SKYRIDERS

A reluctant hero and her winged horse fight to save the empire when monstrous chimerae return to Prekalt.

Three hundred years ago, the chimerae were defeated; most people believe they aren’t coming back, but 13-year-old junior sky courier Kiesandra Torsun’s uncle is certain they will, and he has trained her and N’Rah, her skysteed, to fight with bow and arrow, triwire, and botan. When chimerae attack their town, Uncle Dugs insists that Kie bring his great-grandfather’s manual about fighting chimerae to the emperor’s commanders in Pedarth before the Skyforce sets off. Shy Kie, who has trouble expressing herself and feels more comfortable with animals than people, agrees to go, though she wonders, “Who is going to listen to a courier girl from nowhere?” She’s certain she’s not anyone special. However, Kie’s ability to mindspeak with all the skysteeds, not just her own, indicates that she is the Nexara, or connector between species. Eventually, she shares this secret with friends she has come to trust, including Prince Shayn, Princess Halla, courier Topar, and groom Dessie. Ultimately, Kie’s ability helps a younger generation of cadets, grooms, and couriers assist the Skyforce in winning their desperate, violent fights against the scourge of chimerae. Readers, especially fans of Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series, will enjoy this gripping fantasy whose satisfying conclusion leaves the path open for the sequel. In this racially diverse fantasy world, Kie has golden skin and brown hair.

A thrilling series opener.