The Finest Choice [Hardcover]

I love this series.

Not just because of the world the author weaves, but because of her use of words to transport me to a world that is not just muddy and musty, but that also has its beauties. I love the fact that Rue uses all of his senses to learn and interpret his world. I don't feel like he is a human in a horse's body. But Ms. Rabe doesn't stop there, she also packs in thrills and chills, at times leaving me breathless with fear for the characters.

I also love this series because we see the world not just through Fallen Favorite Kalantha's eyes, but also through the eyes of the Finest Rue. The reader watches as both Fallen and Finest learn about the world and each other, experience success and defeat, and see each other's strengths and weaknesses even as the evil that surrounds them shifts and grows.

One thing is for sure. I will never think of a flock of birds quite the same way again. . .

They look like regular horses, but they are not. They are the "Finest Creations", mystically forged by the creators to aid mankind during their mortal existence. Each Finest is given a human charge to lead, without directly interfering. Humans must have free choice. A human is only granted the honor of Finest if the human has great potential.

Meven Montoll is being crowned King of Galmier at the beginning of this novel. but Meven is the pawn of a murderous man, Bishop DeNogaret, who intends to rid the world of the Montoll line before crowning himself ruler. But first the bishop will use his dark arts to persuade King Meven into war with the other kingdoms, thus enlarging the Galmier realm.

Gallant-Stallion "Rue", a Finest, has a young girl named Kalantha "Kal" Montoll as his charge. Rue has removed Kal from the bishop's grasp and they travel the land almost aimlessly until Destiny arrives. Rue and Kal communicate telepathically, thinks to their magical bond. In this novel, the second of a trilogy, the two must learn about the assassin birds from the Vershan Monastery. The problem is locating the monastery and then finding the one, old, needed book for answers. During it all, those of the dark arts hunt Rue and Kal with murder in their black hearts.

**** Like other second books within a trilogy, this one is not as great as the first. It is mainly to continue the first novel and set things up for the third. Yet the author, Jean Rabe, did a wonderful job in keeping my attention. I never found myself growing bored. People and events begin to come together. I can see where the story is going and am eagerly waiting until I can find out how it wraps up. Excellent book! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Jean Rabe continues her magical young adult adventure, following Meven as he becomes king and Kal as she seeks to escape both the evil birds that have continued to attack her and the strict, monastic life that the Bishop would have her follow. But as interesting and adventurous as the two young royals are, the real star of the piece is Gallant Stallion, the Finest sent to shepherd young Kal, but unsure how to perform his task. Gallant Stallion's wonderment at the world of men (the Fallen) and the sights and smells and interactions of nature make this much more than a simple adventure yarn. While Kal's impetuous nature can be a bit abrupt at times to adult readers, it is appropriate for her age and circumstance. Much more is set up for resolution in the final volume than is actually resolved at the end of Book 2, but such is the nature of trilogies. Jean's vivid descriptions of the flora and fauna that Gallant Stallion and Kal encounter and her action-packed fight scenes are a true delight. I am certainly looking forward to the final volume. Highly recommended for young adults and lovers of fantasy. Donald J. Bingle, Author of Forced Conversion.