Blackface Stallion

Summary
Blackface is a young mustang born to a dominant stallion and a golden palomino mare who was stranded in the desert when her transporter died in an accident. This book chronicles Blackface's life growing up in the desert. As a foal, he causes a lot of mischief. By the time he is a few years old, he and his pinto playmate are kicked out of the herd, and must learn to survive in the harsh environment own their own. Eventually, Blackface and the pinto steal fillies and create a herd of their own. But how long can they survive without their father's choice feeding grounds, which leaves them with no option but to encroach on man's land?

Afterthoughts
"Blackface Stallion" is one of a small number of books that found me. To this day, I can't remember why I picked it up or how I even discovered it. It's now out of print, has never won any awards and no one has ever heard of it.
Yet, as a child, I read it at least 10 times.
Granted, I was certified horse freak when I was a kid and still love everything about them (trail ride, anyone?), but this book captured my interest and imagination in a profound way.
The story reads almost like a biography. Without any dialogue. Or people. So... it's basically a horse's biography. Is that weird?
"Blackface Stallion" is a realistic, straight-forward story of the hardships and peculiarities in the life of a wild Mustang in Mexico. From 'horse politics' to the consequences of humanity's intrusion into the land the horses have roamed since they first escaped from early explorers, this book provides a short, blunt look into the realities of living on the range.
Now, I know this book probably has a small fan club and will never be popular, but I couldn't review books without including one that I consider a classic. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it could surprise you. Do with it what you will.

Warnings
Circle-of-life violence and death. Think of it like a documentary.

Extras
A PBS documentary that follows the life of real Mustang named Cloud.

Light of Eidon

Summary
Abramm Kalladorne has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice.
But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to — as fifth son of the king of Kiriath — he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.
Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete in the gladiatorial games of his new masters. When the oppressed masses rally around his successes, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible — to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Afterthoughts
"Light of Eidon" is one of many books that I got free on Kindle (yay for free books!) and one of the few that I liked enough to buy the rest of the books in the series. Much like the Chronicles of Narnia books, "Light of Eidon" is rife with Christian symbolism. But, unlike many Christian books, it isn't shoved down your throat. Instead, Hancock presents the symbolism in beautiful and powerful characters and circumstances that parallel the Christian faith.
Abramm was an interesting character to meet, mostly because he starts as such a coward. It was one of those, "Wow, do I really have to read a whole book about this guy?" moments. This feeling quickly transformed to admiration and respect as I watched Abramm grow from a boy who was determined to run from his problems to a man who acknowledged his part in the bigger picture.
Abramm's journey, along with the many characters he meets throughout it, form a gripping and touching story that provoked deep thinking about my faith and the reasons behind what I believe. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (like, 4 or 5 times) and highly recommend it and the three books that follow it. So... go read!

Warnings
Mild violence.

Extras
"Light of Eidon" is still free on Amazon! Get it here!
Read Karen's blog.

Ender's Shadow

Summary

Welcome to Battleschool. 

Growing up is never easy. But try living on the mean streets as a child begging for food and fighting like a dog with ruthless gangs of starving kids who wouldn't hesitate to pound your skull into pulp for a scrap of apple. If Bean has learned anything on the streets, it's how to survive. And not with fists. He is way too small for that. But with brains.

Bean is a genius with a magician's ability to zero in on his enemy and exploit his weakness.

What better quality for a future general to lead the Earth in a final climactic battle against a hostile alien race, known as Buggers. At Battleschool Bean meets and befriends another future commander - Ender Wiggins - perhaps his only true rival.

Only one problem: for Bean and Ender, the future is now.

Afterthoughts

As soon as I learned Orson Scott Card had written a companion book for “Ender’s Game,” I was out of my mind with excitement. And when I learned that the book focused on Bean? Let’s just say I couldn’t get my hands on that book fast enough.

Bean was my favorite character in “Ender’s Game” and, after reading “Ender’s Shadow,” became my favorite character in the “Ender’s Game” universe. I loved watching the story unfold through Bean’s eyes. In fact, while reading the original book, it was an idea I had thought of and hoped for until I learned Card was already miles ahead of me.

Re-watching and re-reading has never been an issue for me and I didn’t find the story to be stale, even though I knew the outcome from the original book. To see Ender from the perspective of genius, boy-wonder Bean and to watch Bean struggle with Ender’s attitude toward him while knowing the reasons behind it was fantastic.

And, for those worried that the entire book is simply the same story from a different POV, Card gives us both a backstory and an epilogue for little Bean. And it will come as a complete surprise, I can almost guarantee it.

The story was as well-written as “Ender’s Game” and returns many beloved characters while also introducing several new ones. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed "Ender's Game" — and to anyone who has the ability to read. It's a good one.

Warnings

Some mild language and violence.

Extras

Click here for access to the first chapter and more info from Card's site.

Card developed this book into another series, continuing in Shadow of the Hegemon.

Graceling

Summary
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill.
As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace — or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Afterthoughts
I can't remember why I picked this book, though it was highly recommended by my roommate after she saw I had it, but I was quite thrilled with it. Katsa's character had an interesting mix of self-loathing, a fierce loyalty to those she called her own and a tenderness that was rarely seen. I enjoyed journeying with her to self-discovery, especially since it was a discovery that had been previously misunderstood.
One of my favorite things about this book was the slow build-up to a full explanation of a Graceling. Since it's the book's title, I knew it was important, but I was frustrated when I didn't get a full explanation immediately. The term is used frequently, but opens this unique aspect of the story's world to the reader in increments. Not only was this an interesting tool for setting the story's pace, but it kept me enthralled. There was no way I was going to put that book down!
The supporting characters were well-developed and added elements to the story that Katsa, as the narrator, was unable to provide. This was especially strong in Po's character. He provided a perfect balance for Katsa's stony refusal to feel emotion and (though his name constantly made me think of "Kung Fu Panda") he quickly became one of my favorite's.

Warnings
A alluded-to sexual encounter, nothing explicit but still mentioned; mild violence.

Extras
Kristin Cashore has proved to be one of those really likable authors and has provided the first two chapters on her website! Check them out!

Take a look at Kristin's blog.