Kidlit :: Horse Warrior :: Meredith Jaffe
June 03, 2019
Rounding out my trifecta of horsey #loveozmg books is Meredith Jaffe's Horse Warrior, which is (historical) fantasy, rather than contemporary like the others. Read on for the description from the Harbour Publishing website...
Eleven-year-old Maia is a better rider than
her older brother, and a better shot, but her father, the Lord of
Avenal, refuses to let her compete in the annual tournament and prove
she is as brave a warrior as him.
Angry at her father’s decision, Maia rides her pony
deep into the valley where she stumbles across a rag-tag boy called
Raven. Little does she realise, this strange boy’s friendship will
change her life forever. Dark plans are afoot for the peaceful
prosperous land of Avenal and Maia is forced to undertake a journey far
from home and the ones she loves. With only her pony and the annoying
Raven to help her, Maia must find a way to save Avenal. And, along the
way, discover within her the power to change the world.
To be honest, I picked this up pretty much completely on account of loving that cover, and when I read it I was actually a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed it!
For one thing, I do love a story about a youngish girl/woman taking on the patriarchy! Maia is clearly a better rider than her brother, and is furious that she isn't taken seriously. This element of the story felt really organic, rather than preachy or forced, and I found myself immediately on Maia's side.
It is so hard to say much more without getting spoilery, but the book is packed with adventure, with a side of mystery, and some intriguing magic too. (Also, HORSES)In terms of the style and language etc, Horse Warrior reminded my of Kate Forsyth's The Chain of Charms series, also for this age group.
Overall, this one was a pleasant surprise and gave it 4/5 stars. I'm super keen to find out what happens to Maia next!
xo Bron
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Horse Warrior by Meredith Jaffe
Out now from Harbour Publishing.
Source: Free copy sent to me by Harbour Publishing
Category: middle-grade fantasy fiction
Themes: sexism, death, adventure (is adventure a theme?)
2 comments
Yessss! I love me some horsey girl goodness with taking on the patriarchy!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds absolutely awesome, Bron, and I loved your thoughts on it, too.
And don't worry, you're not the only one captivated by that cover! 😍
it was so good!
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