In the Winds of Danger - Book Review

STORYLINE:  Two barns whose specialty is flying horses, exist in High Meadow when In the Winds of Danger opens. An opportunity opens up for a third barn in the Welsh highlands, which unleashes discord among those jockeying for control. Alliances shift and secrets come to light as the struggle for leadership of third barn ensues.

I LIKED: the determination of the main characters. Nia is a young, but skilled rider who is offered the leadership of a new barn. She is confident in her approach to leadership and determined not to be manipulated by any of the other barn leaders or the unknown forces who throw their financial support behind Third Barn.

Owain, a young groom, shares the stage with Nia. Apart from his interest in Nia, he has his own story. A new groom is hired, which brings back unpleasant truths that must be unearthed and put to rest before Owain can live comfortably in High Meadow.

I COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT: the attitude of a couple of the characters, who were decidedly unpleasant. But what good is a book without characters you love to hate?

OVERALL COMMENTS: The book is chock full of intrigue, which keeps the reader guessing. The players keep their cards close to their chest, which makes for an interesting read. The reintroduction to winged horses in book two was welcome, along with the precise description of the setting and characters. The ending suggests that there will be another book in the series.

COVER NOTE: There is more than a hint that the book has elements of fantasy, based on the winged horse.

SOURCE: I received In the Winds of Danger as part of a blog tour run by Turning the Pages.

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Book Review - On a Wing and a Dare

STORYLINE:  A mysterious disease attacks flying horses (oh yes!) in a Welsh town, where the economy depends on the activities surrounding these magnificent beasts. Relocate to a new settlement with hope for a bright future, or stay in a place where the prospect might be bleak; that’s the decision the folks in the town of Tremeirchson have to make.    

PLAYERS: 

Emma: A young rider who is torn between responsibility to her family and her attraction to two brothers from a competing barn.

Davyd: The brother who longs for Emma’s attention, but the one least likely to win her.

Evan: The rider in his family and likely successor, as head of the family barn.

I LIKED: the concept of flying horses. Call me limited in the reading department, but apart from the legend of Pegasus, I haven’t read any work of fiction recently that contains these creatures. The writer did a nice job of putting me in the Welsh village she created and giving flight to these horses.

Though the main characters are young, they display a level of maturity that is in keeping with the timeframe of the novel.

I COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT:  the pain and despair that came with the losses. The story was poignant in parts because of the death of the horses, the passing of one family member and the town that had to be left behind. The writer does well in conveying the emotions of the characters and putting the reader inside their situation.

COVER NOTE: I think a picture of the Welsh countryside described in the book, along with an actual picture of a horse (wings and all) would do this book a LOT more justice.

OVERALL COMMENTS: I’m a girl who has both feet firmly planted on the ground when it comes to reading material, so flying horses are way out there in terms of a storyline.  

However, Linda Ulleseit does well in painting a beautiful setting, along with an interesting and varied cast of characters. At times, I had to consciously separate grooms/riders/stewards in my mind, however, the main players are always distinct.

The writer also pays keen attention to the setting, ensuring that the technology, food and living conditions are in keeping with the era. I like the addition of Welsh terms, which adds to the authenticity of the story.

The mystery was well played and the truth convincing when it unfolded. It left me with the thought that many times, people do things with one aim in mind, but the consequences explode beyond expectation.

SOURCE: I received On a Wing and a Dare from the author in exchange for a review.

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