Reviews - Dark Horses: A Novel

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327 reviews for:

Dark Horses: A Novel

Susan Mihalic

3.93 AVERAGE

serendipitysbooks's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark emotional reflective

Dark Horses is the story of Roan Montgomery, a 15 year old equestrian star and likely future Olympian. She comes from a long line of equestrian stars, and is trained and coached by her father, a charming and knowledgeable ex-Olympian.

This was a dark read, gripping and compelling. I think it gave a good insight into the lifestyle of any young elite athlete - the dedication, the hours of training, the sacrifice of much of a life outside sport, the rivalry between fellow competitors which makes friendships difficult.

It is also an excellent, gut-churning portrayal of an abusive relationship highlighting the control, the calculated cruelty, the isolation, the threats, the gaslighting and the abuse - physical, emotional and sexual. Compounding things was that in Roan’s case the abuse was incestuous, and her mother had addiction issues which meant she didn’t provide the protection Roan needed.

I really appreciated the nuanced way Roan’s interactions with her father were portrayed - she wanted to please him as an athlete, she valued his expertise, she didn’t want his abuse but didn’t know how to resist, rebuffed questions that got close to the truth, couldn’t resist without losing things that mattered to her and sometimes initiated sexual interactions since they seemed the lesser of two evils. Mihalic doesn’t shy away from the complicated nature of the relationship between Roan and her father. The ending while unexpected seemed fitting in the context of those complicated feelings.

Highly recommended, but proceed with caution due to the tough subject matter.

Content Warnings

whisperingchapters's review against another edition

3.0

This story was a heavy one to read.

I truly enjoyed the author’s writing and all the different characters that helped complete this story, one way or another. I’m thankful the sexual abuse scenes weren’t graphic for most of the story. I think if they had been very graphic from the start, i wouldn’t have been able to finish this book.

Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel anything towards Roan. Did I feel disgusted and sorry for what she was going through? Of course, but when it came to her as just a character, I honestly couldn’t care about her, her goals, her dreams, anything. I hated the fact that she found ways to give excuses to why she never reported her dad. Her reasoning was one I couldn’t comprehend entirely.

Most of the story was repetitive and couldn’t have been shortened. The lengthy story didn’t really add much to the overall outcome.

RTC

thebookishlass's review against another edition

4.25

challenging 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: Yes

“‘I didn’t know horses had thoughts.’
‘They are like us, except more honest.’”
~Dark Horses.

Trigger warning for child sexual abuse.

This book is nothing if not honest. The synopsis indicated that there are themes of child sexual abuse, but it moved from references to it to pretty graphic descriptions. Mihalic did a masterful job of capturing the complicated dynamics of a sexualized parent-child relationship. The mix of emotions felt by Roan for her father, and the power and control he has over her help illustrate how situations like this remain secret, sometimes forever. It’s a tough, uncomfortable, brutally honest story of child sexual abuse.

I was initially drawn to this book as a horse lover. It’s so hard to find adult novels that have horses in such a central role. The bond between Jasper and Roan s so pure and honest, and one I hope everyone has a chance to develop in their own lives, be it with a horse, another animal, or a human. I love reading about this world, even if it does rip your heart out at times.

It’s hard to say I enjoyed this book, given the heaviness that is there from page 1, but I am glad I listened to this one. If you are someone who can handle the topics, I really encourage you to give it a listen.

Content Warnings

amock's review against another edition

5.0

Dark Horses is VERY fucked up, but SO compelling and emotional -- best served with a glass of dark red wine and some rainy weather. The subject matter is heavy and often disturbing, but this book is also a powerful portrayal of resiliency, courage, and bravery. The novel is a quick page turner as you watch the protagonist, Roan, slowly recognize her father’s abuse and learn to break free, but I also found myself hesitating (slightly cringing?) before each page, hoping to delay the next inevitable tragedy.

Despite what you would expect from a girl in her circumstances, Roan is an incredibly strong character, both in her personal life and as a competitive rider. She’s confronted with two bullies at school in the beginning of the novel and stands up to them in a way that’s satisfying and inspiring and also reveals an assuredness in herself that’s rare for a teenage girl. This strength also helps show how truly controlling and abusive her father is as she wrestles throughout the book to realize an even greater strength to stand up against him in what turns into a surprising (and possibly controversial?) ending.

This novel gave me My Dark Vanessa vibes – moody and disturbing -- and while certainly not the same story, I think readers of that book would likely enjoy this book as well.

Thank you Goodreads and Gallery/Scout Press for the giveaway copy of this book – I’m happy to write an honest review!