(4) 4-6 Selected by Aphrodite to race on her behalf, orphan Pippa bonds with her winged horse, Zephyr. A visit to the Fates convinces Pippa they can't win, however, and Ares threatens to slaughter Zephyr if they lose. Can working with the other riders change Pippa's destiny? The lightly handled plot is low on a real sense of menace, but the Olympian setting holds together nicely.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Riders of the Realm series. In this Guardian Herd spinoff series, pegasus groom Rahkki's human clan captures wild pegasus Echofrost, who does not like the boy who keeps trying to "train" her. But when an outside force threatens, the two must learn to work together. Though this first book starts slowly and contains cardboard villains, horse fans should enjoy this new action-packed fantasy trilogy.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) 4-6 Dragon Rider series. Translated by Anthea Bell. When the last Pegasus mare dies, leaving behind three eggs, Ben (Dragon Rider) and his father Barnabas journey in search of a griffin feather--their only hope for a successful hatching. But Ben must disguise their quest from his dragon Firedrake, fearing an old dragon-griffin feud will reignite. Funke successfully juggles a large cast and adds notes of humor to this second fantastical adventure.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Guardian Herd series. When Nightwing the Destroyer nearly kills Star, a healer pegasus, his friend Morningleaf acts as a decoy to give Star time to heal. But when Star uses his power, Nightwing's forces find him and attack. Although the theme is muddled (peace-loving Star finds war exhilarating) and the sentiment frequently overwrought, the plot makes effective use of rising tension in this third installment.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Pegasus series. The Titans clash with both Olympian and Hawaiian gods, while Emily solves the mystery of her link with her new foe, the Flame of Titus. A more character-driven plot sets this volume apart from the rest, with just enough action to keep things moving. Familiar themes of sacrifice and rebirth, plus a dash of romance, culminate in an epic conclusion to the series.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Guardian Herd series. Born the dark foal of Anok, Star is different from other pegasi--he can't fly, and on his first birthday the light of the Hundred Year Star will empower him to heal or destroy. Thunderwing, the herd's over-stallion, has vowed to kill him first. Scenes of adolescent pegasus bullying are overwrought, but the magical frame makes strong scaffolding for the well-executed plot.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Pegasus series. In this third book, ancient myth and the modern world collide again. After learning of a stallion surreally resembling Pegasus, Emily goes to Earth and discovers a clandestine group that's cloning Olympians. Meanwhile, Emily must learn to harness her evolving powers while preventing Earth and Olympus from destroying each other. Friendships are tested, loyalties questioned, and sacrifices made in this action-packed fantasy.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Pegasus series. Emily and her companions try to save the Olympians from a deadly new weapon in this fourth book. Emily's ever-evolving powers reach their zenith as she makes a shocking discovery about herself that could change the fight against the Titans. Themes of loyalty and sacrifice continue, with a little love sprinkled in, while mythological action keeps the plot moving to a dramatic conclusion.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Ancient myth and the modern world are brought together when thirteen-year-old Emily (The Flame of Olympus) attempts to save the home of the gods, under attack by vicious new enemies. Continuing themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice flesh out the plot while the action propels this second series installment forward. Fans of Rick Riordan may enjoy this fantasy outing.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 When Pegasus and various Roman gods and their seemingly unstoppable enemies find themselves transported to present-day New York City, it's up to two young teens to help the gods save their respective worlds. Themes of loyalty, friendship, and self-sacrifice are explored in this gripping page-turner, the first in an expected trilogy.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(2) YA Princess Sylvi's people have been allies with the neighboring pegasi for centuries. There has always been a language barrier--until Sylvi and pegasus prince Ebon are bonded. Sylvi and Ebon can communicate freely in silent-speech, the pegasi's native language, which threatens the magician-interpreters of Sylvi's kingdom. McKinley's writing is leisurely and descriptive, full of the enjoyment of imagining her winged-horse culture.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(4) 4-6 Monsters series. Each book introduces background myths and contemporary examples of the title creature, providing an overview of how stories have changed over time. Despite the volumes' dry writing, fans of Riordan's Percy Jackson books or similar adventures may enjoy learning more about mythical creatures. Photographs and illustrations enliven the texts. All but Pegasus includes website resources. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: Phoenix, Hydra, Pegasus, and Cerberus.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) K-3 Marzollo uses playful language and a Greek chorus of owls (in Pegasus) and little birds (in Pandora) to draw in young readers. Alternating fonts and predictable text placement help differentiate between what is narration and what is (child-friendly) dialogue. Marzollo's bold, simple, digitally assembled watercolor and ink collages capture the ancient setting, but with a modern feel. Review covers these titles: Let's Go, Pegasus! and Pandora's Box.