The Golden Spark by John Allen Royce has been named an Independent Publisher Highlighted Title for August 2011. (see online)

The Independent Publisher (IP) Highlighted Title designation honors newly-published books exhibiting superior levels of creativity, originality, and high standards of design and production quality.

The honor is awarded each month to the top new US titles published in the USA by independent publishers, selecting the best of new independent books each month. Being chosen as an Independent Publisher Highlighted Title brings well-deserved attention to the book, author, and publisher.

The Golden Spark is Book 2 of an award-winning trilogy adventure into mankind’s past, The Legend of the Great Horse. A horse-loving teenager is lost in history with only her knowledge of horsemanship to help her survive. Sequel to Eclipsed by Shadow, winner of the 2009 Eric Hoffer Award for YA Fiction.

Second salvo in an excellent Young Adult series for horse afficionados

Let me state at the outset that this is a rip-snorting tale and an overall fun read. The author is very proficient in his craft and there is little to quibble about the structure, pace, language, and overall writing of this book. I continue to be impressed with the quality of the writing and rhetoric.

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As a child, I found Farley’s Black Stallion series to be thoroughly dull. Royce brings a detail, and supplies historic context, in a way that should be interesting to any reader. When next I have the chance to observe dressage I will bring with me a touch more understanding of the art, thanks to the author of this book.

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I’m greatly looking forward to the eventual conclusion of this series, and expect that the trilogy will become at least a minor classic, if not a more respected work over time.

Tally ho!

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Eclipsed by Shadow won the national Eric Hoffer Award for YA Fiction, and Gold in the Mom’s Choice for best YA Fantasy. The book begins a trilogy adventure about a teenaged rider, Meagan, who discovers a horse that takes her back in history.

“NEER actively rescues horses from a variety of situations, including owner surrenders, abuse and neglect situations, and horses at risk for slaughter. NEER provides sanctuary and rehabilitation in foster homes with the intention of adoption into new families as appropriate. ” – from the NEER website

Emily Hinton for the US Review of Books

Eclipsed by Shadow, the first installment of Royce’s Legend of the Great Horse trilogy transforms a majestic beast into a thrilling and intelligent fantasy. The story focuses on Meagan, a twelve-year-old girl, and her foal, Promise. As the two grow older, it becomes clear to Meagan that Promise is a horse of legendary potential, and when ridden, Promise takes Meagan on a journey through time. Meagan must use her knowledge of horsemanship to survive as she joins in periods of remote human history and sees the roles horses have played. The Great Horse is actually a Pegasus who drops her into ancient history to fend for herself. Perils await a young girl with no money, no family, and only her wits and knowledge of horses to help her survive as she battles to return to her own time.

Royce is targeting teens, but the story is accessible to a wider range of readers. The action and thrills of the story are subtly interspersed with colorfully drawn history lessons perfect for engaging readers, and the writing delivers such elegant turns of phrase as to keep teens and adults intrigued. Royce is even makes a quiet ploy for the mainstream teaching of Latin, but in a way that makes the language vibrant. As the summer gets underway, Royce has provided a great blend of academic and adventurous reading that is beach-ready.

Guess it’s time to get on with it … it’s a new season coming now…

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus

‘Eclipsed by Shadow’ Wins Eric Hoffer Book Award for Young Adult (YA) Fiction

Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 27, 2009 — John Royce’s debut novel “Eclipsed by Shadow” has won the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Young Adult (YA) Fiction. The Hoffer Award is presented each year to honor freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit.

“Eclipsed by Shadow” is the first book of a new fiction adventure trilogy, “The Legend of the Great Horse,” a fun and engaging portrayal of the history of horsemanship in civilization. This volume begins the journey of a modern-day teenager traveling back in time to explore how horses were used in the past. History comes alive as readers encounter prehistoric horse-hunts and experience the hysteria and thrills of chariot racing, ride with the thundering hordes of Genghis Khan and witness the pageantry of jousting.

Vivid writing and colorful characters (both two- and four-legged) create a fresh, page-turning adventure that educates as it entertains. Library Journal recommends the book, saying “Veteran horseman Royce combines history and myth with action and adventure to create a fast-paced, well-informed tale…” and other critics have ponied up their praise:  “Sure to Please!” (Midwest Book Review), “Lots of Horsepower Here!” (Free Lance-Star) and “One of those works you will remember forever.” (2009 Reader Views Literary Award review)

The author, John Royce, is a horseman from Texas with over 25 years of experience in competitive riding, training horses and coaching students. His unique story is the product of 10 years of research. Mr. Royce explains the enduring popularity of horses: “Horses have been with mankind since the beginning–the history of horses is the history of civilization.” The author currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

The story is a delightful read for history buffs and horse fans alike, Young Adult (YA) 15+ to adult.

Eclipsed by Shadow (Micron Press | 2008) by John Royce
ISBN 978-0-9724121-3-1
292 Pages, Softcover $15.95

ISBN 978-0-9724121-5-5
304 Pages, Hardcover $24.95

Contact the Publisher:

Micron Press
71 Prince Street, #35
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 301-2901

First Chapter, Bio, Press Kit, and more online at: www.TheGreatHorse.com

Review copies available on request.