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Firebringer #1-3
The Firebringer Trilogy
3-in-1 Hardcover edition of Meredith Ann Pierce's Firebringer Trilogy. Complete text of all 3 Birth of the Firebringer, Dark Moon, and The Sun of Summer Stars.
549 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Ann Pierce
19 books642 followersMeredith 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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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 26, 2018
I ordered this trilogy years ago and have read it four or five times, but this is the first since joining GR. Maybe that is what made me pay more attention, or else I have just reached my limit for re-reads of this book. I couldn't remember all details of the story before starting, but every character I met triggered more memories until by the third book I was not as captivated as I had been during other readings. Knowing the secrets before they are revealed is not always fun for me!
Of the three books in this volume, the first, Birth Of The Firebringer, is definitely the best and most compelling. We meet Jan, prince of the unicorns who live in the Vale. They have many legends and customs, such as an initiation rite where the young warriors-to-be trek across enemy territory to a sacred pool of water to learn their futures.
Jan is the typical rebellious youngster, always playing tricks on others and basically being a butthead. He eventually runs away in a fit of guilt after an especially stupid 'game'. Will this be the push he needs to change his ways and become the proper prince that he is supposed to be? Is it possible that this semi-renegade has more in his future than he can possibly imagine?
Unfortunately, for me the next two books did not seem as entertaining. Dark Moon dragged and I became annoyed by the constant shift in point of view from chapter to chapter. I know it is sometimes necessary to tell a story that way, but it can be disruptive and even boring.
The third book, The Son Of Summer Stars, had too much repetition, too many episodes of telling what had happened in the previous books. It felt to me as though the flow of the story itself was lost after that first volume. Why is it not possible to write a complete story all in one go and not break it up the way so many writers do these days? As Yul Brynner says in The King And I, 'Is a puzzlement!'
I did enjoy the idea of fierce warrior unicorns, so different from the meek ones I remember from reading legends from the Middle Ages. And I thought the author had an imaginative way of blending Jan's story with that of human in Dark Moon. I also got a kick out of all the lovely, creative color patterns she described for the unicorns throughout all three books. The idea of these colorful creatures running through fields or climbing mountains gave me almost psychedelic visions, which was quite entertaining, especially late at night!
But overall, I was disappointed with the book this time around and have decided to put it on my DAR shelf, which means it will be in the pile to swap at my book trader's the next time I visit town.
Wavering between two and three stars, but three wins out because of those spiffy coat patterns!
Of the three books in this volume, the first, Birth Of The Firebringer, is definitely the best and most compelling. We meet Jan, prince of the unicorns who live in the Vale. They have many legends and customs, such as an initiation rite where the young warriors-to-be trek across enemy territory to a sacred pool of water to learn their futures.
Jan is the typical rebellious youngster, always playing tricks on others and basically being a butthead. He eventually runs away in a fit of guilt after an especially stupid 'game'. Will this be the push he needs to change his ways and become the proper prince that he is supposed to be? Is it possible that this semi-renegade has more in his future than he can possibly imagine?
Unfortunately, for me the next two books did not seem as entertaining. Dark Moon dragged and I became annoyed by the constant shift in point of view from chapter to chapter. I know it is sometimes necessary to tell a story that way, but it can be disruptive and even boring.
The third book, The Son Of Summer Stars, had too much repetition, too many episodes of telling what had happened in the previous books. It felt to me as though the flow of the story itself was lost after that first volume. Why is it not possible to write a complete story all in one go and not break it up the way so many writers do these days? As Yul Brynner says in The King And I, 'Is a puzzlement!'
I did enjoy the idea of fierce warrior unicorns, so different from the meek ones I remember from reading legends from the Middle Ages. And I thought the author had an imaginative way of blending Jan's story with that of human in Dark Moon. I also got a kick out of all the lovely, creative color patterns she described for the unicorns throughout all three books. The idea of these colorful creatures running through fields or climbing mountains gave me almost psychedelic visions, which was quite entertaining, especially late at night!
But overall, I was disappointed with the book this time around and have decided to put it on my DAR shelf, which means it will be in the pile to swap at my book trader's the next time I visit town.
Wavering between two and three stars, but three wins out because of those spiffy coat patterns!
April 8, 2007
Birth of the Firebringer became my favorite book ever when I read it back in sixth or seventh grade, and I reread it countless times. It's a coming-of-age story of a unicorn--not a serene, mystical race of unicorns, but a warrior race. I think what struck me is that the story is about questioning what "everyone knows" and looking at situations from the viewpoints of others, even enemies...about realizing that you can't judge others' motivations without talking to them and trying to understand them first. That's one of the major ideas I try to get across in teaching literature, and as I think about it, I wonder how much this book helped coalesce that internal value. There is, of course, the rather typical fantasy theme of a young person taking up the prophecied destiny to save his people, but back when I only read the first book, when only the first book existed, it was clear the prophecy wasn't the main point.
I've thought about trying to regain a copy of Firebringer a few times over the years, but never put much energy to the search. I did learn that eventually there were sequels (thank you, internet) but couldn't find them, either. A week ago I realized hey, I'm working at a bookstore, with a search engine of our inventory and the ability to order just about anything we don't have. So I searched...and we had several copies of all three books. They were in the Teens section...that's why I hadn't been able to find them in the Sci-Fi section for so long! (btw, I've noticed that the Teens section is primarily fantasy...interesting).
Rereading the first was like being with an old friend...like I'd read it just days previously, when it must have been at least 12 years. With two English degrees behind me I read it with a more sophisticated experience, of course, and I did find that occasionally I was irritated that the author would sometimes write strings of very short sentences. At other times, however, I was impressed by the mythological style and the unusual vocabulary.
Over the past two days I read the sequels, Dark Moon and Son of Summer Stars, and I wasn't disappointed. Well, okay, I was slightly disappointed that the author had a tendency in both books to give tons of really, really obvious clues that I suppose were supposed to be dramatically revealed secrets at the end, but the stylistic qualities and thematic elements stayed the same in quality. This is a story about understanding oneself in the context of understanding others, about the power of knowledge, about forging peace with those who have different values, about not believing something just because everyone else does (and the dangers of doing so), but instead seeking out the truth. The prophecy really is incidental to everything else, which isn't often the case in fantasy literature that uses the whole prophecy hook.
I've thought about trying to regain a copy of Firebringer a few times over the years, but never put much energy to the search. I did learn that eventually there were sequels (thank you, internet) but couldn't find them, either. A week ago I realized hey, I'm working at a bookstore, with a search engine of our inventory and the ability to order just about anything we don't have. So I searched...and we had several copies of all three books. They were in the Teens section...that's why I hadn't been able to find them in the Sci-Fi section for so long! (btw, I've noticed that the Teens section is primarily fantasy...interesting).
Rereading the first was like being with an old friend...like I'd read it just days previously, when it must have been at least 12 years. With two English degrees behind me I read it with a more sophisticated experience, of course, and I did find that occasionally I was irritated that the author would sometimes write strings of very short sentences. At other times, however, I was impressed by the mythological style and the unusual vocabulary.
Over the past two days I read the sequels, Dark Moon and Son of Summer Stars, and I wasn't disappointed. Well, okay, I was slightly disappointed that the author had a tendency in both books to give tons of really, really obvious clues that I suppose were supposed to be dramatically revealed secrets at the end, but the stylistic qualities and thematic elements stayed the same in quality. This is a story about understanding oneself in the context of understanding others, about the power of knowledge, about forging peace with those who have different values, about not believing something just because everyone else does (and the dangers of doing so), but instead seeking out the truth. The prophecy really is incidental to everything else, which isn't often the case in fantasy literature that uses the whole prophecy hook.
July 22, 2023
This was one of the most beautiful series I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Wonderful in every way; gorgeous writing, beautiful world, amazing characters, absorbing storytelling, profound and deep, wondrous and magical, fantasy with power and heart. It will definitely grip your heart. And if you adore unicorns like I do, this book will feel like a dream come true. I love that despite being a fantasy book, it touches profound and serious themes that we face in the real world. It is full of moments when I could relate to it because I’ve seen it happen. THIS is fantasy at its finest. And why I love the genre. I’ve found a new favorite series and author. Bravissimo!
August 8, 2010
The Firebringer Trilogy is a wonderful book!! I highly advise reading it.
April 3, 2019
I love this trilogy. I have always loved unicorns, but finding stories about them has been very hard and rare. I also love gryphons, and have had similar problems finding stories about them. Which means that this trilogy is perfect for me, it has both. I quickly fell in love with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the story. I have read it a few times now, and will certainly read it many more times in the years to come.
January 7, 2018
I always love to reread this series because of the characters and the story. I love Aljan but i have to say Tek and her mother come pretty close to taking that spot :).
February 6, 2020
Not your typical magical rainbow unicorn story. More action and adventure.
January 23, 2024
Warrior cats meets unicorns, but for adults. What more do you need?
November 29, 2013
I'm giving this trilogy 3/5 because while it wasn't my favorite, I understand that there are other people whose tastes for fantasy are probably more in line with this type of story than mine. I read these books over several years ago, as I had a friend who raved about them and I was curious to see how they ranked.
I do remember that most all of the content in these books is pretty family friendly, and there was some interesting development going on in the world with the creatures and their interactions.
However, I remember that some of the time, these books were borderline tolerable for me. The main thing that drove me nuts was the author's taste for using made-up words and changing the spelling on some words. Call me a hard nose, but when someone uses the term "pashing" instead of "smashing" or "bashing", it really rubs me the wrong way. My inner editor was having a fit through some parts of the books, thanks to this. And, honestly, some of the things about the unicorns annoyed me, but happy dancing unicorns were never my thing, so maybe I'm just biased about this. Who knows.
Anyone who likes unicorns or fantasy with roots in classic mythology may find this trilogy interesting and fun to read.
I do remember that most all of the content in these books is pretty family friendly, and there was some interesting development going on in the world with the creatures and their interactions.
However, I remember that some of the time, these books were borderline tolerable for me. The main thing that drove me nuts was the author's taste for using made-up words and changing the spelling on some words. Call me a hard nose, but when someone uses the term "pashing" instead of "smashing" or "bashing", it really rubs me the wrong way. My inner editor was having a fit through some parts of the books, thanks to this. And, honestly, some of the things about the unicorns annoyed me, but happy dancing unicorns were never my thing, so maybe I'm just biased about this. Who knows.
Anyone who likes unicorns or fantasy with roots in classic mythology may find this trilogy interesting and fun to read.
March 7, 2011
I found Birth of the Firebringer at a Salvation Army in a pile of books. I was attracted to the artwork...a theme in my book choices and reviews...and the pretty horses on the cover. I read this and the rest of the books repeatedly in junior high and high school, but haven't cracked them open for several years so my opinions may not be well informed, and they certainly aren't current.
Like many young girls, I loved horses and fantasies. And here we have both, well unicorns anyways. Close enough. I enjoyed the meshing of ancient human culture with the customizations to what horses/unicorns can do. Sometimes the author gets a little wrapped up in making the story fantastical...she did it with the Darkangel trilogy too (also great)...but overall she has a nice steady story that somehow works...even though it climaxes with unicorns battling giant white worms for property rights. Oh I'm sorry, wyrms.
Like many young girls, I loved horses and fantasies. And here we have both, well unicorns anyways. Close enough. I enjoyed the meshing of ancient human culture with the customizations to what horses/unicorns can do. Sometimes the author gets a little wrapped up in making the story fantastical...she did it with the Darkangel trilogy too (also great)...but overall she has a nice steady story that somehow works...even though it climaxes with unicorns battling giant white worms for property rights. Oh I'm sorry, wyrms.
October 2, 2011
This Trilogy is just awesome. Yes it's about talking unicorns but it is really really good. The characters are all very different and create this harmony that is so unique and great. It fallows a young male unicorn, Jan, through his adventures of becoming an adult to falling in love to being a captive of man and speaking with dragons about a shared enemy of wyrens. It has many surprises that keep you guessing what is Jan going to do next. This series is well worth reading and maybe more then once.
June 15, 2011
Apparently I went through a M.A.P. phase as a child. This series is like 10% your awww-girly-book-of-unicorns and 90% this-shit's-going-down. The unicorns are primarily fighters rather than lovers and plot weaves around coming of age + power struggles of who's going to be in charge.
Overall the trilogy is a quick read with some interesting plot but (and I said this for Darkangel trilogy too), I'm not sure if I'd appreciate this series as much now as an adult than as a kid.
Overall the trilogy is a quick read with some interesting plot but (and I said this for Darkangel trilogy too), I'm not sure if I'd appreciate this series as much now as an adult than as a kid.
February 11, 2025
I love these books. Warrior unicorns, mythology, prophecy, and the search for knowledge and truth. Couldn't have made a set of books more perfect for me than this. I loved them as a child. Okay, truth is I was slightly disappointed at the last book, it seemed a bit silly to me how it all ended. But I am rereading it as an adult and I actually am less bothered by it and love these books even more, even if they are meant to be teen books!
March 14, 2016
The first, Birth of the Firebringer, is my absolute favorite book of all time. I ordered the book through a school book order form when I was in the fourth grade, and my copy is worn and tattered (so I finally got it on Kindle). I had NO idea she had written sequels!
I gave it a four because I was a little disappointed with where the story went in the second and third books--it didn't seem to be the direction of the first. But I loved them still.
I gave it a four because I was a little disappointed with where the story went in the second and third books--it didn't seem to be the direction of the first. But I loved them still.
July 12, 2014
I loved this trilogy when I was in middle school/high school. Meredith Ann Pierce was one of my favorite authors as a teen. She's really an amazing writer, yet for some reason was never very well known. They're still good fantasy to read even for an adult.
October 14, 2008
I read these books as a grade-schooler, and I loved them! Meredith Ann Pierce is a master of creating a strange-yet-familiar world. I can't tell you how much I ate, breathed, and slept unicorns as a kid because of these books!
January 17, 2016
My 6th grade teacher gave this book to me as a gift and I remember it as one of the first books that I really, really loved. I don't know how I would feel about it reading it as an adult, but I sure loved it then.
June 30, 2014
These are some of my favorite books! I wouldn't mind reading these over and over again. I love the unicorns and their culture, and this author has an amazing talent for plot development. I would recommend these books to anyone.
September 21, 2007
I'm not a huge fan of horse (or unicorn as the case may be) stories, but this one was so well written. I like it better than her vampire series.
July 2, 2010
A lovely tale that I wish I had found when unicorns still ran in my dreams, and at night, as I fell asleep, a different form of body I pretended I might be.
August 28, 2015
When it comes to unicorn fantasy books you read as a kid, it doesn't get much better than this.
March 9, 2013
Sooo gripping from front to back - all three books.
September 3, 2013
Great book for anyone who love unicorns like I do.
January 1, 2015
I'm not a big unicorn person but this was still quite good. It has that 'animal LOTR' feel to it that I find in animal and dragon epics which definitely kept me through it.
June 10, 2013
The obsession of my childhood!!
October 23, 2017
"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 unicorns. Yet time after time they are rescued, leading Jan to wonder: Am I the heir to a special destiny?"
Birth of the Firebringer was an excellent fantasy novel, lush, lyrical and exciting. Don't let that YA tag turn you off from this magnificent read. The story line was fascinating and compelling, the characters were vivid and relatable (at least as relatable as any unicorn centric tale can really be) It was a very unique and beautiful world, finely crafted by the gifted author Meredith Ann Pierce. I first read this book years back and had expected to get a simplistic, perhaps watered down, typical fantasy tale of unicorns aimed at a teen audience, but this book was highly original and in my opinion one of the most interesting fantasy books revolving around said mythical animals. It can act as teen read but is definitely mature enough to stand besides other adult fantasy novels as well. Pierce writes in such a captivating way, that one feels connected to the characters, especially that of the young unicorn princeling, Jan.
This was an unforgettable story, one that grips onto your heart and memory and keeps on tugging. I highly recommend this for devout readers of fantasy, lovers of unicorns and complex mythological adventure stories. This one will stay in my mind forever. A definite Good-Read! So what are you waiting for, unicorn lover?
[OFFICIAL RATING: 5 STARS]
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews