Reader reviewed by K. J. Defatte "Cocoskeeper"

A Horse is a Horse, Of Course... Or Is It?
I'm talking about the young adult book, HORSE PASSAGES, by Jennifer Macaire.

I'll admit it... At first I hesitated to read this book. I've never been a huge, Horses Rule gal. But guess what-it's the human characters who rule this book (although the horses do make wonderful companions and add a necessary thrill to the story).

Jennifer Macaire seamlessly weaves in factual details about horses-riding them and their care-without ever losing focus of the story itself. As a non-horse-knowing gal, I enjoyed feeling a part of the herders' lifestyle. I never once felt as if I were an outsider looking in. Now that's good storytelling. And hey, if you ARE a Horses Rule gal or guy-you'll find even more pleasure from this book!

Orphaned twins, Meagan and Carl Cadet, share an honored path-they're horse herders. But the horses they herd are unique, for each horse grows beautiful clusters of unicorn-like horns made of living quartz. Like fingerprints, each is dazzlingly different from the other. The horses use these horns to travel through mystic passages, finding new planets for humans to colonize. Meagan and Carl are two fine, teenaged equestrians who make perfect caregivers for these unusual horses-if they can avoid the merciless Raiders....

Raiders stalk horse herders-capturing them to work their mines-using them until death finally takes the poor humans away from their endless misery. For once taken, no human is able to escape the brutal grasp of these mysterious aliens.

HORSE PASSAGES is divided into two books-both intertwined. Book I follows Meagan as she faces the terror that took both of her parents and her little sister-the Raiders. Carl is left behind, fearing the worst. He can't save her... Meagan must save herself.

Book II follows Carl as he faces his own frightening reality-falling off a horse during mid-passage. He will die, unless he follows the light....

Each twin's story in HORSE PASSAGES sends the reader into a whirlwind of emotions-just what I like! Each twin is well defined, written to be accessible and intimate with the reader.

HORSE PASSAGES is an exciting young adult read I highly recommend!

P.S. To Readers-there's a twist at the end of Book II... It's left a strong impression with me that I would say leaves me feeling both anxious and exuberant.

P.S. P.S. To Jennifer Macaire-I want more!!!!

"Reprinted here with author's permission."