Green Rider (Green Rider Series #1)

Unexpected

When going into this, I knew that this wasn't going to be the best thing I've ever read. I just finished Soul Mirror, by Carol Berg, and that was a very intense read; not a single moment of reprieve, and from the first page, I also knew that Green Rider wasn't going to be, in any way, the same. But I expected to enjoy it somewhat. It had good reviews and it had a very interesting basis. I like the idea of Green Riders, I even enjoyed the bits about the Gray One; even Karigan I liked at first. But everything the author presents in the first few pages are never fully developed. We are told that Karigan is very strongheaded and tough, but when it comes down to it, she only triumphs in hard situations because she has help telling her what to do. I could list more examples but my review would go on forever. Other things I hated were the fact that Kristen Britain doesn't, apparently, know how to hammer out realistic characters. Karigan is a foolish young girl--yes, this is very true. But even foolish people are scared when danger approaches and are fazed by death. In the beginning, Karigan watches a green rider die (he was obviously MURDERED) and yet she doesn't ever really seem to care. I mean, any normal human being would get chills or have nightmares or think about death after watching someone, even a total stranger, die. If Britain's world were a harsh place where murder and death surrounded a person at every turn, then perhaps it's understandable that she would be literally unaffected by it; but that's not the case. This girl comes from a wealthy family and just got dismissed from a boarding school. I doubt she watched many people die. Beyond that, there are characters like the Berry Sisters (Bayberry and Bunchberry, in case you were wondering, are their names) who are eccentric woman only concerned about being polite and their tea. They could be amusing, but mostly they grate on my nerves. Then the bad guys. I will admit I haven't read past page 250, but it seems that the bad guys mentioned think about sex all the time. First the governor of Mirwall has lewd thoughts about his secretary, and then Garrot, one of Karigan's captives, tries to rape her. It's really unnecessary. The last thing, however, is the movement of plot. It all happens by chance. First she meets a dying green rider who makes her promise to deliver a message. Then she comes in contact with his murderers who want to capture her now, too. Then she falls asleep in the woods and is woken up by the Berry sisters. Then she gets captured by her pursuants; escapes and then gets attacked by a giant scorpion thing; and then she runs into a giant spiderweb while running away; meanwhile 200 pages have gone by and we still don't know what the actual plot IS. Yes, she's trying to deliver a message that somebody is trying to overthrow the king...but...nothing new is introduced during these 200 pages. We know this from the beginning. I truly think something that should take a few days at most shouldn't take up 400 pages. Yes, the author should put obstacles in Karigan's way but...they should be relevant to the plot. Giant spiders and insane women and giants and talking animals and elf-like peoples straight out of Lord of the Rings aren't. I'm generally liberal when it comes down to ratings. I usually give out 5 or 4 stars, on here or other websites, but I couldn't finish this book. I rarely say this, but it's a 1 without a doubt.

3 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Loved it

im a big fan of all mystical magic-like books, but this blew me away! i cant wait for the fourth!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A Great Adventure

I really enjoyed The Green Rider, and thought it was a great start to a series, as well as a great first novel for the writer. I liked the lead character, as well as the many other we meet along her journey. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend this book to adults and older teens who would like to read a fantasy/adventure.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Addictive and Powerful

This is the start to an addictive and powerful series!! Worth every penny.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Must read!!!

I would encorage anyone to read this. It was an amazing book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

one of my fav series

i tend towards paranormal books, especially ones with animals. this series is well written, engaging, at times very humorous, sigh, i could go on forever so list only negative, which is, well, maybe some sex be nice, poor girl, geez ;) oh, and for some reason takes around four years for next book be released, lucky me did not come across it until fourth book published.. hopefully nothing happens to author before fifth and hopefully final book comes out, im not getting any younger either, lol.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Masterpiece!

This book is absolutly amazing! This book has everything; magic, adventure, humor, romance, plot twists, battles, and crazy smart horses. Kristen Britain never ever seems to disappoint! The only thing is that it takes her awhile to wriite a new book, but trust me its so worth the wait! I havnt met anyone whos read this book and not fallen head over heels in love.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An exciting ride with The Green Rider!

If you're looking for something in the fantasy genre outside the worlds of Tolkien, Jordan and Goodkind, give Kristin Britain's new series a try. The premise of the Green Riders is new and intriguing, with the main character being a young woman! It's a "wild ride" along with Karigan G'ladheon through the Green Cloak forest and into the world of the Green Riders. Magic, intrigue, the politics of a kingdom endangered by an ancient enemy....and only the Green Riders stand to defend the world they know from those trying to end it. Pick it up today - it's a great read and you'll enjoy it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Magical Ride

This is one of my absolute favorite books ever. If I'm bored and don't have anything new or I'm going on a long trip, I grab this book because it never gets old and I find something new everytime. Karigan is about as real of a character as anyone can bring to life. After running away from school, she gets thrust into a world of magic and intrigue. With her new partner, The Horse, she must deliever a message. But someone doesn't want said message to make it to its final destination. Kristen Britian surely is a gift writer. Not only do her characters come to life, but the imagery is so vivid, you'll feel like you're there. No part of this story is boring in anyway. If you're looking for a great magical page-turner, read this.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A must read

I actually bought this book as part of a gift exchange. I first read it well over a decade ago and instantly fell in love with the book. I enjoyed it so much that I give it as a gift every chance that I get. This is book one in what is currently a 4 book series (Kristen Britain is currently working on book 5 and is contracted for several more). Fans of the Fantasy genre will not be disappointed. If you like "Green Rider" then you will want to read book 2 "First Rider's Call," book 3 "The High King's Tomb," and book 4 "Blackveil."

Kristan Britain: Green Rider

Different and well written. Excellent new story world.

Orcs

Runs knocing over trees with axes swinging

Fantasy fare with characters you can get into with pretty nonsto

Fantasy fare with characters you can get into with pretty nonstop action.

Original and moving

This is an excellent book and author who dives into the story and world headfirst

Spin6164

I liked the storyline. It was a page turner at times and other times I put it down for a day and got back into it. But overall not bad I will certainly be reading more in the series.

Enthralling

I loved it; a fantastic read

Good storyline

Very different from my normal venue, but absolutely love this series.

I loved it!

Karigan G'ladheon is a well spun character. Britain gives breathe to her story - even in the heavier parts of the book, she lightens the mood with a bit of humor. I especially liked how she tied the Horse into the fabric of the tale. This has everything that I love in a book: action, strong characters, a bit of suspense, and a few horses to boot!

Surprisingly enjoyable

Other than being a fan of Harry Potter, I have not considered myself a huge fan of fantasy in general. This book may be the one that opens my mind to a new genre. I loaded this into my nook as my first purchase after meeting the author at a literacy event, and I have not been disappointed. Quickly caught up by the characters and the storyline, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

OK for a rainy day but not a great read

The book has potential to be very good, but never seems to catch it's groove. The characters, plot and setting were good but could have been better.