Scan barcode
threeseagrass's review against another edition
3.0
If it hadn't have been for the last 20%, this book would have been a 4-star read for me.
Told from the dual perspectives of Merritt and her horse Red, [b:Dark Horses] is a really beautiful story of friendship and growth. Until about 80% through the book when it brings in some apparently obligatory YA tropes that I thought I had escaped. Instalove? Check. Damaged girl who continues to relapse? Check. Absent parents? Check. Though this last one was present throughout the entire book.
Needless to say, I went from elated - I couldn't seriously imagine enjoying a book co-narrated by a horse - to angry and disappointed. After a certain incident, it seemed that the author decided to just continue on with the traditional YA story line. There was a lot of opportunity to do something different here. Rather than explore sexuality, the author gets rid of a character that might have made out main character unique and add some much needed diversity to the story. Similarly, characters suddenly became one-dimensional and suddenly we're back to guy meets girl, falls for girl, something tragic happens, exchange of "I love you's", etc.
I want to rate this at 2-stars just because of all of that, but I enjoyed the first 80% so much that I couldn't do it. Consider this a warning: read at your own risk - you may not hate the ending as much as I did and it's definitely worth it to be inside Red's head (that is, for the first 80% of the novel).
Told from the dual perspectives of Merritt and her horse Red, [b:Dark Horses] is a really beautiful story of friendship and growth. Until about 80% through the book when it brings in some apparently obligatory YA tropes that I thought I had escaped. Instalove? Check. Damaged girl who continues to relapse? Check. Absent parents? Check. Though this last one was present throughout the entire book.
Needless to say, I went from elated - I couldn't seriously imagine enjoying a book co-narrated by a horse - to angry and disappointed. After a certain incident
Spoiler
Beatrice's deathI want to rate this at 2-stars just because of all of that, but I enjoyed the first 80% so much that I couldn't do it. Consider this a warning: read at your own risk - you may not hate the ending as much as I did and it's definitely worth it to be inside Red's head (that is, for the first 80% of the novel).
annadunlaveyy's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
mischele_jamgochian's review against another edition
4.0
I bought this book with the intention of only previewing a few chapters for a Grade 6 student who is as mad about horses as I am. I can't keep her in horse books - she devours them; she has read every story with even a mention of horses in the library within a few months. Dark Horses alternates between mischevious misunderstood thoroughbred Red, and sixteen-year-old horse enthusiast Merrit. They meet at an equine-therapy center, Good Fences, and that is where their life-saving yet tumultuous partnership begins. Surprisingly, I couldn't put the book down. Red's witty horsey repartee had me hooked right from the start. If you're chomping at the bit for a page-turning, darkly humourous girl-meets-horse-read, settle into the saddle and sink your seatbones into Dark Horse. Minus one star for the brutal ending.
beccawithabook's review against another edition
3.0
**3.7/5 stars
This is the first book I've ever read about a horse and the story was crazy addicting. I read the entire book in one sitting. The unique thing about this book is not only is it told from two POVs but one of them is from the perspective of the horse. I thought that was done really well. However, the ending felt very unresolved.
This is the first book I've ever read about a horse and the story was crazy addicting. I read the entire book in one sitting. The unique thing about this book is not only is it told from two POVs but one of them is from the perspective of the horse. I thought that was done really well. However, the ending felt very unresolved.
theawkwardbookw's review against another edition
3.0
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
*I received this book as part of Booktube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW TO COME SEPT 30th:
Dark Horses is told from two perspectives, Merritt a self destructive teenaged girl and an ex race horse named Red. After the death of her grandmother and horse, Merritt walks out in the middle of her SAT test after a night of drinking. Her parents opt to send her to Good Fences, an equestrian based rehab facility, where she meets Red. Red belongs to the owner's daughter Beatrice who also attends Good Fences. Red has been unable to bond with anyone and hasn't allowed anyone to ride him for years, until he meets Merritt. Their bond quickly catches the attention of Beatrice's owner, a very wealthy business man who decides to fund Merritt and Red to compete in horse races around the United States. Merritt develops a friendship with Beatrice and also a possible love interest in her competition, a rider named Carvin. Red does not take lightly to Merritt's new found friendships, anyone who comes between himself and Merritt poses a threat and he will stop at nothing to keep the two of them together forever.
The book was extremely easy to read, fast paced and fun to read. I really enjoyed the changing POV between Merritt and Red. I loved Red's point of view, he was such a jerk and I was laughing at most of the things he thought about. I still don't know how I feel about Merritt... at times I found her very bland and boring but other times I really liked her as a character. The insta-love between Carvin and Merritt was a bit of a bummer to me, although it took awhile for their relationship to actually develop, the initial onset came way to quickly in my opinion. You could really tell that the author has an extensive knowledge about horses and equestrian lifestyle based off of the vocabulary she uses and her writing in general on the topic. The writing did occasionally go off on tangents that I didn't find relevant to the plot development, it was still an enjoyable read! I did feel like the plot was a bit too far-fetched and convenient at times though. I also found the ending to be unresolved, I really want to know what happens next with Merritt and Carvin! Overall, I enjoyed the story!
*I received this book as part of Booktube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW TO COME SEPT 30th:
Dark Horses is told from two perspectives, Merritt a self destructive teenaged girl and an ex race horse named Red. After the death of her grandmother and horse, Merritt walks out in the middle of her SAT test after a night of drinking. Her parents opt to send her to Good Fences, an equestrian based rehab facility, where she meets Red. Red belongs to the owner's daughter Beatrice who also attends Good Fences. Red has been unable to bond with anyone and hasn't allowed anyone to ride him for years, until he meets Merritt. Their bond quickly catches the attention of Beatrice's owner, a very wealthy business man who decides to fund Merritt and Red to compete in horse races around the United States. Merritt develops a friendship with Beatrice and also a possible love interest in her competition, a rider named Carvin. Red does not take lightly to Merritt's new found friendships, anyone who comes between himself and Merritt poses a threat and he will stop at nothing to keep the two of them together forever.
The book was extremely easy to read, fast paced and fun to read. I really enjoyed the changing POV between Merritt and Red. I loved Red's point of view, he was such a jerk and I was laughing at most of the things he thought about. I still don't know how I feel about Merritt... at times I found her very bland and boring but other times I really liked her as a character. The insta-love between Carvin and Merritt was a bit of a bummer to me, although it took awhile for their relationship to actually develop, the initial onset came way to quickly in my opinion. You could really tell that the author has an extensive knowledge about horses and equestrian lifestyle based off of the vocabulary she uses and her writing in general on the topic. The writing did occasionally go off on tangents that I didn't find relevant to the plot development, it was still an enjoyable read! I did feel like the plot was a bit too far-fetched and convenient at times though. I also found the ending to be unresolved, I really want to know what happens next with Merritt and Carvin! Overall, I enjoyed the story!
karenhopperusher's review against another edition
2.0
I liked the "horse that badly quotes lyrics" part, but the horse is a stand-in for an abusive lover. That's obvious from the advertising copy, but isn't handled with enough finesse or insight to transcend being a book that uses abuse for entertainment.
beccawithabook's review against another edition
3.0
**3.7/5 stars
This is the first book I've ever read about a horse and the story was crazy addicting. I read the entire book in one sitting. The unique thing about this book is not only is it told from two POVs but one of them is from the perspective of the horse. I thought that was done really well. However, the ending felt very unresolved.
This is the first book I've ever read about a horse and the story was crazy addicting. I read the entire book in one sitting. The unique thing about this book is not only is it told from two POVs but one of them is from the perspective of the horse. I thought that was done really well. However, the ending felt very unresolved.
morgancmorgal's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up this book because I was a fan of the Gossip Girl series, and I was curious to see how the author would handle a darker and more complex story. I was not disappointed. Dark Horses is a gripping and emotional tale of a troubled girl and a misunderstood horse, and their journey to find themselves and each other.
Merritt Wenner is a 17-year-old who has lost her way after the death of her beloved grandmother and horse. She acts out in self-destructive ways, such as skipping the SATs and getting drunk. Her parents, who are too busy and distant to care, send her to an equine therapy program in Connecticut, hoping to fix her. There, she meets Red, a former racehorse who has been abused and neglected by his previous owners. Red is a rebel and a loner, who doesn't trust anyone or let anyone ride him. But Merritt sees something in him that no one else does, and they form a bond that changes their lives.
With the help of a mysterious benefactor, Merritt and Red enter the competitive horse show circuit, where they face new challenges and temptations. Merritt finds herself torn between Carvin, a charming and talented rider who is her rival on the course, and Beatrice, a sweet and supportive groom who works at the barn. Red, meanwhile, becomes jealous and possessive of Merritt, and will stop at nothing to keep her to himself. As their relationship intensifies, Merritt and Red must confront their past traumas, their inner demons, and their true feelings for each other.
Dark Horses is a captivating and compelling read, with vivid and realistic characters, settings, and dialogue. The author does a great job of portraying the world of horse shows, with its glamour, drama, and politics. She also explores the themes of addiction, recovery, identity, and love, with sensitivity and insight. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Merritt and Red, which adds depth and suspense to the plot. I especially enjoyed reading Red's chapters, as they gave me a glimpse into his mind and heart, and made me empathize with him more.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the ending, which felt rushed and unsatisfying. I won't spoil it, but I will say that I was hoping for a different outcome for Merritt and Red, and I was left feeling disappointed and confused. I think the author could have done a better job of wrapping up their story, and giving them some closure and hope.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses, romance, or psychological thrillers. It is a dark and twisted version of Black Beauty, with a touch of Romeo and Juliet. It is not for the faint of heart, as it contains some scenes of violence and abuse. But it is also a powerful and moving story, that will make you think and feel. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
Merritt Wenner is a 17-year-old who has lost her way after the death of her beloved grandmother and horse. She acts out in self-destructive ways, such as skipping the SATs and getting drunk. Her parents, who are too busy and distant to care, send her to an equine therapy program in Connecticut, hoping to fix her. There, she meets Red, a former racehorse who has been abused and neglected by his previous owners. Red is a rebel and a loner, who doesn't trust anyone or let anyone ride him. But Merritt sees something in him that no one else does, and they form a bond that changes their lives.
With the help of a mysterious benefactor, Merritt and Red enter the competitive horse show circuit, where they face new challenges and temptations. Merritt finds herself torn between Carvin, a charming and talented rider who is her rival on the course, and Beatrice, a sweet and supportive groom who works at the barn. Red, meanwhile, becomes jealous and possessive of Merritt, and will stop at nothing to keep her to himself. As their relationship intensifies, Merritt and Red must confront their past traumas, their inner demons, and their true feelings for each other.
Dark Horses is a captivating and compelling read, with vivid and realistic characters, settings, and dialogue. The author does a great job of portraying the world of horse shows, with its glamour, drama, and politics. She also explores the themes of addiction, recovery, identity, and love, with sensitivity and insight. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Merritt and Red, which adds depth and suspense to the plot. I especially enjoyed reading Red's chapters, as they gave me a glimpse into his mind and heart, and made me empathize with him more.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the ending, which felt rushed and unsatisfying. I won't spoil it, but I will say that I was hoping for a different outcome for Merritt and Red, and I was left feeling disappointed and confused. I think the author could have done a better job of wrapping up their story, and giving them some closure and hope.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horses, romance, or psychological thrillers. It is a dark and twisted version of Black Beauty, with a touch of Romeo and Juliet. It is not for the faint of heart, as it contains some scenes of violence and abuse. But it is also a powerful and moving story, that will make you think and feel. I give it 4 stars out of 5.
zoephee's review against another edition
2.0
This book was really dark. I wanted to like it and I did like some of it but overall it was either cheesy or depressing. Trigger warning for a lot of death and suicide themes. Trigger warning for alcoholism and drug use. I didn't feel like the ending was very well done and it was frustrating that we didn't get to see more of what happened to the characters. I hated the parents in this book so much, they were so selfish and awful. They just let their daughter drop out of school and go off with some stranger to compete in horse shows? Seriously? Ugh... It was okay but comparing this book to Black Beauty is not realistic in any way.