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Thoroughbred #38
Down to the Wire
Wonder's Star has returned to Whitebrook Farm, and Christina Reese is thrilled to have him home again. But if Star doesn't win one of his first two races, Townsend Acres will take him back forever. Christina isn't a jockey yet -- the thought of racing terrifies her -- but Star won't run well for anyone else. Will Christina have to become Star's jockey in order to save him? Read the Wonder's Legacy trilogy from Thoroughbred and experience the powerful bond between a determined girl and a very special colt. If you love horses, then you'll love these books!
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 27, 2024
The cover gives the whole book away, so you can safely skip this and not miss a damn thing in the later books of the series. The cover artist seemed to use a photo of Secretariat as a model for Wonder's Star, which was just a tad presumptuous. This cover winds up being the best thing about this book. Thoroughbred covers are notoriously awful, and the last book's was arguably the worst in the series, but this one was really good. I think the artist actually made an effort do a decent job, instead of just doing another job.
This book is the last in the Wonder's Legacy trilogy, noted for three things:
* This marks the beginning of the end for the series. It's not just downhill from here, but goes practically vertical.
* This kills off Wonder (what a brilliant move, HarperCollins, you evil fucks).
* This trilogy never mentions the horse Wonder's Legacy, Wonder's second to last foal.
Unless I'm mistaken (and I could be), this book marks the debut of the series' last main ghostwriter, Mary Newhall Anderson. She would also be the worst writer in the series, showing not only zero knowledge of horse racing, almost zero knowledge of the Thoroughbred series, but a distinct lack of imagination. This would be about the best book she wrote in the series, probably because the plot was handed to her on a plate.
The only other major point in the book, so brief it's barely mentioned, is that Christina sells Sterling. That's how little Sterling meant to her, since she is now so obsessed with Star. This is so obvious that even Parker points this out.
I think Kaitlyn is introduced here, although her name is spelled differently. She retires her horse from competition when he's 15, because he's "too old." No, it's not. As long as they're healthy, horses can competitively show in their 20s.
Besides Star and Sterling, other horses who appear include Foxglove, Rascal and Sassy.
This book is the last in the Wonder's Legacy trilogy, noted for three things:
* This marks the beginning of the end for the series. It's not just downhill from here, but goes practically vertical.
* This kills off Wonder (what a brilliant move, HarperCollins, you evil fucks).
* This trilogy never mentions the horse Wonder's Legacy, Wonder's second to last foal.
Unless I'm mistaken (and I could be), this book marks the debut of the series' last main ghostwriter, Mary Newhall Anderson. She would also be the worst writer in the series, showing not only zero knowledge of horse racing, almost zero knowledge of the Thoroughbred series, but a distinct lack of imagination. This would be about the best book she wrote in the series, probably because the plot was handed to her on a plate.
The only other major point in the book, so brief it's barely mentioned, is that Christina sells Sterling. That's how little Sterling meant to her, since she is now so obsessed with Star. This is so obvious that even Parker points this out.
I think Kaitlyn is introduced here, although her name is spelled differently. She retires her horse from competition when he's 15, because he's "too old." No, it's not. As long as they're healthy, horses can competitively show in their 20s.
Besides Star and Sterling, other horses who appear include Foxglove, Rascal and Sassy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2014
I love how there is a lot of decision and courage in this book for Christina.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews