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30th out of 96 books
—
223 voters
Birth of the Firebringer (Firebringer #1)
Jan, the prince of the unicorns, is high-spirited, reckless-and the despair of his mighty father, Korr. Reluctantly, Korr allows Jan to accompany the other initiate warriors on a pilgrimage. Soon Jan's curiosity leads him, along with his friend Dagg, and their mentor, the female warrior Tek, into the greatest dangers-deadly gryphons, sly pans, wyverns, pards, and renegade...more
Paperback, 208 pages
Published
June 23rd 2003
by Firebird
(first published 1985)
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I wanted to like this series more than I did, because I like Pierce's Darkangel books and her short stories so much. It's about unicorns, which I was a little worried about, but I thought Pierce pulled that off pretty well, actually; her unicorns aren't pretty, fluffy things, but warriors who fight for their lives and land against other beasts, gryphons and wyverns.
I think what I mostly didn't like was the main character, Jan the unicorn prince, who was all too often (particularly in the last b...more
I think what I mostly didn't like was the main character, Jan the unicorn prince, who was all too often (particularly in the last b...more
This book long predates such animal-based series as Warriors, and it far outshines them. It was published back in my childhood, and is a three-part series. The first is the best and most interesting read, rife with a wonderful prophecy, very accurate animal depiction, and great fantasy elements. It is set among a group of war unicorns, yet these unicorns are nothing like the white, virgin-seeking typical story we see. These unicorns are a varied, honorable, dangerous race that is in the middle o...more
Feb 08, 2011
Elizabeth Wallace
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
young-adult-children
I picked up this book because Wikipedia first mentions the Darkangel Trilogy (one of my favorites) and then mentions this book as the first in her "more popular trilogy." It may be more popular, but I don't think it's necessarily better.
It's a perfectly pleasant book, but it doesn't have the depth and complexity of the Darkangel books. Both are considered young adult books, so it's not that target audience that causes it to be simpler. The story itself is just more straightforward. Which isn't a...more
It's a perfectly pleasant book, but it doesn't have the depth and complexity of the Darkangel books. Both are considered young adult books, so it's not that target audience that causes it to be simpler. The story itself is just more straightforward. Which isn't a...more
As a kid I bought this book for the cover - It had a unicorn, and I was horse crazy. I dove in and fell in love, though I'm sure I missed all the subtext about how Jan's journey might perhaps relate to my own young teen-aged struggles. None the less, I cherished this book, and years later read it again as an adult with new perspective. I love it even more now.
This is the kind of book all parents, uncles, aunts, anyone who mentors kids should pass on to the young readers in their lives. It is fu...more
This is the kind of book all parents, uncles, aunts, anyone who mentors kids should pass on to the young readers in their lives. It is fu...more
A wonderful story! I was drawn in and left in suspense, wondering what will happen next with Jan - Is he the firebringer? Is it his father? Who is the mysterious unicorn he keeps catching glimpses of? Who are the Renegades, and what secret is hidden in the dreams Jan can never remember?
The tale of the wyverns gave me chills, and the pans dancing around the fire intrigued me. I half-expected to see the end of the wyverns in the book, but, despite having read it when I was young (this book came ho...more
The tale of the wyverns gave me chills, and the pans dancing around the fire intrigued me. I half-expected to see the end of the wyverns in the book, but, despite having read it when I was young (this book came ho...more
This was the first true fantasy story I ever read as a youngster. It was what led me to other authors, like McCaffrey, and my continued descent into UF and the entire paranormal genre.
I still have the original mass market paperback that I bought from the school's book club.
And yet... I never even knew there were sequels to it.
I think one of the things I liked about Pierce's writing, and this book in particular, the most -- was the worldbuilding. The way she took a nonhuman sentient species and...more
I still have the original mass market paperback that I bought from the school's book club.
And yet... I never even knew there were sequels to it.
I think one of the things I liked about Pierce's writing, and this book in particular, the most -- was the worldbuilding. The way she took a nonhuman sentient species and...more
an instant must-have when I found it as part of one those scholastic book fairs they used to have when in was in elementary school, I cherished this book greatly as a kiddo. not at all the hearts n flowers sort of unicorns, this one is a very well written coming of age tale where the prince searching for his lost birthright does battle with dragons with a sword already attached to his head rather than in his hand. a complete and wholly satisfying tale, except that a narrator's coda tells us "but...more
I first read this when I was pretty young and I was a horse crazy girl. Having been a fan of Michael Hague's unicorns it seemed like the book for me. And I loved it. Reading it now as an adult, I thought I'd find it cutesy and a little boring. However, I still enjoyed the story and liked the characters just as much as I did when I was younger. These unicorns are fierce and Jan sees beyond the narrow path that is set before him, looking beyond the Circle to the wider Cycle that encapsulates it. T...more
I slogged through the first 20 pages, having to read oh so slowly - but then I got sucked in. Utterly! I think it was the tale of the wyverns that sealed the deal, so to speak. Suddenly I was like, "Oh! An Antagonist!"
I'm trying to read more unicorn books because while I'd like to think I'm team unicorn, I actually like stories with zombies more, I think. But I like unicorns better than zombies! But zombies make for more exciting fiction! But I haven't read a zombie book yet! I've only seen zom...more
I'm trying to read more unicorn books because while I'd like to think I'm team unicorn, I actually like stories with zombies more, I think. But I like unicorns better than zombies! But zombies make for more exciting fiction! But I haven't read a zombie book yet! I've only seen zom...more
This is one of my favorite books currently. I read the first part when I was a bit younger and I got bored 'cause I was way more into the writing style of Kathryn Lasky. But then after a couple of months I decided to read the rest of it. I instantly got used to the writing style (Which doesn't really happen with me, and it may not happen to you) and once I read from the chapter named Battle, It started to be a bit more interesting. I like the second book a bit better and now I am starting on the...more
I got this book from my elementary Scholastics book order and have such fond memories of reading it. I have been wanting to read it again for years, but it is packed up in a box at my parents (in another state), and I could not remember the title so could not ask them to go find it. I came across it by accident on here, and found out that it is part of a trilogy! Now the problem is to locate copies of all three books to read and see if it is as good as I remember it to be, and to find out how th...more
Just finished this fun summer read with my kids tonight. All my kids from age 5 to 12 loved it and got different things from it according to their understanding.
This book had a huge foundational impact on me as a child. It is the book that made me want to be a writer. If I remember the story right, this author began this story as her first big novel when she was about 10. She then shelved it for years and years, feeling that she didn't have the wisdom or maturity to do the story justice. Then w...more
This book had a huge foundational impact on me as a child. It is the book that made me want to be a writer. If I remember the story right, this author began this story as her first big novel when she was about 10. She then shelved it for years and years, feeling that she didn't have the wisdom or maturity to do the story justice. Then w...more
When the wyverns came they tricked the unicorns and took away their lands around the Mere of the Moon forcing them to move to the Vale thereby displacing the gryphons. Jan was the son of the Prince of the unicorns and always in trouble – he was headstrong and insatiably curious. As he moved from incident to crisis, Korr, his father the Prince despaired. And yet Jan was learning of the world he inhabited and the history of his tribe in order to fulfill his ultimate role.
This is another genre fiction book that is out-of-print for some reason. It's YA fantasy, and I remembered enjoying it when I was a kid. Well it's still a great YA read! The book is about a tribe of unicorns. Along with the troubled unicorn prince (which basically makes any YA fantasy), there's a healthy dose of tribal religion and questioning adults. And it's the first in a trilogy! Both the Provo library and BYU library have a copy, and I recommend it. Come on! UNICORNS!
There are not many good fantasy novels about unicorns, perhaps they are seen as too silly compared to dragons- or even fairies?
But Pierce manages to create a fascinating unicorn culture, and the beautiful yet harsh world they share with gryphons, wyverns and pans (satyrs). Jan is the rebellious son of Korr, prince of his clan. In spite of all his disobedience he is allowed to go on a dangerous pilgrimage to a sacred pool to be initiated into adulthood- and seek his destiny.
I really enjoyed this...more
But Pierce manages to create a fascinating unicorn culture, and the beautiful yet harsh world they share with gryphons, wyverns and pans (satyrs). Jan is the rebellious son of Korr, prince of his clan. In spite of all his disobedience he is allowed to go on a dangerous pilgrimage to a sacred pool to be initiated into adulthood- and seek his destiny.
I really enjoyed this...more
Not a bad read - but it's all prelude to the ACTUAL "firebringing" story. I remember reading this as a child and finding it unsatisfying. A strange prelude - interesting characters, nice pacing; just no real conclusion to the story. Of course as I type this I see that this is #1, so presumably there are other books in this series that might satisfy my questions.
yes, this is a young adult book about UNICORNS...but it will always be one of my favorites as it was my very first taste of fantasy fiction, this book is the one that got me addicted to reading! And I only picked it up by accident when I was in 6th grade. (ok, so I think I might have been 21 when I stopped believing in unicorns, yes i am a dork, suck it!)
This book really captured my imagination as a teen. Jan, the outsider, yet there are hints he might be more than that. Raised in a protected, sheltered world, when the outside world comes to meet him, it turns him upside down. The lyrical story builds around a tribe of unicorns, giving a fantastical view of the common struggle we all have in growing up and leaving our parents mindsets.
I'm not sure how I came across this book, but I picked it up from my bookshelf and boy did I enjoy it! It's my favorite genre (fantasy/fiction), it was filled with action, adrenaline, and adventure, and had exciting characters. Meredith Ann Pierce is a great fantasy writer and created great stories to read.
These books are so amazing I've bought them three times! Never loan a friend a book unless you have two copies would be the lesson I learned. These books might be simple but she tells her tales beautifully. Her books have meant so much to me that my right arm is tattoo'd with the covers.
I read this series many years ago as a kid, when I was very into magical creatures in general. I'm still finding the books to be very well written, with vivid characters and cultures.
This first book is the least interesting of the set. It's still a great, quick read, but mostly is setting up for the real meat of the story arc. It does have some very vivid moments, particularly the twists around the climax.
I definitely recommend the books if you're a fan of fantasy or xenofiction, and advise stic...more
This first book is the least interesting of the set. It's still a great, quick read, but mostly is setting up for the real meat of the story arc. It does have some very vivid moments, particularly the twists around the climax.
I definitely recommend the books if you're a fan of fantasy or xenofiction, and advise stic...more
This series is amazing. So nicely written, good story, strong characters.
If you can survive that it's unicorns, it's an amazing experience. (Myself I picked it up all those years ago, cause it was unicorns). The species is not the important thing, the story is.
If you can survive that it's unicorns, it's an amazing experience. (Myself I picked it up all those years ago, cause it was unicorns). The species is not the important thing, the story is.
Nov 29, 2011
Robin
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone
Recommended to Robin by:
Kristi Marie Criddle
This one is teetering between 4.5 and 5 stars. I may end up changing it to a 5. A friend recommended this to me, thinking I'd love it. And I have to admit that I do! Why? First of all: unicorns kicking butt. That's awesomeness right there. But also it is heavily marinated in its own mythologies, religions and cultures. These things have a tendancy to make a story really complicated, but Pierce mixes them up with the story and presents it all in a way that seems so effortless. It was a delightful...more
Sep 04, 2009
Alissa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of fantasy, particularly books like the Warriors series
A fantastic adventure story that would be a great addition to any Fantasy collection. Reminded me quite a lot of Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series--even thoigh Firebringer pre-dates Warriors by a couple decades (I read Warriors first, so my comparison is backwards).
Total fluff of a book - but the series is good for me to read after the last few books I've read.
I can totally see a teen into fantasy loving the series though. Lots of action, unicorns, gryphens.. all sorts of fun.
I can totally see a teen into fantasy loving the series though. Lots of action, unicorns, gryphens.. all sorts of fun.
It was just okay for me. There didn't seem to be any real climax or suspense at all, and I never got a feel for the characters...
It was pretty predictable, to say the least.
It was pretty predictable, to say the least.
Other people might like this one more, but I have trouble relating to a unicorn protagonist. I want to ride one and pet one, but not have one tell me about his adventures/ heirdom to a unicorn throne & whatnot.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Think you know everything about unicorns? Think again. What an amazing world and story, the characters are well developed and I just couldn't put this book down!
I liked the concept of unicorns with a history, culture, and prophecys of their own. A good introduction to the series, but very obviously an introduction to a series.
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Meredith Ann Pierce is a fantasy writer and librarian. Her books deal in fantasy worlds with mythic settings and yet overturn standard expectations, frequently featuring young women who first wish only to love and be loved, yet who must face hazard and danger to save their way of life, their world, and so on, usually without being respected for their efforts until the end of the story.
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“He was lost. He knew it. He had neither the size nor the strength to defeat her, and she had him cornered. But he would fight. He was a warrior, the prince-son of the unicorns, and he meant to go down fighting. There would be no songs to mark his death; and none of his people would even know. But he had saved Korr and the others of the band. It was noon — they were safe out of the hills by now, and none of the rest of it mattered.”
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2 people liked it
“Jan could not recall ever seeing a creature more beautiful, though there nagged somewhere at the back of his mind the notion that she ought to have seemed hideous. Why? For she was pure, admirably pure, without a twinge of conscience or shame.”
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2 people liked it
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Dec 04, 2009 09:18am