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Defining Gravity #1
Defining Gravity
Astrid never breaks the rules; she’s much too terrified of her overbearing father to step out of line. He controls her weight, her friends, and even her career path. And he doesn’t approve of anyone in their family thinking for themselves.When one impulsive decision ends in disaster, Astrid is grounded for the summer, forced to put her archery career on hold and take a menial job cleaning horse stalls at a posh dressage barn. It takes a little horse named Quarry and a quirky cast of characters to banish Astrid's unhappiness and show her that she is worth something. But when her father steps in, once again, everything Astrid has grown to love is threatened.Author's The Defining Gravity series is set in Canada so some of the terms, phrases and spelling conventions might seem unfamiliar at first to American readers. We use a variation of British English so you may notice some differences; favour vs. favor, colour vs. color, centre vs center, pyjamas vs. pajamas etc. etc. Happy Reading! Genevieve
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
343 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Mckay
25 books79 followersGenevieve Mckay is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist living by the ocean. When she isn't busy creating new worlds she enjoys playing outside in the dirt and riding ponies.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 26, 2017
Young Astrid is an extremely talented archer. It seems that she lives for the sport that she excels at. It’s the one thing that makes sense to her as a teenager. She struggles with her self image and her weight. Her father is a stranger that seems to view her as an annoyance. She has a crush on a boy who barely recognises her and even her closest friend is brutally blunt.
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/defining-gravit...
Read more at http://equus-blog.com/defining-gravit...
February 10, 2022
An excellent YA novel that really takes me back to reading my favorite Jean Slaughter Doty novels, only set in the world of Canadian dressage. While Astrid's father is pretty much every-controlling-parent-you-love to-hate, from a teen's perspective who pretty much has no control over her life, his trash fire human being status is totally valid.
I also loved the fact that the inexperienced rider COULDN'T "fix" the difficult horse, but did clearly feel a responsibility to be the horse's advocate. A great lesson for all of us. It's easy to see why this series is so popular and beloved!
I also loved the fact that the inexperienced rider COULDN'T "fix" the difficult horse, but did clearly feel a responsibility to be the horse's advocate. A great lesson for all of us. It's easy to see why this series is so popular and beloved!
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October 23, 2017Really fine novel about adolescence from the point of view of the "little fat girl", so often ignored or shamed in western society, who is also a rank beginner as an equestrian. This book inspires every emotion from the reader and is a GREAT read for teens and a MUST read for adults who interact with kids. Wonderful story, well-written; I look forward to more by the author.
September 11, 2017
This book was absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book! It was one that you go through fast! Waiting to see what happens next! I would definitely recommend this book to any horse loving teen!
I loved this book! It was one that you go through fast! Waiting to see what happens next! I would definitely recommend this book to any horse loving teen!
November 13, 2017
Interesting new series
Very interesting new series. Excited to see how it all plays out for the characters involved. Hope it continues as interesting in the next book.
Very interesting new series. Excited to see how it all plays out for the characters involved. Hope it continues as interesting in the next book.
May 13, 2023
I really have nothing additional to add from what has already been said. She is a talented writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the story line and could relate to the main character Astrid. The only thing I did not agree with is how much blame Astrid took for decisions that were made by others who were adults. She is a young teen who has a dysfunctional home. She should not have been held responsible for something that was beyond her emotional ability to control. I do not want to say more as to not include any spoilers. Despite that small thing I Recommend this book to everyone. Especially if you struggled as a teen, had a life altering injury and/or are involved with horses.
October 21, 2018
"An Amazing, Compelling Story"
This is a great story for adults and teenagers. There is a lot to learn about horses and families. Astrid is 15 years old and doesn't like the strict rules her overbearing father sets for her. She's grounded for the entire summer having to put her archery talents on hold. She'll have to take a menial job of cleaning horse stalls. That's when a little horse called Quary bonds with Astrid and changes her heart and soul. Lovely story which embraced me from page one. You'll love it, too.
This is a great story for adults and teenagers. There is a lot to learn about horses and families. Astrid is 15 years old and doesn't like the strict rules her overbearing father sets for her. She's grounded for the entire summer having to put her archery talents on hold. She'll have to take a menial job of cleaning horse stalls. That's when a little horse called Quary bonds with Astrid and changes her heart and soul. Lovely story which embraced me from page one. You'll love it, too.
April 25, 2025
Decent read, with lots of life lessons. Needs another run-through for grammar mistakes, as there are lots of sentences with added or missing words. But still worth the read.
For my clean readers: language-some but no f-bombs. Violence-abusive verbal attacks, and adults bullying a child into doing dangerous things. Includes underage drinking, lying, hiding the truth, bad business deals that end up being illegal, and drugging animals. Romance-one kiss.
For my clean readers: language-some but no f-bombs. Violence-abusive verbal attacks, and adults bullying a child into doing dangerous things. Includes underage drinking, lying, hiding the truth, bad business deals that end up being illegal, and drugging animals. Romance-one kiss.
August 19, 2019
A true horse book
I've been riding since I was 3 and this book brought me back to some of the defining moments and feeling of being on a special horse. It talks so perfectly of the bind and how they can impact a person life. If this book doesn't make you horse crazy I don't know what will!
I've been riding since I was 3 and this book brought me back to some of the defining moments and feeling of being on a special horse. It talks so perfectly of the bind and how they can impact a person life. If this book doesn't make you horse crazy I don't know what will!
May 18, 2023
Just Wow!
All I can say about this book is WOW! Between horses and family drama you are in for a real ride. Everything is so believable. I am very very impressed with this authors work. This is the second book of I read. If you love stories about real life situations and horseback riding you need to read this book!
All I can say about this book is WOW! Between horses and family drama you are in for a real ride. Everything is so believable. I am very very impressed with this authors work. This is the second book of I read. If you love stories about real life situations and horseback riding you need to read this book!
December 28, 2023
Answered some questions
Somehow I managed to read these books out of order. I have enjoyed each of them. But I do wish I had read this 1 1st. The book introduces the characters in the series and allows you Put faces to the names and also personalities to them. This was an enjoyable read and went quickly. There is enough mystery to keep you wanting to read.
Somehow I managed to read these books out of order. I have enjoyed each of them. But I do wish I had read this 1 1st. The book introduces the characters in the series and allows you Put faces to the names and also personalities to them. This was an enjoyable read and went quickly. There is enough mystery to keep you wanting to read.
September 21, 2019
Well written!
Interesting plot, believable characters, and I love reading about horses. I learned a lot about showing horses and the work required to keep them in shape and healthy. Very interesting.
Interesting plot, believable characters, and I love reading about horses. I learned a lot about showing horses and the work required to keep them in shape and healthy. Very interesting.
July 6, 2020
Inspired storytelling
A fabulous book that brilliantly meshes a great a equestrian story with horsemanship. I feel I could become a better rider and a better person by reading these stories.
A fabulous book that brilliantly meshes a great a equestrian story with horsemanship. I feel I could become a better rider and a better person by reading these stories.
May 16, 2023
Horse lovers will love This bopk.
A lot of heartache and growing up make this plot a super ride. As a rider myself I was intrigued with he training methods used. Felt they were unique.?
A great 👍read for any age.
A lot of heartache and growing up make this plot a super ride. As a rider myself I was intrigued with he training methods used. Felt they were unique.?
A great 👍read for any age.
July 29, 2018
Good story
A good story about young people and the healing power of horses. I’d recommend it adults as well as young adults
A good story about young people and the healing power of horses. I’d recommend it adults as well as young adults
October 16, 2018
Enjoyed it tremendously
January 14, 2019
A good read.....
This is a great book, especially if you appreciate horses! The story line is interesting and the boarding barn scenarios are accurate. Enjoy!
This is a great book, especially if you appreciate horses! The story line is interesting and the boarding barn scenarios are accurate. Enjoy!
March 7, 2019
Very good
This is a very good book because it includes a lot of suspense, action and description. Anyone that enjoys action and adventure books should read this.
This is a very good book because it includes a lot of suspense, action and description. Anyone that enjoys action and adventure books should read this.
November 12, 2020
Good YA horse book. I really liked all the dressage stuff in it.
December 31, 2020
Wonderful!
What a wonderful story! I look forward to the next book just to see what happens with Astrid and friends. I'm sure she will heal well and quickly.
What a wonderful story! I look forward to the next book just to see what happens with Astrid and friends. I'm sure she will heal well and quickly.
March 24, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Reminded me of all the horse books I read as a kid.
November 20, 2021
Riding lessons
Felt like listening again to what all my instructors had to say but could not quite say in the time allotted..
Felt like listening again to what all my instructors had to say but could not quite say in the time allotted..
July 2, 2022
A really good storyline!
Loved this story, who wouldn't when you are horse crazy still at 66? Felt so bad for Folly, can't wait to read the next in this series!
Loved this story, who wouldn't when you are horse crazy still at 66? Felt so bad for Folly, can't wait to read the next in this series!
July 23, 2022
Good book First in a series
June 24, 2025
I really enjoyed every part of this book other than the main character. She might be one of the worst protagonists I've seen and doesn't improve in the sequel
July 30, 2023
Fun Story
Enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. It’s a bit of a commentary on what I see as the cultural parenting crisis but unfortunately that’s the reality for all too many kids.
Enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. It’s a bit of a commentary on what I see as the cultural parenting crisis but unfortunately that’s the reality for all too many kids.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews