Rocking Horse War

Quick Look

• A dangerous and thrilling tale of dark magic and an even darker destiny
• The book is set in a fantasy version of the rugged Perthshire countryside
• With strong male and female characters and a balance between battles and wits, Rocking Horse War should appeal to both boys and girls.

A perilous adventure through the rugged Scottish hills as Pearl tries to rescue her triplet siblings.

Description

One sunny morning the triplets disappear, leaving only a few mysterious clues behind: an open upstairs window, three missing rocking horses and some strangely shaped marks on the lawn outside. Could they be hoofprints? Used to their silly pranks, older sister Pearl sets out to find them. At the garden gate she encounters Thomas, the snooty grandson of a local earl, who warns her that the moors aren't safe today. But who is he to boss Pearl around?

As she searches for the triplets and tries to outwit Thomas, Pearl's journey through the rugged Scottish hills unfolds into an incredible and perilous adventure. Pearl strives to outwit living, breathing rocking horses and several powerful land magicians, who turn the very rocks of the mountains against her. But can she trust the mysterious Thomas? And can she save her brother and sisters from the unknown fate that lies ahead?

A tale of dark magic and destiny set in the 1920s Scottish Highlands.

Reviews

"Don's fast-paced, well-crafted tale of betrayal, magic and adventure is also a reflection on choice and destiny. A strong sense of place, good characterisation and a refreshingly competent heroine make this a thoroughly enjoyable read."
-- Juliette Saumande, Bookfest: Recommended Reading Guide 2010 by Children's Books Ireland

'Descriptive and finely attuned to its Scottish Highland setting this atmospheric fantasy tale would work well as a class or group reader.'
-- Write Away

'There are plenty of children out there who will be excited and inspired by this book.'
-- Lothian Life

'The most satisfying accomplishment of this book is the characterisation of Pearl... Pearl makes this a praiseworthy book.'
-- Armadillo

'A lovely, old fashioned, mystical tale set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1920s and woven by a true storyteller.'
-- Yvonne Coppard, Carousel, Spring 2011

'I really enjoyed this book, the adventure and the situations Pearl had to work her way through.'
-- Carly MacDonald (Gracemount High), Teen Titles, December 2010

'Readers will love it.'
-- The Yellow Brick Road

'This is the one for me. From magic to missing triplets to intrigue, you have it all.'
-- Crazed Mind

Author

Lari Don has worked in politics and broadcasting, but is now a full-time writer and storyteller. She grew up in the north-east of Scotland, and lives in Edinburgh. She is the author of First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts; Wolf Notes and Other Musical Mishaps; Storm Singing and other Tangled Tasks; and Maze Running and other Magical Missions, for older children, as well as four picture books for younger readers, The Big Bottom Hunt, How to Make a Heron Happy, Orange Juice Peas and The Magic Word.

You can also visit the author's own website at http://www.laridon.co.uk

Links

Don't miss the Discover Kelpies website for children with exclusive author interviews, fun stuff and latest gossip on your favourite Scottish stories.