Dark Horses, Susan Mihalic
Dark Horses, Susan Mihalic
30 Rating(s)
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Dark Horses

Author: Susan Mihalic

Narrator: Alex Allwine

Unabridged: 10 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/16/2021


Synopsis

A “sweeping and raw story of courage, resilience, and clear-eyed grace” (Sara Gruen, #1 New York Times bestselling author) about a teenage girl’s fierce struggle to reclaim her life from her abusive father in the vein of My Absolute Darling and Room.

Fifteen-year-old equestrian prodigy Roan Montgomery has only ever known two worlds: inside the riding arena, and outside of it. Both, for as long as she can remember, have been ruled by her father, who demands strict obedience in all areas of her life. The warped power dynamic of coach and rider extends far beyond the stables, and Roan’s relationship with her father has long been inappropriate. She has been able to compartmentalize that dark aspect of her life, ruthlessly focusing on her ambitions as a rider heading for the Olympics, just as her father had done. However, her developing relationship with Will Howard, a boy her own age, broadens the scope of her vision.

“[A] heart-pounding, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-it debut novel” (Oprah Daily), Dark Horses explores the themes of abuse and resilience in a way that will leave you transfixed. This is “a provoking and needed book” (Booklist, starred review).

About Susan Mihalic

Susan Mihalic has worked as a book editor, curriculum writer, writing instructor, and freelance writer and editor. She has also taught therapeutic horseback riding. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and now lives in Taos, New Mexico.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Will

”The dominant stallion chases even off his male offspring when they’re two or three years old. It avoids inbreeding. Nature’s smart." …”What about the female offspring?” Will said. “He doesn’t breed with them. They’ll breed to one of the subservient stallions.” “Would horses like this know not to......more

Note: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange here is my honest review. This was a pretty hard read. 😬 I appreciated that warning flap cover, so I had a heads up as to what I was getting myself into. 🛑 Trigger warnings: mental/physical/sexual abuse, incest, child abuse, drinking. 🛑 This is d......more

Haunting, disturbing, powerful, and completely unforgettable! Roan has never known life outside of a saddle: her father was an Olympic rider, and has brought her up deeply engrossed and embedded in the equestrian world. She attempts to lead a 'normal' teenage life, but at the tender age of 15, is al......more


Quotes

"Allwine's youthful tone is appropriate for Roan's story; she enriches her performance by clearly signaling the teen's emotional turmoil and carefully compartmentalized life. She nails Roan's no-nonsense focus when riding, her fear and conflicted feelings when dealing with her sexually abusive father, and her resolve to find a path to a normal life."