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    Green Rider
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    Green Rider
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    Green Rider
    Audiobook16 hours

    Green Rider

    Written by Kristen Britain

    Narrated by Ellen Archer

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Karigan G'ladheon, running away from school, is traveling through a deep forest when a galloping horse pounds up to her, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. With his dying breath, he tells her he is a Green Rider, one of the magical messengers of the King. Before he dies, he makes Karigan swear to deliver the message he's carrying, and gives her his green coat, with the symbolic brooch of his office. Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, Karigan becomes a legendary Green Rider-for when given to the right person, a Rider's brooch awakens the magic inside….
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateFeb 16, 2012
    ISBN9780756407346
    Unavailable
    Green Rider

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    Reviews for Green Rider

    4/5

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    • 5/5
      Green Rider by Kristen Britain is the first book in the Green Rider series. Karigan G'ladheon has run away and finds herself in a situation that is fraught with danger.This is a beautifully written adventure of a young girl trying to find her way. Great world building and wonderful characters have made this one of my favorite stories.
    • 5/5
      My best friend talked me into reading this book by comparing King Zachary to Tom Hiddleston. So I read it and fell in love.

      Karigan is just trying to get home to her family to explain why she's been expelled from school. It isn't her fault, not really. But it all goes awry she stumbles on a dying Green Rider, a messenger of the king named F'ryan Coblebay who makes her promise to deliver his message to the king and not to read the contents of the letter so they can't torture the information from her. If all that isn't ominous enough he tells her to beware the shadow man. Karigan promises to take the message to King Zachary and F'ryan gives her his broach that signifies that he is a Green Rider to others. She also inherits his stubborn too smart to be normal horse she calls the Horse. (Side note I was 100% convinced the horse's name would turn out to be Sundancer or something because my best friend loves this book and that's what she named her faithful steed [read: car]. But no the horse's name is Condor which is actually way better than Sundancer and doesn't make me bust out into hysterical laughter.)

      Karigan gets into a lot of trouble and I truly loved that about the book. She gets waylaid on her journey so many times by so many different things that the only conclusion any reader can come to is that Karigan is a magnet for trouble. When she finally makes it to the castle to give the message to the king the message means absolutely nothing and Karigan feels like an idiot but oh well she did her duty now it's time to go home and face the consequences of being expelled and running away from school. But alas she discovered that the letter to F'ryan's lover she also delivered is that real message to the king warning him that his brother is going to try and usurp the throne. So Karigan once again gets mixed up in all the events all the while insisting she's not a Green Rider.

    • 5/5
      Love her writing style!
    • 5/5
      I'm re-reading this series before reading the latest new releease from this author.

      Revisiting this book several years after my first reading, I'm still struck by what a strong offering it is by a first-time author. Kristin Britain plops us down in a world with a well-realized mythology, history, and socitey. The plot moves along at a gallop, and the her characters are sympathetic and well done.

      Some aspects of this book are a bit rough, but this derives from a new author finding her voice, as her later books show admirably.

      In sum, Green Rider is a wonderful first book that serves to introduce the reader to an interesting and vivid world. I recommend this book to any fantasy lover!
    • 3/5
      While the concept of the "Green Rider," seems pretty original, it is unfortunately about the only aspect of the novel that could be claimed to be so. It also seems to be the only part of the novel Britain spent much time developing before writing the book. The areas in the book where the history, or concept of the Riders is discussed are in depth and fully realized, while the remainder remains less so.Once again a fantasy novel that puts a random person in the right place at the right time to send them on an adventure they are wholly unprepared for, yet seem to somehow ultimately succeed at. While I find this style of Fantasy to be overused, it wasn't even the worst part for me. It seemed the main protagonist Karigan was constantly getting into harrowing situation after situation, and would then be rescued by some luck. Typically with a new character entering and saving the day. It seemed a lazy way to introduce characters to the story line, and for the most part, none of the characters introduced came into play except in the one instance, which was to save her, and then give her more information she didn't have before. It all felt overplayed and redundant. Perhaps these characters come into play later in the series, but regardless, it all felt far to coincidental and trite. Sloppy storytelling. Karigan very rarely got herself out of trouble in the book, and yet by the end was praised as a hero.Also, as in other fantasy novels of this ilk, Karigan shows clear signs of being out of her element and of very little skills in a fight, and yet somehow by the end of the novel can hold her own against someone who claims to have studied sword skills for over 400 years. Again, lazy storytelling. The writing had it's moments where it seemed actually good, and then Britain would fall into over-explaining or simplifying mode and the writing would dwindle.Overall, it was at the very least a decent read, in which I can tell the author was trying to go somewhere, but ultimately failing. Perhaps the series gets better. I would think it would have too, since there are now six books to it. However, this first installment left me fully convinced it ranks as one of the more forgettable fantasy series out there.
    • 4/5
      This book falls into what I would call the "standard fantasy" category, but personally I find it to be a unique enough story to keep my interest. The main character, running away from school after being expelled, stumbles across a royal messenger with two arrows in his back and agrees to deliver the message to the king. One thing I really appreciate is that it's made clear that Karrigan, the main character, could not have accomplished her task without all of the help she receives along the way. Some of it feels a little contrived in convenience- the Berry sisters, the eagle- and others leave one wondering why Karrigan receives certain help but not the original messenger given the task. That said, the world feels bigger than we see and functional, whole; the characters are interesting, and though the hints at romance are a little blah, they never come close to overshadowing the actual plot. And The Horse makes me temporarily forget that I am actually terrified of horses in real life, which is a feat.I definitely recommend this to any fantasy fans, with the caveat that it is the first book in a series and so suffers from some of the standard first book issues, but it's interesting and unique enough to be well worth the read.
    • 4/5
      Karigan is heading home from school in disgrace when a dying King's messenger gives her his gear, his horse, and his message and sends her flying through the woods with hunters on her trail. A magician has breached the protective wall around the kingdom and has allied with the king's brother to usurp the throne, and Kerigan is facing danger from all sides. This started off a bit rough, but the tone and flow of the story settled into a good rhythm as the book went on. Lots happens in this book, it's a welcome return to a meaty story for me, it's packed full of monsters, evil sorcerers, good magic, team work, ghosts, betrayal and loyalty. I think the only place it stumbles is when the author tries to inject a bit of romance, that could have been left out there was more than enough to pack the pages.
    • 4/5
      Great book with a good main character. Narrator was excellent, too.
    • 5/5
      I first started this series when I was 13 and 19 years later it's still an amazing story. Read it you wont regret it :)
    • 4/5
      High Fantasy of an old-fashioned style. Enjoyable but still absorbing the tale so will write a more complete a review when appropriate. But for those loving Patricia McKillip's work or Guy Gavriel Kay's novels, will love this.
    • 4/5
      Green Rider is a very well built and thought out book. I loved the world that Britian has created. I find Karigan to be a well-developed character who has a lot of courage but isn't afraid to admit her inexperience and shortcomings for the job that she has before her. Great start to what I hope continues to be a wonderful fantasy series.
    • 5/5
      This book, this series, is so excellent! The official summary is thus:"On her days-long journey home, Karigan Gladheon trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. She is leaving school, or, more accurately, she has been asked to leave. "Suspended indefinitely," the dean said. And for what? Challenging and thrashing Timas Mirwell in the practice ring. Karigan felt no remorse when she stood over the heir of the lord-governor of Mirwell province, her wooden practice sword at his throat. He had humiliated her, the daughter of a "mere" merchant, since the first day of school. But now, as she faces the long road home, hoping to arrive in Corsa before the dean's letter does, she wonders if she should just hire herself out on a merchant barge as her father did and stay away for good. She has too much pride, too hot a temper, and a penchant for danger - a life of travel, adventure and commerce will undoubtedly suit her just as it has her father. But before Karigan's ponderings can become a definite plan, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods in an explosion of branches, the rider slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young rider lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a "life and death" message for King Zachary in his horse's satchel. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to deliver the message "for love of her country." As he bestows upon her the golden, winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, she seems to hear the ghostly sound of great wings beating the air, of silver-shod hooves galloping...and of invisible lips murmuring, "Welcome rider..." But beside her on the road, the messenger only whispers, "Beware the shadow man!" with his dying breath. This promise given to a dying man changes Karigan's life forever."Now that pretty much summed up just the first first pages (thus, you no longer need to read them), but let me tell you, the rest of the book is awesome! I know that King Zachary's name is pretty dumb, but that's the one flaw I can find with the book.Now, obviously, Karigan has no idea what's she really promised to the dying rider, but she learns pretty quickly that it's a fatal deal. She is pursued by the Shadow Man, who she knows nothing about, and she's carrying a message that she can't be sure is worth her life.She is, literally, a green (inexperienced) rider (messenger) when she becomes a Green Rider.The story's fast-paced, tense, and suspenseful. You'll particularly enjoy the story if you like medieval settings and/or horses. There is, of course, magic in the story (the brooch and more), but it's not as prominent a theme as it is in Harry Potter or something.Overall, it's interesting to go down the twisted, treacherous road with Karigan. You, like her, are in the dark, which makes things twice as interesting and very unpredictable as you learn about the Shadow Man, the dying man, the Green Riders and their ways, what the message is, and what it means for Karigan (and her country).The sequel, is also a fantastic read!This review is an entry on my blog.
    • 3/5
      I found this very hard going. The concept was like catnip to me, but the writing and the pacing spoiled things. The writing was often clunky, over-explaining and clumsy. The pacing was off, so that there were long periods in the middle of the book that were tiring and dull to read.

      It's not a terrible book, it's just not great either. I don't think I'll be re-reading it, and I probably won't get the next one.

      But look at that cover! Gorgeous.
    • 4/5
      A great adventure story with a strong lead character, and an exciting plot.
    • 5/5
      Re-reading! I loved this book as a kid, I remember staying up all night I was so hooked.

      -

      Finished 12/4/12:
      I loved it! There was so much I didn't remember from reading it the first time as a kid and I got to say there's much more for adults here than I had expected. Absolutely brilliant.
    • 5/5
      Karigan G'ladheon, a merchant's daughter, flees an embarrassing situation at her school and stumbles into a larger than life career change, taking on the role of King's messenger in a dangerous world of intrigue, elves and magic.
    • 4/5
      I quite enjoyed this book. there is a strong Tolkien influence and it reminded me of "The Summoner" and "Hunger Games" in writing style. High fantasy with a lush world full of interesting characters.
    • 4/5
      Really liked! I read this years ago, so this was round two, but now I think I'll continue on with the rest of the series :)
    • 3/5
      Karigan G'ladheon has just been suspended from her school for getting into a fight with an influential noble's son. As she's making her way home, she runs into a dying messenger who asks her to deliver his message to the king. She agrees, but what she thinks will be a simple journey turns into something much bigger when she is chased by agents of a mysterious power and encounters magic that she thought was long dead.If I had one word to describe Green Rider, it would be "mediocre". It is a pretty standard fantasy novel – we have the reluctant hero with latent magical powers, a long journey where the hero is chased by a representative of a long-dead evil, an intelligent mount, etc. In concept it's probably most similar to Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar. I usually don't have a problem with fantasy clichés but I don't think this book ever rose beyond its clichés. Karigan was an extremely bland protagonist, even after reading the entire book, I couldn't tell you anything about her personality. Other characters seemed to just do whatever the plot required of them.I don't think I will be continuing with other books in this series.
    • 4/5
      The first impression one gets from reading the back cover of Green Rider is the obvious parallels to the Heralds of Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey. Both involve messengers of the regent, special horses, and magic. And while there are some similarities, Britain's book reads with less magic and more grit and politics. The world is rougher, more dangerous; the land of the story is broken into clans, much as Europe was broken into multiple kingdoms, fiefdoms, etc. several centuries ago; clans who strive by any means necessary for more power, more land, more resources, something we're all familiar with in today's world. The core of the story revolves around a young girl who promises to carry an important message to the king, even though the messenger who passes it on to her is dying, mortally wounded at the hands of an unknown enemy. This girl, now thrust into matters that had never before intruded into her awareness, finds her eyes opened to the dangerous and intricate dance of power played out by the clans and the king and is made aware of the consequences of joining such a dance, even unwittingly. Overall, it's a satisfying read; I look forward to reading the next two books in this series. The pace runs well and the author isn't afraid of terrifying or humiliating her characters, which makes the drama and action all the more heartpounding, and the triumphs all the more cheer-worthy.
    • 4/5
      In my humble opinion, I like the story, my one concern was the overly narrative writing and observations ~ I like a good weather or nature report but please not all the time! I like the setting to be describe in a way that i've got the picture now give me a story! However I'm into the 2nd book presently and so far its good ~ I'm enjoying the journey
    • 3/5
      This is the beginning of a fantasy series with Riders who uses long lost magic and a kingdom on the brink of war. A good start is what I would say.Karigan was a brave young woman who left her school cos she fought an aristocrat and she was only a merchant daughter. Not fair at all. When she then met the Rider she could have said no (of course the magic urged her on), but she wanted to do what was right and she also wanted an adventure. And that she sure got because on her journey she met funny old ladies, monsters, bandits, and saw the how angry the people in the north are. I liked her because even though it got tough she never gave up. Then we have the evil guys. The king’s brother wants the throne and the Grey Man uses magic to make people do his will. He is an evil killer and he has also made a crack in a wall that separates the badlands from the rest of the world. I liked the Grey Man, as much as one can like an evil guy. He was just a good bad guy. All evil and nothing at all to like about him.The kingdom has lost its magic. There are still some magic left and the Green Riders uses some of it. I always do like when magic is lost and found again. And these Riders risk everything and still they are only seen as messengers, but they have a calling that they follow.I have to say that there is a hint about romance. I truly mean a hint, one flutter in her heart, but I have hope for more in coming books.A good start with likeable heroine who says what she wants to say. There is adventure, wild rides, magic and a race to save a kingdom. I will read more to see what happens next and I do like a fantasy series with a fantasy series that is normal. Not too tough, not soft, but still willing to do what is right.
    • 4/5
      I wasn’t sure about this at first, but it got better as it went. I wasn’t happy about Karigan’s indecision and self doubt, but I understand that it is more about who she is than about the overall story. Good characters and good plot. I liked the way magic flowed throughout the story. I liked the Berry sisters and kept expecting them to play a more intricate role as the story went on. I like F'ryan and the other ghosts. I hope many of these characters play a role in the future books in the series. This was a unique tale of a unique land. I eagerly anticipate the other stories in this series.
    • 3/5
      Britain jumps into the action and carries a quick pace throughout, which makes this an entertaining fast read. Karigan is a stubborn young woman, who gets in a fight at boarding school, is suspended, and runs away. On the road, she discovers a dying messenger with two arrows in his back. She agrees to carry his message to the king, and she's immediately swept into a long, twisting chase scene. This is the second time I've read the book, and I have to say I remember liking it better the first time. The fast plot and the main character are both great, but at times, it feels quickly written, too, almost like it needed one more thorough editing. Still, I'd recommend.
    • 5/5
      Picked this book at the library and fell in love. I even got my husband to read it and he is rather picky about what he reads.
    • 3/5
      This is the story of Karigan G'ladheon, a rich merchant's daughter, who has run away from school after a fight with the son of a nobleman. On her way home through the forest, she is accosted by a dying Green Rider - a messenger of the king - who charges her to finish his mission for the sake of their king and country. She inherits his horse, his green coat and his Rider brooch, as well as his dangerous adventure, as she tries to reach the capital, pursued by his killers, and aided by mysterious Rider magic.This is a good first book with lots of action, magic and intrigue.
    • 2/5
      My apologies to those of you who adore this book and the series, but... WHY?!?!I'm willing to listen to arguments for it, and I'm willing to give the rest of the books a try if you can convince me. I wanted to like this book, I really did... but I fell asleep on multiple occasions while reading it (during the ,i>day), put it down on other occasions and didn't have any inclination to pick it up again, complained about it to my husband, and finally finished reading it only because I wanted to understand why people enjoyed the book so much.I found the main character to be flat and uninspired, and I didn't really care whether she lived or died. I didn't like any of the people she met along the way, save the cliche "kindly woodsman" (though you'd have to be pretty heartless not to like kindly woodsmen), and the monsters were far from frightening. I got no sense of development from the main character until the very end where she Suddenly Saves The Day in conjunction with a convenient "bad character has an epiphany" moment, and *ta-da* all is well again. Maybe I'm being too harsh... maybe I've been spoiled by reading such wonderful world building and character development by other fantasy authors lately *ahemBrandonSandersonahem*... but I wanted to like this one and was very, very disappointed that I didn't. I have no desire to read more of Britain's work... but I'm willing to let myself be convinced to give her another go.Ack. Maybe that's just asking for trouble... but if trouble means giving an author another chance, I might be up for it.
    • 5/5
      A bit of a shaky start for a first novel but still enjoyable. The characters and the world take a while to get fleshed out and there are a few cliches. However it still makes me laugh every time I read it. The characters become relatable and believable, not to mention human. Its an enjoyable read, that ends with room to either continue to the sequal or stop reading. I recomend it.
    • 4/5
      The writer mentions she was influenced by Tolkein's LOTR. This doesn't come near to achieving what Tolkein did, but it was an enjoyable story.
    • 2/5
      Green Rider by Kristen Britain was another book loaned to me by a friend and another fantasy author new to me. I believe this is Britain's first novel, but the sequel was already in production at time of publication because advertising blurbs for it were in the end pages.It was a charming story that moved quickly right from the beginning and kept up the action to the end, which made it hard to put down and cost me a good night's sleep. It was well-written in terms of prose, dialogue, pacing, etc. The downside is that the characters are two-dimensional at best: the bad guys are all very bad, except for the one woman who might be redeemable, and the good guys are all very good, and you can tell because the bad guys are generally unattractive in various ways (physically, morally, etc.) and the good guys are all attractive and forceful. The story is also very formulaic: girl gets in trouble at school, on her way home she stumbles across a dying messenger, she takes up his quest to deliver the all-important dispatch to the king, and the forces of evil plotting against the king make repeated efforts to stop her, kill her, destroy the message. However, she wins through against overwhelming odds surprising everyone--bad guys, good guys, herself. But wait, there's more--nobody appears to take her apparently trivial message and warnings of evil on the loose seriously, and so the bad guys come in and try to overthrow the king. Once again, she's johnny-on-the-spot and saves the day. So this essentially high-school girl defeats incredibly skilled swordsmen, incredibly powerful magicians, and incredibly determined run-of-the-mill bad guys over and over through her force of character and useful objects found or given along the way. It is very reminiscent of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Elfstones of Shannara. It could be considered an homage to the former, since Britain acknowledges the profound influence of early exposure to Tolkein.This book would be very good for a young adult: the young protagonist trying to find her way at school and purpose in life, the heroic quest, the relatively straightforward plot with few twists or extensive exposition or complicated politics. And because the characters are very simple, there isn't much push to explore motivations, the only point where this occurs is with the one woman on the evil team, and the treatment is not very deep. The only potential issue is the size--it is easily over 400 pages, which may deter young readers, but it does go quickly and is very entertaining. I don't regret the time or the lost sleep, but I don't know whether I will look for the sequel.