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Phantom Stallion #24
Run Away Home
Samantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval–its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family. But then, disaster A terrible blizzard traps the Phantom Stallion's band. Sam has to help them, but she's terrified they'll be captured. Can she save her beloved mustangs and keep them free–for good?
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2006
6 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Terri Farley
128 books414 followersTerri Farley is the best-selling author of books about the contemporary and historic West. Her PHANTOM STALLION series has sold over 2 million books world-wide and it relaunches with new art & content in March 2023.
Terri's most recent non-fiction book Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to
Save Them (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is a Junior Library Guild selection; winner of the
Sterling North Heritage award for Excellence in Children's Literature.
Terri's only contemporary fantasy is SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA.
Terri is an advocate for the West's wild horses and for young people helping to make their voices heard.
https://www.facebook.com/PhantomStall...
https://twitter.com/Terri_Farley
https://www.instagram.com/terrifarley/
Terri's most recent non-fiction book Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to
Save Them (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is a Junior Library Guild selection; winner of the
Sterling North Heritage award for Excellence in Children's Literature.
Terri's only contemporary fantasy is SEVEN TEARS INTO THE SEA.
Terri is an advocate for the West's wild horses and for young people helping to make their voices heard.
https://www.facebook.com/PhantomStall...
https://twitter.com/Terri_Farley
https://www.instagram.com/terrifarley/
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 26, 2019
Terri, thank you. The Phantom Stallion series is still, to this day, the biggest inspiration as to why I became a writer and fell in love with stories. I have such a fondness in my heart for The Phantom Stallion books that even to this day at age 25 I still keep an eye out in the hopes we'll have one more novel.
Wouldn't it be great to have a novel of Sam and Jake, 15-20 years later? Where they've been, what they've been doing, , how the phantom's doing--he could still be kicking it out in the wild, or maybe he's so old and sick that Sam finally gets to take him home to her ranch where he lives out the rest of his senior days getting fat and receiving lots of love and pats? Maybe a story about his descendant running the herd. Gosh, I just want more! I have SO much love for this series. I cannot recommend it enough--for horse lovers, for teens in general, or even adults who love good stories despite it being centered around teens and (mostly) teen issues. It's a great series, so well written, and the characters are so strong and the setting is so fantastic and real. My heart refuses to accept that this series is really over.
Wouldn't it be great to have a novel of Sam and Jake, 15-20 years later? Where they've been, what they've been doing, , how the phantom's doing--he could still be kicking it out in the wild, or maybe he's so old and sick that Sam finally gets to take him home to her ranch where he lives out the rest of his senior days getting fat and receiving lots of love and pats? Maybe a story about his descendant running the herd. Gosh, I just want more! I have SO much love for this series. I cannot recommend it enough--for horse lovers, for teens in general, or even adults who love good stories despite it being centered around teens and (mostly) teen issues. It's a great series, so well written, and the characters are so strong and the setting is so fantastic and real. My heart refuses to accept that this series is really over.
June 4, 2017
This series ended perfectly. Terri Farley is a fabulous writer I feel like I've lived everything Sam did...I've read these books so many times. I adore Jake I love Sam...everything about this series is perfect. One of the only good horse series...it's not over the top or unrealistic. It's just right.
February 18, 2024
Awww! I can't believe I finally finished this series! Like I said in my earlier reviews, this was one of my favorite series as a teen, but after book 13 my mom couldn't find the rest of the books in physical copy for whatever reason, so I just never finished it. It wasn't until 2022 at age 30 that I'd posted something about the books on my Instagram and the author herself saw it and informed me that Oasis Audio was bringing the full series to audio. Starting January last year (2023) I set off on a quest to listen to all 24 books and FINALLY finish this series. It took a year for me to get through them all because I was alternating off with other books (I've never been the type to binge entire series all at once), but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. It was definitely a good dose of teenage nostalgia, LOL.
This wrap up was delightful and everything I would have hoped for as a teen reader and now. If you haven't read any of the series and don't want spoilers, it will probably be best not to read this review because a lot happened in Sam's life over the course of 24 books, and I am going to talk about things that didn't get set up until later in the series.
Okay, spoilers coming:
The first thing I was excited about was that FINALLY got arrested for something. He dodged the law through the whole series, doing many ethically questionable, if not outright illegal things, and always managing to get away with it. But they finally got him! For tax evasion, LOL. Hey, at least it was something. And then Sam's finally had her baby and it was a baby brother! I loved Sam's reaction to holding The Phantom and his herd were also made safe due to circumstances surrounding the hidden valley, including a sweet twist that made them even safer, though I won't spoil the details of that. I also appreciated the little tiny hint of finally falling for each other at the end. That had been hinted at lightly for the whole series and I wondered if Farley was going to actually have them admit that they had feelings by the end of the series. I appreciated that it was just a mild bit of hand holding at the very very very end of the book rather than declarations of love, because if you liked them as just friends, you could imagine that they stayed friends, but if you always shipped them, then you can celebrate and imagine that their relationship grew after that. Either way, I thought it was sweet.
Another sweet little thing was that apparently, the pre-teen girl, Darby, that Sam befriended and influenced toward loving and saving horses during this book then got her own spin-off series in Hawaii. I was aware of that series as a kid, but didn't want to start a new series when I couldn't finish the old one, so I never got into it. Still, it's nice that if young, horse-crazy girls liked this series, there's another one for them to go read. I don't think I'm going to try that spin-off series just because this one will always be the Phantom Stallion series of my heart. But still, I liked Darby as a character, and it's nice to know she got her own stories.
*happy sigh* Man, I still can't believe it's all over, but what a sweet ending. Even though these books are getting on in age, I still recommend them as classics to young, horse-crazy readers everywhere, especially for readers (and parents) who want a series that is actually age appropriate, innocent, and allows kids to be kids.
Someday, I may reread this series yet again, but for now, I'm just so glad to finally know the full story of Sam and her Phantom Stallion. Who knows, maybe someday, Mrs. Farley might give us the gift of a follow-up novel that shows us how everyone's doing after they grow up. I think that would be pretty cool. :)
Content Advisory:
Someone gets arrested for tax evasion
A bus has an accident that injures a horse (mild description of injuries, but the horse gets rescued) and the driver gets a cut on his head.
Sam ends up having to help her step mother deliver her new sibling at home. The birth scene only has description that is appropriate for the target audience (step mom groaning and uncomfortable, a statement that the baby is "emerging" and then suddenly the baby is there in Sam's arms and described as "slippery" but nothing more.)
Sam observes that many couples look lovey-dovey at a New Year's party (this is a community party with adults, teens, and little kids). A teen couple holds hands at the end of the book, hinting at romance blooming between them.
This wrap up was delightful and everything I would have hoped for as a teen reader and now. If you haven't read any of the series and don't want spoilers, it will probably be best not to read this review because a lot happened in Sam's life over the course of 24 books, and I am going to talk about things that didn't get set up until later in the series.
Okay, spoilers coming:
The first thing I was excited about was that FINALLY got arrested for something. He dodged the law through the whole series, doing many ethically questionable, if not outright illegal things, and always managing to get away with it. But they finally got him! For tax evasion, LOL. Hey, at least it was something. And then Sam's finally had her baby and it was a baby brother! I loved Sam's reaction to holding The Phantom and his herd were also made safe due to circumstances surrounding the hidden valley, including a sweet twist that made them even safer, though I won't spoil the details of that. I also appreciated the little tiny hint of finally falling for each other at the end. That had been hinted at lightly for the whole series and I wondered if Farley was going to actually have them admit that they had feelings by the end of the series. I appreciated that it was just a mild bit of hand holding at the very very very end of the book rather than declarations of love, because if you liked them as just friends, you could imagine that they stayed friends, but if you always shipped them, then you can celebrate and imagine that their relationship grew after that. Either way, I thought it was sweet.
Another sweet little thing was that apparently, the pre-teen girl, Darby, that Sam befriended and influenced toward loving and saving horses during this book then got her own spin-off series in Hawaii. I was aware of that series as a kid, but didn't want to start a new series when I couldn't finish the old one, so I never got into it. Still, it's nice that if young, horse-crazy girls liked this series, there's another one for them to go read. I don't think I'm going to try that spin-off series just because this one will always be the Phantom Stallion series of my heart. But still, I liked Darby as a character, and it's nice to know she got her own stories.
*happy sigh* Man, I still can't believe it's all over, but what a sweet ending. Even though these books are getting on in age, I still recommend them as classics to young, horse-crazy readers everywhere, especially for readers (and parents) who want a series that is actually age appropriate, innocent, and allows kids to be kids.
Someday, I may reread this series yet again, but for now, I'm just so glad to finally know the full story of Sam and her Phantom Stallion. Who knows, maybe someday, Mrs. Farley might give us the gift of a follow-up novel that shows us how everyone's doing after they grow up. I think that would be pretty cool. :)
Content Advisory:
Someone gets arrested for tax evasion
A bus has an accident that injures a horse (mild description of injuries, but the horse gets rescued) and the driver gets a cut on his head.
Sam ends up having to help her step mother deliver her new sibling at home. The birth scene only has description that is appropriate for the target audience (step mom groaning and uncomfortable, a statement that the baby is "emerging" and then suddenly the baby is there in Sam's arms and described as "slippery" but nothing more.)
Sam observes that many couples look lovey-dovey at a New Year's party (this is a community party with adults, teens, and little kids). A teen couple holds hands at the end of the book, hinting at romance blooming between them.
November 10, 2025
I have tried to review this book before and it is so difficult for so many reasons. If I could give this book more stars, I'd do it. Unfortunately, Goodreads doesn't provide endless stars. lol So I'll try my best to sum up my review of this book as simply as possible.
For one thing, I think this book hit me as hard as it did since it's the last, and for another, I think it hit me so hard because I've been crying and laughing with these characters for almost two years as I collected and read these books.
Samantha- Honestly, this girl grew up so much! I don't think I quite realized until I read a few excerpts from the first book again and I was actually stunned. I feel like I loved her character so much more with every book and every new adventure. I loved that she never holds back, and that she's so spunky and hard-working.
Jake- I think I've already mentioned in my other reviews how much I love Jake Ely! He is funny and hardworking and quiet and strong and so many other things! A little stubborn and prideful maybe too? lol But he's still my favorite character!
Jen- Jen has changed so much throughout the books. She's funny, incredibly smart, and a great best friend to Sam. I love hearing about their adventures together, and I love her witty personality, even though she does say a few things sometimes that leave more than one person astonished.
While I could choose to write a review about every single character that would take wayyyyyyyyy tooooooo longgggggg.
While I have looked into Wild Horse Island before and enjoyed it, I don't think Darby can ever quite carry the torch like Samantha did, and I don't think any series will ever hit me like this one has. The nostalgia of it is just so sweet. Now I'm just sad I finished it. :( lol
For one thing, I think this book hit me as hard as it did since it's the last, and for another, I think it hit me so hard because I've been crying and laughing with these characters for almost two years as I collected and read these books.
Samantha- Honestly, this girl grew up so much! I don't think I quite realized until I read a few excerpts from the first book again and I was actually stunned. I feel like I loved her character so much more with every book and every new adventure. I loved that she never holds back, and that she's so spunky and hard-working.
Jake- I think I've already mentioned in my other reviews how much I love Jake Ely! He is funny and hardworking and quiet and strong and so many other things! A little stubborn and prideful maybe too? lol But he's still my favorite character!
Jen- Jen has changed so much throughout the books. She's funny, incredibly smart, and a great best friend to Sam. I love hearing about their adventures together, and I love her witty personality, even though she does say a few things sometimes that leave more than one person astonished.
While I could choose to write a review about every single character that would take wayyyyyyyyy tooooooo longgggggg.
While I have looked into Wild Horse Island before and enjoyed it, I don't think Darby can ever quite carry the torch like Samantha did, and I don't think any series will ever hit me like this one has. The nostalgia of it is just so sweet. Now I'm just sad I finished it. :( lol
October 24, 2020
My rating system
5- Gush/Absolutely Loved
4- Low Love/High Like
3- Like
2- Meh
1- Dislike/Hate
If it is a .5 star I round up
5 Stars
This was one of my favorite series from my childhood books 11-24 I did not have the pleasure of reading them during childhood I am reading them now.
Samantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to relax: Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family.
But then, disaster strikes: A terrible blizzard traps the Phantom Stallion's band. Sam has to help them, but she's terrified they'll be captured. Can she save her beloved mustangs and keep them free for good?
This was an amazing finale to such a wonderful series, but I hope we get to see more in the future someday.
5- Gush/Absolutely Loved
4- Low Love/High Like
3- Like
2- Meh
1- Dislike/Hate
If it is a .5 star I round up
5 Stars
This was one of my favorite series from my childhood books 11-24 I did not have the pleasure of reading them during childhood I am reading them now.
Samantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to relax: Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family.
But then, disaster strikes: A terrible blizzard traps the Phantom Stallion's band. Sam has to help them, but she's terrified they'll be captured. Can she save her beloved mustangs and keep them free for good?
This was an amazing finale to such a wonderful series, but I hope we get to see more in the future someday.
October 1, 2024
Does this book really deserve five stars? No. But I'm taking this chance to kind of review the whole series and I would give this series five stars for 8-12 girls. If you're looking for a sweet, clean series about horses for the girl in your life, this is it.
There are several key things that I appreciate:
- adults are show to be wise and respectable
- there are consequences for poor choices
- very little romance and what there is mostly just is mentioned as a crush
- seeing our MC make hard choices and learn real lessons
It's not the greatest storytelling or writing in the world but it's great for kids.
Another reason I gave this one five stars is that it has one of my favorite series endings EVER! Just second behind Robot Wars :) So many good and happy things happen to wrap this up and it sets up the Hawaii series well.
There are several key things that I appreciate:
- adults are show to be wise and respectable
- there are consequences for poor choices
- very little romance and what there is mostly just is mentioned as a crush
- seeing our MC make hard choices and learn real lessons
It's not the greatest storytelling or writing in the world but it's great for kids.
Another reason I gave this one five stars is that it has one of my favorite series endings EVER! Just second behind Robot Wars :) So many good and happy things happen to wrap this up and it sets up the Hawaii series well.
December 17, 2025
I’ve loved this entire series for a VERY long time! I read them as a child and young teen, when they were fresh new releases!
Sam, Jake, and Jen are an incredible duo facing a generational challenge against those who are much older than them and making sure to save the horses who are meant to be free and roam the land that was always theirs.
The dynamic between the friends and the blossoming relationship between Sam and Jake is wholesome and sweet. I’ve given this to my niece to also read and love.
Sam, Jake, and Jen are an incredible duo facing a generational challenge against those who are much older than them and making sure to save the horses who are meant to be free and roam the land that was always theirs.
The dynamic between the friends and the blossoming relationship between Sam and Jake is wholesome and sweet. I’ve given this to my niece to also read and love.
August 28, 2024
What a satisfying end to the series! Linc Slocum gets arrested, Brynna has baby Cody, the Phantom's herd is safe on River Bend Ranch land, and Sam and Jake are set to get together. In so many ways, this finale wraps things up wonderfully, to the extent that my sister and I still remember many important details and lines from when we read it as kids. This reread has been thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks Terri Farley!
May 13, 2025
this book is my favorite book of the series It is so much fun to read from the baby to Sam and Jake
February 10, 2021
I though the book was great but just not for me. now the story line was incredible but i'm just a fan of these books now i am giving it 4 stars because it was a great book and i bet you if i liked these types of books it would be a big 5 star rating. i made a novel study and and a book talk on this book!
October 23, 2017
The entirely satisfying culmination of the series.
September 24, 2014
This book is by far my favorite in the series, I think. I loved the ending, too. Most of the time I'm really disappointed with the way that series end, but that was not the case with this one. I absolutely adore all of the characters in these books and I'm glad that some of them made a reappearance in this book. I really liked this series and can definitely see myself reading them again.
January 30, 2024
It's a cute book with a good ending. I really felt the need to finish this book and thus fully complete the #24 book series lol I'm glad that it's done and I can move on with my life. It's a good series to read if you're younger, but of course you've gotta be in the mood to actually read the series.
September 6, 2011
This series is written more for adolescents, and they were some of my favorite books when I was younger. Now, I'm not sure I'd be that interested in re-reading them, but they were a fun, lighter type of book, and I'm glad I had them to read when I was that age.
December 25, 2012
This is the last Phantom Stallion, and I must say I was so impressed.
Everything that I wanted to happen did happen.
The Phantom is safe for the rest of his life.
This series has been a huge part of my life, and I am sincerely sad to see it go.
Thank you, Terri, from the bottom of my heart.
Everything that I wanted to happen did happen.
The Phantom is safe for the rest of his life.
This series has been a huge part of my life, and I am sincerely sad to see it go.
Thank you, Terri, from the bottom of my heart.
August 28, 2010
I love the ending to this series! it is a very satisfactory end. I had a lot of fun reading the series, for the whole series (all 24 books) I would give it a rating of 5 stars
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October 23, 2014df38c664-e2f6-40cd-9f49-71e72f771acd
December 1, 2014
A great series for the young horse-lover! I read the whole series as a kid and each book keeps you interested and racing for the next!
Read
January 14, 2015Noooooo the series cannot end!!!
September 25, 2010
See the first book in the series for a full review.
May 9, 2017
A wonderful conclusion to an amazing book series by a wonderfully talented author
Read
October 17, 2018Jake is always picking on Sam. Upon reading it, I wanted to tell him to man up and stop harassing Sam. Although, with Sam, she does expect others to help her. I can see why Jake is moody with her.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews