On the island of Thisby, the November tides bring the Capaill Uisce, predatory water horses that emerge from the sea with a hunger for human flesh. Puck Connolly is the first woman to enter the Scorpio Races, riding her land pony, Dove, to win the prize money needed to save her family home. She competes against Sean Kendrick, a taciturn four-time champion who shares a spiritual bond with his fierce stallion, Corr. As the race approaches, the two must train their mounts while navigating the lethal nature of the horses and the island's ruthless local politics.
Readers of young adult fantasy and folklore-driven fiction choose this story for its visceral atmosphere and slow-burning tension. It appeals to those who appreciate grounded world-building where magic carries a high physical cost. The audience gains a stark look at the necessity of courage in the face of poverty and the internal conflict between personal survival and the love of a dangerous creature. You finish the book with a clear understanding of how shared hardship builds trust between rivals.
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- ISBN
- 9780545224901
- Language
- EN
