Every 100 years, a black foal is born in the land of the pegasi, a foal that is destined to either destroy or heal the five herds of winged horses. This time, it is Star, a pegasus who cannot fly, only walk, and from the start, when his mother dies giving birth, he is ostracized, bullied, and feared. Only Morningleaf and a few other foals befriend Star, but they cannot protect him from their herd's overstallion Thunderwing, who promises to kill Star on his first birthday, before he can fulfill his destiny. Clearly the beginning of a series, this first novel still stands alone and will prove popular with both animal lovers and fantasy fans. Its steady pacing and action-driven plotlines also make this a good choice for reluctant readers. The lineages at the beginning of the book are important to keep track of all the pegasi, and the map helps readers navigate the herd migrations and boundaries. The clever resolution will get kids psyched for more tales from the Guardian Herd.

Born the dark foal of Anok, Star is different from other pegasi--he can't fly, and on his first birthday the light of the Hundred Year Star will empower him to heal or destroy. Thunderwing, the herd's over-stallion, has vowed to kill him first. Scenes of adolescent pegasus bullying are overwrought, but the magical frame makes strong scaffolding for the well-executed plot.

Gr 5-7 Every hundred years in the land of Anok, a black foal is born into one of the five pegasi herds with the power to destroy or unite them all. Star is that foal. Although his wings are useless, making him no greater than a land horse, Star will be executed before his first birthday by Thunderwing, the head of Sun Herd. The last time a black foal fulfilled the prophecy, it resulted in the death and destruction of all the herds. A few supporters believe Star may bring peace to the warring tribes, and one takes the risk of hiding him before his birthday. The disappearance of the black foal launches an epic battle that could result in the decimation of the herd. The typical fantasy tale of an ordinary being destined to become something extraordinary is infused with verve and ingenuity. The pacing is quick, chock-full of adventure and twists, making it difficult to put down. Readers will be clamoring for the next book in this adventure. Recommended for fantasy fans. Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY