Urchin of the Riding Stars

M.I. McAllister (author)

Bloomsbury, UK: 2005; 329pp

ISBN: 0747578109

Genres: animals, fantasy

Urchin, an orphaned squirrel, is fostered on the secret, magical isle of Mistmantle. On being made page to a high-ranking member of the Court he finds himself surrounded by conspiracy, treachery and murder. He and his captain must save the day.

Fantasies that feature talking animals are difficult to write well and are usually only convincing when the animal characters are used to explore the faults and foibles of human nature and society. McAllister at first makes the irritating mistake of over-emphasising the physical features of the animals - there are far too many references such as ‘his paw on his sword hilt', ‘he curled his claws', ‘brushing his ears' and so on. There also seems to be an excessive emphasis on the costumes worn by the animals of the Royal Court, where clothes, as with humans, reflect status and wealth. This doesn't really work in the context. As the narrative develops these aspects of the writing become better controlled and the reader can become interested in the quirks and personalities of the various characters. The animals do gradually become more an expression of human traits - greed, hunger for power, loyalty, friendship, pride and self-doubt.

That said, however, the narrative is relatively predictable. It is a rather over-written and obvious variation of the ‘orphan child makes good and saves the world' type of adventure fantasy. Reading age is also a difficulty where this particular novel is concerned, as, without the depth or allegorical nature of Wind in the Willows or Watership Down, the storyline is more appropriate for 7-9yr olds. The text length and vocabulary dictates a reading age of 10-12yrs, however. This novel will appeal to those who enjoyed Brian Jacques' Redwall series, as well as William Horwood's Duncton Woods.