The Promise

Young Black Stallion #1

by Steven Farley

Thirteen-year-old Danielle Connor feels nothing but rage toward Alec Ramsay, the famous young jockey who has turned her family's farm into a training facility for his Thoroughbred racehorses, including the legendary Black. Now Danielle's family has to move and her beloved horse, Redman, has been sold. Even after Alec introduces her to a special black colt, Danielle remains determined to be reunited with Redman...at any cost.  

Genres: Horses, Childrens, Animals, Fiction

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Steven Farley is the son of Walter Farley, the man who created the Black Stallion and wrote twenty stories about the best-loved literary horse of all time. A freelance writer based in Manhattan, Steven travels frequently, especially to places where he can enjoy riding, diving, and surfing.

Reviews

[Becky]

Better than I expected from this author, but that's only because my expectations were pretty low. It's more about teenage angst than about a bond between a horse and a rider. Mostly, though, it comes down to style. I don't like this author's style of writing. You can always tell that he's just not a horse guy and so the books are lacking heart and conviction. I think it's time to give up on him and go back to reading his dad's books instead.

[Arwen Ramsay]

Very good book! Steven grasps Alec's character better in this one, but described him eighty five hundred thousand times. Danielle is an enjoyable character to read in the mind of, but she has some issues with containing emotions. Nevertheless, I think this was a good book and I couldn't have enjoyed it more!

[Cynthia DiNunzio]

Intriguing

[Jacinda]

Realistic Fiction: This book was better than I thought it was going to be; however, I wish it focused more on the girl and her horse instead of her struggle to get him back. However, I can see children who love books about horses loving this book too. I also think that this series probably dives more into horses in the second book and beyond.

[Taylor]

Awful. Didn't even read the whole thing.

[Hannah Bowen]

Terrible I can't believe I even finished. Hate the girl's attitude.

[AnnaScott]

Really good- a little bit of talk about "cute boys"......

[Jessica Timmons]

Short but sweet, and I can see myself doing the same thing.