The Mistmantle Chronicles by M.I. McAllister

The Mismantle Chronicles is an epic fantasy adventure set in an animal world with themes of loyalty, honor, and bravery. We follow the squirrel Urchin who is orphaned immediately after birth and adopted into the island country of Mismantle despite clearly being from somewhere else. He is called to greatness despite humble beginnings, and learns compassion, servitude, and greatly matures along the way. There are dark themes such as culling, evil influences, betrayal, death, and murder. There is much political strife and many storylines to follow. There are 5 books in the main series with book 6 continuing the story years later, as well as telling some of the companion tales from the world of Mismantle.

Book 1: Urchin of the Riding Stars: We begin our journey into Mismantle following Urchin into this world of small mammals and treacherous plots. He and his allies overcome evil to defend the weak and build a stronger country together.

Book 2: Urchin and the Heartstone: Urchin is kidnapped to another island, truly learns self sacrifice and uncovers a secret from his past.

Book 3: Heir of Mismantle: An heir is kidnapped, a sickness ravages the island, and an old enemy returns.

Book 4: Urchin and the Raven War: An ally returns for aid and our friends learn the value of loyalty and honoring the Heart of the Island no matter what.

Book 5: Urchin and the Raging Tide: There has been peace on the island but now they are threatened by a vast tide. Will they sink into false teaching and fear or will they trust in the Heart of the island?

Book 6: Many years after we learn of the beginning and ending of some of the tales from Mismantle.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Read Aloud Age: 9+

These books are a breath of fresh air. They are often compared to Redwall and Green Ember with good reason. They are complex in theme and emotion without being in any way inappropriate for its young reader. The plots are character driven but very dependent on the political world building. It will challenge the reader to follow the many side plots and characters.

It is based in a Christian worldview and has clear themes of good versus evil. Evil is punished. Good deeds are rewarded. Good character is valued. There is no magic system or spell casting but there are spiritual elements that are directed toward or from “the Heart” of the Island. The
Heart of the island represents God. He is prayed to, and honored as providing signs and wonders as in premonitions, prophecy, and dreams. There is a dark force or “Smoke Wreath” that is an audible voice to some and a malevolent force of will to others. There are rituals and demands made by this dark force. It is referred to as black magic. There are also blessed items of great significance like the heartstone that carry the blessing from the Heart of the island. Without being a Christian you would probably read these as an oversimplified way to build a world with right and wrong moral guides. There is not any great allegory here as in Narnia or Middle Earth. What you read is what you get. Which can be nice sometimes.

Just a personal preference here, but I would suggest that you read the physical books. I had to switch over from the audiobook, as the voices being done took me out of the story instead of immersing me in it.

Language and Questionable Behaviors:
There is violence, death, abandonment, possession, birth, fear, pain and deep emotions in these books. Nothing is ever inappropriate for 9+ but depending on the maturity and sensitivity of your child these might be saved for a later read. Some characters lie, steal and do clearly bad things but are never rewarded. There is no language or “fake cursing”. No slang or sassy talk.

Sexual Content and Other Things to Know:
No sexual content at all. Marriage, being in love, and love interests are present but age appropriate and never specific. All are male to female relationships.

This review was written by Good Book Mom contributor, LeeAnne. To learn more about LeeAnne, click HERE.

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