THE FINEST CHOICE

Author: Jean Rabe ISBN: 0765308215 9/2005 FANTASY Publisher: TOR

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. Her brother, soon to be king, is 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 Kalantha 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.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Jean Rabe's sequel to THE FINEST CREATION is called THE FINEST CHOICE. Although I really don't think it's necessary to read the first book in the series, it does help make the book more enjoyable. I was quite pleasantly surprised as to how much I liked THE FINEST CHOICE. What drew me to this book was the whole premise of the story—forged creatures masquerading as horses bonding with mortals while guiding and protecting them on their path of enlightenment. I'm not a big fan of the fantasy genre, but THE FINEST CHOICE is a rare find among a lot of fantasy books out there. I know, because I have definitely read my fair share of them *G*.

The main characters: Gallant-Stallion and Kalantha (even though one is a horse and the other a young girl) are wonderfully written. I found myself drawn to Kalantha, a young girl having to suddenly deal with the temptations and the cruelties of the real world. If that isn't bad enough, her brother, Meven, is in great danger and it's up to her and her Finest to help save him.

I would recommend reading Jean Rabe's THE FINEST CHOICE, especially if you enjoy fantasy books!

Julie Kornhausl