Rider at the Gate (Nighthorse, Book 1)

What a great story! Imagine you are a colonist to America in the 16th century, and that bears can make themselves invisible. Every time you step outside you could be eaten and you'd never know until it started. That is what this snowy world is like. Another believable planet and another amazingly logically built culture that fits the enviornment. A wonderful story about courage ,honor and love. Ms. Cherryh also shows again her love for horses.

I love the nighthorse books. I am devoted to my horses, and although we have a pretty good bond, I wish we had the same communication as these horses and riders.But I would prefer to stick with their diet of hay. I can't picture a barn full of bacon.. I bought the hardback edition of Cloud's Rider as soon as it was published. The only other author I buy in hardback is Dorothy Dunnett. I am anxiously waiting for the next nighthorse book and all of those that follow.

Cherryh is one of my favorite writers, both because of her ability to construct a realistic setting and because of her characters. This book is typical Cherryh--strong personalities facing challenges enough to wear them down to the bone--but they hang on and survive, usually gaining a new level of maturity or a new perspective. I like development in a character, and Cherryh does that well here with Fisher. This book adds an almost gothic horror feel to the process as well. The Tarmin village scenes were incredible--really sent a chill up my back. I hope Cherryh decides to do a third installment some day--Finisterre is a great addition to her worlds.

THIS ONE THE BEST BOOKS BY CHERRYH. SHE TAKES INTO A LOST COLONY WORLD WHERE RIDERS WHO HAVE A TELEPATHIC LINK WITH THEIR HORSES. CHERRYH ALSO ASKS WHAT IF ONE THESE HORSES GOES INSANE? THE ANSWER IS A GRIPPING AND ATMOSPHERIC TALE OF MURDER AND BETRAYAL IN A WORLD THAT RESEMBLES A NIGHTMARISH FUTURISTIC WESTERN.

I have been a reader of Fantasy/Sci Fi for a very long time and I was a bit skeptical to start something that was an old game with the telepathy and other animals. This novel shocked me and swept me off my feet. Not only is it more realistic form of telepathy (the animals are not the heroes and Cherryh does not pretend to underline that) but the world explodes in your eyes, ears, your nose and your well being. Cherryh's writing is unmatched as far as her style. She really plays with the words and phrases in such a way that she makes you feel everything around you. In this book you get Cherryh's writing, great ecology, genuine charactes,impeccable plot, and a heck of a mystery with a twist.