The Son of Summer Stars

by Meredith Ann Pierce

Book Overview

The Final Volume of the Firebringer Trilogy

A secret haunts Jan's dying father, Korr--a secret so dark that, if exposed, could bring the downfall of the Firebringer. Jan is left with its terrible burden, and an impossible choice--renounce Tek, his beloved mate, and lose forever the kingship of the unicorns, or return and face the consequences of his father's acts, and of his own.

"A first-rate ending for a fine fantasy...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0142500747
• ISBN13: 9780142500743
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Firebird
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.4" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

"I'll Have the Truth If I Must Chase it to the World's Edge..."

In the last book in the "Firebringer" trilogy, (following "Birth of the Firebringer" and "Dark Moon"), we finally come to the event that the two previous books have been steadily building toward: the retaking of the unicorns' ancestral home from the treacherous wyverns. As the prophesied `Firebringer', Prince Alijan is looked to as the means of regaining their Hallow Hills and Jan is certainly up to the challenge. Having finally made peace with the marauding gryphons, and finding happiness in his beloved Tek and their twin children, Jan has readied his tribe to march out to their homelands and do battle. But there is one matter of business not yet dealt with - that of Korr, the mad once-king of the unicorns. Knowing his father to hold a terrible secret, Jan vows its discovery and leaves the herd under the power of Tek whilst he chases his father across plains and deserts. It is here the story splits into two in order to follow two separate narratives (much as it did in "Dark Moon"), that of Jan's journey, and that of Tek's actions against the wyverns. Some readers may be surprised at the course the story takes, for in many ways Tek becomes the central figure of the action whilst Jan simply watches from afar, but this I believe pays credit to Meredith Ann Pierce's innovative take on the typical fantasy genre. To have a fantasy novel without human characters is unusual enough, but even more so is Pierce's treatment of Jan's role as the "hero" of the books. His destined role as Firebringer is not one of violence or conquering, but of enlightenment, understanding and peace - and in fact his close relationship with the goddess Alma puts an almost religious spin on what is expected of him. Throughout the trilogy, his greatest achievements have nothing to do with battles or warfare, but with learning and accepting others, forging friendships with enemies (in particular the gryphon Illishar), exploring new worlds and destroying barriers and superstition that stood between his tribe and other cultures. Jan's experiences widen even further here, as he integrates himself among the plain-dwelling unicorns and then amidst the magnificent dragons across the desert. And of course there is the matter of Korr's secret. Although Korr himself sadly becomes a rather one-dimensional villain by this stage, the knowledge he carries certainly packs a punch. Perceptive readers will have undoubtedly unravelled Jan's mysterious past before the denouncement is made, (as well as the second twist that is still to come), but it effectively shakes up several relationships within the herd and brings new perspective to many of the actions and thoughts of individuals in the previous books. (Although Pierce makes an odd move in introducing another unicorn couple that seem to have the same dilemma as Jan and Tek - although to this couple, the situation is not a dilemma at all. However, since the problem is resolved in an entirely different way for Tek and Jan, one has to wonde

A Wonderful Fantasy Epic!

I have searched libraries for this book, and when I finally got my hands on it, I couldn't put it down. I read it straight through, no stops. I enjoyed it very much, the events leading to the final battle were spellbinding! I fell in love with the whole trilogy all over again. The plot was excellent, the writing was wonderful, and this book will capture any imagination.

Wonderful book, best in the series, deserves 100 stars!

Once I picked up the first book in this series, I couldn't put it down. I was a matter of days before I got the third one. This is a fabulous sequel to "The Birth of the Firebringer" and "Dark Moon". The story of how Jan finally drove the secret out of his father, Korr, and how he discovers his and Tek's true identity is shocking. It left me thinking for months. This is truly the best book I have ever read, and a worthy sequel to the previous books.

I can't describe it! Incredible!

These books are the most incredible, fabulous, wonderful unicorn books ever written. Pierce's unicorns are fighters, not dull wimpy little maiden-chasing white unicorns of lore, but strong warriors that come in all colors and sizes. The plot is ingenious, and the dark secret Korr holds will hold you till the end. With lush description and astounding plot twists, this excellent conclusion to the Firebringer series is so beautifully written it nearly made me cry. Jan is the ultamite hero. This series is without a doubt the best portrayl of unicorns ever written. If you feel at ALL for unicorns, this book is ESSENTIAL. Forget about all the other so called "unicorn" books you've read or heard about, these are what you are looking for. This is the real thing. This blows all other author's interpretions of unicorns far away in its uniqueness and wonderful, unforgettable characters and places. Fantastic. Beyond description.

"Foaled at moondark & and sired by the Summer Stars"

This, the last book in Meredith Ann Pierce's Firebringer Trilogy, is as spellbinding as the title suggests. The final part of Aljan's quest to reclaim the Hallow Hill for his people is awe-inspiring, with a stunning conclusion & many twists and turns as Aljan learns & attempts to come to terms with his partner Tek's origins and as the thread as of the unicorns intriguing history are intricately drawn together. The book, like its other 2 prequels is filled with legend, fantasy, magic & adventure and unforgettable characters such as Calydor, the star-strewn unicorn seer. The books of the trilogy are hard to find (it took me 3 years) and are well the effort & deserve much more recognition that they currently receive ... I am convinced that a film of this excellent trilogy is long overdue