I believe Green Rider is Kristen Britain first foray into Science fiction and what a start. This is a novel, which could easily be the first novel in a wonderful series. The story and the wonderful characters are Reminisce of Mercedes Lackey's and her Heralds. The Green Riders even have smarter than average horses! A greenrider is a messenger loyal to the crown who is endowed with special powers to aide their ride. A brooch containing the power "accepts" new riders, without the brooch you can't be a rider and only other riders can see the brooch.

A merchant's daughter, Karigan, gets kicked out of school for besting a lord's son. On her way home, she comes across a dying greenrider, shot by the black arrows that steal souls, he makes her promise to get his important message to the king. The message is about the D'Yer wall. The wall, which keeps the nasties of the Blackveil forest out, has a hole (The wall has been up so long no one remembers who built it and how).

She promises, takes his brooch (she is instantly accepted by the brooch and his horse Condor) and embarks on the wildest ride she has ever been on. She takes the long way home and comes across some amazing people. A woodman who is more than he seems, and two sisters who have a room full of magical gadgets. But the shadow man (owner of the black arrows) who stole F'yran's soul (dead greenrider) is close on her heals. Will she reach the king, and will he listen to her when she gets there?

I love Britain's pace. It flows very well. The novel has enough plot for twists and turns and enough action to keep you interested. I was never bored with this novel. I also enjoy her characters. We learn about F'ryan as he visits and helps Karigan as a ghost. I enjoy Karigan, she is spunky, but still a girl who really doesn't realize what she has gotten herself into. Even the King, little we see of him in this novel, has a personality--he is not some unpersonal thing to reach. This novel is well written. Its a great quest novel. If you like Fantasy and have enjoyed Mercedes Lackey's Heralds, then read this one in you Herald dry spells--you won't be disappointed!


Recommended: Yes