Series
Collection
Publication
Publisher Unknown, Kindle Edition, 404 pages
Description
Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pegasi, Princess Sylvi is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own pegasus, on her twelfth birthday, but the closeness of their bond becomes a threat to the status quo and possibly to the safety of their two nations.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ronincats
Robin McKinley is one of my favorite authors. I have read everything she has ever written, had books signed by her, and know that her writing pace is slow and that if a story doesn't gel for her, she will not follow up on even favorite books (can you say "Damar"!). With this as background and
The world-building was fantastic and original! The relationship were well-developed and (shock) healthy--Sylvi has two parents who love her dearly, and she them. The relationships among the pegasi are also evident--they are actual characters, not stock creatures. This whole first book is laying the extensive groundwork for the conflict coming up in the second book. What are the magicians really doing in "facilitating" communication with the pegasi? What is the split between the magicians that occurred at the first treaty signing back in history? What is the source of the increasing spate of attacks from dangerous fantastical beasts? Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year and a half to find out. But getting there was a joy, in exploring the landscape and the characters with McKinley's wonderful language.
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knowing ahead of time that Pegasus is only the first half of a story, I would have waited to read it until the second book was actually out. However, thanks to the LibraryThing Early Reviewers, I received it as an ARC and needed to read it to review it.The world-building was fantastic and original! The relationship were well-developed and (shock) healthy--Sylvi has two parents who love her dearly, and she them. The relationships among the pegasi are also evident--they are actual characters, not stock creatures. This whole first book is laying the extensive groundwork for the conflict coming up in the second book. What are the magicians really doing in "facilitating" communication with the pegasi? What is the split between the magicians that occurred at the first treaty signing back in history? What is the source of the increasing spate of attacks from dangerous fantastical beasts? Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year and a half to find out. But getting there was a joy, in exploring the landscape and the characters with McKinley's wonderful language.
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LibraryThing member atimco
In Pegasus, Robin McKinley revisits the themes that mark her stories so consistently and yet never seem to get old in her skilful prose. This tale is set in the mythical kingdom of Balsinland, established when military commander Balsin came to "this sweet green land" and made an alliance with the
Until Sylvi. Fourth child of King Corone and Queen Eliona, the Lady Sylviianel is bonded to the fourth child of the pegasi king, according to the royal custom and treaty hailing back to the days of Balsin. But that is where custom ends with Sylvi and Ebon, the black pegasus prince. For the two can speak to one another in their minds, in a way completely unlike anything they've ever heard of in their peoples' history together. Naturally, the Magicians' Guild is upset by the change, as they lose the control they've wielded over human-pegasi relations for centuries.
And there are other elements of unrest; the rapacious animals that were beaten back by the humans in Balsin's day are regrouping, multiplying, testing the borders and strength of Corone's kingdom. At a time when unity is critical, the court and magicians are divided because of Sylvi's and Ebon's unique bond. But is it unique? Or is there a more sinister reason that humans and pegasi have never been able to communicate freely with one another?
As with all of McKinley's stories, I enjoyed the world-building, character development, and humor—all delivered in deft prose that never calls undue attention to itself. The one thing I disliked about this book was that it ends on a cliffhanger. Oh yes, it's one of those. You're reading along, enjoying yourself immensely, and you suddenly notice the thin amount of pages you have left. You begin to worry, because the plot just seems to be ramping up now and there's really no time for a decent resolution. And as you approach those final pages, you realize: there's more to the story, and it's not what you're holding in your hands. This was just the first part. And naturally, the second part hasn't been written yet. Instead, McKinley wrote something else (Shadows, or something) that looks far less interesting and worthwhile than the world you just came out of.
Books like this ought to come with warning labels.
The rest of McKinley's novels are stand-alones, which makes this even more unfair. If you're like me and enjoy reading full stories all at once rather than in installments haphazardly published at various times, wait for the next book to come out. We can only hope that one will wrap up the story; if not, wait for the series. I suppose it is a great compliment to the author that her readers are so eager for the next part of the story. But I'm still slightly bitter!
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pegasi to drive out the various dragon-like creatures (rocs, taralians, norindours, and the like) who were killing off the pegasi people. The pegasi are intelligent flying horses with quite a developed culture of their own. The humans feel clumsy and awkward beside these elegant creatures, and from the first the two races have struggled to communicate. Only human magicians can translate between them, and so it has been for thousands of years. Until Sylvi. Fourth child of King Corone and Queen Eliona, the Lady Sylviianel is bonded to the fourth child of the pegasi king, according to the royal custom and treaty hailing back to the days of Balsin. But that is where custom ends with Sylvi and Ebon, the black pegasus prince. For the two can speak to one another in their minds, in a way completely unlike anything they've ever heard of in their peoples' history together. Naturally, the Magicians' Guild is upset by the change, as they lose the control they've wielded over human-pegasi relations for centuries.
And there are other elements of unrest; the rapacious animals that were beaten back by the humans in Balsin's day are regrouping, multiplying, testing the borders and strength of Corone's kingdom. At a time when unity is critical, the court and magicians are divided because of Sylvi's and Ebon's unique bond. But is it unique? Or is there a more sinister reason that humans and pegasi have never been able to communicate freely with one another?
As with all of McKinley's stories, I enjoyed the world-building, character development, and humor—all delivered in deft prose that never calls undue attention to itself. The one thing I disliked about this book was that it ends on a cliffhanger. Oh yes, it's one of those. You're reading along, enjoying yourself immensely, and you suddenly notice the thin amount of pages you have left. You begin to worry, because the plot just seems to be ramping up now and there's really no time for a decent resolution. And as you approach those final pages, you realize: there's more to the story, and it's not what you're holding in your hands. This was just the first part. And naturally, the second part hasn't been written yet. Instead, McKinley wrote something else (Shadows, or something) that looks far less interesting and worthwhile than the world you just came out of.
Books like this ought to come with warning labels.
The rest of McKinley's novels are stand-alones, which makes this even more unfair. If you're like me and enjoy reading full stories all at once rather than in installments haphazardly published at various times, wait for the next book to come out. We can only hope that one will wrap up the story; if not, wait for the series. I suppose it is a great compliment to the author that her readers are so eager for the next part of the story. But I'm still slightly bitter!
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
Do not read this book ... yet. Wait until the sequel is out (and possibly the conclusion to the trilogy if that's what it is. The ending is unbearable. Not in a Jim Butcher's Changes 'I'm being a smartarse' type of unbearable, but in a fully laden express train hurtling over the edge. Stop. Type of
The preceding 318 pages are all absolutely adorable, joyful light-hearted wonderful prose about a very lucky princess and her almost sparkly Pegasus. The world building is immaculate and immense, the characters fly (literally), everything just gels as a wonderful reading experience. A gentle start rolls slowly on, as the princess grows from 'too small' to 15 and then 16, her responsibilities and abilities develop a pace, with Ebon her Pegasus ever at her side. There are flashbacks and jumps in time, but the progression is inveitable. However there are tensions too and a faction of the court magicians doesn't appear to appreciate the deep joy her friendship with Ebon brings to the whole Pegasus/human community. Slowly the tension mounts, dissipates while she visits Ebon's homeland, and returns again, building to head. When the book just stops. This is beyond annoying. All the time I was reading the final third I was thinking, ' there aren't that many pages left, this is going to be quite some dramatic finish and wrap-up, on no there are only a few pages left, how's she going to tidy everything up ... to ARGH she's just left it all in midair ARGH ARGH ARGH. Want more. Unfortunately the sequel isn't available 'until next year at the earliest.
The back-story is fairly simple, a band of warriors left an unhappy kingdom, climbed their way through some mountain passes and found themselves in a luscious plateau, which turned out to be inhabited by Pegasai of awe-inspiring grandeur, but little battle prowess. They were decimated by a variety of (undescribed) creatures. An Alliance was formed, protection for territory, and the two have co-existed happily together for the last 800 years, even if neither still quite understands the other. It isn't quite clear how the Pegasai exist without trade. They have clearly demarked artisan guilds but somehow all manage to get fed without even a barter economy let alone currency. They won't even trade with the humans, but give gifts because the humans find it polite to do so. This very alien mindset of the Pegasai is extremely well constructed, and clearly demonstrates the frailty of the Alliance. I would lie some physical descriptions of the creatures that are invading but I guess they aren't really necessary.
SO sublimely enjoyable, that I really urge you to wait until the sequel is available.
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unbearable.The preceding 318 pages are all absolutely adorable, joyful light-hearted wonderful prose about a very lucky princess and her almost sparkly Pegasus. The world building is immaculate and immense, the characters fly (literally), everything just gels as a wonderful reading experience. A gentle start rolls slowly on, as the princess grows from 'too small' to 15 and then 16, her responsibilities and abilities develop a pace, with Ebon her Pegasus ever at her side. There are flashbacks and jumps in time, but the progression is inveitable. However there are tensions too and a faction of the court magicians doesn't appear to appreciate the deep joy her friendship with Ebon brings to the whole Pegasus/human community. Slowly the tension mounts, dissipates while she visits Ebon's homeland, and returns again, building to head. When the book just stops. This is beyond annoying. All the time I was reading the final third I was thinking, ' there aren't that many pages left, this is going to be quite some dramatic finish and wrap-up, on no there are only a few pages left, how's she going to tidy everything up ... to ARGH she's just left it all in midair ARGH ARGH ARGH. Want more. Unfortunately the sequel isn't available 'until next year at the earliest.
The back-story is fairly simple, a band of warriors left an unhappy kingdom, climbed their way through some mountain passes and found themselves in a luscious plateau, which turned out to be inhabited by Pegasai of awe-inspiring grandeur, but little battle prowess. They were decimated by a variety of (undescribed) creatures. An Alliance was formed, protection for territory, and the two have co-existed happily together for the last 800 years, even if neither still quite understands the other. It isn't quite clear how the Pegasai exist without trade. They have clearly demarked artisan guilds but somehow all manage to get fed without even a barter economy let alone currency. They won't even trade with the humans, but give gifts because the humans find it polite to do so. This very alien mindset of the Pegasai is extremely well constructed, and clearly demonstrates the frailty of the Alliance. I would lie some physical descriptions of the creatures that are invading but I guess they aren't really necessary.
SO sublimely enjoyable, that I really urge you to wait until the sequel is available.
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
By the terms of an ancient treaty between the humans and the pegasi, children of royalty and of certain noble families in Balsinland are "bound" to a pegasus on their 12th birthdays, in a ceremony cementing friendship between the two. From that time forth, the pegasus will appear with his or her
This novel is reminiscent of The Hero and the Crown and others of McKinley's earlier works, and includes many of her trademarks -- including a slight tendency to ramble through pages of description and backstory, sometimes even in the middle of a conversation. The story itself is strong and fresh, and the characters are nuanced and believable. There is one major departure for McKinley's classic style: this is the first time she has ever ended a book with a cliffhanger. Fans will anxiously await this book's sequel.
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bond-friend at court events. This close bond between the two races exists because the humans defeated the enemies of the pegasi -- rocs, wyverns, taralians, norindours -- and drove them out of the sweet green land the pegasi call home. However, humans and pegasi cannot speak to one another without the help of specially trained magicians, and then only with effort, because the two species communicate in such different ways. Moreover, though pegasi regularly visit the royal court in Balsinland, humans never visit the lands where the pegasi dwell. So, when princess Sylviianel, fourth child of King Corone, comes to her bonding ceremony, she is hesitant and nervous about being bound to one of these strange, beautiful, incomprehensible creatures . . . until, in the middle of the ceremony, she discovers that she can speak to her pegasus -- and he can speak back -- through thoughts. Such a thing has never been heard of in all the years of the alliance, but to Sylvi and Ebon, her bond-friend, it proves a wonderful gift, allowing them to form a closer friendship and to promote a better understanding between the two species. A few of her father's magicians, however, do not wish to see free communication develop between humans and pegasi, and they will do whatever they can to keep Sylvi and Ebon apart.This novel is reminiscent of The Hero and the Crown and others of McKinley's earlier works, and includes many of her trademarks -- including a slight tendency to ramble through pages of description and backstory, sometimes even in the middle of a conversation. The story itself is strong and fresh, and the characters are nuanced and believable. There is one major departure for McKinley's classic style: this is the first time she has ever ended a book with a cliffhanger. Fans will anxiously await this book's sequel.
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LibraryThing member Tatiana_G
HALF A BOOK ALERT!!!
I thought I would get this out of the way first. Truly, there was not even an attempt to wrap up anything in this novel, not even temporarily. Pegasus ended mid-scene, mid-conflict, almost mid-sentence. It will be quite a laugh if McKinley never finishes this sequel.
Now onto the
I thought I would get this out of the way first. Truly, there was not even an attempt to wrap up anything in this novel, not even temporarily. Pegasus ended mid-scene, mid-conflict, almost mid-sentence. It will be quite a laugh if McKinley never finishes this sequel.
Now onto the story itself. I was glad to be back to the old-school princess-fairy-tale McKinley, after the genre detour Sunshine was. If you ever read fantasy written by the author, you already know the key elements of her stories: meticulous, imaginative world building, a young, strong heroine who has to come to terms with her own powers and grow into her responsibilities and attain self-confidence, friendships with animals, magic, all accompanied by the most gorgeous writing. All of this was in Pegasus.
The moment I opened the book, I was completely enchanted by the world McKinley had created and by the words she used to describe it. The centuries-old alliance between humans and pegasi, their complicated communications, binding rituals - all of it was so new, so unique, so detailed and well thought-through. And then the moment Ebon, the main character's Sylvi's bond-mate, entered the picture, I totally fell in love with this naughty, outspoken, mischievous pegasus. And the way MckKinley described Ebon tumbling into Sylvi's window, or spreading his wings, or a tiny pegasus playing with Sylvi, it made me grin in delight. McKinley just has such a genius way with words, I can't explain it.
But (of course there is a but), as much as I loved the world building and gorgeous writing, it just wasn't enough for me. It wasn't that the book was light on plot, but like in all McKinley books, the plot was driven by the main character's internal struggles and growth. And again, it's fine by me, generally. I loved Harry's personal journey in The Blue Sword, but that book was only 270 pages and Pegasus - 400 and only half of the story. I don't know about other readers, but I can enjoy luscious, descriptive and reflective writing for only so long, at about page 200 I want some action, and so happened here. By the middle of the book my attention started to waver and I began skimming a bit, trying to get to the end or at least some excitement faster. Basically, it seemed the narration got a little too indulgent. For what the plot was, the book was way too long. I could literally summarize the entire novel in one paragraph. I would have enjoyed it much more if the whole story only took one 300-page volume to tell.
I can see how Pegasus's reviews can be all over the place. Fans of McKinley's writing and those who enjoy leisurely, slow paced quality of it, will love the novel, and rightfully so. Those who prefer books with more action and despise being left with no resolutions, will hate it. I am somewhere in the middle. At this point I am moderately interested to know how it all works out, but will I still be in 2012, when the sequel comes out?
I thought I would get this out of the way first. Truly, there was not even an attempt to wrap up anything in this novel, not even temporarily. Pegasus ended mid-scene, mid-conflict, almost mid-sentence. It will be quite a laugh if McKinley never finishes this sequel.
Now onto the
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story itself. I was glad to be back to the old-school princess-fairy-tale McKinley, after the genre detour Sunshine was. If you ever read fantasy written by the author, you alread...moreHALF A BOOK ALERT!!!I thought I would get this out of the way first. Truly, there was not even an attempt to wrap up anything in this novel, not even temporarily. Pegasus ended mid-scene, mid-conflict, almost mid-sentence. It will be quite a laugh if McKinley never finishes this sequel.
Now onto the story itself. I was glad to be back to the old-school princess-fairy-tale McKinley, after the genre detour Sunshine was. If you ever read fantasy written by the author, you already know the key elements of her stories: meticulous, imaginative world building, a young, strong heroine who has to come to terms with her own powers and grow into her responsibilities and attain self-confidence, friendships with animals, magic, all accompanied by the most gorgeous writing. All of this was in Pegasus.
The moment I opened the book, I was completely enchanted by the world McKinley had created and by the words she used to describe it. The centuries-old alliance between humans and pegasi, their complicated communications, binding rituals - all of it was so new, so unique, so detailed and well thought-through. And then the moment Ebon, the main character's Sylvi's bond-mate, entered the picture, I totally fell in love with this naughty, outspoken, mischievous pegasus. And the way MckKinley described Ebon tumbling into Sylvi's window, or spreading his wings, or a tiny pegasus playing with Sylvi, it made me grin in delight. McKinley just has such a genius way with words, I can't explain it.
But (of course there is a but), as much as I loved the world building and gorgeous writing, it just wasn't enough for me. It wasn't that the book was light on plot, but like in all McKinley books, the plot was driven by the main character's internal struggles and growth. And again, it's fine by me, generally. I loved Harry's personal journey in The Blue Sword, but that book was only 270 pages and Pegasus - 400 and only half of the story. I don't know about other readers, but I can enjoy luscious, descriptive and reflective writing for only so long, at about page 200 I want some action, and so happened here. By the middle of the book my attention started to waver and I began skimming a bit, trying to get to the end or at least some excitement faster. Basically, it seemed the narration got a little too indulgent. For what the plot was, the book was way too long. I could literally summarize the entire novel in one paragraph. I would have enjoyed it much more if the whole story only took one 300-page volume to tell.
I can see how Pegasus's reviews can be all over the place. Fans of McKinley's writing and those who enjoy leisurely, slow paced quality of it, will love the novel, and rightfully so. Those who prefer books with more action and despise being left with no resolutions, will hate it. I am somewhere in the middle. At this point I am moderately interested to know how it all works out, but will I still be in 2012, when the sequel comes out?
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LibraryThing member sonicstorage
I was really disappointed in this novel. I love Robin McKinley's works, and consequently, have a very high standard of expectation. Compared to the last work I've read by her (Chalice), this was a real let down.
I expected a sort of Dragonhaven standalone novel, and it is far from it. To begin with,
Additionally, the ending is rubbish. It's a cliffhanger, but more than that, it's a depressing cliffhanger. I want to hold out hope that it's left unexplored because the author is going to write a sequel, but I'm not convinced it will happen. McKinley's novel, Sunshine, also leaves loads of room for further exploration, but the author has yet to continue the story.
If the same happens here, and there is no sequel to Pegasus, it's really quite a depressing story that leaves the reader with no closure. It's still a well written book, and mostly enjoyable (if not engrossing), but it's not the best thing McKinley has ever written.
I expected a sort of Dragonhaven standalone novel, and it is far from it. To begin with,
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Pegasus is very, very slow. There is nothing to grip you. 270 pages into the novel, "A girl can talk to her pegasus companion, which everyone thinks is weird, and then goes to visit him (and most people think that's weird too)" is a fairly accurate summary of the events. There's a lot of detail that explains the relationships and the history, but it doesn't move the novel along, at all. Additionally, the ending is rubbish. It's a cliffhanger, but more than that, it's a depressing cliffhanger. I want to hold out hope that it's left unexplored because the author is going to write a sequel, but I'm not convinced it will happen. McKinley's novel, Sunshine, also leaves loads of room for further exploration, but the author has yet to continue the story.
If the same happens here, and there is no sequel to Pegasus, it's really quite a depressing story that leaves the reader with no closure. It's still a well written book, and mostly enjoyable (if not engrossing), but it's not the best thing McKinley has ever written.
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LibraryThing member ractatma
Robin McKinley has long been one of my favorite authors, and her latest work is a wonderful addition to her canon. It's more of a Dragonhaven than a Beauty, but still well-written, well-characterized and with a deep appreciation of what constitutes alieness that I've only ever seen reflected before
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in works like The Left Hand of Darkness. Moving, lyrical, beautiful. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member beserene
Note: This novel was received through the Early Reviewers program; most of those few flaws mentioned can probably be blamed on the ARC.
I have just finished McKinley's newest YA fantasy novel and it is maddening that I do not have its sequel in my hand, right now, this very minute. I want to know
McKinley is famous for writing solid fantasies with strong heroines and, often, intelligent twists on familiar fantasy ideas. Her pattern holds true here: Princess Sylviianel (Sylvi) is a bright, admirable, body- and headstrong young woman who, while occasionally a little repetitive (one of the few flaws of the book), is a warm and real character for the reader to connect with. In this novel, Sylvi is bonded -- as is tradition in her world and family -- to a pegasus called Ebon. Ebon is also a likable character, though perhaps at first a little too teenage boy in his manner (that's realism for you). The driving force behind the events of the novel (this isn't much of a spoiler, since it happens quite early in the novel, but beware just in case) is the fact that Sylvi and Ebon can "speak" to each other, something that has never happened before in the novel's world.
While the whole human-animal communication thing has happened in literature before, plenty of times, I like McKinley's take on it. The speech between the main characters is often lively, but does not allow the reader to forget that one of the speakers is a magical animal, the other human. Speech passages are peppered by the occasional untranslatable concept or word -- as often happens in communication between radically different languages and mindsets -- and McKinley is careful to point out the non-verbal communication differences as well. In addition, McKinley has quite deliberately highlighted the delicate details of the pegasi, including brilliant biological additions (like hollow bones and tiny wing-joint "hands") that help an independently functional society of flying ungulates make sense.
These little details add to the reality of the created world and the reader's enjoyment of the novel itself. The wonder of the book would have been vastly undercut had McKinley gone the easy route and turned her ethereal pegasi into anthropomorphized horses, but she studiously avoids doing so; thus, the reader is touched by a sense of the exotic and magical, just as the characters in the book are, when encountering the pegasi.
The world here is pleasantly rendered -- McKinley doesn't offer as much detail about the human land as she does about Rhiandomeer, the land of the pegasi, but that suits the progress of the novel. The mystery running just under the surface of the plot isn't terribly subtle for adults, but suits the target audience (tween and teen girls) well. This first volume, in fact, leads up to edge of the answer to that mystery, but then leaves us hanging before we get to any actual confirmation.
In fact, a lot of this novel is context and building and lead-up -- it is much more about Sylvi and Ebon growing up, about establishing their relationship and their place in the world, than it is about the larger plot thread within which their early friendship is blossoming. I suspect that the next volume will focus much more on the "action", though whether that will be an improvement is something of a question.
Basically, there isn't much that needs improvement here. In her typical style, McKinley has offered up a novel that, while not absolutely perfect, is absorbing, beautiful, thoughtful and full of wonder. One can't really ask for more, in a genre as crowded as fantasy, than charming characters, vivid settings, interesting plots, and an original spin on a familiar fantasy figure. Bottom line: this is good stuff.
I have just finished McKinley's newest YA fantasy novel and it is maddening that I do not have its sequel in my hand, right now, this very minute. I want to know
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what happens next, gosh darn it, and that is only the first compliment I have to give.McKinley is famous for writing solid fantasies with strong heroines and, often, intelligent twists on familiar fantasy ideas. Her pattern holds true here: Princess Sylviianel (Sylvi) is a bright, admirable, body- and headstrong young woman who, while occasionally a little repetitive (one of the few flaws of the book), is a warm and real character for the reader to connect with. In this novel, Sylvi is bonded -- as is tradition in her world and family -- to a pegasus called Ebon. Ebon is also a likable character, though perhaps at first a little too teenage boy in his manner (that's realism for you). The driving force behind the events of the novel (this isn't much of a spoiler, since it happens quite early in the novel, but beware just in case) is the fact that Sylvi and Ebon can "speak" to each other, something that has never happened before in the novel's world.
While the whole human-animal communication thing has happened in literature before, plenty of times, I like McKinley's take on it. The speech between the main characters is often lively, but does not allow the reader to forget that one of the speakers is a magical animal, the other human. Speech passages are peppered by the occasional untranslatable concept or word -- as often happens in communication between radically different languages and mindsets -- and McKinley is careful to point out the non-verbal communication differences as well. In addition, McKinley has quite deliberately highlighted the delicate details of the pegasi, including brilliant biological additions (like hollow bones and tiny wing-joint "hands") that help an independently functional society of flying ungulates make sense.
These little details add to the reality of the created world and the reader's enjoyment of the novel itself. The wonder of the book would have been vastly undercut had McKinley gone the easy route and turned her ethereal pegasi into anthropomorphized horses, but she studiously avoids doing so; thus, the reader is touched by a sense of the exotic and magical, just as the characters in the book are, when encountering the pegasi.
The world here is pleasantly rendered -- McKinley doesn't offer as much detail about the human land as she does about Rhiandomeer, the land of the pegasi, but that suits the progress of the novel. The mystery running just under the surface of the plot isn't terribly subtle for adults, but suits the target audience (tween and teen girls) well. This first volume, in fact, leads up to edge of the answer to that mystery, but then leaves us hanging before we get to any actual confirmation.
In fact, a lot of this novel is context and building and lead-up -- it is much more about Sylvi and Ebon growing up, about establishing their relationship and their place in the world, than it is about the larger plot thread within which their early friendship is blossoming. I suspect that the next volume will focus much more on the "action", though whether that will be an improvement is something of a question.
Basically, there isn't much that needs improvement here. In her typical style, McKinley has offered up a novel that, while not absolutely perfect, is absorbing, beautiful, thoughtful and full of wonder. One can't really ask for more, in a genre as crowded as fantasy, than charming characters, vivid settings, interesting plots, and an original spin on a familiar fantasy figure. Bottom line: this is good stuff.
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LibraryThing member SockMonkeyGirl
Oh, I wanted to love to love this book. But I just couldn't. And that makes me sad because I adore Robin McKinley.
Even if this book wasn't by an author on my automatic buy list, I would have been interested in the plot. Pegusi living side by side with humans, but barely able to communicate until a
I loved the world-building in this book. It was intricate and beautiful and felt solid in the way that the best fantasy does. But I felt that the way McKinley did it, with a lot of flashbacks to lessons and exposition, took away from the story. It lost some of the excitement and urgency that I wanted to feel.
I also loved the character building. Sylvi's father seemed so real, with his conflict between the duties of a ruler and a father. Sylvi and Ebon's relationship was fun and heartbreaking at the same time. There were a plethora of well rounded characters to read and enjoy.
But with great world building and characters and a strong plot, why didn't I love the book? I'm finding that hard to quantify. Was it just the sometimes jarring flashbacks? Was it the sheer amount of world building? Was it the fact that it ended on a cliffhanger (something McKinley never does)? Maybe.
I liked the book but I didn't love it. It took me a while to start. I put it down in the middle and read another book. I pushed myself to finish it and was annoyed at the ending. But I will pick up the next book, hoping that McKinley will pull it all together in the next volume.
Even if this book wasn't by an author on my automatic buy list, I would have been interested in the plot. Pegusi living side by side with humans, but barely able to communicate until a
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special princess and pegasus pair find that they have a deeper bond. How could that be bad? But apparently, it could destroy the world. That is exactly the sort of book that I would gravitate towards. I loved the world-building in this book. It was intricate and beautiful and felt solid in the way that the best fantasy does. But I felt that the way McKinley did it, with a lot of flashbacks to lessons and exposition, took away from the story. It lost some of the excitement and urgency that I wanted to feel.
I also loved the character building. Sylvi's father seemed so real, with his conflict between the duties of a ruler and a father. Sylvi and Ebon's relationship was fun and heartbreaking at the same time. There were a plethora of well rounded characters to read and enjoy.
But with great world building and characters and a strong plot, why didn't I love the book? I'm finding that hard to quantify. Was it just the sometimes jarring flashbacks? Was it the sheer amount of world building? Was it the fact that it ended on a cliffhanger (something McKinley never does)? Maybe.
I liked the book but I didn't love it. It took me a while to start. I put it down in the middle and read another book. I pushed myself to finish it and was annoyed at the ending. But I will pick up the next book, hoping that McKinley will pull it all together in the next volume.
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LibraryThing member quinaquisset
About halfway through the book I was wondering why McKinley was writing about pegasuses/pegasi, when I think of her as more re-writing fairy tales, such as Beauty and the Beast, or Sleeping Beauty, or Deerskin. Sunshine was a reworking of the newer urban fantasy, making the vampires scary again.
Some bits I didn't like--maybe because I'm an american, it's hard to see a country surviving for 800 years and still not getting out of a feudal state. (Although the magicians may be to blame for that.) And I wonder why pegasus society evolved as it did. There's a fair amount of repetition, ie Sylvi wishing she were more like the pegasus than human. The fact that it's part one of a series. I'll hold off judgement on how effective the foreshadowing is until the next book.
Bits I did like--Sylvi's family was wonderful, her parents kind and wise, the helpful oldest brother, the pesky younger brothers; getting lessons from the king on being royal. The Dreaming Sea (which may connect to Luthe on the otherside perhaps?) Not all the magicians are evil (although the bad ones are easy to pick out). The descriptions of the landscape are beautiful.
It's longer than Hero and the Crown, but I think that's the other McKinley that it is closest to in tone and theme of growing up and into responsibility.
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But I don't know of a traditional pegasus story. But maybe it's a reworking of all the companion animal stories, ie McCaffrey and Lackey, that I grew up on...and there were the flying horses. Who were telepathic and wonderful. But the part that McKinley added was, who are these creatures when they are away from their human partner? And she built up the rest of the pegasus society, with their arts and magic (no religion as far as I could see, either pegasus or human) and their weaknesses--poor dexterity and probably a dependence on a certain food, as well as their strengths--grace and humility.Some bits I didn't like--maybe because I'm an american, it's hard to see a country surviving for 800 years and still not getting out of a feudal state. (Although the magicians may be to blame for that.) And I wonder why pegasus society evolved as it did. There's a fair amount of repetition, ie Sylvi wishing she were more like the pegasus than human. The fact that it's part one of a series. I'll hold off judgement on how effective the foreshadowing is until the next book.
Bits I did like--Sylvi's family was wonderful, her parents kind and wise, the helpful oldest brother, the pesky younger brothers; getting lessons from the king on being royal. The Dreaming Sea (which may connect to Luthe on the otherside perhaps?) Not all the magicians are evil (although the bad ones are easy to pick out). The descriptions of the landscape are beautiful.
It's longer than Hero and the Crown, but I think that's the other McKinley that it is closest to in tone and theme of growing up and into responsibility.
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
It was an excellent half-a-story. I'm very glad I saw the comments about that, and Robin's statement that she's working on the second half (though it won't be out until 2012!) before I read this. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but the book definitely ends at a crisis point. And of course I'm now
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completely focused on what comes next, how do Sylvi and Ebon and their fathers deal with this. But reaching back a bit, into this book's story - I like Sylvi and Ebon, and I loved their introduction to each other. There's no answer (yet) as to why them, or specifically why Sylvi. It does feel a bit like Harry in Damar - _something_ is pushing her to be more than she expected. But at least she was raised as a princess, if only a superfluous fourth child. Ebon's great, and I like his little sister too. And I think everyone's underestimating the queen's partner - she's shy and quiet but she's stepped in to do what needed doing several times already. It's a very interesting story and setup, but there are really no conclusions to be drawn yet - there's too much of the story still to come for that. I was glad to see that Fthoom overstepped his aim twice - though I doubt it will stop him completely. Very much looking forward to the rest of this story! Show Less
LibraryThing member Helcura
First the bad news - this book ends on a cliffhanger. You'll come away cranky because everything is unresolved and there's as yet no indication when the next book will be out.
The good news is that if you liked The Blue Sword, you'll like Pegasus. McKinley's lyrical, descriptive writing creates the
If I had known this book would end on a cliffhanger, I would probably have waited to read it until the next book was available. Nonetheless it's worth owning.
The good news is that if you liked The Blue Sword, you'll like Pegasus. McKinley's lyrical, descriptive writing creates the
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same dreamlike quality in this book and the characters are complex and compelling. If I had known this book would end on a cliffhanger, I would probably have waited to read it until the next book was available. Nonetheless it's worth owning.
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LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
I thoroughly enjoyed a number of Robin McKinley's other novels when I was in middle school, so when I saw that she had something newer out, I thought I'd give it a try. Everything I could recall about her was positive, so I didn't see any downside to going back to my middle school reading roots for
Pegasus is the story of a princess, Sylvi, and her Pegasus. In this world, the humans and the pegasi have made this type of agreement to keep the peace. Each heir gets a pegasi to bond with, and Sylvi is no exception. Interestingly, though they are bonded the pegasus and the human can only communicate through a well-trained magician known as a Speaker. But that's not how it is with Sylvi and here pegasus, who can understand each other and share a deeper and more unexpected bond than any other pegasus/human pair ever.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, Pegasus is written in beautiful, enjoyable prose that I've come to expect from McKinley. The initial set up of the story is also classic McKinley, and holds intriguing promise. Really, at the beginning I was completely on board with this book, and wanted to know more.
However, that soon changed. As the story went on, I found that the pacing dragged horribly and that, frankly, nothing happened for the majority of the novel. It was downright painful and boring, so much that I got to the point that I was having to pull myself through the book with the promise that it would get better.
And it didn't get better. I would say that it got worse. By the time the ending rolled around, the book was finally getting interesting...then it was over. I felt like I had read only half a book, and the actual action and the real ending was tucked away somewhere in another book...that apparently doesn't exist or will never exist. Really, this was a huge letdown...
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this one.Pegasus is the story of a princess, Sylvi, and her Pegasus. In this world, the humans and the pegasi have made this type of agreement to keep the peace. Each heir gets a pegasi to bond with, and Sylvi is no exception. Interestingly, though they are bonded the pegasus and the human can only communicate through a well-trained magician known as a Speaker. But that's not how it is with Sylvi and here pegasus, who can understand each other and share a deeper and more unexpected bond than any other pegasus/human pair ever.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, Pegasus is written in beautiful, enjoyable prose that I've come to expect from McKinley. The initial set up of the story is also classic McKinley, and holds intriguing promise. Really, at the beginning I was completely on board with this book, and wanted to know more.
However, that soon changed. As the story went on, I found that the pacing dragged horribly and that, frankly, nothing happened for the majority of the novel. It was downright painful and boring, so much that I got to the point that I was having to pull myself through the book with the promise that it would get better.
And it didn't get better. I would say that it got worse. By the time the ending rolled around, the book was finally getting interesting...then it was over. I felt like I had read only half a book, and the actual action and the real ending was tucked away somewhere in another book...that apparently doesn't exist or will never exist. Really, this was a huge letdown...
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LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
Sylvani, king's daughter, is preparing to be magically bonded to a son of the king of the Pegasi, as is required by the treaty between their kingdoms. To everyone's shock, at the ceremony it turns out that Sylvani can mindspeak with her bonded pegasus. Which is impossible. Except it isn't.
I was
I read this knowing that it was Part 1 of an as-yet-unfinished tale, and McKinley mentioned on her blog that the ending is unsatisfying, so I knew what was coming. But I was still surprised and upset at the cliffhanger where the story stops. I loved the book, but I expect the next time I read it will be right before Book 2 is released, whenever that will be. I can't wait.
I was
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concerned about how McKinley would be able to put the pegasus - froo-froo fantastical creature to the extreme - into a serious novel. There was no need to worry, though; McKinley's nonhuman characters have always been at least as well developed as the humans. The Pegasi are amazing.I read this knowing that it was Part 1 of an as-yet-unfinished tale, and McKinley mentioned on her blog that the ending is unsatisfying, so I knew what was coming. But I was still surprised and upset at the cliffhanger where the story stops. I loved the book, but I expect the next time I read it will be right before Book 2 is released, whenever that will be. I can't wait.
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LibraryThing member PaperCrystals
As always, the worldbuilding that Robin McKinley does is pure magic. All of it feels real- the well-told history of the treaty and the way that parts of the story were lost over time. The tiny details, like the small and deft hands of the pegasi. Every bit was engrossing. Sylvi and Ebon were
There is little I can say that hasn't been said more eloquently than I can manage, so I will close with the only negative. As other reviewers have mentioned, the novel ends in the middle- no warning other than the sudden lack of extra pages. I can only hope that the next book is released soon, because I find myself needing to know how it ends.
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perfectly drawn as the fourth children of their respective fathers. A princess and her pegasus, Excellent Friends, and true friends.There is little I can say that hasn't been said more eloquently than I can manage, so I will close with the only negative. As other reviewers have mentioned, the novel ends in the middle- no warning other than the sudden lack of extra pages. I can only hope that the next book is released soon, because I find myself needing to know how it ends.
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LibraryThing member freckles1987
I have enjoyed all of McKinley's books that I have picked up (Sunshine, Deerskin, Beauty) and am prone to liking fairy-tale-ish books. McKinley always provides great world-building and convincing characters, and Pegasus was no exception. Every character introduced was its own living, breathing
Unfortunately, Pegasus ends in a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers! I literally said aloud "No! Why?" when I flipped the last page over and realized there was no more. I will probably pick up the next book just to find out what happens, since I was so "sucked into" the first, despite the fact that cliffhangers usually turn me off from a book/series.
I would definitely recommend this to any young adults or adults looking for a light read with magic, court intrigue, and the power of friendship.
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entity-not a flat character on the page. While the book is "light" reading, it is enjoyable and intriguing. The politics, history, and parallel societies of humans and pegasi are convincing and captivating-and the intrigue makes one eager to reach the conclusion of the book. While I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, the only slightly disappointing part I found was the lack of characterization for the books villain, but perhaps he was just supposed to be mysterious and angry, I don't know and expect I will find out in the next book. Unfortunately, Pegasus ends in a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers! I literally said aloud "No! Why?" when I flipped the last page over and realized there was no more. I will probably pick up the next book just to find out what happens, since I was so "sucked into" the first, despite the fact that cliffhangers usually turn me off from a book/series.
I would definitely recommend this to any young adults or adults looking for a light read with magic, court intrigue, and the power of friendship.
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LibraryThing member redrose
McKinley has been one of my favorite authors. I'm not exactly disappointed with this book - I enjoyed reading it - but the pacing seems off, and it feels like the first half of a book. Most of the book is spent setting up the characters & the situation, and the crisis point comes in the last 10
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pages or so. The writing is slow and dreamy; McKinley seems to have spent a lot of time envisioning the pegasi's culture and way of life. I rather want to shake the protagonist. Show Less
LibraryThing member katiedoll
I’ve heard a lot of amazing things about Pegasus, and while I agree that it is a beautifully written book, it just wasn’t the book for me.
Admittedly, it confused me. A lot. This book kind of goes all over the place. One minute Sylvi is talking to somebody, the next she’s wrapped up in a
I did continue to read for the relationship of Sylvi and Ebon though. Even though I spent the majority of the book confused, their friendship leaped off the pages. From the second they became bound, their entire relationship seemed doomed from the start, but their care and desperation for each other was so gorgeously crafted. I couldn’t stop reading, if only to find out the outcome of their frowned-upon friendship.
Overall, Pegasus was a gorgeously written book and it’s definitely a classic in the making, but it’s not one that I enjoyed very much. If a sequel is released, I will give it a chance because Ebon and Sylvi are two characters that did manage to captivate me, even if the story didn’t. But I recommend this to historical fans and fans of the classics. I think this is better suited for you guys!
Admittedly, it confused me. A lot. This book kind of goes all over the place. One minute Sylvi is talking to somebody, the next she’s wrapped up in a
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memory of when she was a child. Had it been just a few times, it would’ve been easy for me to just read and get over, but the continuous flashbacks are so consistent that I was left dizzy trying to figure out where they started, stopped, what was going on now and what wasn’t just a memory. And at times, I felt like it was just telling me information instead of telling me a story. Almost like a textbook.I did continue to read for the relationship of Sylvi and Ebon though. Even though I spent the majority of the book confused, their friendship leaped off the pages. From the second they became bound, their entire relationship seemed doomed from the start, but their care and desperation for each other was so gorgeously crafted. I couldn’t stop reading, if only to find out the outcome of their frowned-upon friendship.
Overall, Pegasus was a gorgeously written book and it’s definitely a classic in the making, but it’s not one that I enjoyed very much. If a sequel is released, I will give it a chance because Ebon and Sylvi are two characters that did manage to captivate me, even if the story didn’t. But I recommend this to historical fans and fans of the classics. I think this is better suited for you guys!
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LibraryThing member Pebblesgmc
I love this book, my only problem is waiting for the second half of the story:( The story is about a girl who is bonded to a pegasi, and they can talk to each other.
A wicked magician tries to interfere with there friendship, and accuses them of treason. Her father sets the magician to work in the
I am looking forward to the next book.
A wicked magician tries to interfere with there friendship, and accuses them of treason. Her father sets the magician to work in the
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library to find references to other human/pegasi pairs that talked to each other. Just before her 16th birthday she gets to visit the pegasi home land. the story ends to soon, and is a cliff hanger.I am looking forward to the next book.
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LibraryThing member WeaselOfDoom
I am a Robin McKinley fan girl, so when I won an ARC of her new novel, Pegasus, from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program, there was much rejoicing. I devoured the book in one day, and will definitely have to re-read it again for a better review, but here goes my first impression: A good
The book is about Sylvi, who is a princess, and therefore must be bonded to a pegasus. Sylvi is apprehensive about it, and worries because humans and pegasi do not share a language. However, when she is bonded to Ebon, the two of them are able to mindspeak to each other without a need for magician interpreters. Needless to say, not all magicians are thrilled with this development. As Sylvi's friendship with Ebon grows, their country is once again being threatened by war.
As usual, McKinley excels in creating believable worlds and wonderful protagonists. While Pegasus reminded me a lot of "The Blue Sword" and "The Hero and The Crown," Sylvi's story is unique. It did meander a bit, and some things Sylvi did struck me as out of character, but overall it was very good, and it will be interesting to see how everything ends.
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story, but this is only Part I, and it ends just as things begin to get interesting.The book is about Sylvi, who is a princess, and therefore must be bonded to a pegasus. Sylvi is apprehensive about it, and worries because humans and pegasi do not share a language. However, when she is bonded to Ebon, the two of them are able to mindspeak to each other without a need for magician interpreters. Needless to say, not all magicians are thrilled with this development. As Sylvi's friendship with Ebon grows, their country is once again being threatened by war.
As usual, McKinley excels in creating believable worlds and wonderful protagonists. While Pegasus reminded me a lot of "The Blue Sword" and "The Hero and The Crown," Sylvi's story is unique. It did meander a bit, and some things Sylvi did struck me as out of character, but overall it was very good, and it will be interesting to see how everything ends.
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LibraryThing member flemmily
What a weird book.
I'm a big fan of Robin McKinley, but I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It is almost entirely exposition and character development. Her exposition and building of the world's mythology are much more detailed and direct, rather than integrated into the story, as she normally
Her main character is not quite as much of an outsider as she normally writes. She is different, but has a really strong and accepting family. It was nice to read, but maybe kept there from being as much interesting conflict.
I did love her descriptions of the Pegasi. I really like how they are both strong and delicate, and I love all the slightly creepy references to their frail hands. I also think it's interesting the way she creates the friendship between a human and an alien other. It almost makes up for the embarrassment of having to read a book about Pegasi - I haven't been that kind of girl since I was 6.
And then the ending! It just ends. I guess it's kind of a cliffhanger, but it also seems like the printer forgot to include the last two chapters. I woke up this morning thinking "oh, I've got to finish my book" but then I realized there wasn't anymore to read.
This is the kind of book generally described as "problematic." A worthwhile read, but not my favorite.
I'm a big fan of Robin McKinley, but I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It is almost entirely exposition and character development. Her exposition and building of the world's mythology are much more detailed and direct, rather than integrated into the story, as she normally
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writes. Her main character is not quite as much of an outsider as she normally writes. She is different, but has a really strong and accepting family. It was nice to read, but maybe kept there from being as much interesting conflict.
I did love her descriptions of the Pegasi. I really like how they are both strong and delicate, and I love all the slightly creepy references to their frail hands. I also think it's interesting the way she creates the friendship between a human and an alien other. It almost makes up for the embarrassment of having to read a book about Pegasi - I haven't been that kind of girl since I was 6.
And then the ending! It just ends. I guess it's kind of a cliffhanger, but it also seems like the printer forgot to include the last two chapters. I woke up this morning thinking "oh, I've got to finish my book" but then I realized there wasn't anymore to read.
This is the kind of book generally described as "problematic." A worthwhile read, but not my favorite.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Free LibraryThing early reviewer copy. The humans of Sylvi’s kingdom have had an alliance with the pegasi for hundreds of years, allowing them to thrive in their rich land and fend off attacks from other magical creatures. But enemies who had been thought exterminated are reappearing, including
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the dangerous rocs. Meanwhile, Sylvi, as a princess, is to be bound to a pegasus according to the terms of the alliance. But something unusual happens: instead of barely being able to understand one another with the aid of an interpreter, Sylvi and her pegasus can speak clearly to one another, mind to mind. This upsets the human magicians with their monopoly on translation, and Sylvi starts to suspect that something is fundamentally wrong with the alliance. The narrative dragged—Sylvi spends a lot of time angsting and thinking over the same problems again and again—and it ended on a hell of a cliffhanger (that is, something actually happened!). If you were really ready to identify with Sylvi’s specialness, which you might be, then I can imagine enjoying the intense focus on Sylvi’s interiority and her longing to be something other than human: this might be a better coming of age story for people actually closer to coming of age than I am. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mardel
No one can deny that Robin McKinley really knows how to write a fairytale novel. This one has plenty of action, a bit of angst, love and romance and loyalties and betrayals.
I was surprised though that it started out so slow for me. Maybe I've become a spoiled reader, expecting books to just get
The main character is a princess, Sylvi whose family has been ruling within a land that used to be ruled by Pegasi. Hundreds of years ago, the two races came into an accord, a treaty. However, I don't think the two sides look at the treaty quite the same way...
Every royal member of the family gets bonded with a pegasus. The pegasi and the humans need a speaker, a magician to help them translate, since even with sign language meanings don't usually translate well between the two races. But when Sylvi gets bonded with her pegasus, she discovers that she can communicate with her pegasus without a speaker, and not only with her pegasus, but others.....and things become complicated from then on. Sylvi and Ebon, her pegasus, become real friends and do things together that haven't been done for hundreds of years, if ever.
A wonderfully written book - and yet I didn't like the ending. It was a rather sad ending. That's okay - it's not the authors job to write endings that I'll like, but an ending that rings true to the novel. And this ending makes me wonder if there are going to be other novels in the same world..... It's written well, the words and pages flow along.
Get the book - it would make a great Christmas gift for teens and adults - especially those who have a soft spot for pegasus and fairytales that don't always have a happy ending.
I was surprised though that it started out so slow for me. Maybe I've become a spoiled reader, expecting books to just get
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right into the story. With Pegasus we get a build up, with some history and glimpses into the past before the story really takes off. However, this book is very well written. Robin McKinley is one of those writers that have a way with words. The story always feels polished and finished, never awkward. When I say it started out slow for me, it's the pace - the almost leisurely beginning. The plot is excellent and the storytelling is superb. The main character is a princess, Sylvi whose family has been ruling within a land that used to be ruled by Pegasi. Hundreds of years ago, the two races came into an accord, a treaty. However, I don't think the two sides look at the treaty quite the same way...
Every royal member of the family gets bonded with a pegasus. The pegasi and the humans need a speaker, a magician to help them translate, since even with sign language meanings don't usually translate well between the two races. But when Sylvi gets bonded with her pegasus, she discovers that she can communicate with her pegasus without a speaker, and not only with her pegasus, but others.....and things become complicated from then on. Sylvi and Ebon, her pegasus, become real friends and do things together that haven't been done for hundreds of years, if ever.
A wonderfully written book - and yet I didn't like the ending. It was a rather sad ending. That's okay - it's not the authors job to write endings that I'll like, but an ending that rings true to the novel. And this ending makes me wonder if there are going to be other novels in the same world..... It's written well, the words and pages flow along.
Get the book - it would make a great Christmas gift for teens and adults - especially those who have a soft spot for pegasus and fairytales that don't always have a happy ending.
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LibraryThing member ascexis
Disappointing. Yet again the author abandons the story half told, and without the really interesting stuff more than dangled before the reader's eyes. An irritating read.
LibraryThing member anyanwubutler
I rushed to read this brand new novel by McKinley because I received it as an ARC (thank you!) and I didn’t feel it was right or appropriate to let it languish on my TBR pile. And it’s Robin McKinley, how could I not read it immediately? It was a good decision, it’s a great book.
The first
Magicians, especially one particularly powerful one, are not happy that Sylvi and Ebon have upset their applecart. When Sylvi realizes how very telepathic she is she thinks. “It was like – what was it like? It wasn’t like anything. It was like flying when you have no wings; it was like galloping on four legs when you have only two; it was like hearing the color red; it was like being someone else. And, being someone else, you no longer know how to be you.” (p.237)
Her impressions as a young child of being in the royal family. “She had been much more dazzled by the manifest splendor of her big brother than by that her parents were king and queen of the country; being a king and queen seemed chiefly to mean talking to a lot of boring people about boring things (and being a princess seemed to be about being polite to people you didn’t want to talk to at all, and learning boring book- ink- and- paper lessons even on sunny days)…” (p.370-371)
But this book does not complete Sylvii and Ebon’s stories, which is atypical of McKinley, who tends to write one offs, that is. The next book should come out in 2012 or so.
The first
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sentence is: “Because she was a princess she had a Pegasus.” (p.1) Sylvi is the fourth child and first daughter of the King and Queen of Balsinland who have had a 1,000 year old Alliance with Pegasi. As such, they rule together, her father the King is bonded to the Pegasi King. She is bonded to his son, Ebon, with whom Sylvi shares a telepathic bond, but historically communication between Pegasi and humans is difficult. Pegasi use shamans to translate, humans use magicians. Magicians, especially one particularly powerful one, are not happy that Sylvi and Ebon have upset their applecart. When Sylvi realizes how very telepathic she is she thinks. “It was like – what was it like? It wasn’t like anything. It was like flying when you have no wings; it was like galloping on four legs when you have only two; it was like hearing the color red; it was like being someone else. And, being someone else, you no longer know how to be you.” (p.237)
Her impressions as a young child of being in the royal family. “She had been much more dazzled by the manifest splendor of her big brother than by that her parents were king and queen of the country; being a king and queen seemed chiefly to mean talking to a lot of boring people about boring things (and being a princess seemed to be about being polite to people you didn’t want to talk to at all, and learning boring book- ink- and- paper lessons even on sunny days)…” (p.370-371)
But this book does not complete Sylvii and Ebon’s stories, which is atypical of McKinley, who tends to write one offs, that is. The next book should come out in 2012 or so.
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Original publication date
2010-11-02
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Pages
404