership Down. But with pegasi. A fantastic read! John Kloepfer, author of the Zombie Chasers series and the Galaxys Most Wanted series Honor and courage soar on every page of Jennifer Lynn Alvarezs books! Jenn Reese, author of the Above World trilogy A beautiful tale of loyalty, adventure, and bravery. Readers will want to soar through the clouds with Echofrost and befriend kind-hearted Rahkki. Across the Dark Water is a captivating opener to the Riders of the Realm trilogy. Jill Diamond, author of the Lou Lou and Pea series Gorgeously detailed, with heart-wrenching conflict; a breathtaking read. Alvarezs fantasy world is richly developed with a cast of characters readers will love. I read it as fast as a Pegasus can fly and am already longing for more. Mindee Arnett, critically acclaimed author of Onyx & Ivory An amazing story of survival flecked with themes of captivity and freedom, and a coming-of-age journey with a strong heart. Booklist Alvarez offers strong worldbuilding and an evocative picture of winged horses in action. An entertaining adventure story. Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

Jennifer Lynn Alvarez received a degree in English literature from UC Berkeley. She blogs about her books and the publishing business (www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com) and speaks regularly at schools about creative writing. She lives on a small ranch in Northern California with her husband, three children, and more than her fair share of pets, including horses. Jennifer draws on her lifelong love of animals for inspiration. When she's not writing, Jennifer can be spotted galloping her mare across the golden foothills of Sonoma County. The Guardian Herd: Starfire is the first book in this series. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @JenniferDiaries.