A tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised in a welcoming colony of animals, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or his mysterious origins.

The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When a murder is committed, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, ruthless animals are determined to seize the throne. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake....

Liam and I listened to this on CD a while ago, and I found myself wanting to drive around more just to find out what happened next. Beautifully written and narrated. ( )

After his last adventures, Urchin of the Riding Stars has taken his place as a trusted member of the Circle in King Crispin's court. Life on the island is back to normal, with little Princess Catkin growing up and testing everyone’s patience in the process.
But daily life is disrupted when Lord Arcneck and other inhabitants of Swan Isle come to Mistmantle asking for help. Their home has been taken over by bloodthirsty ravens that are attacking them and ravaging everything in sight.
The brave animals of Mistmantle rush to the aid of their friends, but in doing so, incur the wrath of the invaders upon themselves. The vengeful ravens are powerful and won’t stop until they hunt down and destroy every creature on the island. Only by using all of their courage and cunning will Urchin and his friends stand a chance to preserve life as they know it on their beloved home.

On a night of riding stars, a tiny squirrel is found abandoned and close to death on a distant beach. Adopted and raised by a kindly squirrel, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of the way he will influence the island of Mistmantle.
The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When their young son is found murdered, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, the wicked Lord Husk and Lady Aspen are determined to take control. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake….
Triumphant heroes and brilliantly wicked villains do battle in this heart-stopping adventure in the great tradition of Watership Down and The Wind in the Willows.

Arg. I got more than 1/2 way and just couldn't motivate myself to finish it. Nothing wrong with it, per se, but just boring, predictable; nothing about it was special or creative. I might have given it three stars if I'd finished, but only if *something* developed in the second half.