The Horse Road

June 15, 2012
The first of a projected trio of horse-centered historical novels takes readers to a central Asia of some 2,000 years ago. To 14-year-old Kallisto's wealthy trader father, she is a plump peach, soft and lovely; to her horse-trainer mother, a former slave, she is a warrior yet unproven. Kalli, shy and stammering everywhere but on a horse, begins to prove herself when she and her friend Batu catch a glimpse over a mountainside of thousands of Middle Kingdom warriors preparing to attack their town. Servants herd the family's elite horses to safety inside the walls, but Kalli herself barters for their food and water, shields them and cares for them; when her own mare, Swan, is stolen, she dons armor and weapons and rides to the rescue. In the end, she wins Swan not in battle, but through shrewd bargaining--the true daughter of both her parents. Harrison's story is based upon a historical battle in 102 B.C. between soldiers of Chinese emperor Wu-Ti and inhabitants of the city of Ferghana. The emperor wanted the golden-hued Persian horses, ancestors of today's Akhal-Teke breed; the siege ended diplomatically with the opening of the famous Silk Road. Harrison's impressive research brings this relatively unknown era to life; her characters ring true, and Kallisto's equestrian abilities, while impressive, are fully credible. The opening chapters, however, are both confusing and chaotic, with few cues to orient young readers to time and place. Overall, an exciting adventure. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)

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September 1, 2012

Gr 5 Up-A horse race grabs readers at the outset of this novel set in ancient Persia, but it becomes secondary once Kalli and her friend Batu realize that the Chinese army is marching toward Kalli's village, endangering the lives of the villagers and Kalli's family's prized horses. Her mother is injured and her father is away, so the brave girl must rely on the skills her parents have taught her. She secures the horses, including her beloved mare, and musters up the courage to confront unsavory characters both inside and outside her village to save the animals. Kalli's character has the most depth, though readers will find her friends bring levity and warmth to her story and challenge her to take risks and grow in ways she may not have on her own. In the end, it is her mother's approval that is most satisfying to the young heroine. The writing feels forced when the characters and the scenery are introduced, but the rich storytelling, including descriptions of daily life and the landscape, and some impressive riding sequences, propel the action forward. Historical and cultural details are well integrated, as are facts about horses, and Harrison provides further information in the afterword. This novel, with its strong female protagonist and suspenseful sequences, may appeal to a broad range of readers.-Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2012
Grades 4-7 Shy 14-year-old Kalli leads a privileged life in a small city in central Asia called Ershi. A talented equestrienne, she finds joy riding her beloved white mare, Swan, but dreads her arranged marriage to Arash and life without freedom. Then the Chinese army invades Ershi, seeking the famed Persian horses, and Swan is taken. As war intensifies and the city becomes increasingly isolated, Kalli must find confidence and use her wits and skills, as she embarks on a dangerous quest to help those she loves (and save Swan). First published in Germany in 2011, this engaging novel, set in second-century BC, features an appealing protagonist whose journey also becomes one of self-discovery. Densely descriptive prose, rife with historical and equine detail for horse-fiction fans, vividly portrays aspects of daily life and culture. Strong supporting characters include Kalli's brave, former-slave mother and her loyal, lively friend Batu. An endnote provides background on locales, events, and Persian-horse history. This is the first title in a planned trio.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)