On a Wing and a Dare
Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.
Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.
As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.
Review:
Linda Ulleseit is an amazingly talented storyteller. On a Wing and a Dare brings to life a story of fantasy, love, and coming of age. The author manages to pull the reader into a historical Welsh setting with flying horses in such a way that it is easy to believe that they once flew between the clouds.
On a Wing and a Dare is an intriguing story that is told with a gentle voice that speaks to the mysticism of the world and horses Ulleseit has created. The characters are complex and they make choices that while I didn't always like, were fitting to the story and didn't seem contrived.
This is a wonderful start to a series that I look forward to continuing!
Angela,
ReplyDeleteI read this too. Good book.