This is one of the best series I have ever read. I've read this book twice and it was just as good the second time. I highly recommend this series for readers who enjoy this genre. ( )

Under her various pen names, Judith Tarr has long been one of my favorite authors, particularly when she writes about horses. This book is full of horse-magic, the usual kind because they're so marvelous and the special kind created by the "white gods" of Aurelia as they Dance the patterns of the world. One moment they're ordinary "fat white ponies," but don't let that fool you. We all know their wisdom and power run far, far deeper. I especially loved how their motives and values are not always clear -- they truly are mysterious as well as magical.

In this world, the stability of the realm is maintained by a meticulously executed equestrian Dance, very much akin to the performances of the Lippizan horses of the Spanish Riding Academy of Vienna. The riders train all their lives for ii, in partnership with the magnificent white stallions. Historically, only boys have been Called (as in the title of the book) to the riding school, so when our heroine Valeria shows up, and then bonds with a young stallion of exceptional power, the reactions range from bewilderment to outright hostility. She then becomes a prime target for recruitment into a plot to usurp the throne and the very fabric of the kingdom. Suffice it to say, divided loyalties, not to mention schemes and betrayals ensue. Because the book appears under the "Luna" imprint of Harlequin Books, there is of course a love story. Actually, depending on how you look at it, more than one. But fantasy readers won't be disappointed, as the story, the first part of three, is anything but formulaic with its independent, earthy heroine, two dashing lovers, and of course the magical white horses. This one definitely belongs on the bookshelf of every fantasy reader and horse lover. ( )

This book somehow manages to be a refreshing easy read, yet it is not childish in the slightest. The thing that continually strikes me about this book (and I've had it many years, re-read it many times) is how utterly bizarre the prose can be. There are times when things are described so metaphorically and poetically that you should have no idea what's going on, and yet you still do, and the book continues to draw you onward. It's definitely a bit out there, but for readers of fantasy this shouldn't be a problem. It describes magic in one of the most plausible ways I've yet found, and tackles the idea of competing belief systems head-on.

This book has a few obvious flaws. It may strike some as being too unbelievable, too 'out there', too obviously tailored towards young women who appreciate horses. The sex scenes tend to get in the way of the plot as well, though they are generally short and easily skimmed over. If the reader can deal with these aspects, they should have no problem enjoying this book. Overall it is definitely worth picking up; it is easy to get through and will reward you with a genuinely fulfilling story. ( )

Valeria is just sixteen - old enough to be married - when she hears the Mountain's Call. Disguising herself as a boy, because women are never Riders, she sets out to answer. Along the way she faces rape, abuse, betrayal and mistrust - but on her slender shoulders rests the fate of the kingdom... and not even the White Gods know which door she'll choose.

Valeria wasn't an entirely likeable heroine, but I have to applaud the author's blunt sense of necessity, and in the end the story pulled me right along whether I liked where it was going or not. And I couldn't put it down. The end wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but I expect the second installment will set me right back on tenterhooks, as the situation within the imperial empire isn't exactly stable. ( )

I found this book to be creative, interesting, and an easy read. The world of magic created by author Judith Tarr (writing pseudonymously as Caitlin Brennan) is a thing of beauty. Her characters are quite believable, and sympathetic -- with one notable exception, that I believe detracts from this book. There are several sexually explicit scenes written into this novel that, I feel, detract from the power of the book. I found myself skimming through these sections -- not because I am prudish in any way, but simply because I wanted to get on with the story, not read about sex. Without these scenes, I would probably have added a star to 4 1/2 stars.

Still, I am looking forward to reading the remainder of the books in this series -- again, skimming through the explicit scenes. ( )