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Unicorns of Balinor #3
Valley of Fear
A fantastical tale for middle readers presents the dramatic tale of Sunchaser and Princess Arianna and their desperate search for the Royal Diadem and Princess Arianna's parents. Original.
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1999
17 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stanton
58 books318 followersMary Stanton was born in Florida and grew up in Japan and Hawaii, after which she returned to the United States and received a B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from the University of Minnesota.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 9, 2015
Re-read Dec 2015
I originally read this years ago and my library did not have the next book. Now I have aquired it but before I continued I needed to rehash some details. I remember the end of this book was very busy but could not quite remember who did what and that is crucial in this one.
Another fun book for the series. So far I have really enjoyed this little series by Mary Stanton. This book continues to follow Arianna (goes by Ari) as she and the Sunchaser (whom she calls Chase) go to Castle Entia, in the Valley of Fear, to retrieve her scepter. Castle Entia is home of the Shifter. Arianna is still struggling to accept her role as Princess of Balinor and is torn between that destiny and the idea of just leading a simple life and letting go of her past.
The story also continues to have Linc (the dog), Dr Bohnes, Toby, and the ever annoying brat Lori. We also get introduced to Dill and Basil in this book. They are a pair of foxes who accompany Arianna to the Valley. The ending was unexpected and has me looking forward to the next book in the series. These books are perfect for the older child or youth. A fun series with story and character. Even I, as an adult, enjoy them for a short change of fantasy pace.
Lori pulls some really stupid stuff in this volume that costs the group dearly. I cannot decide if I want to see her grow up of just leave the story. Toby, while a bit rude, is actually on of my favorite characters and I wish he had a larger role in this book. The foxes are fantastic with bright personalities that jump of the page. This book reminds my heavily of the Narnia books with a dash of juvenile Lord of the Rings.
I originally read this years ago and my library did not have the next book. Now I have aquired it but before I continued I needed to rehash some details. I remember the end of this book was very busy but could not quite remember who did what and that is crucial in this one.
Another fun book for the series. So far I have really enjoyed this little series by Mary Stanton. This book continues to follow Arianna (goes by Ari) as she and the Sunchaser (whom she calls Chase) go to Castle Entia, in the Valley of Fear, to retrieve her scepter. Castle Entia is home of the Shifter. Arianna is still struggling to accept her role as Princess of Balinor and is torn between that destiny and the idea of just leading a simple life and letting go of her past.
The story also continues to have Linc (the dog), Dr Bohnes, Toby, and the ever annoying brat Lori. We also get introduced to Dill and Basil in this book. They are a pair of foxes who accompany Arianna to the Valley. The ending was unexpected and has me looking forward to the next book in the series. These books are perfect for the older child or youth. A fun series with story and character. Even I, as an adult, enjoy them for a short change of fantasy pace.
Lori pulls some really stupid stuff in this volume that costs the group dearly. I cannot decide if I want to see her grow up of just leave the story. Toby, while a bit rude, is actually on of my favorite characters and I wish he had a larger role in this book. The foxes are fantastic with bright personalities that jump of the page. This book reminds my heavily of the Narnia books with a dash of juvenile Lord of the Rings.
October 8, 2014
Well, here it is. The Balinor installment I’ve been dreading. Maybe six months, maybe a year ago, I started rereading this series. Then I got to page thirty-five of this mess… and started reading the most ludicrous, baffling, and infuriating pro-pseudo-vegetarianism paragraph I’ve ever come across.
There are a lot of reasons for becoming a vegetarian or a vegan. Maybe you have a moral issues with eating meat. That’s great. Maybe you, like me, have moral issues with the meat industry. Or hunting in general. Or, again like me, farming in general. Maybe you have an allergy or have some other physical need for a specialized diet. That’s, in a sense, even more valid of a reason to cut meat/animal products from one’s diet. I will always respect a person’s dietary choices. But I will not respect you if your reasoning is moronic. And holy shit, this passage was the stupidest thing I’ve ever read.
And the funniest part of this is that it isn’t even genuine vegetarianism being screeched about here. I don’t even know what to make of it. Apparently, in Balinor, there’s no goddamn such thing as a carnivore. Just herbivores and—wait for it—insectivores. I’ll get to that in a minute. Let’s just think about the first nonsense for a second.
Holy no. You cannot impose your personal morals on a motherfucking wolf! I don’t care if it talks to you or if it does the freakin’ hula. Wolves, lions, all these carnivores this book has screeching about how eating meat is TOTES EVIL, GUYS! and “NOT [acceptable] HERE IN BALINOR!”… What do you think happens if they don’t eat meat? All together now, class:
They die!
Yeah. They die. But then again, what am I talking about? These things talk. So they’re obviously not lions, wolves, rabbits, etc. They apparently have the completely, 100% human larynxes, tongues, nasal structure, etc. required to speak English. That’s one fucked up wolf, there. So maybe these mindbogglingly non-wolf/lion/etc creatures don’t need meat to survive. But then they’re not wolves/lions/etc, so please stop calling them that. Seriously.
But this brings me to what’s even more infuriating. Carnivores? TOTES EVIL. Insectivores? Nah, that’s cool, bro.
Wait, what? I’m sorry, what? Did I miss a memo or something? You know, the one about how insects are acceptable for consumption, but a chicken deserves to be the top predator of its particular food web? Why are chickens, rabbits, cows, etc. more deserving of, you know, not being eaten than insects (and I’ll just assume you’re include arachnids in there)? Is it because insects aren’t cute? That’s cool. So can I eat the ugly dogs? No? Oh, then maybe it’s because the insects aren’t as “intelligent” as some of the “higher” life forms? So can I eat people with IQs under 100? No? Huh. Odd.
Exaggerated examples? Yes. Do they demonstrate my point? Also yes. I am genuinely confused about the reasoning here. And I’m not—I am not—trying to say that any animal “deserves” in any way to be eaten. Really, I’m saying exactly the opposite: I consider every life—human, bunny, lion, turtle, spider, tree—to be equal. (If you want to put a religious spin on that—I don’t as I’m an antitheist—that would be: all life is sacred.) So I’m positively baffled when another person starts drawing arbitrary lines and categories pointing out which forms of life are “better” than others, and which can be consumed with a clear conscience. I just don’t get it.
But whatever. If you want to pick and choose who’s special and who’s not, that’s your thing. I just don’t want to read about it in my children’s fantasy novel. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
…And then we get to page fifty five. Wherein the TOTES EVIL snake appears. The snake creeps out of the trees, speaking like thissssss, to seduce the other animals into eating meat and losing their voices forever! *le gasp* Disgusting Biblical symbolism for the win! The snake is specifically referred to as “evil” before he even does anything. He just looks “evil”. In other words, every animal is equal, except for insects and the ones with “evil” eyes. I… okay. Sure. It’s not like I don’t get it. Snakes are evil because Garden of Eden, and fruits from Trees of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and naked people, and yadda yadda yadda. All I have to say to that:
“NOT HERE IN BALINOR!”
(See? I can do it, too.) And for added fun, the snake turns out to be Kylie’s shifted form. So… I guess this makes Kylie an allegorical Lilith, with Entia playing Lucifer? Wow, reading these as an adult is an odd experience.
So… here’s hoping the next one won’t be so obnoxious?
There are a lot of reasons for becoming a vegetarian or a vegan. Maybe you have a moral issues with eating meat. That’s great. Maybe you, like me, have moral issues with the meat industry. Or hunting in general. Or, again like me, farming in general. Maybe you have an allergy or have some other physical need for a specialized diet. That’s, in a sense, even more valid of a reason to cut meat/animal products from one’s diet. I will always respect a person’s dietary choices. But I will not respect you if your reasoning is moronic. And holy shit, this passage was the stupidest thing I’ve ever read.
And the funniest part of this is that it isn’t even genuine vegetarianism being screeched about here. I don’t even know what to make of it. Apparently, in Balinor, there’s no goddamn such thing as a carnivore. Just herbivores and—wait for it—insectivores. I’ll get to that in a minute. Let’s just think about the first nonsense for a second.
Holy no. You cannot impose your personal morals on a motherfucking wolf! I don’t care if it talks to you or if it does the freakin’ hula. Wolves, lions, all these carnivores this book has screeching about how eating meat is TOTES EVIL, GUYS! and “NOT [acceptable] HERE IN BALINOR!”… What do you think happens if they don’t eat meat? All together now, class:
They die!
Yeah. They die. But then again, what am I talking about? These things talk. So they’re obviously not lions, wolves, rabbits, etc. They apparently have the completely, 100% human larynxes, tongues, nasal structure, etc. required to speak English. That’s one fucked up wolf, there. So maybe these mindbogglingly non-wolf/lion/etc creatures don’t need meat to survive. But then they’re not wolves/lions/etc, so please stop calling them that. Seriously.
But this brings me to what’s even more infuriating. Carnivores? TOTES EVIL. Insectivores? Nah, that’s cool, bro.
Wait, what? I’m sorry, what? Did I miss a memo or something? You know, the one about how insects are acceptable for consumption, but a chicken deserves to be the top predator of its particular food web? Why are chickens, rabbits, cows, etc. more deserving of, you know, not being eaten than insects (and I’ll just assume you’re include arachnids in there)? Is it because insects aren’t cute? That’s cool. So can I eat the ugly dogs? No? Oh, then maybe it’s because the insects aren’t as “intelligent” as some of the “higher” life forms? So can I eat people with IQs under 100? No? Huh. Odd.
Exaggerated examples? Yes. Do they demonstrate my point? Also yes. I am genuinely confused about the reasoning here. And I’m not—I am not—trying to say that any animal “deserves” in any way to be eaten. Really, I’m saying exactly the opposite: I consider every life—human, bunny, lion, turtle, spider, tree—to be equal. (If you want to put a religious spin on that—I don’t as I’m an antitheist—that would be: all life is sacred.) So I’m positively baffled when another person starts drawing arbitrary lines and categories pointing out which forms of life are “better” than others, and which can be consumed with a clear conscience. I just don’t get it.
But whatever. If you want to pick and choose who’s special and who’s not, that’s your thing. I just don’t want to read about it in my children’s fantasy novel. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
…And then we get to page fifty five. Wherein the TOTES EVIL snake appears. The snake creeps out of the trees, speaking like thissssss, to seduce the other animals into eating meat and losing their voices forever! *le gasp* Disgusting Biblical symbolism for the win! The snake is specifically referred to as “evil” before he even does anything. He just looks “evil”. In other words, every animal is equal, except for insects and the ones with “evil” eyes. I… okay. Sure. It’s not like I don’t get it. Snakes are evil because Garden of Eden, and fruits from Trees of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and naked people, and yadda yadda yadda. All I have to say to that:
“NOT HERE IN BALINOR!”
(See? I can do it, too.) And for added fun, the snake turns out to be Kylie’s shifted form. So… I guess this makes Kylie an allegorical Lilith, with Entia playing Lucifer? Wow, reading these as an adult is an odd experience.
So… here’s hoping the next one won’t be so obnoxious?
January 21, 2019
Read this in the antho Unicorns of Balinor #1-3. Summary below of the anthology.
Finished book 1/10/19.
I have been reading this series out of order for a few years now. If I find the book at the library I get it. I love horses and the art work on this series is just great. =0)
I found this book at my local Russian pharmacy. They had created a small lending library in the store anyone can borough a book for free and then return it after you read it. Real great idea. So I found this book there. It was my pleasure to find out the antho had books 1-3 in it which I had not read. Score! All three books are 3 stars each overall series is 3-3.5 stars.
I love the main characters. I really really dislike Lori!!! If I could I would gag the b****! So yeah the characters are relatable totally to their readers. The young would learn some powerful life lessons reading this series. =0)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to self;
Spoilers;
Princess Arianna(Ari,sis,pal) &
Sunchaser(Chase, Unicorn,pal)
Lincoln(Linc,dog,pal)
Atalanta(Dreamspeaker,Celestial Valley Unicorn)
Numinor(Celestial Valley Unicorn,Golden One,Herd Leader)
Dr. Eliane Bohnes(Vet,ex-nurse)
Dill(vixen,fox,ex-slave,mate)+
Basil(fox,mate)
Lori Carmichael()
Capt. Nick Tredwell(ship)
Mr. Samlett(inn owner,landlord)
Toby()
Rednal(Unicorn,red band,Celestial Valley)
Ash(Celestial Valley Unicorn guard)
Dusty(Celestial Valley Unicorn guard)
Rufus(wolf,Clan leader)
Devi(weanling Unicorn,Atalanta's discipline)
Tige(wolf)
Sandy(wolf)
Vanax(lion,Chase's pal & advisor)
Bren(Prince,her bro)
Stally(Prince,her bro)
Ann Langley(adopted mom,Anale servant)
Frank()
Lady Kylie(Shifter's Snake,Lord Lexan's sis,ex-Queens pal,2nd in Command Shifters Army,traitor,Shifters Counselor)
Finished book 1/10/19.
I have been reading this series out of order for a few years now. If I find the book at the library I get it. I love horses and the art work on this series is just great. =0)
I found this book at my local Russian pharmacy. They had created a small lending library in the store anyone can borough a book for free and then return it after you read it. Real great idea. So I found this book there. It was my pleasure to find out the antho had books 1-3 in it which I had not read. Score! All three books are 3 stars each overall series is 3-3.5 stars.
I love the main characters. I really really dislike Lori!!! If I could I would gag the b****! So yeah the characters are relatable totally to their readers. The young would learn some powerful life lessons reading this series. =0)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to self;
Spoilers;
Princess Arianna(Ari,sis,pal) &
Sunchaser(Chase, Unicorn,pal)
Lincoln(Linc,dog,pal)
Atalanta(Dreamspeaker,Celestial Valley Unicorn)
Numinor(Celestial Valley Unicorn,Golden One,Herd Leader)
Dr. Eliane Bohnes(Vet,ex-nurse)
Dill(vixen,fox,ex-slave,mate)+
Basil(fox,mate)
Lori Carmichael()
Capt. Nick Tredwell(ship)
Mr. Samlett(inn owner,landlord)
Toby()
Rednal(Unicorn,red band,Celestial Valley)
Ash(Celestial Valley Unicorn guard)
Dusty(Celestial Valley Unicorn guard)
Rufus(wolf,Clan leader)
Devi(weanling Unicorn,Atalanta's discipline)
Tige(wolf)
Sandy(wolf)
Vanax(lion,Chase's pal & advisor)
Bren(Prince,her bro)
Stally(Prince,her bro)
Ann Langley(adopted mom,Anale servant)
Frank()
Lady Kylie(Shifter's Snake,Lord Lexan's sis,ex-Queens pal,2nd in Command Shifters Army,traitor,Shifters Counselor)
July 4, 2017
Series Overview
The books are easy reading and much easier understanding to beginning readers so they may be a much better choice for younger crowds for whom they are more directed to. Also the author Mary Stanton does have a beautiful way with words when she describes the Celestial Valley while her imagination has done a great job with the forming of her unicorns within the story.
This book started annoying me off at the beginning of it since there seems to be so much different issues going on with the actual writing. Within the first fourteen pages one of the characters was given a personality-change back to her old annoying self while there was a conflict between the dress of another character.
The author also removed the part of the book that I enjoyed, which was getting to know the Celestial Valley herd a lot more. Unlike the last book with the young weanling you only basically get to continue to know the unicorns Tobiano, the Dreamspeaker and the Sunchaser with an introduction of the Old Mare of the Mountain. Why?
Within this book Mary Staton does a wonderful job of introducing us to another part of this world while also extending on what she has made. Her descriptions are still nail-on while I must say that the introduction of some new characters actual adds into the story. These were saving points for me on the story when compared with the actual other stuff I didn't like.
Finally in my opinion it seems this book is taking on the same tone as the Narnia series, which I didn't like. Although not as extensive or following the exact guidelines anyone who has read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" before can see comparisons in the reading of the two books....
The books are easy reading and much easier understanding to beginning readers so they may be a much better choice for younger crowds for whom they are more directed to. Also the author Mary Stanton does have a beautiful way with words when she describes the Celestial Valley while her imagination has done a great job with the forming of her unicorns within the story.
This book started annoying me off at the beginning of it since there seems to be so much different issues going on with the actual writing. Within the first fourteen pages one of the characters was given a personality-change back to her old annoying self while there was a conflict between the dress of another character.
The author also removed the part of the book that I enjoyed, which was getting to know the Celestial Valley herd a lot more. Unlike the last book with the young weanling you only basically get to continue to know the unicorns Tobiano, the Dreamspeaker and the Sunchaser with an introduction of the Old Mare of the Mountain. Why?
Within this book Mary Staton does a wonderful job of introducing us to another part of this world while also extending on what she has made. Her descriptions are still nail-on while I must say that the introduction of some new characters actual adds into the story. These were saving points for me on the story when compared with the actual other stuff I didn't like.
Finally in my opinion it seems this book is taking on the same tone as the Narnia series, which I didn't like. Although not as extensive or following the exact guidelines anyone who has read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" before can see comparisons in the reading of the two books....
May 25, 2015
I received this series of books as a child through some program where they sent me one each month, and I remember enjoying them. I'm currently going through my bookshelves rereading books that I'm ready to pass on to new owners.
The story isn't too original, a magic kingdom at war with a lost princess as the heroine, but there's nothing really wrong with it, especially since it is for children.
With Chase's horn returned in the last book, it is now time for the group to go retrieve the Princess' scepter. My problems with Lori continue but now it's not entirely her fault. Lori tells one of the Shifter's minion their plans, but she is unaware that this person is evil because no one bothered to tell her (and she's dumb).
I've also noticed that the climaxes of these book are pretty rushed and underwhelming.
There are worse books for a young reader, but there are also better. If you or your child is a horse lover, maybe give this series a try, if not, keep looking.
The story isn't too original, a magic kingdom at war with a lost princess as the heroine, but there's nothing really wrong with it, especially since it is for children.
With Chase's horn returned in the last book, it is now time for the group to go retrieve the Princess' scepter. My problems with Lori continue but now it's not entirely her fault. Lori tells one of the Shifter's minion their plans, but she is unaware that this person is evil because no one bothered to tell her (and she's dumb).
I've also noticed that the climaxes of these book are pretty rushed and underwhelming.
There are worse books for a young reader, but there are also better. If you or your child is a horse lover, maybe give this series a try, if not, keep looking.
November 4, 2008
I was given this book by my teacher back in 2000, so I gave it a try. I just could not get into it. I thought I would like it because I really enjoyed, and still enjoy, stories with animal protagonists. However, I was underwhelmed. I think it is mostly because at the time, I was really only interested in reading historical fiction, but whatever the reason, I was bored by this story. I know it's a children's book. But even at the time, I found it flat.
September 18, 2018
2.5 Stars overall. (I really need to get out of the habit of half starring...) Okay 2 stars! I've become quite generous with my ratings, but for a book I very nearly gave up on, I need to be harsher with. It just doesn't deserve to be a 3 star-er when I didn't enjoy it very often.
I don't have nostalgia for this series like other pre-teen horse novels I'm reading. I picked this up in my early years of high school but had too many other things to read instead of continuing this series.
This book dawdled in places and was too short in others. Around the 60-70% mark I was going to abandon it, I even picked out my next book but didn't open it. I finished it the next morning with a clear and rested mind, however it still shouldn't have taken me four days to finish at 133 page book. The starting was interesting, but when they arrived at the village before the big climax it dawdled.
The interesting part of the novel - traveling through the Valley of Fear - took only 20 pages, when I think the story would have benefited from longer. Those were probably the most interesting pages for me, and could have been extended instead of other scenes.
The ending also felt rushed. I don't understand why or how they ended up back through the gap. And also the purpose it serves for the plot. Arianna and Chase aren't even freaking out about leaving their friends in the Shifter's land, let alone getting back to stop the war. I know the endings have to be made to tie in and have the reader feel satisfied, however more explanation could have been necessary. Like the pair have to do training together before they can take on the shifter.
It bothered me how mean everyone was to Lori. She's the typical human side character who is drawn into the strange world and doesn't want to be there i.e. the BRAT. However I didn't think her behaviour was unbelievable or un-relatable. I totally sympathised with her and I judge many of the minor animal characters for not. Don't even get me started on Dill and Basil. What a WASTE. The constant arguing between the pair could have been good married-old-couple character flaws, but it was WAY overdone.
Arianna was my second favourite character to Lori. I loved how she didn't want to be a princess especially since she doesn't have her memories back. It was super relatable coming into the time period she is.
Overall I will re-read, perhaps not in a hurry, but hopefully the next volume will be better. I do like the sound of the farm beyond the gap.
I don't have nostalgia for this series like other pre-teen horse novels I'm reading. I picked this up in my early years of high school but had too many other things to read instead of continuing this series.
This book dawdled in places and was too short in others. Around the 60-70% mark I was going to abandon it, I even picked out my next book but didn't open it. I finished it the next morning with a clear and rested mind, however it still shouldn't have taken me four days to finish at 133 page book. The starting was interesting, but when they arrived at the village before the big climax it dawdled.
The interesting part of the novel - traveling through the Valley of Fear - took only 20 pages, when I think the story would have benefited from longer. Those were probably the most interesting pages for me, and could have been extended instead of other scenes.
The ending also felt rushed. I don't understand why or how they ended up back through the gap. And also the purpose it serves for the plot. Arianna and Chase aren't even freaking out about leaving their friends in the Shifter's land, let alone getting back to stop the war. I know the endings have to be made to tie in and have the reader feel satisfied, however more explanation could have been necessary. Like the pair have to do training together before they can take on the shifter.
It bothered me how mean everyone was to Lori. She's the typical human side character who is drawn into the strange world and doesn't want to be there i.e. the BRAT. However I didn't think her behaviour was unbelievable or un-relatable. I totally sympathised with her and I judge many of the minor animal characters for not. Don't even get me started on Dill and Basil. What a WASTE. The constant arguing between the pair could have been good married-old-couple character flaws, but it was WAY overdone.
Arianna was my second favourite character to Lori. I loved how she didn't want to be a princess especially since she doesn't have her memories back. It was super relatable coming into the time period she is.
Overall I will re-read, perhaps not in a hurry, but hopefully the next volume will be better. I do like the sound of the farm beyond the gap.
April 16, 2024
**
Ari and Sunchaser must retrieve the royal scepter, an item that will increase their bond and their power, as well as restoring Ari's memory. Unfortunately it's being held within a stronghold of the evil Shifter. The Shifter's power is growing ever stronger, and Ari gets her first taste of ruling as she must help the speaking animals, who are in danger of losing themselves and their ability to speak.
This was an obvious way of stringing the story along, a sidequest of a book, and was much less enjoyable than the first two books. The story was much slower, and it was pretty apparent that this would be the series going forward. With that, I'm ending my read of the series here, although it does continue on for another five books, but apparently doesn't even have a proper conclusion.
Persona history: Borrowed anthology.
Unicorns of Balinor:
1. The Road to Balinor
2. Sunchaser's Quest
Ari and Sunchaser must retrieve the royal scepter, an item that will increase their bond and their power, as well as restoring Ari's memory. Unfortunately it's being held within a stronghold of the evil Shifter. The Shifter's power is growing ever stronger, and Ari gets her first taste of ruling as she must help the speaking animals, who are in danger of losing themselves and their ability to speak.
This was an obvious way of stringing the story along, a sidequest of a book, and was much less enjoyable than the first two books. The story was much slower, and it was pretty apparent that this would be the series going forward. With that, I'm ending my read of the series here, although it does continue on for another five books, but apparently doesn't even have a proper conclusion.
Persona history: Borrowed anthology.
Unicorns of Balinor:
1. The Road to Balinor
2. Sunchaser's Quest
April 14, 2018
Once again, a great edition to the series!
In this book, Arianna and Chase must find the royal scepter, and once it is in their possession, they will regain their full magical power as the "Bonded Pair," and Arianna will regain her memory entirely. In my review of the previous book, Sunchaser's Quest, I had complained that Arianna regained her memory too quickly. I now see that I was wrong, and that she only remembered some bits and pieces.
I appreciate that Stanton made Arianna reluctant to become Princess. She just wants to be with Chase, but she must make the difficult decision to embark on this journey for the greater good of those in Balinor. There is a touching scene in which Arianna and Atalanta sit together in the forest, discussing her options. Arianna is given encouragement and sound advice on how best to proceed. I think it's important that girls see that the heroine can be vulnerable, and that courage is doing the right thing in spite of being afraid. It doesn't mean the disappearance of fear.
Lady Kylie reached a whole new level of "creepy" because she can turn into a snake in this book, and stalks Arianna and Chase throughout the story. She even tries to choke Chase! Also, I have a new level of hatred for Lori, who makes a stupid deal with Kylie, because she's being a baby and wants to go home, even if it means throwing everyone else under the bus. That girl needs some duct tape over her mouth, because she just won't shut up!
The book is a little predictable, because you know they're going to survive this "life or death" mission. The ending, however, was a definite cliffhanger! According to a prophecy, only 3 of the questers can return to Balinor. I was surprised by who did not return! ; )
Strong plot, but Kylie was freaky, Lori was annoying, and you knew they were going to make it.
In this book, Arianna and Chase must find the royal scepter, and once it is in their possession, they will regain their full magical power as the "Bonded Pair," and Arianna will regain her memory entirely. In my review of the previous book, Sunchaser's Quest, I had complained that Arianna regained her memory too quickly. I now see that I was wrong, and that she only remembered some bits and pieces.
I appreciate that Stanton made Arianna reluctant to become Princess. She just wants to be with Chase, but she must make the difficult decision to embark on this journey for the greater good of those in Balinor. There is a touching scene in which Arianna and Atalanta sit together in the forest, discussing her options. Arianna is given encouragement and sound advice on how best to proceed. I think it's important that girls see that the heroine can be vulnerable, and that courage is doing the right thing in spite of being afraid. It doesn't mean the disappearance of fear.
Lady Kylie reached a whole new level of "creepy" because she can turn into a snake in this book, and stalks Arianna and Chase throughout the story. She even tries to choke Chase! Also, I have a new level of hatred for Lori, who makes a stupid deal with Kylie, because she's being a baby and wants to go home, even if it means throwing everyone else under the bus. That girl needs some duct tape over her mouth, because she just won't shut up!
The book is a little predictable, because you know they're going to survive this "life or death" mission. The ending, however, was a definite cliffhanger! According to a prophecy, only 3 of the questers can return to Balinor. I was surprised by who did not return! ; )
Strong plot, but Kylie was freaky, Lori was annoying, and you knew they were going to make it.
April 8, 2021
This is where the series really starts to pick up as Ari and Chase go on a quest to retrieve the magic Royal Scepter from the home of their enemy the Shifter.
Ari struggles with the reality of being the princess, partly because she is still missing most of her memory and partly because she realizes this is going to be dangerous. It's nice to see a story for young girls that acknowledges that being a princess is a job, and difficult one at that.
Lori screws up big time in this book, but I think it's a believable screw-up considering she's literally a world away from home, getting caught up in quests to save a world that's not hers. In my opinion this is where her character starts to improve as she starts admitting she's made mistakes and learning from them.
Ari struggles with the reality of being the princess, partly because she is still missing most of her memory and partly because she realizes this is going to be dangerous. It's nice to see a story for young girls that acknowledges that being a princess is a job, and difficult one at that.
Lori screws up big time in this book, but I think it's a believable screw-up considering she's literally a world away from home, getting caught up in quests to save a world that's not hers. In my opinion this is where her character starts to improve as she starts admitting she's made mistakes and learning from them.
June 2, 2017
Another good little read. I am really enjoying this little series.
February 3, 2018
World Building: A+
Mythology: A
Plot-Twists: A+
Villains: A
Girl Power: B
Guy-Hero: B
Love-Interests: N/A
Suspense: A+
Feels: A-
For you clean-readers: this book does NOT have mature content.
Mythology: A
Plot-Twists: A+
Villains: A
Girl Power: B
Guy-Hero: B
Love-Interests: N/A
Suspense: A+
Feels: A-
For you clean-readers: this book does NOT have mature content.
May 31, 2018
I didn't have all the books in the series when I was a kid so this was the first time I read Valley of Fear. This series would make such a great game for young girls!
September 15, 2021
This rating is solely based on childhood nostalgia. Would I love it now? Probably not, but I was in love with horses as a little kid, and this series was a big part of it.
March 31, 2024
Atlanta is pure magic. She sounds so soothing and relaxed. I love how she just lets Arianna find her way. Magical these stories are. 🪄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2014
I'm reviewing this series as a whole.
I originally read this series way back in 6th grade. I remember loving it, mostly because I loved both horses and fantasy. Going back as an adult, I see it's still good, but I also see some large issues that my younger self missed - or forgot.
1) Lori. Lori is so effing annoying. Stanton kept teasing me with the possibility that she'd finally go away, only for her to find some way to stick around and complain. Or almost get everyone killed.
2) The ending. Talk about anticlimactic. Stanton introduces a new evil for the last book, one considerably more powerful than the Shifter. Stanton then delivers the dullest ending ever. Practically nothing happens, including wrapping up all those loose ends. We never find out what happened to Ari's family or even Doctor Bones.
3) The writing was painfully repetitive. Each book has to rehash the same description every time we revisit a character. I contemplated making a drinking game where I'd take a shot every time I read about Chase's shiny bronze coat or how pretty the Dreamspeaker is. But then I'd be unable to write this review.
Overall, I'd recommend this to very young girls who love horses. If that was you back in the day, the nostalgia factor of rereading might be worth it.
I originally read this series way back in 6th grade. I remember loving it, mostly because I loved both horses and fantasy. Going back as an adult, I see it's still good, but I also see some large issues that my younger self missed - or forgot.
1) Lori. Lori is so effing annoying. Stanton kept teasing me with the possibility that she'd finally go away, only for her to find some way to stick around and complain. Or almost get everyone killed.
2) The ending. Talk about anticlimactic. Stanton introduces a new evil for the last book, one considerably more powerful than the Shifter. Stanton then delivers the dullest ending ever. Practically nothing happens, including wrapping up all those loose ends. We never find out what happened to Ari's family or even Doctor Bones.
3) The writing was painfully repetitive. Each book has to rehash the same description every time we revisit a character. I contemplated making a drinking game where I'd take a shot every time I read about Chase's shiny bronze coat or how pretty the Dreamspeaker is. But then I'd be unable to write this review.
Overall, I'd recommend this to very young girls who love horses. If that was you back in the day, the nostalgia factor of rereading might be worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2014
This book is where the series really gets going! Arianna and crew are on the next leg of the journey to reclaim the throne of Balinor - acquiring the Scepter that was entrusted to her shortly before the Great Betrayal. There is much more suspense and action, as well as dark characters and the first hints of battle. Once again, Dr. Bohnes serves as a "well that was easy" device in the plot, but seeing as she is able to do magic, it isn't totally unrealistic in the construct of the story. I do wish that the whole time traversing through the Valley of Fear was a bit longer. You can tell that Stanton drew inspiration from Lord of the Rings throughout the whole description of the Valley, and Lady Kylie definitely made me think of Nagini from HP. Anyway, I can't wait to read #4, which was my favorite book in the series. Let's see if it holds up!
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February 26, 2016I thought this was a good book because it was exciting and had a lot of misteriousness in it. I liked how at the end of the book the resolve everything and don't just leave you guessing on what will happen next. I chose this book because I like unicorns and fiction books, it looked like it would be interesting and have exciting experiences in it. I thought that the theme was important to the story because otherwise the unicorns probably wouldn't have made it to where they ended up. I liked how they were brave and had human emotions and could do humane things. I hunk the author wrote this book to entertain kids and to give them a misterious and exciting story to read. The author probably wanted to make up a series of this because she liked unicorns when she was little or she just wanted to write about something new.
June 21, 2009
As you can tell from the title of the 3rd installment, the tension has been upped several notches and the events that unfold sound increasingly sinister. Stanton's masterful hand ensures we feel the force of the Shifter's evil and the pressure on Ari as she discovers more and more about her past. The change of atmosphere from the more relaxed one of the opening two books is refreshing. I must say Lori is an absolute pain, though. The books would have been way better without her constant whinging.
March 22, 2016
Hmm, it's moving along a little better now that the author has settled into the story a bit. I really need to find a list somewhere of how many of these there are, so I know what I am committing to tracking down and reading. :p
October 21, 2012
My favorite part as when Arianna got the scepter.The worst part was when they went back to the normal world,at Glacier River Farm.My favorite character was Arianna.the worst character was the shifter.I like this book because it is about unicorns.Auryn 9yo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2012
This review is going to be short and sweet, much like the book itself. It was a great continuation of the series with a great cliffhanger for an ending :) Loved this series as a kid and I continue to love it (probably enough to force it upon my future children)
July 29, 2016
This series definitely gets better as it goes on. A wonderful series for children, I wish I had read it when I was younger, I would have enjoyed it so much. As an adult I find everything to be so easy and simple but thats how children's books tend to go.
January 9, 2009
This book kept me going from the first page!
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September 23, 2009I love this book, I love a good book that can keep me interseted
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December 11, 2009ONE OF BEST BOOK SERIES EVR- below molly moon tho!
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May 18, 2010F STA bk.3
Fantasy
Fantasy
April 26, 2012
I enjoyed it! The ending was pretty abrupt, but it's YA lit so I won't hold the ending against it too much.
July 8, 2018
Keep it comin'!!!
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