STARFIRE

Star, a pegasus fated to wield great power, must choose to use it to either heal or destroy, but only if he can survive until his first birthday.

Each century, the Hundred Year Star appears in the sky, announcing the birth of a black foal to one of the five pegasus herds of Anok. The prophecy states that the foal, empowered by the star itself, will rise to either destroy or unite the herds. However, Star hardly seems a pegasus of destiny. While he is fiercely loyal to his friends and brave in the face of his enemies, flight eludes him. His seemingly defective wings are the least of his problems. His appearance has made the leaders of the five herds nervous. Some want him dead, while others see him as a source of power. An over-large cast full of pegasi with confusing names and muddled personalities makes this nearly unreadable: Rockwing, Thunderwing and Grasswing are only part of the problem; it’s compounded by such monikers as Bumblewind and Brackentail, and Flamesky poses a particular challenge. The derivative plot is also problematic, as it is so similar to other series that are both more familiar and better written. Unfortunately, the mysterious beauty of pegasi is lost in a muddle of confusing characters and a less-than-stellar story.

Readers should stick with the Warriors and the Guardians of Ga’hoole for better treatments of this formula.