THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT HORSE trilogy | Blog
Eclipsed by Shadow • The Golden Spark • Into the Dark
Pre-orders for Book II: “The Golden Spark” (2nd volume of The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy) begin Sept 25, 2010 …
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The author, John Allen Royce, will be attending the annual New England Booksellers Assoc. conference (Sept 30 – Oct 2)
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John Allen Royce is scheduled to host an Author Chat with members of LibraryThing the week of Oct. 18-25, 2010 …
… if nothing else, water was a softer landing than dirt. She took a breath, hitched up her nightgown and gently closed her hands around the horse’s knotted mane. – Eclipsed by Shadow (excerpt)
“A horse got me into this…”
The first thing would be to halter the horse, but Meagan had nothing to use for restraint. “I am not letting you get away,” she whispered to the mare. “I’d never catch you again.” She was positioned on the horse’s right side, of course—the wrong side to mount. Meagan’s next move was bound to be unwelcome.
Mounting in deep water is an old riding trick, or so Meagan had read. The idea sounded logical and, if nothing else, water was a softer landing than dirt. She took a breath, hitched up her nightgown and gently closed her hands around the horse’s knotted mane.
The first broodmare waded out of the water with a snort. This was the signal to depart and each horse ducked its head for a last drink. The little gray horse started back to shore, but before the animal could swing away Meagan pulled herself up and threw her leg over. She clasped her feet around the little horse’s belly and waited for the explosion.
It came quickly.
Book II: The Golden Spark will be published Fall 2010.
Read the 1st Chapter online!
Copyright © 2008 John Royce
In moments Meagan was down the stairs and out the back door. On the patio, still in her nightgown, she stopped in shock. The filly’s bridle was pulled halfway off and both reins had snapped. – Eclipsed by Shadow excerpt
Promise returns…
In moments Meagan was down the stairs and out the back door. On the patio, still in her nightgown, she stopped in shock. The filly’s bridle was pulled halfway off and both reins had snapped. Cuts covered her lower legs and a scrape along one shoulder was crusted with blood.
Promise’s nostrils dilated as she raised her head in jerks, backing a step. “Easy, girl,” Meagan soothed, approaching. “Let me clean you up and get you some food.”
“I am afraid there won’t be time.”
Meagan turned to see an unknown man standing beside Mr. Wells. The trainer held the most incongruous of objects—a gleaming handgun.
“Your horse came to say goodbye,” Mr. Wells said evenly. “She’s caused a bit of trouble.” As he stepped forward, Promise tensed and blew out strongly.
“How did she escape?” the second man asked anxiously. “The animal is a Houdini! Across all the traffic, too!”
Mr. Wells waved his gun toward Meagan. “It looks like that headpiece is about finished. Why don’t you find something else? Fast.”
“I do wish this wasn’t necessary,” the second man told her apologetically. “I wish I’d never seen a betting booth.”
Mr. Wells waved his gun again and Meagan ran out into the tack room, thinking in panicked flashes. Her parents were still upstairs asleep. If the men were going to hurt her or her family, they would have done so—they only wanted Promise and there was no time to do anything except cooperate.
Book II: The Golden Spark will be published Fall 2010.
John Royce’s debut novel “Eclipsed by Shadow” has won the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Young Adult (YA) Fiction for its fun and engaging portrayal of the history of horsemanship in civilization.
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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 $15.95ISBN 978-0-9724121-5-5
304 Pages, Hardcover $24.95Contact the Publisher:
Micron Press
71 Prince Street, #35
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 301-2901First Chapter, Bio, Press Kit, and more online at: www.TheGreatHorse.com
Review copies available on request.