Skyriders

Skyriders, #1

by

Polly Holyoke

An epic middle-grade fantasy adventure that will capture the hearts and imaginations of boys and girls alike.

Skyridersis the first book in a new middle-grade fantasy series of the same name by author Polly Holyoke. In 13-year-old Kiesandra’s world, humans coexist and depend on their bond with the beautiful and powerful winged horses known as skysteeds to keep them safe. When terrible monsters that haven’t been seen in years return to threaten their people, it is up to Kie and her beloved skysteed, N’Rah, to alert the palace and convince their leaders that they know how these creatures of legend can be defeated.

The story pulls out all the stops for adventure, world-building, and overcoming impossible, overwhelming odds. This epic fantasy adventure will appeal to both boys and girls, reluctant readers, and would be perfect for reading aloud and tempting eager young imaginations. 

The book’s action begins immediately with minimal exposition; there’s no waiting around! Kie is the kind of young heroine who everyone can get behind. At 13 years of age, she is humble, loving, brave, and loyal. I loved that she (and the others) could communicate telepathically with their skysteeds, and early on, readers know that her ability is not limited to N’Rah. Their foe, the chimerae, are horrific three-headed monsters and are a returning menace from her country’s past, one foretold by her beloved Uncle Dug. He was right all along! The aerial battles against the chimerae are exciting and easy to follow. 

The plot is an extraordinary underdog story, as Kie faces frustration after frustration trying to get those in a position to act to believe her. Her warnings repeatedly fall on deaf ears. However, it’s always a satisfying moment for young readers when young characters prove to be right and the adults wrong. 

The author’s world-building is so impressive in this first volume of the series. The descriptions of the various settings are so vivid you can practically feel the mountain storms or the grit and heat of the desert. But best of all are the Pegusus-like skysteeds, sentient and wise and a welcome addition to a genre filled with dragons. You can almost feel the experience of flying on the back of one of these winged horses (but don’t call them horses!) Kudos for the fabulous cover that features Kie, N’Rah, and the monstrous chimerae and establishes a perfect visual right from the start. 

With its highly relatable heroine, great underdog story, and fantastic creatures of myth and legend, I recommend SKYRIDERS to readers of middle-grade fantasy and adventure.

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