Airs Beneath the Moon (Horse Mistress Saga)

Airs Beneath the Moon was a page turner! It is very well written and so emotionally insightful of animal/human relationships..the special relationship between women and horses in particular. The setting was so well described you were right there w/the riders and feeling what it must feel like to ride a flying horse..I didn't want to put this book down!! It holds you in suspense to the end!!

It's a story of great possibilities for females no matter breeding or way of life. It tells of a gift that's fantastical but demands a price that's just as extraordinary. The book was astonishing. I was sucked in (despite the poor and inadequate discription on the back) within the first few pages. The storyline seems very straight forward, but as it goes on, you start to see a glitter of depth. There is definatly a rocky path ahead for Larkyn and I hope to enjoy the challanges along with her.

Airs Beneath the Moon is a well-crafted novel which keeps the reader "flying high"! Bishop is a master at character development and setting. The Duchy of Oc and the Acadamy of the Air are fully-realized, as are the characters who live there. The battle against the villainy of the Duke creates tension which holds the reader until the last page.

Larkyn Hamley lives in the Uplands in the Duchy of Oc. Until recently she's lived a pretty normal life on the family farm with her three brothers. Until she finds Char. Horses are more than rare in the Uplands, and until now Larkyn has never seen a real one. But, here she is, and it's only the beginning. Char dies trying to give birth to her foal. Not just any horse, but a winged horse! Winged horses, by law, belong to the Duke. Their bloodlines are monitored. Winged horses are bred. They don't just show up on farms in the Uplands. Until now. What Larkyn doesn't know is that winged horses bond for life with one female only. Usually those females are specially chosen, monitored, and trained. All Larkyn knows is that her new friend Tup needs to be fed and cared for, and Tup doesn't really like her brothers. By the time Mistress Phillipa Winter from the Academy arrives, it's too late. Larkyn and Tup are inseparable. There is really no choice to be made. She wasn't chosen, she's not prepared, she's far too young, and she may never fit in, but Larkyn is off to the Academy with Tup, to train for their service to the Duke. It's quickly apparent that fitting in, while virtually impossible, is the least of Larkyn's problems. And, difficult as the situation is, Larkyn is the least of the Academy's problems. When the Duke dies, and his son takes over, there may be a lot more to worry about, for the entire Duchy. This book is unbelievably absorbing! At first I found it mildly hard to follow, because it doesn't explain everything outright. Gradually, I realized that all my questions were answered as the story unfolded. By the end I not only appreciated the assumption of intelligent readership, I also realized how much more involved in the story I was, because of the way it was written. Not to mention that it is, plain and simple, a great story. All of the characters are very well formed, very real, and interesting. The Duke's son is incredibly disturbing, as are some of his habits, most of which are only alluded to (and trust me, that's a good thing). But he's kind of pitiful at the same time; you almost feel a little bad for him. Almost. This is the first in what is planned as a trilogy. Good thing too, otherwise I would have some issues with Ms. Bishop. I hadn't had nearly enough by the end of this book. It doesn't so much end with an "OMG! What happens next?" but more of an "I want to know more. I want to spend more time here." I think I'll end up reading it over and over until the next one comes out! Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

I run an online community for young (and not so young) girls who love horses and was thrilled to receive a preview copy of Airs Beneath the Moon. But now that I've finished reading it, I'm sad. Why? Because I want to keep reading. I want to continue getting lost in the story of Larkyn Hamley, a young farm girl whose life changes course when she bonds with Tup, a winged horse, and joins the Academy of the Air to train for an elite team of courageous young women who partner with their flying horses to serve and protect the Duchy of Oc. I want to follow the growth of Larkyn's spirited bondmate who (like Larkyn) does not fit the mold at the Academy. I want to imagine him flying above the Duchy, a place unlike any that exists in our time and space, but one that feels familiar to anyone who loves horses. I want to learn more about the interesting characters. Like Phillippa Winter, the kind horsemistress who takes Larkyn under her wing (so to speak). And Hester Morning, who sees Larkyn for who she is, not where she comes from. I want to detest the mean characters, like Petra Sweet, who think Larkyn is inferior just because she's a farm girl who rides bareback. Or William, heir to the Duke's throne, who is so desperate to experience the power of flight he's capable of evil things. I want to continue feeling all the emotion and excitement that comes with being transported into a great story filled with interesting characters and imaginative settings. An inspired writer can give wings to your imagination. Although I may never experience the thrill of flying a winged horse, thanks to the talent of Toby Bishop, I can imagine. NOTE: Parents should know that Airs Beneath the Moon is written for fluent readers, so younger girls may find it challenging. Also, the bad guy in the story is really bad. Although the author doesn't go into detail, some of his evil actions may be troubling for younger readers. If Airs Beneath the Moon was a movie, it would probably have a PG rating. If parents have a concern, read the book first (you'll love it too!) or (better yet) read it with you