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Horse Charmer
A gifted princess. A special horse. A quest for the truth.
At sixteen years old, Cassia would rather spend her days in the royal stables than in the royal court. But as the eldest child of King Robet and Queen Sarahann she obediently performs her duties as the Princess of Karah.
Her safe world changes forever when her father is murdered in the neighboring kingdom of Vespera. Cassia grapples with his loss as her mother prepares her for her new role as queen. Her first task - she must travel to Vespera to marry a prince she barely knows to fulfill the treaty her father signed just before his death.
Nothing is as simple as it seems with political intrigues and unusual powers shadowing Cassia on her search to find out who killed her father and why.
At sixteen years old, Cassia would rather spend her days in the royal stables than in the royal court. But as the eldest child of King Robet and Queen Sarahann she obediently performs her duties as the Princess of Karah.
Her safe world changes forever when her father is murdered in the neighboring kingdom of Vespera. Cassia grapples with his loss as her mother prepares her for her new role as queen. Her first task - she must travel to Vespera to marry a prince she barely knows to fulfill the treaty her father signed just before his death.
Nothing is as simple as it seems with political intrigues and unusual powers shadowing Cassia on her search to find out who killed her father and why.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultHorses
ebook
First published May 17, 2011
24 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Angelia Almos
17 books66 followersWriting Young Adult, Space Opera, and Horsey Nonfiction as Angelia Almos. Writing Steamy Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense as Angie Derek.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 14, 2011
I picked this book up on a whim and have to say it was a very good decision on my part. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The story was fun. The characters are well drawn and the relationships between them are concrete.
The story is of Princess Cassia. Her life is easy as any princess' would be, but there is more to her than that. She is bored and constrained in her place. Then with the death of her father her world comes crashing down. She is next in line to rule and due to a treaty is being forced to marry a prince from another kingdom to help bring peace to the region. But...and there is always a but, it is believed that the kings death was a murder and Cassia needs to understand why. She also has come to believe the treaty was forged so she shouldn't have to marry. She runs. Not really away but to find the truth and the reason for her father's death. With the help of several friends, one being a horse, she also learns that she has a gift, the ability to commune with horses.
The author did a fantastic job of weaving together all the points of this story. All the people, all the problems, all the magic just flowed and kept me captivated.
If I had to pick something that I didn't like, it would be it ended to fast, but then I am greedy like that. Lets just hope that this author decides to do a follow up of this book so that we readers can see what happens...now.
All in all a very good read.
ctny
www.ctnyrene.blogspot.com
The story is of Princess Cassia. Her life is easy as any princess' would be, but there is more to her than that. She is bored and constrained in her place. Then with the death of her father her world comes crashing down. She is next in line to rule and due to a treaty is being forced to marry a prince from another kingdom to help bring peace to the region. But...and there is always a but, it is believed that the kings death was a murder and Cassia needs to understand why. She also has come to believe the treaty was forged so she shouldn't have to marry. She runs. Not really away but to find the truth and the reason for her father's death. With the help of several friends, one being a horse, she also learns that she has a gift, the ability to commune with horses.
The author did a fantastic job of weaving together all the points of this story. All the people, all the problems, all the magic just flowed and kept me captivated.
If I had to pick something that I didn't like, it would be it ended to fast, but then I am greedy like that. Lets just hope that this author decides to do a follow up of this book so that we readers can see what happens...now.
All in all a very good read.
ctny
www.ctnyrene.blogspot.com
July 25, 2025
This story doesn't have a proper ending. It just ends. It's a coming of age story much more than a fantasy story or a horse story, so once Our Protagonist decides to grow up, that was that. Other plot points be damned.
Although the author claims to have a long history with horses, she doesn't have much history with readers of horse books. With the sole exception of Kali, and a rough description of one other horse, there are absolutely no descriptions of the horses. Surprise, Angelina -- readers of horse books WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE HORSES LOOK LIKE.
There are also plot inconsistencies such as a formerly wild horse allowing herself to stay in a stable, but when inside of a house, she complains that she doesn't like walls. (Yeah, the horse is telepathic.) The wild mares owned by a horse wrangler (a touch of cowboy in Ye Olde Europe) can't breed in a fenced pasture -- then suddenly do. What's going on here?
Aspects of this fantasy world is revealed bit by bit. Information the reader really needed to know up front just suddenly appears. This is very sloppy storytelling.
There is nothing original or unique about this story. It's basically a reworking of a bad Mercedes Lackey series, only told from the view of a Princess rather than a commoner.
Although the author claims to have a long history with horses, she doesn't have much history with readers of horse books. With the sole exception of Kali, and a rough description of one other horse, there are absolutely no descriptions of the horses. Surprise, Angelina -- readers of horse books WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE HORSES LOOK LIKE.
There are also plot inconsistencies such as a formerly wild horse allowing herself to stay in a stable, but when inside of a house, she complains that she doesn't like walls. (Yeah, the horse is telepathic.) The wild mares owned by a horse wrangler (a touch of cowboy in Ye Olde Europe) can't breed in a fenced pasture -- then suddenly do. What's going on here?
Aspects of this fantasy world is revealed bit by bit. Information the reader really needed to know up front just suddenly appears. This is very sloppy storytelling.
There is nothing original or unique about this story. It's basically a reworking of a bad Mercedes Lackey series, only told from the view of a Princess rather than a commoner.
June 29, 2011
If you're looking for a good, solid fairytale, then this is for you. It has intrigue, romance, adventure, a magical horse, and characters with spirit to pull you in. Who could ask for more?
I was interested enough in this book to let it be my first ever Kindle experience, and it was a pleasant one. Several times towards the climax of the book and the well-written romantic scenes, I forgot I was reading.
It's clear the author knows horses, and what with her credentials on the subject anyone can feel 'safe' in that regard as they read this.
Teenage girls would enjoy it very much! I wish this book had been around when I was a young teenager! I think I would have benefitted and been encouraged by the outgoing character-of-action, Cassia. It makes for a wonderful coming-of-age story. One of my favorite lines from the book is this;
"...Reaching inside herself, [Cassia] squared her shoulders and followed him. She'd come for answers. It was time she started acting like a princess and not a scared little girl."
[Warning: There are several typos throughout the book, but maybe that's the fault of the electronic device.]
A good and recommended read!
I was interested enough in this book to let it be my first ever Kindle experience, and it was a pleasant one. Several times towards the climax of the book and the well-written romantic scenes, I forgot I was reading.
It's clear the author knows horses, and what with her credentials on the subject anyone can feel 'safe' in that regard as they read this.
Teenage girls would enjoy it very much! I wish this book had been around when I was a young teenager! I think I would have benefitted and been encouraged by the outgoing character-of-action, Cassia. It makes for a wonderful coming-of-age story. One of my favorite lines from the book is this;
"...Reaching inside herself, [Cassia] squared her shoulders and followed him. She'd come for answers. It was time she started acting like a princess and not a scared little girl."
[Warning: There are several typos throughout the book, but maybe that's the fault of the electronic device.]
A good and recommended read!
May 24, 2013
Review first posted to http://beanieboo78.wordpress.com/
The Horse Charmer is such an easy read, in just a few short hours I had read the entire book. The world is so beautifully written and the story unfolds in such a way that it is difficult to step away from Cassia’s world. From almost the first page you are drawn into this coming of age, fairytale adventure.
Cassia starts out as a relatively naïve young Princess but by the end of the book she has grown up a lot and becoming more comfortable with who she is and what she can do. She believes in herself and her abilities and she wants to be the queen her kingdom deserves.
I will admit to being more than a little disappointed by the ending but anyone who follows my reviews will know it isn’t because the author rushed something, or missed something out, it is simply that there were two little words that made me sad. The End. I don’t want this to be the end of Cassia’s story there is more story out there, there has to be. I NEED to know what happens next, not just what happens with Cassia, Kali and Luki… but what happens between Karah and Vespera.
The Horse Charmer is such an easy read, in just a few short hours I had read the entire book. The world is so beautifully written and the story unfolds in such a way that it is difficult to step away from Cassia’s world. From almost the first page you are drawn into this coming of age, fairytale adventure.
Cassia starts out as a relatively naïve young Princess but by the end of the book she has grown up a lot and becoming more comfortable with who she is and what she can do. She believes in herself and her abilities and she wants to be the queen her kingdom deserves.
I will admit to being more than a little disappointed by the ending but anyone who follows my reviews will know it isn’t because the author rushed something, or missed something out, it is simply that there were two little words that made me sad. The End. I don’t want this to be the end of Cassia’s story there is more story out there, there has to be. I NEED to know what happens next, not just what happens with Cassia, Kali and Luki… but what happens between Karah and Vespera.
May 21, 2013
This took me some getting used to. The writing style has a nice flow, but it's a wee slow at first. Despite all the drama happening--her father's death, fighting with her mother, her shocking marriage announcement--my mind began to drift. However, once she escaped and started conversing with her horse, I was hooked. What an intriguing plot twist!
The heroine discovers she has a special power. She's able to charm horses and make them do what she wishes. While she gets to the bottom of who murdered her father and why, she begins to utilize these newfound powers.
There's a subtle romance going on with a horse wrangler, nothing too racy, and the ending leaves enough that you want to read sequel. And for a while there in the last quarter, I thought for sure the family wasn't going to get themselves out of this mess.
I'm not done. Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
The heroine discovers she has a special power. She's able to charm horses and make them do what she wishes. While she gets to the bottom of who murdered her father and why, she begins to utilize these newfound powers.
There's a subtle romance going on with a horse wrangler, nothing too racy, and the ending leaves enough that you want to read sequel. And for a while there in the last quarter, I thought for sure the family wasn't going to get themselves out of this mess.
I'm not done. Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
May 10, 2017
This book left me with a lot of questions. Now, some books are meant to do that, but I don't think this type should. The beginning was slow, but I saw potential with the premise and kept with it. And all I got were more questions. Why didn't she enlist the help of the prince (who was obviously questioning their betrothal)? Why didn't she ask Luki (the horse wrangler she was in love with) to go on the journey with her in the first place? Why, when she needed information, but was concerned about being recognized didn't she send one of her escorts to ask the questions, instead of strutting in herself? Why did every horse who she learned to talk to (through thoughts) suddenly become smarter, one even developing a sense of vengeance? And, above all, why didn't I get an ending!? The story leaves so many questions, and, no it isn't the first in a series, it's a stand alone. I checked. The princess suddenly declares war, escapes the other kingdom, admits her feelings to the wrangler, and decides to ascend to the thrown. So, I'm left not knowing how this war is going to go, or even if it is going to happen, not knowing how in the heck she plans on making her relationship work, and not knowing how such a misguiding girl is going to lead.
If the writing was ridiculously beautiful, I might have been able to overlook some of that. But it wasn't. The sentences were clunky and didn't vary at all in length. I kept having to force myself to pick this up. I felt like I didn't get enough credit as a reader. For example, I didn't need to know that she had to be careful not to be caught when sneaking out, yet I was told. I will admit (from a grammar standpoint) the book was edited well. I also thought the premise was interesting and had a lot of potential, but this just didn't meet it. Maybe when I was 10, I would have enjoyed it, and maybe that's the true audience here. So, if you have a younger, horse crazy daughter, this just might be the book for her, but it didn't work for me.
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
If the writing was ridiculously beautiful, I might have been able to overlook some of that. But it wasn't. The sentences were clunky and didn't vary at all in length. I kept having to force myself to pick this up. I felt like I didn't get enough credit as a reader. For example, I didn't need to know that she had to be careful not to be caught when sneaking out, yet I was told. I will admit (from a grammar standpoint) the book was edited well. I also thought the premise was interesting and had a lot of potential, but this just didn't meet it. Maybe when I was 10, I would have enjoyed it, and maybe that's the true audience here. So, if you have a younger, horse crazy daughter, this just might be the book for her, but it didn't work for me.
Also reviewed @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
December 6, 2020
I know most young girls go through a horse phrase. Some never grow out of it.
Imagine having proper conversations with you horse, as you would another person.
This is tale about a young princess, having the weight of a kingdom foisted upon her, due to the death of her father.
Now other matters come into play, but no one has found her father's murderer, and why he was killed.
Plus there's other matters come into play that makes her start to question a lot of stuff going on.
This is her journey to solve these mysteries. Come along, it's an interesting story.
Imagine having proper conversations with you horse, as you would another person.
This is tale about a young princess, having the weight of a kingdom foisted upon her, due to the death of her father.
Now other matters come into play, but no one has found her father's murderer, and why he was killed.
Plus there's other matters come into play that makes her start to question a lot of stuff going on.
This is her journey to solve these mysteries. Come along, it's an interesting story.
July 6, 2020
Wonderful coming of age story.
A young princess must step up to become queen after her father is murdered. She must find out why and who would do such a thing before she is forced to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom.
A young princess must step up to become queen after her father is murdered. She must find out why and who would do such a thing before she is forced to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom.
February 14, 2019
Horses
If you love horses, fantasy, romance and intrigue, this is the book for you. It’s hard to lead when no one will listen.
If you love horses, fantasy, romance and intrigue, this is the book for you. It’s hard to lead when no one will listen.
July 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book but found it geared more for pre-teens than YA. So, while the premise & plot were very good, the writing was a little too simplistic.
April 25, 2018
If you enjoy a story that focuses on horses, has adventure, romance, royalty and a touch of fantasy then you’ll love Horse Charmer. Princess Cassia is a teenager who spends much of her time avoiding her royal duties and hiding with her beloved horses. She feels a lot more comfortable with them anyway. She has a gift when it comes to working with them and finds herself drawn to the stables. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that horse wrangler Luki has a charm of his own, too.
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/horse-charmer-a...
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/horse-charmer-a...
August 24, 2013
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Horse Charmer by Angelia Almos was a perfect read for any horse lover. It brought me into a world where horses are a huge part of every day life and a special part in the heart and mind of the main characters, Cassia and Luki. The characters, both 2 legged and 4 legged, are easy to connect with and relate to. They're even easier to love.
July 7, 2013
I feel as if I should explain my low rating. I didn't really enjoy this book, but it wasn't really my type. The story was good, exciting, some fun adventures. But I've never liked horse stories. I thought maybe that would have changed over the years but I guess not. So, while I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good horse story, I personally would not read it again. So, there you go. This is just my own personal taste.
May 21, 2013
Enjoyed it even tho she never quite concluded what happened btwn the heroine (princess) & the love interest (a common horsewrangler)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews