Synopses & Reviews
They were the Finest Creations--mystically forged creatures of perfection sent by the creators to aid the Fallen (mankind) during their mortal existence.
Though they resemble ordinary horses they are highly intelligent, capable of communicating telepathically and completely moral. They are assigned to bond with individuals of great potential and then protect them from harm while guiding them along a path of virtue.
Gallant-Stallion has found his charge, a young girl by the name of Kalantha, whose brother is soon to be king and the pawn of a deceitful and murderous bishop who covets the royal power and has allied himself with creatures of the dark arts. The Finest has successfully removed her from his influence but now must contend with the other temptations of the world--the lure of power, the mystery of learning and knowledge, and the intrigue and freedom of adventure and independence.
Kalantha is still young and bitter over her lot in life, betrayed, envious, and scared, and her mentor Gallant-Stallion is unsure of how to lead her as is his duty as her Finest.
The Finest series combines elements of Misty Lackey's Valdemarr series with C.S.Lewis's Narnia for an inspiring tale of mystical intrigue and the crucible of morality for mankind.
Review
"J.K. Rowling and Garth Nix fans should find this trilogy exciting and memorable."
Publishers Weekly
Review
"Jean Rabe has not only garnered many awards in the field of imaginative games, but she has also some dozen role-playing novels to her credit, plus numerous short stories and articles. Her store of knowledge concerning war (in all periods), strange civilizations, and magic--white and black--is indeed prodigious."--Andre Norton
Praise for The Finest Choice
"The fairy tale landscape, driven by the eternal mortal struggle between good and evil, evokes a darker Narnia....J.K. Rowling and Garth Nix fans should find this trilogy exciting and memorable."--Publishers Weekly
"This sequel to The Finest Creation expands on a world in which a race of psychically powerful equines work behind the scenes to save humans from their own faults. Rabe's storytelling and an appealing heroine make this a solid addition to most adult and YA fantasy collections."--Library Journal
"Gripping."--Booklist
Review
"Rabe's storytelling and an appealing heroine make this a solid addition to most adult and YA fantasy collections."
Library Journal
Review
Synopsis
"Telepathically gifted horses star in this fluidly moving second installment (after "The Finest Creation") to Rabe's breathtaking and horrific fantasy trilogy."--"Publishers Weekly."
About the Author
A former journalist and news bureau chief,
Jean Rabe has written seventeen fantasy novels and more than three dozen fantasy, science-fiction, mystery,
and military short stories. Among her works are the Finest trilogy from Tor and numerous Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms books for TSR/WotC. She has edited several anthologies and has collaborated with Andre Norton on Return to Quag Keep and A Taste of Magic. She lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with her husband, two dogs, and a miniature macaw.