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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Trigger Warning: grooming and child abuse, mental and emotional abuse, incest, violence, animal deaths
I'm not giving a rating because I don't know how I feel about it. Well-written and suspenseful, the story will keep those readers who can stomach the content turning the pages. Mihalic was terrific at world-building and sustaining tension. Unsure why the sexual component was necessary--the controlling and manipulation would have been sufficient. Totally, totally, totally disliked the everything-will-work-out for Roan and the father's unrealistic repentance at the end.
I'm not giving a rating because I don't know how I feel about it. Well-written and suspenseful, the story will keep those readers who can stomach the content turning the pages. Mihalic was terrific at world-building and sustaining tension. Unsure why the sexual component was necessary--the controlling and manipulation would have been sufficient. Totally, totally, totally disliked the everything-will-work-out for Roan and the father's unrealistic repentance at the end.
Official review:
Susan Mihalic’s debut novel is a propulsive page-turner with dark, hard to digest, content. Following in her father’s footsteps, Roan Montgomery is an Olympic hopeful in horse eventing. Her father, a handsome Olympian, rules her life inside and outside of the arena with a strict hand. For many years, she has suffered abuse at the hands of her father – psychological, emotional, and sexual. When she meets Will at school, a boy her age, who has suffered his own recent trauma, they instantly connect, and she begins her process of getting out from under her father’s reins. Dark Horses is a disturbing, yet somehow hopeful examination of one girl’s struggle to survive her family and circumstances, and to achieve her goals and live her life on her own terms. This novel may not be for everyone based on the subject matter, but it is a shockingly quick and addictive read, and one I would recommend for readers who enjoyed My Dark Vanessa, My Absolute Darling, and even Flowers in the Attic.
Less professional review. This was such a fast read, despite the content being some of the heaviest I've ever encountered. Trigger warnings abound, as this will/would be hard for a lot of people to stomach reading. I did "enjoy" it though, for what it's worth. Just make sure to be in the right head space.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Susan Mihalic’s debut novel is a propulsive page-turner with dark, hard to digest, content. Following in her father’s footsteps, Roan Montgomery is an Olympic hopeful in horse eventing. Her father, a handsome Olympian, rules her life inside and outside of the arena with a strict hand. For many years, she has suffered abuse at the hands of her father – psychological, emotional, and sexual. When she meets Will at school, a boy her age, who has suffered his own recent trauma, they instantly connect, and she begins her process of getting out from under her father’s reins. Dark Horses is a disturbing, yet somehow hopeful examination of one girl’s struggle to survive her family and circumstances, and to achieve her goals and live her life on her own terms. This novel may not be for everyone based on the subject matter, but it is a shockingly quick and addictive read, and one I would recommend for readers who enjoyed My Dark Vanessa, My Absolute Darling, and even Flowers in the Attic.
Less professional review. This was such a fast read, despite the content being some of the heaviest I've ever encountered. Trigger warnings abound, as this will/would be hard for a lot of people to stomach reading. I did "enjoy" it though, for what it's worth. Just make sure to be in the right head space.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
Interesting to explore the complicity involved for Roan - the trade she makes.
And that the dad is reliving his glory, living his glory through his daughter.
Interesting to explore the complicity involved for Roan - the trade she makes.
And that the dad is reliving his glory, living his glory through his daughter.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
I dont think I've felt this strongly over a book for a while. Like I was uncontrollably crying and mad at the same time yet Mihalic's writing is so beautiful and raw. This story covers some intense and dark topics and isn't for the faint of heart but the characters growth was so compelling. I def reccomend but please check trigger warnings before reading.
I've had this book on my shelf for over a year now. My book club friend gave me this copy and insisted that I read it. I politely took the book thinking to myself, “what could be interesting about a girl that rides horses?”
Fast forward to a week ago and the same friend asked if I had ever read it. I confessed to her that I had totally forgotten about it because I didn't think I would like it. She insisted that I was wrong and since she and I share a similar taste in books I thought I would at least read the first chapter. Fast forward to 6 hours later and I found myself finishing this book in one sitting.
At 15 years old, Roan Montgomery is training to become an equestrian Olympic gold medalist. Roan is coached and trained by her father, a 3 time Olympic gold medalist winner Monty Montgomery. Monty is well revered in the equestrian world but no one knows the real Monty except for Roan. Monty has been sexually abusing Roan her entire life. When Roan meets a boy from school, Will Howard, Roan's entire world changes.
Full disclosure, some parts of this book are very hard to get through. There are several graphic portrayals of sexual abuse and incest to a child. If this is triggering, then this book isn’t for you.
I found myself completely immersed in Dark Horses. What drew me into this story and made me like it was the accurate portrayal of dependency that young girls have on authority figures, parents, teachers, coaches, etc., and the tendency to cover up detestable behaviors from authority figures. Susan Mihalic flawlessly portrayed the delicate way a teenager's mind works, and the unconditional love they hold.
This book is the perfect characterization of a victim of child abuse. I'm not sure I've ever had my heartbreak for a fictional character more than it did for Roan. Roan was so manipulated and controlled and brainwashed by her father. She had so many self-deprecating thoughts and even blamed herself for her father's actions.
The ending was so powerful and poignant.
I'm not sure that I will ever forget Roan and this incredible story.
This book is not for everyone. I completely understand why so many people are repulsed by this book. I felt this story was both unbearable and spectacular at the same time. If you liked My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Talent or My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell then I would recommend Dark Horses.
Fast forward to a week ago and the same friend asked if I had ever read it. I confessed to her that I had totally forgotten about it because I didn't think I would like it. She insisted that I was wrong and since she and I share a similar taste in books I thought I would at least read the first chapter. Fast forward to 6 hours later and I found myself finishing this book in one sitting.
At 15 years old, Roan Montgomery is training to become an equestrian Olympic gold medalist. Roan is coached and trained by her father, a 3 time Olympic gold medalist winner Monty Montgomery. Monty is well revered in the equestrian world but no one knows the real Monty except for Roan. Monty has been sexually abusing Roan her entire life. When Roan meets a boy from school, Will Howard, Roan's entire world changes.
Full disclosure, some parts of this book are very hard to get through. There are several graphic portrayals of sexual abuse and incest to a child. If this is triggering, then this book isn’t for you.
I found myself completely immersed in Dark Horses. What drew me into this story and made me like it was the accurate portrayal of dependency that young girls have on authority figures, parents, teachers, coaches, etc., and the tendency to cover up detestable behaviors from authority figures. Susan Mihalic flawlessly portrayed the delicate way a teenager's mind works, and the unconditional love they hold.
This book is the perfect characterization of a victim of child abuse. I'm not sure I've ever had my heartbreak for a fictional character more than it did for Roan. Roan was so manipulated and controlled and brainwashed by her father. She had so many self-deprecating thoughts and even blamed herself for her father's actions.
The ending was so powerful and poignant.
I'm not sure that I will ever forget Roan and this incredible story.
This book is not for everyone. I completely understand why so many people are repulsed by this book. I felt this story was both unbearable and spectacular at the same time. If you liked My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Talent or My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell then I would recommend Dark Horses.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An incredibly disturbing and dark read I was not prepared for. The author is an excellent writer but I was appalled by the lack of acknowledgement of the depth of the trauma within this story.