Every 100 years a black foal is born to destroy or unite the five herds. Last time the foal nearly destroyed everything. The question is whether or not this new one, Star, will follow in those hoof prints.
The Guardian Herd: Starfire
by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Harper
September 2014
The other horses are afraid of Star's first birthday and do what they can to stop him from ever becoming who he is prophesied to become. The book is about whether or not Star will make it to his first birthday and the realization of his powers. Other herds decide they want Star to get his powers - but for their designs. War between the herds ensues.
I gave this to my 12 year old daughter, an avid reader, to try but she couldn't get through even a few chapters before becoming bored. I have to admit that while the book recommends this to 8 to 12 year old kids the truth is that the age really is closer to 8 to 10. This is strictly written for elementary students in my experience. It's very simplistic and fantastical, but not in a mature way that will hold more mature reader's attentions.
It is well written, however, and there is a lot going on in the story and is set up to be a series of easy reads. Language and content is clean as well.
