SKYRIDERS is the first book in this epic fantasy adventure. I will be featuring the sequel next week, THE SKY KING, on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday but couldn’t resist jumping into the story from the beginning with Book One.

Thirteen-year-old Kiesandra (Kie) is pictured on the cover with N’Rah, her beautiful winged skysteed she rides while delivering mail as a courier. A skysteed bonds with only one human and they communicate through mental thoughts. She lives with her Uncle Dug. What gets the plot rolling along in nonstop fashion is the imposing 3-headed creature hovering over Kie.

They are known as chimerae and their only goal is to kill. When they invade the town Uncle Dug convinces Kie to take his great-grandfather’s manual detailing how to fight these creatures to the commanders in Pedarth, the capital of the large empire.

The task is not easy since the ones in charge don’t believe in these outdated ways of fighting the beasts. The Skyforce army will fight them with modern techniques. Why would they even believe a lowly courier like Kie? But then Kie discovers that she can communicate mentally with any skysteed she touches and gains a few new friends. There’s Prince Shayne and Princess Halla, Courier Topar, and a groom, Dessie. Together they begin training using the old style weapons to assist the Skyforce in defeating the chimerae.

Kie is a wonderful heroine who will win many fans. She has doubts but becomes a brave leader by example, especially how she bonds with her skysteed. The other young characters also have memorable personalities, each one providing support in their quest.

The world-building is crucial in any fantasy and here it is done in top notch fashion. You will vividly see and feel this world through each of the enticing 29 chapters. Middle grade fantasy lovers have another winner with the enthralling SKYRIDERS.

PAGE COUNT: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: April 9, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Polly Holyoke is the author of the award-winning Neptune Trilogy (Disney/Hyperion) and Skyriders (Viking Children’s Books). She grew up in Colorado and enjoys skiing, hiking and camping in the mountains. She wrote her first book with her best friend in fifth grade. A former seventh grade teacher, Polly has visited over 300 schools and loves getting students excited about writing. She believes kids need to read, write, unplug from their gadgets and spend more time… daydreaming! (Author Website)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

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