The Black Stallion and the Shape-Shifter

Black Stallion Returns #4

by Steven Farley

After being injured while racing in Ireland’s famous Foster Stakes, the Black and Alec head to the Irish coast to recuperate. While there, they are charmed by the pleasant people and intrigued by tales of the kelpie, a shape-shifting creature of myth who carries unsuspecting riders off to a watery grave. Alec meets a lonely local girl, Mora, who has found a stray pony. Alec, recognizing her love of horses, teaches her to ride. But when Mora disappears, Alec realizes that she has been carried off by the mythical kelpie. Now, Alec and the Black must race the shape-shifter, not realizing that if they lose, not only will Mora be lost forever, but so will the Black.

Genres: Horses, Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Adventure

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 13, 2008

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

[Rena Sherwood]

Do not read any of the Steven Farley books. Just stop at The Black Stallion and the The Girl (also published under the title The Black Stallion and the Stranger.) I've been a fan of the original series since I was about 8 years old -- now I'm a LOT older than 8 -- and this book just sucks sweaty purple donkey balls in comparison to the original series.



This book also has little to no basis in reality. Yes, I know this is a book for kids but COME ON! At least spell Seabiscuit's name right and decide how old Satan (the Black's notable son) is. Also, the Black is described as being in his "late teens." Late teens and still racing? That's illegal. All thoroughbreds have a mandatory retirement date when they reach 14.

And as for the existence of the alleged shape-shifter -- give me a fucking break!



The only good thing about this book is the cover. I did debate giving the book one star just for the cover, but could not in good consciousness do so. Here's another painting by Sanderson:

[gracepalm · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a long, sad tradition of sons taking up the mantle of a famous parent's literary world. I know I've mentioned this before in regards to Todd McCaffrey and Felix Francis, so it's clear that I'm not a fan. Years ago I read the joint venture between Walter and Steven, and I wasn't impressed. I felt that the series was starting to veer into straight up fantasy instead of tales about a boy and the wild horse that loves him. I don't know why I thought this would be any closer to the heart of the series than that joint book was, because it's obvious that, without his father's input, Steven Farley has completely lost sight of who and what the Black Stallion is and what role his relationship with Alec means to the books.

Let's be clear, this is not a book about the Black Stallion. This is a book about an aging racehorse that happens to share the name with the Black and happens to run races with someone named Alec as his jockey. This pair ends up in Ireland after experiencing an eerie incident involving a lost girl and a horse - which never gets resolved, by the way - where the horse ends up lame. They then go to a farm to recover, where a bunch of stuff happens to someone else while Alec wanders around doing absolutely NOTHING. Then there's a bit of nonsense and it's over.

This kid, who is not the Alec Ramsey we know and love, does nothing active, makes no choices, displays little sense, and is incidental to the story as a whole. Meanwhile, the "Black" also does nothing, including show any spark of spirit or intelligence, acting more like an aging cart horse than the Black. As for Henry, he gets conveniently, and oddly, shuffled offstage at the earliest opportunity.

Is this a good book? Not really. It's adequate for a horse tale, if you don't mind a story told from the wrong POV. The entire story would have been much more effective from Mora's side of things.

Is this a Black Stallion book? Emphatically not! Not only does the Black not act like himself, neither does Alec. Not to mention, the story isn't about them and they are only in the story to sell the book.

Reread any of Walter Farley's books instead, his worst writing is better than his son's best.

[Kristen (belles_bookshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"People are pretty much the same anywhere. Human fears and desires are all too common."

SO close to be 4 stars, but.. I don't know. I feel like it was missing SOMETHING, but I'm not sure what. I normally don't like The Black Stallion novels with the fantasy or mythology elements mixed in, but I honestly liked this one. The myth of the kelpie fits right in with horses. I wish we could have seen more of the dynamic between the two.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites as a kid.

[Arwen Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is my favorite of the Steven Farley stories. The Black Stallion and The Steeplechaser was confusing, and this one was not. I really really liked this one, and recommend it to everyone who enjoys fantasy books, horse books and Irish folklore.

Summary:

After the Black receives an injury on the track, Alec and Henry go to Ireland to heal. Everyone thinks Alec was sleepy and hallucinating on Long Island when he saw a horse identical to the Black running alongside him, that made no hoofmarks. When they get to Ireland, the Irish people fill Alec's head with the thought of it being a Kelpie. When at the beach, soaking the Black's foot, Alec meets a local girl named Medora, more commonly called Mora, and a runaway pony she named Silver. Alec and Mora become friends and Mora even learns to ride Silver. But one day, A man named Olivaros comes and says he'd like his pony back. Alec notices the man has crescent shaped scars on his neck, identical to Silver's. Olivaros offers him for 100 pounds, though Mora can't pay that, she can if she wins the local race. After she wins, Alec leaves and expects her to be at the farm he's staying at in a few minutes. After 20 minutes pass, he goes looking for her. He calls the police, but to no avail. When Alec stumbles upon a local fisherman, he tells Alec Mora is never coming back, for Silver was a Kelpie and took her away. Alec and the Black find Silver running and chase him, neck to neck. Silver shape shifts all the way, and Alec is unable to force Mora off his back. Eventually, the run off into the sea. Will Mora ever come back, or is she doomed forever?

[Jean Joublanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another optic Black Stallion adventure!

I Grew up reading all of the Black Stallion books and was thrilled to be able to get these on kindle and online. The stories written by Walter Farley and his son Steve are a perfect addition to my collection. This particular story dives into folk lore and the supernatural which I found to be extremely fun and educational. A must read for all ages.

[Jason Pos · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was very entertaining. The Black, a Kelpie, superstition, folk tales, Ireland and excellent writing by Steven Farley.
That is 24 Black Stallion books done and dusted. I see that Steven Farley has written about six Young Black Stallion books, which seem unavailable in South Africa.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really like horses then this book is for you, I personally adore them so I enjoyed this book a lot. and Mora (one of the characters) IS SO CUTE!!!

[Cynthia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Jule Van Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this reminded me that The Black Stallion series is actually kind of batshit when taken as a whole. I was entertained and will keep a copy of this for when a light, atmospheric read.

[J]

SKW to BHW

[Liz C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would’ve gone so hard when I was 11

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book is very confusing, because it claims to be set in Ireland, but all the plot devices are Scottish. The kelpie is a Scottish myth. The town name Oorloch is a Scottish word and there is talk of bagpipes. Also, completely cringeworthy, Alec visits a supposed Irish country fair and the author writes they are selling "traditional Irish food like corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips". Seriously? Corned beef is a Jewish food that isn't even sold in Ireland. The Irish only experienced it when they emigrated to NYC. At the time, it was the cheapest meat available and the poorest Irish substituted it when they couldn't afford ham. A little bit of research would show you that examples of traditional Irish food would be mutton, boiled potatoes, round ham slices and even rabbit stew. Just because your audience is children, doesn't mean you should give them misinformation.

This story would have been okay with more accurate research. The cover is simply beautiful. There needs to be more horse stories for today's girls, but please remember to be more realistic with details.

[Kiirsi Hellewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was terrified to give this book a try. I'd grown up with the Black Stallion books by Walter Farley...read them too many times to count...got one or two every year for my birthday...and dreamed of horses all the time, as a kid and teen.

I was worried with this book that Steven might not live up to Walter's legacy. I was afraid he'd make Alec annoying and modern, and ruin the picture/vision/memories I had from years of reading about Alec and the Black.

Not to worry--he didn't! This book was great because it seems like it was written by Walter himself, for the most part. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only beef was that the whole shape-shifter thing wasn't really explained at all...not the saddle and bridle, not the pony or man, any of it. It was just kind of left in this big old mystery ???.

But other than that, I loved getting to spend some time with Alec and the Black again! It really was timeless, too--no mention of ultra-modern technology meant that it fit right in with the older Black Stallion books, but it could be present-day, too.

[Convoluted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a long-standing (20+ years) fan of the series, I picked this book up having not realized until recently that Steven had continued writing more books after the co-written "Young Black Stallion." I am also a large fan of Celtic lore and mythology as a whole, so the idea of Alec and the Black in Ireland intrigued me, even as it skirts the realm of reality in dealing with mythology (something that has typically not been my favorite element of the series), and I think this was one of it's better uses. It was like coming home again in many ways and a light, quick read.

[Jessa Slade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessa's pithy reviews:
I lurved the Black Stallion as a kid. Being shipwrecked on a desert island with the Black would've been fine with me. But I enjoyed his continuing adventures elsewhere too. This installment, written by Farley's son, was enjoyable, but it made me think, have I outgrown the Black? I certainly hope not. I think I must get back in touch with my reclusive book-nerdy inner child.

Oh. Wait...

[Jessica Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been one who has always been fascinated with Mythology and horse's and to learn a little bit about my own celtic mythology about kelpie's and hippocamps was amazing. Steven Farley has definately out done his father with this book. I truly enjoyed and had some difficulty putting it down, and highly recommend it to others.

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally rated G- by Lori Hoag
As the review says, this is light reading for kids who love horses. While Alec struggles to put 2 and 2 together, the reader might come to their conclusions earlier. However, this does not detract from this pleasant story, and it is well crafted and well written.

Lori Hoag
Perry High School
Approved G- 6-9

[Kelli George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I began this book with trepidation as Steven Farley's other books were rubbish. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed reading this book as it was like reading one of his father's books. It held my interest.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Black Stallion book. This one was a little different than the rest.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good. I as sort of scard when Mora was taken, but it was probably because I was sitting in a cold car in the dark and i was already afaid.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the first book in the series for a full review.

[Jutta · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad. they mentioned pam, but nothing of the catastrophe at the end of Legend.

[Susan Rickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really exciting. Every time I told myself I that I was going to stop reading, I couldn't help but read on!!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the first book series I ever read. In first grade maybe? Devoured them all and became a rider because of them.