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Unbreakable Bond
A girl who doesn’t belong…
A wild horse on the run…
And a bond that transcends reality.
Cassie wakes up in a stranger’s house with no memories of her past, but one thing she does know: the orange mare in her dreams is hers. With the help of a friendly ranger, she sets off in search of her horse, but outside forces fight her every step of the way. The Fýlax, a not-so-secret society sworn to protect the island, are certain Cassie will only bring death and destruction, but the bond Cassie shares with her mare transcends political rules, and she will do anything to get her horse back—anything.
Is the bond between horse and human really as strong as Cassie claims, or will her enemies rip them apart for good?
Unbreakable Bond is a clean YA fantasy adventure filled with magic, whimsy, and horses. The story is perfect for teens and all ages, and it contains no profanity, explicit romance, or adult themes.
A wild horse on the run…
And a bond that transcends reality.
Cassie wakes up in a stranger’s house with no memories of her past, but one thing she does know: the orange mare in her dreams is hers. With the help of a friendly ranger, she sets off in search of her horse, but outside forces fight her every step of the way. The Fýlax, a not-so-secret society sworn to protect the island, are certain Cassie will only bring death and destruction, but the bond Cassie shares with her mare transcends political rules, and she will do anything to get her horse back—anything.
Is the bond between horse and human really as strong as Cassie claims, or will her enemies rip them apart for good?
Unbreakable Bond is a clean YA fantasy adventure filled with magic, whimsy, and horses. The story is perfect for teens and all ages, and it contains no profanity, explicit romance, or adult themes.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 12, 2026
If you love emotional horse girl books with loyal animal bonds, memory loss, and heartfelt friendships, Unbreakable Bond by Stella McAffe is definitely worth picking up. 🐴🤎
After suffering a serious head injury, the main character can’t remember anyone or anything… except her chestnut horse, Tennille. As she searches for her horse and pieces of her life, she finds new friendships, healing, and eventually her way back into the horse show world. But just when things begin falling into place, a dangerous force threatens to take Tennille away from her.
One thing I really loved was how descriptive Stella McAffe’s writing was. The horse scenes felt vivid and immersive, and the emotional moments really stood out. My only complaint was that I wish the main villain had a bigger presence throughout the story because they felt a little underdeveloped at times.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional read about healing, trust, and the kind of bond that can never truly be broken. ✨🐎
After suffering a serious head injury, the main character can’t remember anyone or anything… except her chestnut horse, Tennille. As she searches for her horse and pieces of her life, she finds new friendships, healing, and eventually her way back into the horse show world. But just when things begin falling into place, a dangerous force threatens to take Tennille away from her.
One thing I really loved was how descriptive Stella McAffe’s writing was. The horse scenes felt vivid and immersive, and the emotional moments really stood out. My only complaint was that I wish the main villain had a bigger presence throughout the story because they felt a little underdeveloped at times.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional read about healing, trust, and the kind of bond that can never truly be broken. ✨🐎
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author and am reviewing it for free.
I really wanted to like this book. I enjoy fantasty and magic connections. The premise was the journey of a girl who lost her memories trying to fit into an unknown world.
The FMC, Cassie, was not likeable to me. Everytime there was a plot hole it was attributed to the amnesia. The characters for the most part were not developed and rather juvenile. There was also no good transition between points of view. Just random jumping from one place to the next.
The MMC, if you could call him that because he barely gets any page, is the only character I related to. Taven is genuine and is trying to do his job as a protector for the realm and for the girl he cares about.
The horses were an interesting twist, but were treated as an afterthought. No explanation into the background of the island were everyone owned horses or the factions residing.
Amnesia was a convenient trope to not explain anything. I would have loved to read more about the Fylax and the Oppressed and why there were opposite factions working against each other. That would have been a more interesting premise than a girl and her horse. Sorry, the connection was not explained well, and the whole book seemed to be about a bratty, entitled girl throwing tantrums about her horse.
As a fantasy reader, the whole story fell flat. It definitely needs some cleaning up and more broad world building. Characters need to be introduced with background. Maybe a prolonged to explain the rift between the factions? It would have helped me understand things better instead of being confused most of the book.
I really wanted to like this book. I enjoy fantasty and magic connections. The premise was the journey of a girl who lost her memories trying to fit into an unknown world.
The FMC, Cassie, was not likeable to me. Everytime there was a plot hole it was attributed to the amnesia. The characters for the most part were not developed and rather juvenile. There was also no good transition between points of view. Just random jumping from one place to the next.
The MMC, if you could call him that because he barely gets any page, is the only character I related to. Taven is genuine and is trying to do his job as a protector for the realm and for the girl he cares about.
The horses were an interesting twist, but were treated as an afterthought. No explanation into the background of the island were everyone owned horses or the factions residing.
Amnesia was a convenient trope to not explain anything. I would have loved to read more about the Fylax and the Oppressed and why there were opposite factions working against each other. That would have been a more interesting premise than a girl and her horse. Sorry, the connection was not explained well, and the whole book seemed to be about a bratty, entitled girl throwing tantrums about her horse.
As a fantasy reader, the whole story fell flat. It definitely needs some cleaning up and more broad world building. Characters need to be introduced with background. Maybe a prolonged to explain the rift between the factions? It would have helped me understand things better instead of being confused most of the book.
May 19, 2026
***ARC REVIEW***
This book is perfect for a reader who loves whimsy, horses, and ya fantasy. It focuses on a girl named Cassie who is found in the ocean and has lost her memory. She must live in a place where she knows no one, while trying to find the horse she's bonded with. When Cassie does, it sets off a whole set of adventures for her and her horse, Tenille, that they must fight through so they can be together, despite the forces that want to take Tenille away from Cassie.
The worldbuilding could have been better explained and defined and I personally would have liked to see some more of the villain and a lot more of Taven, the mmc, but overall, it's a good middle grade read and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
This book is perfect for a reader who loves whimsy, horses, and ya fantasy. It focuses on a girl named Cassie who is found in the ocean and has lost her memory. She must live in a place where she knows no one, while trying to find the horse she's bonded with. When Cassie does, it sets off a whole set of adventures for her and her horse, Tenille, that they must fight through so they can be together, despite the forces that want to take Tenille away from Cassie.
The worldbuilding could have been better explained and defined and I personally would have liked to see some more of the villain and a lot more of Taven, the mmc, but overall, it's a good middle grade read and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Cassie is rescued from the ocean it sets into motion events that were unforeseen. Questions of where did she come from and who was she kept me interested throughout the story as some of this is revealed.
I enjoyed learning about this world and the connection between Cassie and her horse. There is a cliffhanger, so I am interested in seeing what will happen next.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed learning about this world and the connection between Cassie and her horse. There is a cliffhanger, so I am interested in seeing what will happen next.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
- 3rd Person, Multi POV
- YA/ Middle Grade Fantasy
Unbreakable Bond was a fun Middle Grade/YA Fantasy about a girl with amnesia in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people. The only thing she knows is she has a horse that her soul aches to be reunited with.
The story has intrigue, adventure, magic, fun characters, and horses. The mystery behind Cassie and where she came from, had my interest from the start (along with the beautiful cover). I'm looking forward to the next book and finding out what answers it brings.
This would be a good read (with no spice or strong language) for your horse loving teen (or pre-teen) I honestly wouldn't even have a problem with my 7 year old reading it if I didn't think it would be a bit over her head. I could see her really enjoying it in just a few years though.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
- YA/ Middle Grade Fantasy
Unbreakable Bond was a fun Middle Grade/YA Fantasy about a girl with amnesia in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people. The only thing she knows is she has a horse that her soul aches to be reunited with.
The story has intrigue, adventure, magic, fun characters, and horses. The mystery behind Cassie and where she came from, had my interest from the start (along with the beautiful cover). I'm looking forward to the next book and finding out what answers it brings.
This would be a good read (with no spice or strong language) for your horse loving teen (or pre-teen) I honestly wouldn't even have a problem with my 7 year old reading it if I didn't think it would be a bit over her head. I could see her really enjoying it in just a few years though.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
Review of advance copy received from Author
As an author, I know reviewing my own book may seem counterintuitive, yet here I am.
Unbreakable Bond. A whirlwind of a journey, fragments of a story stitched together late at night, first draft furiously typed out with aching fingers after a long days of work. The story that made me fall in love with writing in a way that I did not know was possible, the start of an obsession that still lasts to this day. I’ve rewritten scenes and torn it apart with my editor and piece it back together. While far from perfect, it is at its best, and is ready for the world.
During the journey I’ve tried to think of comp titles, anything that has a similar vibe but I fear UB has been found wanting. I’ll do my best to describe the vibes of the book. Cassie is torn away from her home, and plunged into the center of Desmalogo. The magic is forbidden, secluded to the Valley, and only a whisper throughout the book. It’s packed with horse shows and daily equine activities, a slow life with a dangerous edge. While Desmalogo may seem like cupcakes and rainbows, it is not. Darkness lurks at the edges, creeping up slowly on you until you blink and it’s there. Everything in the story is clean, PG, no swear words or spice. A story you can read aloud without being ashamed of. A story filled with whimsy and sparkles. Literally.
To anyone who read this book, loved it, and left a review, I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
- Stella <3
Unbreakable Bond. A whirlwind of a journey, fragments of a story stitched together late at night, first draft furiously typed out with aching fingers after a long days of work. The story that made me fall in love with writing in a way that I did not know was possible, the start of an obsession that still lasts to this day. I’ve rewritten scenes and torn it apart with my editor and piece it back together. While far from perfect, it is at its best, and is ready for the world.
During the journey I’ve tried to think of comp titles, anything that has a similar vibe but I fear UB has been found wanting. I’ll do my best to describe the vibes of the book. Cassie is torn away from her home, and plunged into the center of Desmalogo. The magic is forbidden, secluded to the Valley, and only a whisper throughout the book. It’s packed with horse shows and daily equine activities, a slow life with a dangerous edge. While Desmalogo may seem like cupcakes and rainbows, it is not. Darkness lurks at the edges, creeping up slowly on you until you blink and it’s there. Everything in the story is clean, PG, no swear words or spice. A story you can read aloud without being ashamed of. A story filled with whimsy and sparkles. Literally.
To anyone who read this book, loved it, and left a review, I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
- Stella <3
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews