Another winner for the Four Horsemen
356349
Fast paced, extraterrestrial villians you love to hate, military sci-fi with armored suits.  What's not to love about this book.  I bought the first book of the series and I can't get enough.  It is a fast read so be prepared to not put down this book until you reach the end.  Chris Kennedy has a great webpage and interacts with his fans on a personal level.  Check it out along with the rest of his books and join the Red Shirt Brigade.

Back to this book, if you want a deeply complex character development and storyline then you might be disappointed with this series.  There are plenty of twists and surprises so you won't be bored.  For those people that demand precise editing and perfect writing, chill out and just have a good time reading a great adventure novel.
1899708
It ain't over, yet another fine fun Shifty novel, with horseracing at the base! ALL the books are great, and are a series - get em! For the horseracing fan, for the mystery novel fan, for the fan of sleight of hand magic
3174687
It's wonderful to read a good story involving horses where the author knows something about the animals.
Thank you
4046748
The right horseman, the right horse, and the karma for them to meet at the right time.  This is a fun read.  One of the most thought provoking thoughts in the book comes when the author points out that if you were to see a couple of really talented show jumping horses turned out with some ordinary  mounts, it's not possible to tell which horses are the talented jumpers or the usual hacks just by looking at them.  Actually, this champion had marks on his shoulders and neck from the heavy collar used while pulling a plow.
527083
Following Letts' absorbing story of the jumping horse Snowman in THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION, she hits the bullseye again with this suspenseful story of the rescue of the priceless Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. As a child I'd seen Walt Disney's MIRACLE OF THE WHITE STALLIONS and thought I knew most of the story, but of course it was even more complicated than that. Not only were the Lipizzaners in Vienna endangered, but so were the breeding mares and foals that lived in the Piber Valley, and also champion Arabian horses in Poland. All of these horses were brought together by Gustav Rau, a horse fancier and Nazi officer who was collecting these animals for the Reich, in order to breed the perfect horse for war: powerful, tireless, and eating minimal food. He was fascinated by the Lipizzaners and planned to change their beautiful lines for something more suitable for working.

Letts brings together all the players in the story: Alois Podhajsky, the director of the Spanish Riding School; Gustav Rau; Stanislaw Pohoski, the director of the Arabian stud farm in Poland; Rudolf Lessing, the veterinarian for the Arabians; Hank Reed, the American cavalry officer who is the last of a dying breed; plus Tom Stewart, Ferdinand Sperl, and the others that took part in the amazing rescue, including a cameo from General George Patton, to tell the story of totalitarian obsession, love of horses, dangerous missions, delicate negotiations, war-scarred villages, exploding bombs, avaricious Soviets, determined Americans, and the beautiful animals they are trying to save. A great war story, but even better if you're a lover of horses or, still, like me, a fan of MIRACLE OF THE WHITE STALLIONS from way back in 1963.
3212323
When I found a few of the 'Thoroughbred' books at a used bookstore, I'm glad I picked them up. For me, it was a great new horse series! I've only read the first book, but I enjoyed it.

The story of 'A Horse Called wonder' centers on Ashleigh, whose family lives and works at Townsend Acres, a horse ranch. The family has been through a traumatic time and Ashleigh is still adjusting to her new life. A certain baby filly is in need of help, and Ashleigh needs something to fill the empty space in her heart. So immediately she latches on to the poor sick foal even though everyone warns her that she could be setting herself up for failure and left with a heart aching even more.

The only thing lacking in this book is some good virtues. There were also a couple words in the book that could have been omitted. However, I did enjoy the story nonetheless.
3982199
Everyone loves a good horse racing story, right? Well, move over Seabiscuit because Rowan the Wonder Horse is at the center of the latest love story from Catherine Lanigan's world of Indian Lake. I've been reading the series from the beginning and recognized all the familiar characters from the earlier books but it might be confusing if you are jumping in here. The horse racing plot makes this book move ahead faster than the others. Rafe is the latest of the hot Barzonni brothers to go looking for love and his dream girl just happens to be the photographer who took the telltale picture at the finish line, possibly dooming his chances of reaching the Kentucky Derby. How can their love survive? Lanigan keeps you racing to the finish line with her usual skill.
861239
This is yet another great addition to the big pile of dressage books. The difference with many is, that it is accompanied by many pictures and clear text, to help you do it yourself. Many horsebooks are not capable of getting out of the theoretical realm.
I also like the very subtle examples in which the author himself does the stuff, so it is not at all purely academic.

Furthermore, I simply liked the tone of the author. He is one of unfortunately few horsemen that do dressage, or riding, purely for the fun of the harmony with the horse, not for their ego. His erudition shows in the text, which makes it not arrogant, but pleasant to read.

Out of print, it seems, unfortunately.
3618996
I love this series of novels.  I am a dressage rider, and judge, and love to read about the dressage world in America.  Great story line!
4571758
More emotion and flavor than the other books in this series though I have liked them all.  Good plot and I liked the tie in with Dressage and horses
3799807
A great story of one the most feared and secretive alien races in the Four Horsemen Universe (4HU) that ties in multiple previous short stories about them and make it interesting to figure out what is their relationship with the Human race in the future.
4845087
Reading a new Laurien Berenson  novel is like a family reunion. I  look forward to catching up on all the latest with Melanie Travis and her family and then all too soon the festivities are over and I'm waiting for our next get together. I don't remember the first book I read but I liked it enough to begin reading the series in order, starting with book 1.

In the latest book we are introduced to the world of horses. Aunt Peg is bequeathed a broodmare that is being kept at a well known stable in Kentucky. As fate would have it, Peg was asked to judge at the  popular four day dog show called the Kentuckiana Cluster that is near those stables. Bertie, Melanie's sister-in-law, is handling several dogs at the same show.  Melanie is drafted to accompany Aunt Peg on the drive from Connecticut and to help Bertie at the show.
Of course,  Aunt Peg had a few other things for Melanie to take care of while they are in Kentucky.

I enjoyed learning the ins and outs of horse pedigrees, breeding, buying and selling. There was also murder, dirty dealing, threats, grudges, new friendships and an announcement about a new baby to come. As always there are  new characters and old that are well developed and believable. The plot was interesting. There is no graphic sex, language or violence. The bond between Melanie and her poodle, Faith is a fine example of what is possible when humans take the time to know what their animals need and supply it.
891728
Like the other books in the series, this novel will make you laugh and cry, sometimes in the same scene. Rachel, the main character, goes through some very tough experiences and fortunately finds someone to help her find ways to get through it all. Her dream is to become one of the countrys first female jockeys in a time when women were not even allowed to set foot in backstretch areas after dark at many tracks in the US. Women in horse racing were not given the same opportunities that men were, despite new civil rights laws at the time. Rachel had to push against the discrimination, threats, and violence in order to ride. Was it all worth it?
The author definitely did her research and knows a lot about horse racing. Fortunately, everything was explained well enough for me to understand. The author was also able to make you feel as if you were there, in 1969, when things were very different than they are today.
Again, as with the others in the series, this a great book for horse lovers, especially those with an interest in horse racing.
200424
The Black stallion is a wonderful book some parts are scary and some are sad. But in the end it all comes together in a wonderful horse mystery/adventure!
4928989
McGoldrick delivers another outstanding story in this third book in the Dressage Chronicles. The characters we've grown to love, mature and show even more depth in this story as relationships develop.  We gain more insights into complex characters such as Francescca and Ryder as they scheme and orchestrate events around them.  Lizzy is wonderful and struggles to grow both as an equestrian and personally. Chess is a charming addition to this story, loyal and intelligent, an incredibly focussed CPA,  but determined to understand the passion behind the business. Denise is back,  and we wonder about his intentions.  Margot and Deb are inspiring and Natalie is intriguing. The equestrian content is accurate and engaging and is at the center of this fast paced story, with so much suspense,  it is impossible to put down until the very last page. A definite five star!  Hoping for a fourth book in this incredible series.
3239635
This is his best book to date.  I loved his perspective and insight.  It is the next in a series about his journey into true horsemanship but can stand alone, too
4167690
Guy and Dahlia have a Wonderful Hot story. This is a great collection for the Stallion Family. I really enjoyed. Looking forward the next installation.