A dark fantasy, unsettling at times. Set in New Zealand against the backdrop of the world of horse riding.

Probably a little too dark for most of our children in spite of the recommended age category but highly enjoyable as an early YA read (or a very late MG read).

I loved this dark fantasy very much. I've never been on a horse and to be completely honest I've never really understood the appeal of riding but after reading this book I feel as though I finally get it! There is a fair amount of description of horses, horse riding and what it's like to run a riding school in this book but even to someone with no previous interest in this like myself it was so well written that I was drawn straight into this very specific world. The dark fantasy elements are just the right kind of deliciously creepy and unnerving. I found myself deeply unsettled and freaked out as the story went on and I genuinely couldn't tell where it was all going to end or how. I can't put my finger on what makes this book so different to other fantasy books being published at the moment but I think it's because there's a seriousness that underpins the story that is so often missing from modern writing for children. King clearly believes deeply in this story in a way that permeates her writing through and through and it is all the better for it. My fantasy fans at school will love this dark treasure, my riding school book fanatics are about to discover a whole new genre...!

I couldn't make it through this one. I got almost 30% through but was finding myself uninterested in the story and characters. Very little seemed to be happening besides horse riding, and even that wasn't very interesting. There was the odd mention of the Kelpie, but not enough for me to read on.
I had high hopes for this but it just wasn't for me.

This was an incredible upper-middle-grade book! I loved it being set in New Zealand (my homeland) but not being overwhelmed by NZ references or Maori language. It was just even interspersed throughout while also making it feel like a Scottish story with Grizzle and the kelpie from Scottish folklore. There was quite a lot going on but it flowed together really well and I am obsessed with this cover!

I really enjoyed this book and I was so happy when all of the children came back as well as the dad! my favourite bit was when the two sisters realized what Gus was.