fantasy – Page 7 – THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT HORSE trilogy

“Eclipsed by Shadow” named a Finalist in ReaderViews 2009 Literary Awards

The first book of the historical fiction trilogy, “Eclipsed by Shadow” has been named a finalist in the annual Reader Views 2009 Literary Awards. The work by first-time author John Allen Royce was one of four finalists in the Fantasy category. The title was co-nominated for Historical Fiction and General Fiction.

The Reader Views annual literary awards honor writers who have their books published by a small press or independent book publisher. The awards are judged by a panel of independent judges, and the results will be announced by March 15, 2009.

Bookwatch: “Well written, exceptional story, interesting characters, and a learning experience”

In this book I learned so much about [the horse’s] past and what an important role they played in the development of mankind. Some of the events left me disturbed, others were intense, but each episode was definitely a learning experience. The characters were well developed and the locals were defined in an exceptional way, definitely bringing you right in the center of the action.—Shirley Johnson, Bookwatch

March 2, 2009 | The following is a new review of Eclipsed by Shadow by Shirley Johnson, Senior Reviewer for The Bookwatch at Midwest Book Review.

Shirley Johnson | MBR Bookwatch

Meagan, like her mother, loves horses. When a new foal is born and the foal’s mother dies Meagan begins a bond with this horse that will take her on an adventure of a lifetime.

A mysterious neighborhood lady shares with Meagan and her mother a legend, one of “The Great Horse,” a horse that has been part of history since the beginning of man. A horse that is supernatural, one that was meant to help Adam and Eve. She tells them she believes Meagan’s horse may well be the next “Great Horse.” Meagan’s mother dismisses this tale as just a myth, but Meagan is not so sure.

It seems others are interested in her horse as well and plan to have him at any cost.This puts Meagan and the horse in grave danger. While trying to escape from a horse abduction, Meagan mounts her horse and to her surprise is taken to flight above the earth, and travels in time, and so Meagan and her horse begin the ride of their lives and the adventures begin. We are taken from prehistoric America, to Rome and medieval times, and are introduced to characters both cruel and tender as Meagan desperately tries to piece together what is happening and bring both herself and her horse safely home. Quite a ride!

I enjoyed this book. I really had no idea of the extent the subject matter would have in educating me to the history of the horse. I truly admire horses, although I have never been one to ride them, I have always enjoyed their beauty. In this book I learned so much about their past and what an important role they played in the development of mankind. Some of the events left me disturbed, others were intense, but each episode was definitely a learning experience. The characters were well developed and the locals were defined in an exceptional way, definitely bringing you right in the center of the action.

Final analysis: Well written, exceptional story, interesting characters, and a learning experience. It doesn’t get much better than that.

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 and imaginative ‘creative non-fiction’ novel can be found at TheGreatHorse.com.

Weatherford Daily News: Fantasy & horse lovers of all ages will enjoy “Eclipsed by Shadow”

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.—Dee Ann Ray, “Books are my Bag” Weatherford Daily News

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.

Further information about this unique historical fiction novel can be found at TheGreatHorse.com.

Legend Sends Girl on Time-Travel Journey

– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (via PRWeb) –

Contact: Robert Hall
Tel: 617/301-2901
Email: R_Hall@MicronPress.com

Mysterious Horse Legend Sends Girl on Time-Travel Journey

Once there was a Great Horse–so the legends say according to one elderly woman. But Meagan cannot believe her horse, Promise, is the one the legend speaks about. Then dishonest horse trainers try to steal Promise, and Meagan’s rescue efforts send her on a most unexpected adventure.

BOSTON, MA September 18, 2008 — Horses have been mankind’s companions since the dawn of civilization. Today many people no longer have relationships with horses, but author John Royce reminds us how closely people and horses have always been linked in Eclipsed by Shadow: The Legend of the Great Horse, Book I of III (ISBN 9780972412131, Micron Press 2008).

When Meagan Robert’s horse, Promise, is born, everyone is interested in the special palomino, especially Ms. Bridgestone, who tells Meagan the legend of the Great Horse throughout history. Ms. Bridgestone believes Promise is the next in line of the Great Horses, but Meagan cannot believe it until crooked horse trainers attempt to steal Promise. Trying to protect her horse, Meagan mounts and is astonished when Promise sprouts wings and turns into “The Great Horse.”

Meagan’s astonishment has only begun. Soon she finds herself traveling back in time to 20,000 B.C. and then forward through history, learning how the horse has been used since the dawn of civilization. She becomes a Roman slave tending chariot racing horses, and visits the Crusades where horses were blindfolded to participate in jousting matches. Throughout her experiences, Meagan uses her 21st century equine insight to survive while helping people understand the true nature of horses.

Eclipsed by Shadow is Book I of III in the “Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy. The legend of the Great Horse is one of an angel who asked to serve mankind when Adam and Eve were cast from Eden. The Lord granted the wish by turning the angel into the Great Horse. Since that time, the Great Horse has returned again and again to serve humanity. This first exciting volume tells the story of the Great Horse through the Middle Ages, while successive volumes will carry the story back up to the twenty-first century.

Author John Royce spent considerable time studying the historical role of horses in cultures throughout the world–from food for prehistoric man to their role in warfare and sport. Royce states that he wrote Eclipsed by Shadow because “the horse is our common legacy” and he wants to remind people no longer familiar with horses of that important relationship. Readers will find themselves caught up in both the instructive history and the fascinating historical episodes Meagan and Promise witness. The novel’s sequels will be eagerly awaited.

About the Author

John Royce is a writer and horseman from Texas who now lives in Boston, Massachusetts. The move to Boston fueled his interest in history, which he combined with his twenty years of training and competitive riding to create his spell binding ode to horsemanship, Eclipsed by Shadow.

Eclipsed by Shadow: The Legend of the Great Horse, Book I of III
(ISBN 9780972412131, Micron Press 2008) can be purchased through local and online bookstores.

For more information, visit www.TheGreatHorse.com.
Publicity contact: Robert Hall (617) 301-2901