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Beast Quest #4
Tagus the Horse-man
Librarian note: An alternative cover for this ISBN can be found here.
Avantia needs a hero. Under the spell of an evil wizard, the magical beasts that once protected the land are destroying it. Tagus the horse-man is terrorising the people and animals in the plains - can Tom stop him?
Avantia needs a hero. Under the spell of an evil wizard, the magical beasts that once protected the land are destroying it. Tagus the horse-man is terrorising the people and animals in the plains - can Tom stop him?
137 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
65 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Adam Blade
863 books213 followersAdam Blade is the house name for the Working Partners Ltd. ghostwriters who write the Beast Quest and Sea Quest series.
Adam Blade is in his late twenties, and was born in Kent, England. His parents were both history teachers and amateur artists, and Adam grew up surrounded by his father’s paintings of historic English battles – which left a lifelong mark on his imagination. He was also fascinated by the ancient sword and shield that hung in his father’s office. Adam’s father said they were a Blade family heirloom.
As a boy, Adam would spend days imagining who could have first owned the sword and shield. Eventually, he created a character – Tom, the bravest boy warrior of them all. The idea for Beast Quest was born.
When Adam grew up and decided that he wanted to be a writer, he was stuck for ideas – until he remembered the old sword and shield, and the imaginary boy he had created when he was young. Adam decided to bring Tom fully to life so that readers could go on the kind of adventures that he always wanted to when he was that age… And still does, even though he’s grown up!
When he’s not writing Beast Quest books, Adam enjoys visiting museums and ancient battle sites. His main hobbies are fencing and football. He also spends a lot of time at home running around after his two exotic pets – a tarantula named Ziggy, and a capuchin monkey named Omar. These little rascals were the inspiration for two of the Beasts that Tom faces on his Quest – Arachnid and Claw.
Sadly, Adam does not have his own Fire-Dragon or Horse-Man. But he really wishes he did!
Adam Blade is in his late twenties, and was born in Kent, England. His parents were both history teachers and amateur artists, and Adam grew up surrounded by his father’s paintings of historic English battles – which left a lifelong mark on his imagination. He was also fascinated by the ancient sword and shield that hung in his father’s office. Adam’s father said they were a Blade family heirloom.
As a boy, Adam would spend days imagining who could have first owned the sword and shield. Eventually, he created a character – Tom, the bravest boy warrior of them all. The idea for Beast Quest was born.
When Adam grew up and decided that he wanted to be a writer, he was stuck for ideas – until he remembered the old sword and shield, and the imaginary boy he had created when he was young. Adam decided to bring Tom fully to life so that readers could go on the kind of adventures that he always wanted to when he was that age… And still does, even though he’s grown up!
When he’s not writing Beast Quest books, Adam enjoys visiting museums and ancient battle sites. His main hobbies are fencing and football. He also spends a lot of time at home running around after his two exotic pets – a tarantula named Ziggy, and a capuchin monkey named Omar. These little rascals were the inspiration for two of the Beasts that Tom faces on his Quest – Arachnid and Claw.
Sadly, Adam does not have his own Fire-Dragon or Horse-Man. But he really wishes he did!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 22, 2018
Me like
May 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Tom got the golden chain on Tagus' neck by getting on Tagus and using the key to unlock it.
January 26, 2021
Том и Елена вече са освободили половината от митичните зверове, заробени от злата магия на Малвел. Сега пътят ги отвежда към полята, където вилнее кентавъра Тагус. Някога закрилник на местните говедовъди и техните стада, сега той подплашва животните и ги предизвиква да рутят цели градове. Ако нашите герои и техните четириноги приятели – конят Сторм и вълкът Силвър – не успеят да го спрат, то хората в полята ще мизерстват от глад. Но как могат две деца и животинките им ще се изправят срещу митичен Звяр като Тагус?
Цялото ревю на линка:
https://citadelata.com/tagus-the-hors...
Цялото ревю на линка:
https://citadelata.com/tagus-the-hors...
November 16, 2025
More of the same. I reckon, the perceived "quality" of these books diminished with each entry in the series, since it is pretty much them same all over again. This time, the "beast" was a tad uninteresting and the finale very underwhelming. Dull.
August 8, 2013
In Targus the Night Horse, the fourth installment of the Beast Quest series, things remain strictly formula. Citizens are attacked by Beast -> Tom and Elenna meet/help citizens -> miscellaneous hardships are overcome -> rather simple epic battle against the Beast -> Congratulations, it's the end.
In this particular installment, Tom and Elenna spend seventy-six pages finding and battling the fourth Beast under Malvel's spell, a centuar named Tagus... who is never once referred to as a centaur. Only a "night horse".
Seriously, it's kind of weird. I thought it was odd in the previous book that the Cyclops was referred to only as a "Mountain Giant", but now I'm starting to think it's a trend. From what I can tell from the covers of the later installments, the children are going to battle a yeti referred to as an "ice beast", a phoenix only referred to as a "winged flame", and a naga referred to as a "snake man".
...and I will admit I don't quite get it. Why are dragon, sea serpent, minotaur, and gorgon acceptable, while Cyclops, centaur, yeti, phoenix, and naga given euphemisms? Color me confused.
Regardless, Targus the Night Horse is another mediocre-to-good installment in the Beast Quest series. I'm finding that the books are slightly improving as I delve further into the series, though I believe that might simply be because Blade has gotten the exposition out of the way (for the most part) while I'm getting more invested in the characters and their quest. I hope to see the plots improve over the next few novels, and I'm longing for the rigid formula of these first few books to be broken soon.
In the meantime, though, Beast Quest is proving itself to be a consistent fantasy series ideal for young readers of (very short) chapter books.
In this particular installment, Tom and Elenna spend seventy-six pages finding and battling the fourth Beast under Malvel's spell, a centuar named Tagus... who is never once referred to as a centaur. Only a "night horse".
Seriously, it's kind of weird. I thought it was odd in the previous book that the Cyclops was referred to only as a "Mountain Giant", but now I'm starting to think it's a trend. From what I can tell from the covers of the later installments, the children are going to battle a yeti referred to as an "ice beast", a phoenix only referred to as a "winged flame", and a naga referred to as a "snake man".
...and I will admit I don't quite get it. Why are dragon, sea serpent, minotaur, and gorgon acceptable, while Cyclops, centaur, yeti, phoenix, and naga given euphemisms? Color me confused.
Regardless, Targus the Night Horse is another mediocre-to-good installment in the Beast Quest series. I'm finding that the books are slightly improving as I delve further into the series, though I believe that might simply be because Blade has gotten the exposition out of the way (for the most part) while I'm getting more invested in the characters and their quest. I hope to see the plots improve over the next few novels, and I'm longing for the rigid formula of these first few books to be broken soon.
In the meantime, though, Beast Quest is proving itself to be a consistent fantasy series ideal for young readers of (very short) chapter books.
January 13, 2015
Tagus the Night Horse by Adam Blade is a fantasy story about a beast who was in control by a wizard attacking corps out of control.Tom, his new friend Elenna, Storm the Horse and Silver the Wolf on are on a journey to free this outraged beast from the horrible wizard. Tom finds him self in jail wrongfully accused for something he never did. Later sneaks out and later faces the uncontrolled beast, Tagus, on a fight and bring him down with the help of his fast horse Storm.
Adam Blade used 1st narrative point of view in this book. It connects to imaginary things like a night horse that is half man and half horse. The story takes it slow at the beginning then goes fast then goes slowly. in another way to express it, first it's silent then it is all distractive and scary then goes back to peaceful.
My recommendations for this book is high. If you have a high taste in Fantasy books, this book will take you straight into it. Adventure is on it's way to show you what it feels like to fight a night horse. So, are you ready for a journey to the land of Avantia and take on this scary beast, read Tagus the Night Horse by Adam Blade.
Adam Blade used 1st narrative point of view in this book. It connects to imaginary things like a night horse that is half man and half horse. The story takes it slow at the beginning then goes fast then goes slowly. in another way to express it, first it's silent then it is all distractive and scary then goes back to peaceful.
My recommendations for this book is high. If you have a high taste in Fantasy books, this book will take you straight into it. Adventure is on it's way to show you what it feels like to fight a night horse. So, are you ready for a journey to the land of Avantia and take on this scary beast, read Tagus the Night Horse by Adam Blade.
April 23, 2014
If you read my previous review Cypher The Mountain Giant you can skip this review. It's the same formula. Someone gets in trouble, our heroes appear, they get into trouble and then help the villagers and in the end deal with the beast. The characters don't evolve from one book to another. And the little girl, well this book she didn't get into trouble. She was almost absent. Enfin...
October 29, 2018
وإنجاز آخر مذهل لفتانا الشجاع ومن معه ^_^
June 14, 2021
So this is my first Beast Quest review, although it is book number 4 in the series. I have read the first 3 and figured I should review each as I read them or else I may forget. Beast Quest is about a young boy named Tom who has risen the ranks to free the six beasts of Avantia. These guardians have succumbed to the dark magic of the evil wizard, Malvel. In this book Tom is tasked with restoring Tagus, a half-man half-horse creature. As always, it is quite formulaic. It starts with the titular creature causing havoc then follows Tom and Elena as they weave in and out of trouble before finally conquering their Beast Quest.
The pictures (UK editions have way better illustrations than the US editions) add a lot of charm and visual flare to the story. Steve Sims is the artist and he does a fantastic job conveying the action, struggles, horrors and triumphs. All Beast Quest books are roughly 100 pages long and can be read in an hour or less. The many pictures (sometimes spanning two pages halfway up) make for a super fast and entertaining read. This isn’t classic literature by any means but a great introductory point to fantasy sci-fi and quasi horror for reluctant young readers.
Also love its episodic nature! Really fun to read aloud and makes you want to read the next one to see what’s the follow up!
The pictures (UK editions have way better illustrations than the US editions) add a lot of charm and visual flare to the story. Steve Sims is the artist and he does a fantastic job conveying the action, struggles, horrors and triumphs. All Beast Quest books are roughly 100 pages long and can be read in an hour or less. The many pictures (sometimes spanning two pages halfway up) make for a super fast and entertaining read. This isn’t classic literature by any means but a great introductory point to fantasy sci-fi and quasi horror for reluctant young readers.
Also love its episodic nature! Really fun to read aloud and makes you want to read the next one to see what’s the follow up!
April 20, 2019
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Same format as the first three books in the series. The books follow a pretty consistent story arch, which gets a little dull and predictable after a while. Nice, short chapter book that is good for reluctant readers. Quick pace and adventure make it interesting.
I found the first four books in the clearance section at a book store. Now that I've read them, I think it's the end of the series for me. I was thinking I'd finish the last two monsters, but I'm pretty sure I get the basic direction of the series by now so I'll probably just skip them. Plus, there are over 80 books in the total series. Not really that into the series.
Good short books filled with adventure, but not much creativity.
Same format as the first three books in the series. The books follow a pretty consistent story arch, which gets a little dull and predictable after a while. Nice, short chapter book that is good for reluctant readers. Quick pace and adventure make it interesting.
I found the first four books in the clearance section at a book store. Now that I've read them, I think it's the end of the series for me. I was thinking I'd finish the last two monsters, but I'm pretty sure I get the basic direction of the series by now so I'll probably just skip them. Plus, there are over 80 books in the total series. Not really that into the series.
Good short books filled with adventure, but not much creativity.
November 23, 2021
Tom ja Elenna ovat vapauttaneet jo kolme tarujen hirviötä velho malvelin kirouksesta, mutta vielä on kolme hirviötä jäljellä.
Seuraavaksi he kohtaavat Tagusin - tasankoja vartioivan kentaurin, joka hyökkäilee nyt raivon vallassa karjalaumojen kimppuun. Matkalla Tagusin luokse meinaa katketa heti alkuunsa, sillä tasangon asukkaat pitävät Tomia syyllisenä tuhotöihin ja vangitsevat hänet! Tomin pitääkin käyttää kaikki kekseliäisyytensä ja nokkeluutensa, jotta hän voisi päästä eteenpäin tehtävässään.
Seuraavaksi he kohtaavat Tagusin - tasankoja vartioivan kentaurin, joka hyökkäilee nyt raivon vallassa karjalaumojen kimppuun. Matkalla Tagusin luokse meinaa katketa heti alkuunsa, sillä tasangon asukkaat pitävät Tomia syyllisenä tuhotöihin ja vangitsevat hänet! Tomin pitääkin käyttää kaikki kekseliäisyytensä ja nokkeluutensa, jotta hän voisi päästä eteenpäin tehtävässään.
February 3, 2018
Very formulaic, but just about kept my son's interest. This is the least entertaining of the first four books in the series, although it hasn't put my son off reading the next one. I do find the Level of language spot on, though. It is accessible for young children, yet challenging too, so just about perfect in that respect.
March 4, 2024
Ferno's dragonscale must have given Tom a Stone Skin enchantment, otherwise being dragged across a rocky field and punched in the head by a centaur would have turned him into pulp. Terrible decisions be this kid this time. Not heroic, just stupid. Still, the kids liked completing the quest, and we're roped in at least through Ferno vs Epos.
September 10, 2025
Tom and Elenna set out to free Tagus the Night horse from the evil wizard Malvel’s curse in the 5th book in the Beast Quest series. There are nice prairie landscape descriptions in this one, and better pacing and plot than some of the earlier books. My son said this was his favorite Beast Quest book yet, which is impressive as we’ve read a lot so far. Now on to Tartok the Ice Beast!
December 7, 2018
Book four of team Blade's Beast Quest series and another what you would expect story almost by the numbers but still with enough in it to be mildly diverting and engaging and helps you escape dreariness for little while.
October 31, 2020
Den handler om Tom og Elennas eventyr, for at befrie monsteret kentauren Tagus der bliver holdt fanget af noget magisk. Jeg vil ikke røbe mere nu, men kan fortælle at det bliver spændende.
Jeg kan godt lide at der er en tam ulv med i bogen som hjælper heltene.
- Mads 9 år
Jeg kan godt lide at der er en tam ulv med i bogen som hjælper heltene.
- Mads 9 år
February 12, 2023
Another great instalment of the Beast Quest Series. I really liked the way this one planned out with more of the pre battle taking a centre stage and the quest almost being stopped before it had begun…..
This is my favourite so far.
This is my favourite so far.
December 7, 2023
loved it, but honestly oklahoma! is one of my favorite movies. so cowboys mixed with a quest and a magical beast. count me in.
a wonderful fourth installment, i’m greatly looking forward to their journey north in the next book.
a wonderful fourth installment, i’m greatly looking forward to their journey north in the next book.
May 15, 2017
I had unusual fun while reading this book......
November 23, 2019
updating goodreads
May 4, 2020
It is a very good and adventurous book
I have this rating because I liked the book
Jacksonville kd bbq dim love this book
It is awesome and adventurous
I have this rating because I liked the book
Jacksonville kd bbq dim love this book
It is awesome and adventurous
September 1, 2020
Great book I'm just way to old to be reading it
October 2, 2020
this book is about a centurion (half man, half horse)who is causing trouble but unfortunately for him tom has never failed to conquer a beast
January 26, 2021
Its an epic series
May 7, 2021
A bit of killing 4 star
August 3, 2021
Really good
August 16, 2021
It was AMAZING
February 27, 2022
Vzmernljivo
July 15, 2022
More of the same. 6yo loves them.
September 4, 2022
Lots of horses in this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews