The following review of Eclipsed by Shadow appeared in the February 21, 2009 issue of the Weatherford Daily News.
Dee Ann Ray | Books are my Bag
Fantasy and horse lovers of all ages will enjoy a new book titled “Eclipsed by Shadow, the Legend of the Great Horse”, written by John Royce. This is book one of a projected three book series.
It is published by Micron Press, 71 Prince Street, Suite #35, Boston, MA 02113. Micron Press has a website which will accept email at inquiries@micronpress.com.
Megan, her mother Jennifer and father Tom Roberts live on a farm which allows them to have a horse named ‘Moose’. Jennifer raised ‘Moose’. She and her daughter share the love of horses and are excited about the upcoming birth of Moose’s foal.
“Legend of the Great Horse” begins with the death of ‘Moose’ in order to save the life of her foal. The beautiful foal is a palomino, unusual for a thoroughbred horse. The foal survives and thrives. Megan and Jennifer name the foal ‘Bright Promise’. Tom loves Megan and Jennifer and pays the horse bills.
The body of the story begins three years later when the vet clears ‘Bright Promise’ for riding. Lurking through the years awaiting the development of the foal is someone who sees all kinds of racing purses attached to the hoofs of Bright Promise. At first opportunity, the thief steals the horse. The horse outwits the crook to return home, but is quickly found by the thief. Megan is drawn into the drama when she is delighted to see the return of her beloved horse, but can see ‘Bright Promise’ has been mistreated.
The thief arrives to take the horse again and threatens both Megan and ‘Bright Promise’ with a gun. Seeing an opportunity to jump a fence and escape, Megan throws herself on her horse’s back. To Megan’s surprise, ‘Bright Promise’ not only jumps the space, but goes back in time with Megan aboard. So begins the adventure of tracing the history of horses.
A glossary of horse terms is included for those who need it.
This book can be obtained at your favorite bookstore/on-line book source, library or directly from Micron Press at the address given earlier in this column.
Eclipsed by Shadow is the first book of the new fiction trilogy, The Legend of the Great Horse, arriving this Summer with a fresh and original look at the colorful role of horses in civilization. The story follows the time-travel adventure of a modern horsewoman lost in history.
Further information about this unique historical fiction novel can be found at TheGreatHorse.com.