Just when Alex could hardly stand waiting another second to test for her jockey license, a brutal attack sends her spiraling into a depression. She’s a failure as a person, a rider and friend. Even Dejado and Carol can’t seem to reach her. Can they help her pull through, and realize her potential in time to get Venus Nights ready for her first race?On the heels of Joanna Campbell’s beloved … beloved Thoroughbred Series, and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion, comes a brand new teen equestrian series that will sweep you away like a runaway Thoroughbred.
more
This is the first book in the series I read, and loved it. It touched on some very sensitive subjects which came out as a positive in the end. I learned a lot about jockeys and what they have to go through just to race a great horse.
I recommend this book to everyone who likes adventure and love horses. Very good on the edge of your seat book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Could not put the book down until completed,great reading.
This book takes on issues that today”s schools really need to put in the for front to stop bulling and abuse in the schools.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an intense and interesting story of adolescence, and how hard it is to get through it. It has a great storyline and interesting characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
This book was given to me by booksprout. I am leaving this review freely. This story is amazing. This is the first book I have read in this series. I will be reading the others but this story tells so much. We all need something to fight for and to live for. Definitely read this book. I enjoyed it and hope you do as well.
Powerful! This is the first NorthOak book I have read. I found it to be a powerful story that tore at my heartstrings, got me mad as hell, and made me weeping in both sadness and joy. I definitely want to read more about these characters!
Against All Odds
This is the sixth book in the series but the first I’ve read. Boy am I sorry I haven’t been involved from the start! There is clearly a lot of background, much of which gets filled in at least enough to follow the story line, and such an amazing amount of . . . stuff . . . for Alex to carry along with her. She already has major issues with her self identity and then she is brutally raped by someone she trusted; all this before the book even starts. Sweet sixteen is a very rough age to begin with, hormones and all, and coping with PTSD and bad decisions–wow! So be prepared for a very intense read, a heroine you want to shake and yell at (“Don’t go in the haunted house!”) but for whom you can feel empathy and cheer on.
My first excellent read from author Ann Hunter. As a child, I loved Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series & this is in the same vein. I just came into this series on book #5 and was delighted to find I own books #1, #2 & #3 so I’ll definitely be reading more Ann Hunter
A literary classic in the making and must read book for any young adult! I found Dark Horse: North Oak #6 by Ann Hunter to be an independent gem of a book within the North Oak series. In my opinion, this book’s literary chops are along the lines of other literary series’ classics that I read as a young adult such as: Ann of Green Gables, Pollyanna, and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. I would must definitely recommend this book for anyone young adult and above.
The plot of North Oak #6: Dark Horse by Ann Hunter is a heart stopping and inspiring tale of how every underdog can make a difference. It follows one young women’s journey from victim to victor. This stand alone book is the sixth book in a young adult series that deals with the emotions engendered by various types of loss. It can be read alone or as part of the series. The story opens as Alex, an orphan, has to overcome a devastating act perpetrated against her by a fellow student at her school. This book shows Alex’s feelings of loss, low self esteem, and self doubt after the crime had been committed. The plot realistically shows how a crime victim can go through various stages, including but not limited to: feeling a loss of control, anger, and depression. By the end of the story, you see one young women’s heart rendering and inspirational journey from victim to victor.
Dark Horse (North Oak book 6) by Ann Hunter is another exceptional book in this series. You are still following Alex and her love of horses. She has some terrible issues she must deal with in this story that are real life and can be hard for some but Alex prevails and continues with the help of her friends and her horses.
A well written story about bullying, it’s consequences and the courage to stand up to the bully. Alex’s struggles and emotions are raw and real, I was crying along with her and rooting for! Alex’s love and care of the horses and her training for her Jockey license added to the beauty of this young adult novel. With the help of her friends can Alex get back to her dreams? I highly recommend this engaging young adult book to teen age girls, it is encouraging without being preachy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is a great book with multiple real lessons that can be learned from it. I highly recommend it. I find the life lessons in this book was handle delicately enough without over simplifying it. I enjoyed reading about the horses and training involved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first of the series I read, but I could not put it down! Lots of interesting details about what goes into being both a Jockey & training to be a Jockey. Alex’s emotions are all over the place after her brutal attack. Her Filly Venus & stallion Promenade are all that keep her grounded. I cried when she had the accident on Promenade, I was elated at times. I felt like I WAS Alex. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Wonderful cliffhanger ending! Very good writing & easy for teens & young adults to read & understand.
I received this as a free book via BookSprout in return for honest review.