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The One Dollar Horse #3
Fire Storm
Teenage eventing star Casey Blue has it all - fame, her champion horse Storm and a boyfriend who loves her.
Then Kyle West walks into her life. The country's hottest equestrian coach is also drop dead gorgeous and Casey knows right away that she's in trouble. But who is Kyle and why are there so many unanswered questions about his past? And what is his connection to Anna Sparks, Casey's old rival?
As the Burghley Horse Trials approaches, it becomes clear that what is at stake is not just the Grand Slam but Casey's life.
Then Kyle West walks into her life. The country's hottest equestrian coach is also drop dead gorgeous and Casey knows right away that she's in trouble. But who is Kyle and why are there so many unanswered questions about his past? And what is his connection to Anna Sparks, Casey's old rival?
As the Burghley Horse Trials approaches, it becomes clear that what is at stake is not just the Grand Slam but Casey's life.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2014
39 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Lauren St. John
75 books403 followersLauren St John grew up on a farm and game reserve in Africa, the inspiration for her acclaimed memoir, Rainbow's End, and her award-winning White Giraffe series for children. Dead Man's Cove, the first in her Laura Marlin mystery series, won the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2011. Her bestselling One Dollar Horse trilogy for teenagers was followed by The Glory, a breathtaking YA adventure and romance about a long distance horse race across the American West. Formerly a sports and music journalist, Lauren is the author of Seve and Hardcore Troubador: the Life & Near Death of Steve Earle, a superb, gripping biography of an Americana legend. The Obituary Writer, her first adult novel, was published in 2014 and she is currently at work on her second. Both The White Giraffe and The Glory have been optioned for film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 9, 2022
The conclusion to the trilogy, and a very good one. I liked how this book (and the previous one) focused on the aftermath of achieving a dream -- what do you do? Just move your focus to the next goal? How do you know if it was a fluke or if you deserved it?
Here Casey makes a few decisions that I found infuriating, but fairly realistic. Most of the book went by happily, going pretty much as I expected, but in a nice, comforting way. Near the end however were a couple of twists I hadn't expected, and I appreciated that. I especially liked the way it all wrapped it. Although I imagine Lauren St. John has finished with these books, I'd happily read another one following Casey and Storm in a new direction!
Here Casey makes a few decisions that I found infuriating, but fairly realistic. Most of the book went by happily, going pretty much as I expected, but in a nice, comforting way. Near the end however were a couple of twists I hadn't expected, and I appreciated that. I especially liked the way it all wrapped it. Although I imagine Lauren St. John has finished with these books, I'd happily read another one following Casey and Storm in a new direction!
September 14, 2019
Fire Storm, the third book in the One Dollar Horse eventing trilogy, starts after Casey and Storm's Rolex victory.
Casey is expecting to have countless offers of horses to ride after winning back to back 4**** events, and is surprised to find that no one steps up. Apparently the fact that Casey has never ridden any horses besides Storm (and had a handful of lessons on Patchwork, the lesson horse at Hope Lane) doesn't inspire confidence in other owners. I think it might have something to do with the fact that Casey and her coach Mrs Smith never seem to school over fences but that's just me.
Casey actually acts kinda bratty and entitled in this book. First, despite Mrs Smith warning her that there are strings attached, she signs a contract to get a free lorry (horse van/trailer) without even reading the fine print. Next, she dumps Mrs Smith for the handsome, blond, “hottest coach in Britain”, Kyle West. Unfortunately, Kyle's training program isn't all it's cracked up to be, and without Casey and Storm to care for, Mrs Smith has no reason to keep fighting against the cancerous growth that she is refusing to acknowledge. One of the people working for Kyle seems to have it in for Storm, and another seems to be threatening Casey's life—all the while she's trying to prepare for Burghley, the third event in the coveted Grand Slam!!
Another fun entry in this eventing series. Exciting and enjoyable. Despite Casey. Recommend for people who love well written horse fiction.
Casey is expecting to have countless offers of horses to ride after winning back to back 4**** events, and is surprised to find that no one steps up. Apparently the fact that Casey has never ridden any horses besides Storm (and had a handful of lessons on Patchwork, the lesson horse at Hope Lane) doesn't inspire confidence in other owners. I think it might have something to do with the fact that Casey and her coach Mrs Smith never seem to school over fences but that's just me.
Casey actually acts kinda bratty and entitled in this book. First, despite Mrs Smith warning her that there are strings attached, she signs a contract to get a free lorry (horse van/trailer) without even reading the fine print. Next, she dumps Mrs Smith for the handsome, blond, “hottest coach in Britain”, Kyle West. Unfortunately, Kyle's training program isn't all it's cracked up to be, and without Casey and Storm to care for, Mrs Smith has no reason to keep fighting against the cancerous growth that she is refusing to acknowledge. One of the people working for Kyle seems to have it in for Storm, and another seems to be threatening Casey's life—all the while she's trying to prepare for Burghley, the third event in the coveted Grand Slam!!
Another fun entry in this eventing series. Exciting and enjoyable. Despite Casey. Recommend for people who love well written horse fiction.
February 20, 2014
I can't wait to get this book. I've read and loved all the other books in this series and she's my favourite author.
June 14, 2014
The One Dollar Horse is a fantastic trilogy with powerful characters and phenomenal plots, and Fire Storm is no exception.
Casey's goal is to gallop to victory at Burghley Horse Trials and achieve the Grand Slam - but Mrs Smith is being strangely secretive and no longer seems to be up to the job of coaching her. After a quarrel, Casey hands the job of her training over to Kyle West, a young, talented and handsome instructor who is highly regarded in the equestrian world. But when bizarre events take place at Rycliffe Manor, Casey questions her decision of choosing Kyle West as her instructor. Reluctant to put her precious Storm in the hands of two men who appear to have already destroyed a horse and nearly killed her loan mount Lady Roxanne, Casey wants to return and apologise to Mrs Smith - but Mrs Smith has vanished.
Fire Storm is crammed with action and unforgettable characters whose personalities develop massively in this book. However, I'm knocking a star off for the ending because even though this remains to be one of the best books I've ever read and not only in the horsey category, the sub plots were tied up in a messy bow and it felt rushed and somewhat abrupt. It would have been nice to have at least one last chapter when Casey is at home with Storm, Peter and Mrs Smith, where everything is normal again and you feel as if you have a chance to say goodbye to the characters before the trilogy ends.
The One Dollar Horse trilogy in all is easily one of the best horsey series around. It's a remarkable concoction of eloquent writing, convincing characters and extraordinary twists. Despite being a bit cliché and far-fetched at times, Lauren St John has an ability to create twists that are totally unexpected yet plausible. As well as being adorned with gorgeous covers and coloured pages, these books must be slathered with super glue. They're simply impossible to put down.
Casey's goal is to gallop to victory at Burghley Horse Trials and achieve the Grand Slam - but Mrs Smith is being strangely secretive and no longer seems to be up to the job of coaching her. After a quarrel, Casey hands the job of her training over to Kyle West, a young, talented and handsome instructor who is highly regarded in the equestrian world. But when bizarre events take place at Rycliffe Manor, Casey questions her decision of choosing Kyle West as her instructor. Reluctant to put her precious Storm in the hands of two men who appear to have already destroyed a horse and nearly killed her loan mount Lady Roxanne, Casey wants to return and apologise to Mrs Smith - but Mrs Smith has vanished.
Fire Storm is crammed with action and unforgettable characters whose personalities develop massively in this book. However, I'm knocking a star off for the ending because even though this remains to be one of the best books I've ever read and not only in the horsey category, the sub plots were tied up in a messy bow and it felt rushed and somewhat abrupt. It would have been nice to have at least one last chapter when Casey is at home with Storm, Peter and Mrs Smith, where everything is normal again and you feel as if you have a chance to say goodbye to the characters before the trilogy ends.
The One Dollar Horse trilogy in all is easily one of the best horsey series around. It's a remarkable concoction of eloquent writing, convincing characters and extraordinary twists. Despite being a bit cliché and far-fetched at times, Lauren St John has an ability to create twists that are totally unexpected yet plausible. As well as being adorned with gorgeous covers and coloured pages, these books must be slathered with super glue. They're simply impossible to put down.
May 1, 2021
Just like the plot of the second book in this trilogy, the plot seemed pretty far-fetched, and yet I still quite enjoyed this book. I love the horse accuracies. I appreciated how this book really delved into how changed a person can become when they are competing at the top. This was a cute, enjoyable read suitable for any horse person.
August 10, 2016
Really gripping. Plot twists everywhere. Kept me reading constantly- I finished it on the train yesterday.
March 25, 2016
Eind goed, al goed.
February 21, 2019
Prima laatste deel van de trilogie. Het verhaal is redelijk voorspelbaar en er zitten wat fouten in, zo is Casey in deel 2 de rozen broche kwijt maar nu heeft ze hem opeens weer. Maar als paardenliefhebber kon ik mijn hart weer even ophalen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
3.5 stars.
December 3, 2025
So good!
September 2, 2015
This book finished off the trilogy in the best way possible! With so many plot twists it made you laugh, cry and sit on the edge of your seat! It couldn't have ended any better for Casey and Storm!
Right from the beginning you can tell it's going to be a very bumpy ride I can tell you that however it's an amazing book that's worth the read! However it won't take you long as it's almost impossible to put down! Haha. I would definitely read this again
Right from the beginning you can tell it's going to be a very bumpy ride I can tell you that however it's an amazing book that's worth the read! However it won't take you long as it's almost impossible to put down! Haha. I would definitely read this again
August 12, 2016
- A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
- Very satisfying ending
- ALWAYS on edge of seat
I cannot describe my love for the One Dollar Horse series. All I can say is READ IT NOW!
It is purely amazing. If you are an equestrian, I recommend this book even more.
Sorry for the short review, but I just finished this book and I am absolutely speechless.
- Very satisfying ending
- ALWAYS on edge of seat
I cannot describe my love for the One Dollar Horse series. All I can say is READ IT NOW!
It is purely amazing. If you are an equestrian, I recommend this book even more.
Sorry for the short review, but I just finished this book and I am absolutely speechless.
February 19, 2014
One of those fantastic books that keeps you up reading till late at night. It makes you laugh, shout and cry. A wonderful end to this series, filled with tension and hope.
Review to come nearer publication
Review to come nearer publication
March 12, 2014
The second half of this was markedly better than the first for me. While I'm happy enough at the conclusion, I think it's my least favourite of the trilogy for some of the earlier events. Still worth reading and any adventure loving, horse loving girl is likely to enjoy this series.
April 17, 2015
Didn't like it as much as the first and second book, and I was actually a bit disappointed in this book.
I had some laughs reading it, and it was fun and nice but appearantly I didn't like the end and it had some mistakes in it
I had some laughs reading it, and it was fun and nice but appearantly I didn't like the end and it had some mistakes in it
June 18, 2014
Found this hard to put down I ended up reading till 2am!
Loved it!
Loved it!
June 24, 2014
A good and surprising ending to a well written trilogy.
October 13, 2015
This book was brilliantly written. Situations escalated that you knew could only get worse! It was a treat to read.
August 10, 2020
★★★ unexpectedly decent
i would have given 4 stars for nostalgia points but then i realised anna and casey don't become friends by the end and i'm still bitter about it
i would have given 4 stars for nostalgia points but then i realised anna and casey don't become friends by the end and i'm still bitter about it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Still wonderful 🖤
August 10, 2016
As good as the first book, and the ending was moving.
September 29, 2021
3 stars
This book was Lauren St. John back at her best!
'Fire Storm', the final instalment in 'The One Dollar Horse' trilogy, was on par with the first book.
I had been worried that the books were only going to go downhill, but 'Fire Storm' was a superb recovery from 'Race the Wind'.
What I liked:
- I believe the main reason I enjoyed 'Fire Storm' as much I did was down to all of the changes St. John made - a new setting and the introduction of new characters like world-famous equestrian coach Kyle West and horse Lady Roxanne. I think the series would have become stale otherwise. It was a smart move; the series needed something new to liven things up.
- Anna Sparks' storyline. I always did wonder what became of her and I was happy that St. John answered that question in such a satisfying way. I love a good
- Peter. Bless him. He's just such a pure character and I don't like the way Casey treats him.
What I didn't like:
-How absent Roland Blue was throughout the entire book. It was understandable in the last book (I mean, he was in prison after all) but I still missed seeing his and Casey's relationship, and I really thought St. John would've added in just a few scenes that really reinforced how strong their relationship is, in this book. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with his ending; But I still would've loved to see more of him.
- The ending. Now this might be controversial but I didn't like
- How abrupt the ending was. I turned the final page and couldn’t believe my eyes when there wasn’t another page, another sentence, anything. I feel like the book could have benefitted from an epilogue. Although the book made it obvious that Mrs Smith was
Other things I want to mention - WHY DID KYLE AND CASEY HAVE MORE CHEMISTRY WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF MEETING THAN PETER AND CASEY HAD IN THREE ENTIRE BOOKS?! I could never really get a read on Kyle. One minute he was an exceptional coach, imparting advice on the most subtle and specific of things. The next, he was super vague and seemed almost reserved and removed. I couldn't understand it. But now I do. And it just highlights the quality of St. John's writing because as I now know This proves just how well she wrote his character. Kyle did get on my nerves a little, like when he would randomly say "you're beautiful" to Casey when she was asking him for advice Still, I feel like I never really got to know Kyle West - just a strange . I also didn't think much of Hannah's character but I liked that because she was supposed to be the girl in the background, the girl who is briefly mentioned but mostly goes unnoticed.
This book was Lauren St. John back at her best!
'Fire Storm', the final instalment in 'The One Dollar Horse' trilogy, was on par with the first book.
I had been worried that the books were only going to go downhill, but 'Fire Storm' was a superb recovery from 'Race the Wind'.
What I liked:
- I believe the main reason I enjoyed 'Fire Storm' as much I did was down to all of the changes St. John made - a new setting and the introduction of new characters like world-famous equestrian coach Kyle West and horse Lady Roxanne. I think the series would have become stale otherwise. It was a smart move; the series needed something new to liven things up.
- Anna Sparks' storyline. I always did wonder what became of her and I was happy that St. John answered that question in such a satisfying way. I love a good
- Peter. Bless him. He's just such a pure character and I don't like the way Casey treats him.
What I didn't like:
-How absent Roland Blue was throughout the entire book. It was understandable in the last book (I mean, he was in prison after all) but I still missed seeing his and Casey's relationship, and I really thought St. John would've added in just a few scenes that really reinforced how strong their relationship is, in this book. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with his ending; But I still would've loved to see more of him.
- The ending. Now this might be controversial but I didn't like
- How abrupt the ending was. I turned the final page and couldn’t believe my eyes when there wasn’t another page, another sentence, anything. I feel like the book could have benefitted from an epilogue. Although the book made it obvious that Mrs Smith was
Other things I want to mention - WHY DID KYLE AND CASEY HAVE MORE CHEMISTRY WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF MEETING THAN PETER AND CASEY HAD IN THREE ENTIRE BOOKS?! I could never really get a read on Kyle. One minute he was an exceptional coach, imparting advice on the most subtle and specific of things. The next, he was super vague and seemed almost reserved and removed. I couldn't understand it. But now I do. And it just highlights the quality of St. John's writing because as I now know This proves just how well she wrote his character. Kyle did get on my nerves a little, like when he would randomly say "you're beautiful" to Casey when she was asking him for advice Still, I feel like I never really got to know Kyle West - just a strange . I also didn't think much of Hannah's character but I liked that because she was supposed to be the girl in the background, the girl who is briefly mentioned but mostly goes unnoticed.
April 30, 2018
As we see Casey enter into her next race, one that could cement her champion status, she needs to experience riding on other horses and so trains on Roxy a horse on loan to her. They get off to a rough start but slowly make progress.
As she trains with Kyle after Mrs Smith disappeared, Peter gets jealous when he sees something between the pair after Casey knows he's been staying with a girl while away...
Casey later learns that it's cancer Mrs Smith had also been hiding from her as she discovers she's now residing in a hospice.
After making amends her and Mrs Smith team up once more especially as Anna is back after a scandalous act before and now also admitted taking pills caused her actions.
Can Casey and Anna make peace after another plot to injure Casey gets uncovered by Anna of all people?
Full of even more drama we see the importance of friendship and forgiveness as well as being gracious and living in the moment. A super final instalment in the life of Casey Blue.
As she trains with Kyle after Mrs Smith disappeared, Peter gets jealous when he sees something between the pair after Casey knows he's been staying with a girl while away...
Casey later learns that it's cancer Mrs Smith had also been hiding from her as she discovers she's now residing in a hospice.
After making amends her and Mrs Smith team up once more especially as Anna is back after a scandalous act before and now also admitted taking pills caused her actions.
Can Casey and Anna make peace after another plot to injure Casey gets uncovered by Anna of all people?
Full of even more drama we see the importance of friendship and forgiveness as well as being gracious and living in the moment. A super final instalment in the life of Casey Blue.
May 29, 2018
Tää oli ehkä parempi kuin edellinen, mutta ei kyllä 3 tähden arvoinen. Caseysta on yritetty ilmeisesti tehdä "normaali" ihminen virheineen kaikkineen, mutta mun mielestä se on vaan tosi ärsyttävä eikä sen päätöksiä ja draamaa voi perustella oikein mitenkään. Lopussa oli ihan jees pieni twisti pääpahiksesta, mutta alkaa vaan tulla sellainen fiilis ettei kirjailija ole kovin taitava. Tarina katkeaa oudoissa kohdissa, esim. ensin eletään suuressa kilpailutilanteessa ja yhtäkkiä sitä käsitelläänkin henkilöiden välisessä keskustelussa. Se latistaa tunnelman ja vie pienenkin jännityksen. Sivuhenkilöitä käsitellään oudosti. Hyvää tässä kirjassa on asiantuntevuus ja kyky kirjoittaa hevosurheilusta niin, että tällainen hevosista tietämätönkin pysyy kärryillä. Mutta! Melkein unohdin! Lopussa oli ihan super tyhmä juttu kilpailuun liittyen! Niin tyhmä! Suorastaan ääliömäinen. Jos olisin sitoutunut tarinaan, olisin hermostunut. Että jotain hyvää tässäkin kädenlämpöisessä lukukokemuksessa.
May 3, 2025
A heart-warming story
What a finishing story to this trilogy, I loved every second, having to read the books back to back. When tests are thrown at Casey, some passed, others learned the hard way, we follow her story of triumph and peril as she competes to become a record breaker while simultaneously trying to hole her life, her relationship, and her loyalties together. With hidden plots, scheming, and a huge twist within the pages, this will delight readers of all ages. You can feel the tensions and the joys spilling from the pages, and the soul satisfying ending to this trilogy was beautiful.
What a finishing story to this trilogy, I loved every second, having to read the books back to back. When tests are thrown at Casey, some passed, others learned the hard way, we follow her story of triumph and peril as she competes to become a record breaker while simultaneously trying to hole her life, her relationship, and her loyalties together. With hidden plots, scheming, and a huge twist within the pages, this will delight readers of all ages. You can feel the tensions and the joys spilling from the pages, and the soul satisfying ending to this trilogy was beautiful.
September 6, 2017
Tulimyrsky on Lauren St. Johnin Yhden dollarin hevonen -trilogian päätösosa. Vaikka kahden aiemman osan lukemisesta on jo aikaa, henkilöt ja tapahtumat palautuivat nopeasti mieleeni. Pidin tästä kaikkein eniten.
Casey Blue on noussut nopeasti kenttäratsastuksen huipulle ja valmistautuu jälleen kilpailemaan. Kirjailija onnistuu luomaan elävästi ratsastuskilpailujen kuohuttavan tunnelman. Lisäksi Caseyn ja hevosten välinen suhde on kuvattu hienosti alun epävarmuudesta luottamuksen voittamiseen asti.
Casey Blue on noussut nopeasti kenttäratsastuksen huipulle ja valmistautuu jälleen kilpailemaan. Kirjailija onnistuu luomaan elävästi ratsastuskilpailujen kuohuttavan tunnelman. Lisäksi Caseyn ja hevosten välinen suhde on kuvattu hienosti alun epävarmuudesta luottamuksen voittamiseen asti.
October 28, 2018
3.5 stars
I just like to read about horses hahaha and I like how these books actually give me a look into the world of different kinds of disciplines (in this case eventing).
However, if you're really looking for a top-notch story, don't read this. Casey is not really my favourite character, she was pretty judgemental. And in this series the explanations for everything were just a little too convenient.
However, I liked the insight into the eventing world and that was ultimately what I was looking for so I still give it 3.5 stars.
I just like to read about horses hahaha and I like how these books actually give me a look into the world of different kinds of disciplines (in this case eventing).
However, if you're really looking for a top-notch story, don't read this. Casey is not really my favourite character, she was pretty judgemental. And in this series the explanations for everything were just a little too convenient.
However, I liked the insight into the eventing world and that was ultimately what I was looking for so I still give it 3.5 stars.
January 16, 2024
Suspense ultime, trahisons... tout est au rendez-vous.
Galop de Feu es le livre l'un des livres les plus formidables que j'ai lu dans ma vie, surtout parce que les chevaux et l'équitation me passionnent. La fin est inattendue, et le mieux de ce livre, c'est que l'histoire est réaliste. Les histoires réalistes sont les meilleures pour encourager les personnes dans la vraie vie, et ils auront toujours plus d'effet que les livres fantastiques ou de science-fiction.
À lire.
Galop de Feu es le livre l'un des livres les plus formidables que j'ai lu dans ma vie, surtout parce que les chevaux et l'équitation me passionnent. La fin est inattendue, et le mieux de ce livre, c'est que l'histoire est réaliste. Les histoires réalistes sont les meilleures pour encourager les personnes dans la vraie vie, et ils auront toujours plus d'effet que les livres fantastiques ou de science-fiction.
À lire.
January 10, 2022
I’m obsessed with this series, and it’s going to take me a minute to process that it’s over. Casey and Storm have had a good run but I think it was right to end the series where it was. Their adventures are crazy, exciting, and yes, sometimes a bit far-fetched, but it’s all so entertaining. These books are impossible to put down and easy to devour all in one sitting. This one, the last in the trilogy, is just as action-packed as the previous two. There are also some sweet moments and heartbreaks. Casey faces a lot of struggles but always manages to overcome them with grace and humility.
April 2, 2023
Loved this book as a kid who loves horses. I read this book before the others in the series (which was a mistake), so the ones that should've come before this weren't as enjoyable to read since I already knew what was going to happen. Therefore, this has to be my favourite book out of the 3 in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews