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kitsunesakura's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
juniper_b_jones's review
4.0
I read these books as a kid and loved them so when I saw a deal on all 8 from kindle I had to go for it and re-read them. They don't hold up as well to an adult, but I'm still enjoying the series. I would probably get these for a family child (nibling or my own potential spawn) if they were into horses and unicorns.
annettewolf's review
4.0
A fun continuation to the series, this time with lots of Balinor! Chase's arc in this series is lovely.
aftanith's review
3.0
Twenty one pages into reading this, and my brain’s already been broken. What did it? This did:
When unicorns laugh (or, as Ari discovered later, sneeze, cough, hum, sing, or cry), they laugh through their horns.
Wut. Seriously, what? They sneeze through their horns? Their horns are an amalgamation of respiratory organs, a larynx, and motherfucking tear ducts? I just… what?
But ignoring the utter derpiness that creeps up every now and then… not a bad fantasy installment. Great for children who haven’t been introduced to the genre, especially those who like horses or unicorns.
If I didn’t know the next book has an unbearably ludicrous and infuriating scene, I’d almost look forward to reading more.
When unicorns laugh (or, as Ari discovered later, sneeze, cough, hum, sing, or cry), they laugh through their horns.
Wut. Seriously, what? They sneeze through their horns? Their horns are an amalgamation of respiratory organs, a larynx, and motherfucking tear ducts? I just… what?
But ignoring the utter derpiness that creeps up every now and then… not a bad fantasy installment. Great for children who haven’t been introduced to the genre, especially those who like horses or unicorns.
If I didn’t know the next book has an unbearably ludicrous and infuriating scene, I’d almost look forward to reading more.
ktbergs's review
3.0
The journey continues! The last book left off with Arianna, Chase, Lori, and Linc just arriving in Balinor, about to set off on a quest they don't even know they are destined for. This book is truly the beginning of Arianna's journey of self discovery. She is figuring out who she is and was before the "accident" and what her responsibilities are to the land of Balinor. I had forgotten that Dr. Bohnes shows up halfway through to deliver the ruby safely to our little crew (I even said out loud "well that was easy..."). Of course, we learn that Dr. Bohnes is actually from Balinor and has been taking care of Arianna her whole life, which makes her crossing back over a bit more believable. I wish that finding the last bit of Chase's horn was more difficult. They didn't really have to search too far. I do love the moment at the end where Chase is now his "true self", reunited with his horn, but in Ari's eyes he's just the same. Her gentle, loving, best friend. I can't wait for book 3...stuff gets REAL!
havoc's review
2.0
I received this series of books as a child through some program where they sent me one each month, and I remember enjoying them. I'm currently going through my bookshelves rereading books that I'm ready to pass on to new owners.
The story isn't too original, a magic kingdom at war with a lost princess as the heroine, but there's nothing really wrong with it, especially since it is for children.
The second book begins Ari, the heroin, and Lori, the most annoying brat I can imagine, time in Balinor. Lori is still horrible for the majority of the book and starts to show signs of change/redemption at the end but hasn't even come close to making up for how annoying a character she is to read, not sure if it's even possible.
I think some of my issues with the book is how rushed some of the information comes at you, and that may be because it's written for children.
There are worse books for a young reader, but there are also better. If you or your child is a horse lover, maybe give this series a try, if not, keep looking.
The story isn't too original, a magic kingdom at war with a lost princess as the heroine, but there's nothing really wrong with it, especially since it is for children.
The second book begins Ari, the heroin, and Lori, the most annoying brat I can imagine, time in Balinor. Lori is still horrible for the majority of the book and starts to show signs of change/redemption at the end but hasn't even come close to making up for how annoying a character she is to read, not sure if it's even possible.
I think some of my issues with the book is how rushed some of the information comes at you, and that may be because it's written for children.
There are worse books for a young reader, but there are also better. If you or your child is a horse lover, maybe give this series a try, if not, keep looking.
minna17's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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