Eclipsed by Shadow: The Legend of the Great Horse (Book 1)
4/5
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About this ebook
"Eclipsed by Shadow" is the award-winning 1st volume of "The Legend of the Great Horse" trilogy, a time-travel adventure about a young woman lost in history ... with only the knowledge of modern horsemanship to help her survive. Recommended by Library Journal; Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the Mom's Choice Award (Gold) for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.
John Allen Royce
John Royce is a writer and horseman who was born in California and grew up in Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas/Austin, where he started the school’s first Equestrian Club and organized a national intercollegiate show jumping competition.Work in systems implementation brought Mr. Royce to Boston in the mid-90’s, where the colorful old city sparked a passion for history that inspired The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy. Today Mr. Royce works to finish the trilogy, and to connect with readers and fans of history and horses.
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Reviews for Eclipsed by Shadow
13 ratings13 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Eclipsed by Shadowby: John Allen RoyceI won this book from a Library Thing giveawayEclipsed by Shadow is a Historical/ Fantasy/ Time Travel novel. This is book 1 in the time travel trilogy. This book is recommended for ages 15 to adult. And has also won some pretty major awards. The Eric Hoffer Award and Gold Moms Choice.Meagan Roberts discovers that her horse "Promise" is the "Great Horse" when she tries to save her horse from thieves. This horse travels back through time when she rides him.Through the travel, Meagan learns about the horses role through time. How our relationship with horses has changed through the years.This book will be a must-have for horse enthusiests, but it's aslo a great Historical novel for all the others. I found this book to be very captivating and really kept my interst throughout. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I will highly recommend this book to friends.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a horse person, or young adult, but the story and action sequences kept me glued. I should also say that this was my second reading of the book, which I enjoyed even more than the first!Megan, a horse obsessed young girl, gets a foal of her own, and learns all about taking care of the young horse, training it, waiting to ride it until it physically matures (leg bones harden). But Promise is no ordinary horse. After several unsuccessful attempts by mysterious characters to acquire Promise, both by honest and illegal means Megan learns of the Legend of the Great Horse. Born on earth, descended from angels (with wings) sent to help mankind through some tough times, they become almost our equine guardian angels.But this couldn't be her horse, could it?During a botched attempt to take her horse by force, Meagan mounts Promise meaning to lead them both away from danger. But she gets so much more in the bargain! Using her modern skills both as a young adult and an equestrian she travels through several periods in history, tracing how the horse has impacted our civilization's development. From early man, to Rome, the Tartars and finally the Dark Ages, Megan navigates through history trying to get herself and Promise home to the present time.First of a trilogy, this volume introduces the characters, the general plot and we're off! Certainly knowledge of horsemanship is helpful, but is not essential. The author skillfully carries the reader along on an incredible journey, made more believable by his skillful use of horse 'ology', common sense and good old fahioned action. Granted, the time travel angle was a bit much to swallow, but once past that you learn about the relationship between horses and history. This book grabbed my interest early on and kept me intrigued throughout. Aimed towards young adult readers, I think if you have an interest in horses and history give "Eclipsed by Shadow" a try. Myself, I'm looking forward to the second volume "The Golden Spark" anxiously.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Very Good Book! I like horses, but this book really goes into alot of depth. Personally this was not an easy read for me as I kept having to go back and re-read sections. However If you like Horses this book would be one I highly recommend reading.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was a fun way to learn about horses throughout history. The story was not exactly as I expected. History is not glossed over at all, but examined and lived by the heroine. I would like to read the rest of the series. It was enjoyable and educational. There were sections that are important to history, yet moved slower than the others. In the YA world, most would appreciate this book and want to learn more about horses after reading it. As an adult reader that enjoys YA books, I had a hard time with the brutality and expected the heroine to get raped almost every time period she visited. I am very glad the author did this as a YA book, and not a completely realistic historical story. Overall I think the love of horses comes through in this story, and I am looking forward to more from this author.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5An easy to read book with several different historical times visited. If you enjoy reading about horses and horse people this is a good book to read. I did not like the way it ended in a to be continued in the next book phrase.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This book has a lot of interesting facts about horses. Through out history there has been memorable horses. This book shows the lives of these Great Horses and the effect that they had in history. Meagan is lucky enough to have one of these Great Horses. With this Great Horse, she is transported through these times to see the lives of these amazing animals.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I received this book from Librarything member giveaway in exchange for an honest review.Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. There are a lot of strengths to this novel. It's engaging, especially for anyone who has ever been enthralled by horses (I definitely was!). It is very well researched- I was fascinated by the history of horses and how different cultures interacted and thought of them. I really enjoyed the elderly lady that took interest in the Legend of the great horse. And for the time travel, I thought that her time in Rome and her time in Asia, were exceptionally well done. I loved her interactions with Father Bartholemew and the kind gladiator in Rome. Finally, the book is well written.There are some downsides to this book, but this should not be an issue with the following novels in the trilogy. The problem was mainly Meagan going to time periods where A) it was so far in the past that language had not been developed yet or B) she did not speak the language (like in the Genghis Khan section). The lack of connection with other characters made it fall flat during this time, which is an issue that doesn't really have an easy solution. The author minimized this issue by making those sections much shorter, which was a very good idea. Again, I think that as Meagan gets closer to her own time, this will no longer be an issue.This novel is definitely a worthwhile read, and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I don't know if I will have enough adjectives to describe just how muchI LOVE THIS BOOK! Although I would like to apologize to the author John Royce first. I've had this book for quite a while and have just now got a chance to share my review ~ it's one that was worth the wait though! And just in time to TOP my GIFT-WORTHY list..Horse-crazy teenager Meagan Roberts is the proud owner of an amazingly rare Palomino Thoroughbred filly (girl horse) named "Promise". As Meagan dreams of the future and waits for Promise to grow enough to start training, many strange people start showing up and trying to buy the unusual filly from the Roberts family. The prices they offer are both staggering and suspicious. A strange old woman also comes to visit after the filly is born at dawn on June 21st ~ the summer solstice. She makes some odd comments before going on her way. There is a lot of interest in this "backyard" foal.Meagan receives an intriguing invitation for her and a guardian to luncheon at a mansion nearby. The mysterious hostess is Mrs. Bridgestone, the strange old lady who had come to see Promise. The reason for her interest becomes clear as she reveals that she believes Promise to be one of the legendary "Great Horses". These horses are those who were prominent in history, making their own marks along with humans and gods. Meagan believes Mrs. Bridgestone and wonders about the warning she gives her to not ride Promise. She feels this could bring darkness according to a hundred year old letter and verse written by the beloved horseman Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce :A hundred years hence on this westmost shore,The Great Horse comes to men once more.History lights the future's course,With lessons learned from the Horse;So born of loss and mother's grief,The Great Horse takes a might leap.Eclipsed by shadow, the golden sparkShall wing her rider into the dark.Meagan's mother Jennifer doesn't believe the legend, even though almost every line seems to be referring to Promise. Jennifer won't let Meagan see Mrs. Bridgestone after the visit because she thinks the old lady is crazy. I won't go too much into detail as to what occurs next, but Promise and Meagan start on a journey where they visit other 'Great Horses' and make their own mark on the past of both humans and equines.The author is obviously a horseman himself. He writes about horses, their care and behaviour with the authority of one who has lived with them. His writing is very clear and very engaging. I saw myself in Meagan as I was one of those kids who would spend 10 hours cleaning the barn before I'd spend 1 hour helping in the house. (I'm still that way I'm afraid.) She is an endearing and very likable guide on this horseback ride through time. History, fantasy, myth, adventure and proper equine care all shine brightly in this first book in the trilogy. Royce weaves all of these elements together beautifully and young readers probably won't even notice that they are learning about history and horse care while on this great ride back through time. I learned quite a bit myself and I grew up on a horse ranch with horses always in my life. This was a "can't put down" book for me.There is a very small bit of violence (as there always is when war is involved) but I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone over about 10 or 11. Especially horselovers or adventurers. Young horsemen and horsewomen will see themselves as I did in the bond that is shared by Meagan and Promise and that which Jennifer had shared with Moose ~ Promise's dam. (Dam is what the mare is called when she gives birth or foals.) This is definitely a book that adults and kids can both read and discuss. There is a thorough glossary in the back that would be an extremely useful tool for all. On the learning side, I think this would be a fantastic series for riding instructors and first time horse owners as well. For the adventure and fantasy lovers, some other readers have compared this to an equine version of the "Harry Potter" series. It's a fun and engrossing story that has just begun and none of us will want to end!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I checked this book out because I am expecting the second volume of this three volume series (The Legend of the Great Horse) as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. As a child, I was forced to read Walter Farley's The Black Stallion series. I found those books readable, but generally a bit dull. So I come into reading this series predisposed to dislike it, but have been genuinely pleased to find the first volume of this work to be exciting, readable, and far from dull.From the book's description I expected a young girl's lighthearted romp through history on the back of a winged horse. Accept that description at your peril. First, there is a lot of graphic violence (including references and threats to rape) so if you ARE looking for something lighter for your young ones (ages 11-16?) to read, this is not your book. The violence is not a criticism but a description for the potential reader to consider. Understand that if you're going to write about the use of horses throughout history that much of it is in the service of warfare. This work is a crisply written taut tale that moves along nicely. I finished its 273 pages in one sitting. The main thrust of the book falls in two areas: horses and horsemanship; world history. I personally found the author's expertise in horses and horsemanship to be the most compelling and interesting part of the book.Not formally being an historian, I'm loathe to criticize the historic aspects of this book, including accuracy and interpretation. I did find the settings interesting and compelling, but suspect that this is the area that will be most contentious amongst those who do have a deeper understanding of the specific time periods and the cultures in which the protagonist finds herself.I found myself continually impressed with the quality of the writing. Rhetorically, this is a well written, well edited book. Whatever quibbles one might have with the slippery facts of history (or horsemanship), this is a finely tuned tale that leaves me anticipating the sequel with a positive predisposition.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I won an early reviewer's copy from Library Thing . . . There are elements of this book that I really like and others that I believe make this a very flawed attempt. Firstly, the story is written in two distinct parts. The transition between the parts is not smooth so that they read as separate stories rather than one continuous tale. If this is a young adult novel, as it says it is, the purpose for the hero to begin his/her quest must be clear to the reader at the very beginning. We must want to go on the journey with him/her. Because we are not clear why this quest/journey must happen (or not happen as the book warns) the motivation to read on is slim. Secondly, the author is a lover of horses and clearly wishes to share his knowledge of history with his readership. The problem with this motivation for writing a story is that often (and it is the case here) the historical facts disrupt the story and have no importance to or seamless weaving into the plot. Because of that, the history becomes preachy and especially for young adult readers, the reader often loses interest. I wonder at the author's choice of a female hero. While I understand that perhaps he wanted to promote some women's lib here, his choice of companion characters--mostly men who one way or another fall in "love" with her--really illustrate the opposite. I do like the information about horses that is given. I find the descriptions within the "horse museum" to be fascinating and a lost opportunity to forward the plot. The characters have potential to be interesting but need further development. The best segment of the story is the last where the hero is sent to the Dark Ages. Much time is spent developing these characters and the story is interesting. However, what is portrayed in this section will appeal to an older reader not a teenager. The ending is a disaster! It ends mid-story with the pathetic explanation that the "saga" will continue in book 2. All good book series contain distinct stories within each installment. JK Rowling would NEVER leave a cliff hanger. It is just poor story-telling. What author John Royce needs is a good editor. Micron Press should know better. With a good editor this story can be made into a really good piece. As is, I cannot see it picking up any following. Certainly not for a series of installments. A real missed opportunity.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The book itself is well written and I found it to be very interesting. It is full of jaw-dropping action that is full of fascinating adventures, and the bits of history about horses intrigued me to the point I could not put the book down. The young girl "Meagan” takes on a whole new meaning of horsemanship as she travel in ancient and medieval cultures through time on a mystical horse called Promise. After reading Book One of this Trilogy I can't wait to get a hold of the second and third book. I can tell already that I would love to see this book made into a movie.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The beginning seemed a bit slow, but after that the book was very interesting. I particularly liked the idea of the plot, that a teenage girl travels through time, and the bits of history about horses added information that I have never seen in other historical fiction books.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Eclipsed by Shadow is the first book in the Great Horse Trilogy, an equestrian fantasy involving time travel.The premise is that a young girl by the name of Meagan comes into possession of a palomino foal whom she names "Promise." This foal has some special properties about her, particularly the fact that she seems to fulfill an ancient prophecy about the Great Horse, a sort of Eternal Champion of horses, reborn each generation, inhabited by an angel that became the First Horse.Promise, as it turns out, is the Great Horse reborn, but with a very ominous prophecy attached to her. Her rider will travel through time and see all the major events in history in which horses were ill treated.Needless to say, Meagan happens to ride Promise while escaping some horse thieves, and finds herself in a primitive, prehistoric hunter-gatherer civilization, in which the daily special is horse meat.In order to travel to the next era, she must locate that era's Great Horse, and learn some valuable lesson along the way. Kind of like Quantum Leap, only with horses.The book itself is well written and interesting. My only complaint, which kept me from enjoying this book as much as I could, was the fact that though a prophecy drove the mystical events of the story, there wasn't much reason behind the prophecy. It made the events in the book feel cheapened, as it seemed as if Meagan was leaping through time as a platform to show why cruelty to horses is bad, which while a noble goal, makes for a dull premise by itself.But other than that, the book was convincingly written from both a historical and equestrian point of view, showing me that the author really knew what he was writing about.If you are an equestrian nut, you'll most definitely enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy history or fantasy. If you're picking this up expecting it to be the next Harry Potter, however, you may be disappointed. Likewise, some of the depictions of horse treatment through history are a bit graphic, so parents should definitely read this book before giving it to their eager horse-loving children.