Firebrand (Green Rider)

This was exactly what this series needed. As a long time fan, I was not entirely thrilled about the last book. It did grow on me after a few rereads, but it didn't have the same instant fall-in-love with effect of the previous installments. This is an absolute return to what made this series great in the first place, and it's going to be torture waiting the year or more until the next one comes out. :)

Overall I have enjoyed this series. It's light and engaging. But the last two books have gone way off track, and done very little to further the plot. Honestly, they've both felt like attempts to get us to buy more books than to tell a narrative that's relevant to the series. Readers don't like that. It's frustrating and makes us feel like we're being used, especially when it's done two times in a row. The storylines were so dark they felt like cliches, and began to get boring because constantly having bad things happen to a heroine is not interesting. Especially when she doesn't even get the triumph of defeating the big bad. And to have the other bad guy defeated by a force that wasn't even mentioned previously? The plot and the writing just felt rushed. The romance was not well developed, in fact it was uncomfortable and felt flat. Overall it wasn't worth the money, and unless the next book is the last one, I don't know that I'll continue to read the series.

I enjoyed this adventure fantasy series very much. Miss Britain created some characters that I became very attached to. I do not feel that she ended the series with the last book so I look forward to the next book. The Green Riders were much like the Pony Express of the old west on many levels & very different on other levels. This series was such fun to read Karagin is a herione that I cheer for, you know she will get in trouble because she does the right thing most of the time. I recommend these books for the richness of the story & the pleasure of escaping into their adventures.

This book was delightful to its last page. The previous book took an enormous detour from the heart of the story, but this book resurrected my desire to continue investing my time reading Karigan's story. The author satisfied her readers with more of their favorite characters without comprising the integrity of the story. Kudos to the author who leaves their audience satisfied, yet craving to hear more of the story. As always we just hope we get to eat of it sooner than the three years it takes to produce these books!

This is a continuation of the Green Rider series and it is helpful if you have read other books in the series. I read the first book in 2000 and look forward to the next book to come out in the series, even if there are years in between books. This book can be read as a stand alone book but works better as part of the whole series.

I truly love the green rider series. That being said Firebrand went even more dark than previous books in the series. They have gone beyond suffering and struggles to outright torture. You really start to feel horrible for what is happening to these characters you have come to love and think of as family.

Incredible book !! Wonderful storytelling, some many different plot twists and turns. An elemental created by none other than Grandmother (Second Empire) kidnaps King Zacharay and whisks him away without a trace leaving his Queen to have to run the kingdom yet again (seems to be a habit of his), we get to see more of the other characters, Yates and Merdigan , and we are in on the search for the Missing Golden Guardian Aaron Fiore by his daughter Estral, which naturally involves Karrigan and the Elts but this time only one travels with the group but it's not all that it seems (there is a hidden purpose as always). Mystery, Danger, Second Empire, and a surprising animal that Merdigan hopes to have more around to protect them from the "sleepers". Plus is there a romance blossoming for Captain Mapstone ? I couldn't put it down sometimes and stayed up very late just to finish reading it.

Sinking into one of Britain's books is like going home to old friends. Her descriptions of the forest carry me deep into the wilds. Her characters are all filled with their own hopes and fears. I fell in love with Karigan five books ago, and at times found myself crying so hard I had to put the book down and walk away. Other times, I laughed myself silly. It's everything a wonderful book ought to be, and then some.

I was really hoping to move along toward the upcoming war with the dragons and the seconds book, the empire, and while that was not explored in this book, it was still a story worth reading. More of the "romantic subplot" than I expected but held an interesting twist. Ultimately, I can't help but feel for the main character, and wish some good things would happen for her. They story had some unexpected and and expected turns, and while it did not move the overall story forward much, it was a good read. I would recommend it to anyone curious if the saga was worth continuing to read.

Such an amazing journey! As always, Kristen Britain is joy to read. Fast paced, creating a magical experience as the words flash by, drawing you deeper into the story and satisfyingly answering some unanswered questions, but leaving some new ones. I like he way she re-iterates moments from previous books, enhancing the story. I certainly appreciated the little memory jogs.

Kristen Britain has done it again! She has successfully sucked me into the land of Sacordia and makes me loathe to return to the "real world". This book has everything: intrigue, epic battles, ghosts, demons, gods, magic, extreme strength of soul in the main character, and even some romance. It's intoxicating and hard to put down. Karigan is someone that I aspire to be like: brave and courageous, kind hearted, incredibly intelligent, driven, passionate, dutiful, loyal, and a true friend to those she encounters. Well done, Ms. Britain, in creating a female lead that is real and honest, and not solely focused on her love life. Please don't make me wait another 2 years for the continuation of the story!

I personally really liked this book. it was captivating and moderately paced I finished it in 2 days. it expanded on some of the side storylines ( "e.g" the Avatar thing) as well as others and introduced some new ones. It has all the emotions you could hope for perfectly balanced never overwhelming. If you love this series you'll love this book I cannot wait for the next one. Please miss Britain don't take 3-5 years to release it!!!!

Throughly enjoyed, adventous from beginning to end. This one is even longer than the last book, but an excellent read. Some parts were kind of gruesome. But love the main characters. I just recently began reading this series so was able to move from one book to the other, but now I'm going to have to wait for the next one (sad face).

Once I started reading, it was almost impossible to stop. Great storytelling, even complete with an original lullaby. There were a few sad moments and plenty of exciting/harrowing ones. This technically may have been a long book but with the way I read it just meant I wasn't done in an hour or two and was able to enjoy myself longer. Another must read! Can't wait 4 next!

The Green Rider series is a huge favorite and this latest book doesn't disappoint. It was very hard to put down and I ended up finishing the book late at night. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

This is definitely a return to what made the first several books so great! While I did enjoy the previous book in the series, it wasn't my favorite. Firebrand features a much wearier Karigan who is starting to show her battle scars, emotionally and physically. Kristen Britain has written one of my favorite series, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Once again fans are not left disappointed! From the emotional turmoil Karigan feels since returning from the future, to the physical brutality of the war and Karigan's torture, Britain takes us masterfully through it all. At the end we are still left wanting more!

Back to greatness with the latest installment!

I, along with many readers, was almost done with the series after Mirror Sight. Had this book continued in a similar fashion, I would have put it down and been done with it within the first hundred pages. If this book hasn't redeemed the series, I would have refused to purchase another one.

But. This book definitely re-vamped the storyline in many ways. This is not to say it was a perfect book, but it was definitely on par with the first few books.
Non-spoilers: Karigan is returned to her own time, but still reeling with the loss of important people in the future and of the memories she has lost, as well. The kingdom will send her on a mission to find the p'ehdrose of old and seek a reuniting of allies. She is joined by Enver, the Eletian, and Estral, who is searching for the Golden Guardian. Meanwhile, an ice elemental sent by a familiar enemy abducts King Zachary and the queen, along with the king's counselors, must attempt to further ties with Rhovanny and continue the business of the realm. Of course, a message errand can never quite go well with Karigan, and she once again is involved in matters concerning the fate of the realm.

Spoilers ahead.

Pros:
Karigan does go through a grieving process, buy at least she doesn't spend the whole book moping around. She is guded by her mission, and I was thankful with how the author handled the Case business without making it seem drawn-out and annoying
Enver: we learn a lot about the nature of Eletians through Enver and others. I'm interested to see where he will fit in later in the series.
Zachary: this was the first book to actually develop him as a character, which was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Laren: She doesn't seem as wishy-washy as she has been the last few books. I don't know, I really liked how she seemed in this book.
Other riders: Unlike some reviewers, I thought Anna's story was interesting, and look forward to seeing what the messenger service will be like with a non-magical Rider...or to see if and how any magical talents emerge
Grandmother: This book followed Grandmother's part in the story in a more realistic way, with Grandmother actively working towards something that could soon be detrimental to Sacoridia.
Overall, though the story didn't take place over a huge amount of time, a number of important events happened. It didn't seem like a "filler" book like some of the others have.
I didn't think Karigan's torture was a bad story element, like others have. I thought it was interesting for her to lose her confidence and have to regain it.

Cons:
My biggest complaint is that we didn't see near enough of characters like Alton and Fastion, and we saw nothing if Amberhill himself, or Mornhaven.
The wall: nothing happened with the Wall, either positive or negative. I figured more would be happening, especially after Mirror Sight.

And, as always, it will be another 3 or so years before we learn what happens next. Overall, it was a great read!

Best green rider book to date, the different perspectives really enhanced the story and many more story lines were brought together. If you don't mind the wait between instalments and like a strong female heroine within a fantastical universe then I would really recommend this series

Kristen Britain gets the Green Rider storyline back on track with this installment. There is lots of action and adventure, but she also adds the right amount of detail to the story to dress it up and make it come alive. Can't wait for the next one.

After having loved this series deeply since I stumbled across it years ago, I was a little disappointed when the previous book "Mirror Sight" came out. I found that book really out-of-sync with the rest of the series. So, I purchased "Firebrand" both excited and nervous about where the series was headed. I am delighted to say this book was right in line with what made me fall in love with the series and Britain's writing style. The characters are emotionally complex, the story has excellent pacing, and Britain does an excellent job of bringing together various character's stories in unexpected ways. I couldn't put the book down!

**Spoilers Ahead**

Karigan goes through many heart-rending trials in this series, and there is certainly a darker turn of the story telling in "Firebrand". While some may struggle with this, it brings a sense of realism to the danger of being a Green Rider that many series lack. Main characters, while hurt, are often not put through true horrors. Britain is not afraid to allow Karigan to experience these and has the kind of psychological and emotional responses you would expect.

This same mentality is applied to all of Britain's characters in this novel, which only invests you more deeply into each character and the story she is weaving. Looking forward to the next book!

Excellent read. Just as good if not better than the previous books. I can't wait for the next book. Must read the series in order to fully appreciate the content but a worthwhile read as a stand alone.

Firebrand, the latest installment of the Green Rider series, was all that I could have hoped for and more! I devoured the book and could not stop reading once I had downloaded the book on Saturday, March 4th. (Had to wait for payday and work does take up 8 hours out of my day after all!)

While the romance between Karigan and Zachary is a subplot, I find myself waiting for the day when they can be together. Both have endured so much that I feel they should have their forever already rather than the fleeting moments they are allowed. Granted, Britain has admitted on her site that she tortures her readers as much as her characters.

I've faithfully (slightly obsessively) waited for each book took be released and I will continue to do so until the series is concluded. 4 years is a long wait so I will bask in the glow of the book while it lasts and periodically check her site for details in regards to book 7.

Greenie for life over here!