The Glory by Lauren St John
Orion £10.99
ebook £10.99, Age 11 +
THIS story of a 1,200-mile horse race — from Colorado to Oregon, through deserts, mountains and snowstorms — gallops along. Two youngsters, whose destinies become intertwined, are among the participants: one is a girl escaping a repressive American boot camp for teenaged troublemakers; the other is a boy trying to save his father’s life with the winner’s purse. The rich cast includes skilled, animal-loving horsemen and women as well as cheats, snobs, crooks and bullies.
The author’s knowledge of horsemanship, and of the geography and history of the route, give this novel conviction, and the landscape comes to life along with the characters. The journey involves romance, betrayal, sacrifice, danger, family drama and a tense pursuit. Saddle up for an exhilarating ride.