The Shining Stallion (Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island, Bk 2)
Author:
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviewed by D. M. Nigro for TeensReadToo.com
Welcome to 'Moku Lio Hihiu', better known as Wild Horse Island. THE SHINING STALLION is Book 2 of Terri Farley's PHANTOM STALLION, WILD HORSE ISLAND series, and right away readers will join main character Darby Carter as she challenges her brand new filly Hoku in a nose-to-nose standoff. Darby has just moved in with her newfound grandfather, Jonah, at Iolani Ranch, his Hawaiian home, but between an error she makes handling one of the horses - and a clash with stylish older cousin Megan -things aren't going as well as she'd hoped. And then there's the alarming nighttime visit from a fiery black stallion that only Darby has seen. Is he the deadly 'Shining Stallion', a chilling island legend? Can Darby stop him from hurting anything - or anyone - else? Mystical tales from Hawaii's past and a magic bracelet charm enter the mix. Not to mention an all-too-modern crime, the theft of priceless Hawaiian artifacts.
The many methods and responsibilities involved in caring for horses blend nicely with the stallion mystery, making this an ideal book for serious young riding enthusiasts. But all readers will appreciate the exotic Hawaiian setting and spunky heroine as she struggles to win her place among the people and animals of Wild Horse Island. (Note: While THE SHINING STALLION succeeds as a stand-alone story, beginning with Book One might give a fuller picture of Darby's friends and family, especially her absent parents and enigmatic grandfather, Jonah. But the 'Darby's Diary/Dictionary' postcript does offer basic personal facts plus helpful Hawaiian terms and lore.)
Ms. Farley has a refined, classic writing style and flawless good taste. She avoids current slang and references to cell phones or other technology, giving her work a refreshing, timeless quality that still feels contemporary. The dramatic, satisfying final chapters retain enough mystery to carry Darby into her next adventure. No doubt her fans will be waiting.
Welcome to 'Moku Lio Hihiu', better known as Wild Horse Island. THE SHINING STALLION is Book 2 of Terri Farley's PHANTOM STALLION, WILD HORSE ISLAND series, and right away readers will join main character Darby Carter as she challenges her brand new filly Hoku in a nose-to-nose standoff. Darby has just moved in with her newfound grandfather, Jonah, at Iolani Ranch, his Hawaiian home, but between an error she makes handling one of the horses - and a clash with stylish older cousin Megan -things aren't going as well as she'd hoped. And then there's the alarming nighttime visit from a fiery black stallion that only Darby has seen. Is he the deadly 'Shining Stallion', a chilling island legend? Can Darby stop him from hurting anything - or anyone - else? Mystical tales from Hawaii's past and a magic bracelet charm enter the mix. Not to mention an all-too-modern crime, the theft of priceless Hawaiian artifacts.
The many methods and responsibilities involved in caring for horses blend nicely with the stallion mystery, making this an ideal book for serious young riding enthusiasts. But all readers will appreciate the exotic Hawaiian setting and spunky heroine as she struggles to win her place among the people and animals of Wild Horse Island. (Note: While THE SHINING STALLION succeeds as a stand-alone story, beginning with Book One might give a fuller picture of Darby's friends and family, especially her absent parents and enigmatic grandfather, Jonah. But the 'Darby's Diary/Dictionary' postcript does offer basic personal facts plus helpful Hawaiian terms and lore.)
Ms. Farley has a refined, classic writing style and flawless good taste. She avoids current slang and references to cell phones or other technology, giving her work a refreshing, timeless quality that still feels contemporary. The dramatic, satisfying final chapters retain enough mystery to carry Darby into her next adventure. No doubt her fans will be waiting.
