Raver

by Candace Carrabus

AN UNEXPECTED RIDE… Descended from generations of extraordinary equestrians, Lauren Gallagher longs to be left alone with her horses. When a strange man arrives seeking a particular rider, she and her mount, Pindar, are abducted through the Ravery to Cirq, a dying land bereft of its beloved steeds. There, she encounters Supreme Guardian Leinos who awakens her long-dormant hope for the future. Lauren denies she is the prophesied Horsecaller but is drawn into his quest to return Cirq to greatness. Soon, she’s fighting giant venomous birds, a hostile queen, and the unfamiliar yearnings of her own heart. But time is running out. Conspiracy threatens from all sides, and not everyone looks upon Ravers with kindness. Will Lauren and Pindar bring Cirq’s horses home before it’s too late? A story of life, love, and the secret places we dream about. Includes an excerpt of the upcoming novel, On The Buckle, a contemporary romantic murder mystery coming soon from Candace Carrabus.

Genres: Horses

362 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2013

About the author

I have written stories and ridden horses–frequently simultaneously–for as long as I can remember. I grew up on Long Island and spent my formative years in the saddle–just imagining. After high school, I traveled to Ness, England and studied at a British Horse Society training school. This was an all-around amazing experience. When I left, I clutched a certification to teach riding in my hot little hand, and I enjoyed instructing riders for many years.

Who am I kidding? We know it is the horses who do the teaching. All we can do is try to remain open to what they have to say.

Now, I share a farm in Missouri with my family, but I have only one horse these days. Remi’s a Trakehner - thoroughbred - quarter horse cross, as easy a keeper and good minded as they get. We board him at a terrific place nearby.

Not surprisingly, my stories are frequently infused with the mystery and spirituality horses have brought to my life.

Reviews

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected but riveting ride.
Indeed, I enjoyed the journey from New England through the Ravery to Elandevar and through the country of Cirq (Raverwood>Raver's Keep>mountains>Steepside>Goddess' Grove>Resting Plains>The Inn at the Crossroads>Siblan>Bitter Reaches).
It's a page-turner that you'd want to finish reading in one seating (I would've done it if I have more free time! Haha.)
Can't wait for book two!
Thanks so much for sending me the book Candace. :)




P.S. There were some typos and other stuff that my proofreader's eyes didn't miss, despite of my fast-paced reading.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down!

It's been a long time since I found a story that revolved around horses. That had some romance and showed the development of a budding new relationship. How fear can obscure views and how love can make all the difference.

Candace Carrabus really shows how special the bond between horse and rider really can be magical. Having experienced such a bond myself I can say with all confidence that Candace has too.

I really love the way Candace writes. She really understands how to get you to love her characters. They all have an individuality that is rich and easy to get to know.

I came away from reading Raver, Horsecaller book one desperately hoping that I could find book 2 and get stuck in to reading.

Candace has a natural way of telling her story which grasps at your attention and doesn't let you go until the last words have been read.

I definitely will be looking to read more of Candace's novels.
If you love horses, fantasy, romance and some adventure thrown in then I think you will definitely enjoy Raver.
Thank you for a lovely read Candace Carrabus.

[Amanda Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story. I just wish it was more complete. Sure they got together in the end but they did not fully finish the task of getting the horses where they were required in order to save everyone and everything. The book is not too long, so that could have been included to finalize the ending.

[Jethad19 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating would be higher cause it's a good read, but it just ends and there is no book 2.

[Janet Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots to like about this book--well motivated romance, interesting world building, and horses. Lauren, recovering from the painful failure of her marriage is working on her brother's horse farm when a buyer from an alternate world comes looking for both a horse and rider. Lauren and her brother's prize stallion, Pindar, are just what he wants, and Lauren finds herself and the horse on a quest to return toe missing horses to a strange and dangerous world. The author is obviously well acquainted with horses and horse people, and her love for them comes through. James' performance is good, but her narration voice is soft, breathy, and soporific. All in all, a good start for what is likely to be a good series

[Jewel_louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this at a 3.5. I loved everything about the concept. As a horse lover myself, I loved the story's central idea of the "horsecaller legend" and how cirq needed horses to thrive and grow. I enjoyed the characters and felt them to be very endearing especially Pindar who reminded me of my first love, a chestnut gelding who always seemed to be laughing at me.

With that being said I didn't get into the book or gotten too invested into the story's plot until about halfway in the story. About mid mark is when the story began to pick up for me. The first half was a bit long winded and slow for my liking. But I will say that the second half of the story made up for the rather dull lack luster start. With all that being said, I am excited to continue reading in the series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Carrabus – Raver
Horsecaller Series Book One
Laura Gallagher is a recently divorced woman living with her brother’s family. Content to be with the horses. It was as good as life would be, she assumed. And then everything changed and she found herself in a new dimension with the handsome Leinos and people who expected her to be a Horsecaller. Cirq, their country, would not continue on without the return of the horses.

Could she have the courage? And would she ever get home again? Or want to go if she could? An excellent story. It closes one chapter, but there is more to come when book two comes out.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horsecaller Book 2 - Where are you?

Mystery, Love, and Adventure- You are pulled into a mysterious world where the wonder and beauty of a bond between a woman and her horse, one of God's most beautiful creatures, plunges you into an adventurously ride. She must save those in the mysterious world and herself, while overcoming her fears and insecurities. Love, confidence, and friendship help to overcome obstacles, which is something we all need to remember.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY... a fantasy novel where the protagonist is NOT a brainless 17 year old twit.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

very pleasantly surprised. I even forgive it for being something of a romance. Carrabus has created a vivid world and compelling characters.

[Janette Chilcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, took my breath away with the wild ride to save the horses