Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #379626 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up?Jan, prince of the unicorns, returns in this thrilling conclusion to the "Firebringer" trilogy (Little) to confront the truth about his identity and lead his people back to their ancestral homeland. Jan's twin children, gifted with prophecy, show him how to render the unicorns immune to the poison of wyverns, the white serpents who drove them from the Hallow Hills four centuries ago. This is the sign Jan has awaited; it is time for the unicorns to attempt a return. But first, he must track down his mad sire, king-turned-renegade Korr, who reveals that the rightful unicorn leader should be Jan's mate, the female warrior Tek. Shocked by Korr's disclosure and its implications for his personal happiness, Jan wanders through the wilderness, discovering unlooked-for allies. Meanwhile, Tek marshals their tribe for its journey to the Hallow Hills, where a final battle takes place and all the unicorn prophecies regarding the Firebringer ultimately come true. Filled with action and drama, this is a deeply satisfying adventure that succeeds in uniting the various subplots of the trilogy's earlier installments into a smoothly connected whole. Jan, once an impetuous youngster, has matured into a wise, brave hero; Tek proves herself once again to be a fitting mate and leader in her own right. Other characters, both new and old, masterfully assist in moving the plot along. Readers of the earlier novels and fantasy addicts will be delighted with this compelling tale.?Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District, IL
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6^-9. Readers who waited four years for Pierce's third book in the Firebringer trilogy will find it was well worth the wait. They finally learn how Jan regained the unicorns' ancestral home, the truth about the red mare, and the secret that drove Korr, Jan's father, into madness; and there are surprising, untold stories that are tied up very neatly in a dramatic, satisfying conclusion. But Pierce hasn't forgotten to include the encounters with exotic creatures and the adventures that made the first two stories so readable. While Jan pursues Korr to learn the truth behind his accusations, Tek remains behind and consolidates the peace Jan forged with former enemies. Their children exhibit "farseeing" capabilities, and Jan finds himself on a quest that brings both pain and knowledge. A first-rate ending for a fine fantasy series. Chris Sherman

Review
A first-rate ending for a fine fantasy series. -- Booklist

Customer Reviews

"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

"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 wonder why Pierce includes this other couple at all).

As usual, Pierce's strength is in her visual style and world-making techniques. We are treated to a beautiful retelling of the creation of the sun and moon by the goddess Alma, as well as the culture and lifestyles of the plain dwelling unicorns. But Pierce outdoes herself in the creation of the Smoking Mountains and the lives of the dragons that dwell there - it is imaginative writing at its very best. As for characterisation, Jan and Tek are as strong as ever, as is the mystical Jah-Lila, who also acts as the narrator of the story. Sadly Dagg and Ryvenna are relegated to the background and an interesting bond that grows between Jan's little sister Lell and the proud Illishar is established, but not taken anywhere. However Jan's mother Ses - who has been a mere cipher in previous books - is now given a poignant and memorable story of her own.

The "Firebringer" trilogy is not Pierce's best (that honour belongs to the "Darkangel" trilogy) but it stands as a beautifully written fantasy series that transcends the standard expectations of the genre. Especially relevant is Pierce's treatment of the unicorns themselves; in a world of cutsey portrayals, tacky figurines and various shades of the colour pink, Pierce gives the unicorns back some of their past dignity - as noble, fierce and even dangerous creatures, *not* as "My Little Pony" version.

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.