Post by Claire on Nov 10, 2007 12:56:20 GMT 1
THE SWALLOW (HIGH HORSE) SERIES by K M PEYTON
(Review by Ree)
PLOT SUMMARY...
The Swallow (High horse) series is a set of three books published in the chronological order of The Swallow Tale, The Swallow Summer and Swallow, The Star.
The novels tell the story of young Rowan Watkins and her first pony, Swallow. Rowan is delighted when the beautiful Swallow appears in her life, albeit in a most unorthodox and unexpected manner. For Rowan, the dream of owning her very own pony has at last come true and as all pony mad girls do, she envisages many happy days of riding, loving and caring for her special friend. However, we learn that Swallow is a strong and fiery pony with a mind of his own who proves a difficult pony for Rowan. The setting is centred around the property of the Hawes family. As Rowan’s best friends and second family, the Hawes family play a secondary role in this series and we are provided with an in depth look into their own lives too.
MAIN CHARACTERS...
Rowan Watkins – aged 12, our lead character who is overjoyed at owning her first pony. A friendly yet determined character.
Charlie Hawes – Rowan’s idol, aged 17. A calm and knowledgeable horseman. Friendly and cheerful.
Runs the Hawes family equestrian services business. He provides support to the entire Hawes family.
Josephine Hawes – Aloof and studious, she is by far the quietest member of the Hawes family. Josephine helps train Rowan and Swallow. She is a brilliant rider who understands how to get the best from both horse and rider in a positive sense.
Lizzy Hawes – Rowan’s best friend, aged 14. A lively yet friendly girl who is a true friend to Rowan.
Hugh Hawes – Friend to Rowan although the relationship displays a little friction at times. He displays a slight ego at times. A fearless rider.
Shrimp Hawes – The youngest member of the Hawes family, aged 9. An extremely talented young rider who rides professionally for other people.
Joan Hawes – Beloved mother to the Hawes family. A lovely lady with a heart of gold who cares about her family first and foremost.
Fred Hawes – Hard working father to the Hawes family.
REVIEW...
After finishing the final book in this series, I was compelled to write an immediate review as I not only wanted to share a wonderful experience, but also wanted to record what was to me a magnificent story.
This is a brilliant series which primarily concentrates on the popular pony fiction theme of the relationship between a girl and her pony. Secondary to the main plot, the writer also tactfully explores relationships between families and the issues that arise when they are forced to face tragedy and adversity. Together these two plots intermingle with great success, giving us the basis for a terrific story.
In what I feel is one of her greatest strengths, the author showcases strong empathy in identifying with younger people’s feelings. K.M. Peyton manages to convincingly relay the story as mostly seen through the eyes of a twelve year old girl at a particularly exciting, yet often troubled time of her life. With our main character Rowan, we meet a young girl who is at once both hopeful and doubtful in her riding abilities. Determined to be able to master her beloved Swallow, it is Rowan’s greatest disappointment that she often finds herself at cross roads with him. On one hand, she adores Swallow so much she can not bear the thought of not having him in her life, yet on the other hand she is constantly doubting herself and her abilities in ever being able to ride him well enough and become a suitable owner for him. Rowan’s character is explored in great depth as she faces a mixture of emotions ranging from despair, jealousy, frustration, hope and joy.
We also explore how relationships with horses and ponies can change our lives and also the lives of those around us. These relationships are highlighted not only with Rowan and Swallow, but also with her friends Charlie, Josephine, Lizzy, Hugh, Shrimp, Babar, Matty and their respective horses. I felt that the author was effective in highlighting the differing reasons for our involvement with horses. What one person wants to achieve is not necessarily the same for another - therefore we are all bound together by our love for horses, only in different ways and by different circumstances. It was most interesting to visit the different motivational factors behind each character – some wanted to ride for pure enjoyment’s sake alone, others rode, trained horses, taught riding and competed as a means of making a living and carrying on family tradition, and one sadly appeared to be riding mostly for the sake of a pushy mother wanting to relive her own past days of glory. I felt the insight into these characters gave the story great depth and as such I was just as keen to discover their outcome as that of our lead character Rowan.
In these books, many of the joys and frustrations together with the associated ups and downs of horse ownership have been explored. The major highlight to me was author’s portrayal of the relationship between horse and owner and the lengths we will go to to enjoy such. I feel she has gone to great detail in portraying how certain personalities and horses seem to ‘click’ together, for this theme interestingly occurs a couple of times during the series. It is obvious the author has a great knowledge and understanding of how magical the bond between horse and rider can be (or not be!) and this is shown in terrific style throughout the books.
Generally I would have expected this type of plot to have been written in first person, which in my opinion makes for a more believable and interactive read; however this story was written under the third person style. I feel it is testament to the author’s strength and capabilities that the tale is just as convincing having been penned in this format. Normally, an ‘outsider’s’ view to me would not be as interesting as the more intimate and personal first person style, however in this instance I am happy to report that this was most definitely not the case.
From the very beginning we have a smooth yet fast faced plot that is brimming with action and adventure. I was completely taken with this series right from the outset to its very ending. I felt the story was told in an effortless style, there was always something interesting happening with its many twists and turns. Without spoiling things for those who have not yet read the series, the conclusion was slightly unexpected yet was in keeping with the storyline. I feel younger readers may have had more of a surprise with the ending and it would be interesting to hear feedback in this respect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and would highly recommend them as being read in chronological order to both young and older horse lovers. I would rate the series 5 horseshoes overall. Truly wonderful reading!
(Review by Ree)
PLOT SUMMARY...
The Swallow (High horse) series is a set of three books published in the chronological order of The Swallow Tale, The Swallow Summer and Swallow, The Star.
The novels tell the story of young Rowan Watkins and her first pony, Swallow. Rowan is delighted when the beautiful Swallow appears in her life, albeit in a most unorthodox and unexpected manner. For Rowan, the dream of owning her very own pony has at last come true and as all pony mad girls do, she envisages many happy days of riding, loving and caring for her special friend. However, we learn that Swallow is a strong and fiery pony with a mind of his own who proves a difficult pony for Rowan. The setting is centred around the property of the Hawes family. As Rowan’s best friends and second family, the Hawes family play a secondary role in this series and we are provided with an in depth look into their own lives too.
MAIN CHARACTERS...
Rowan Watkins – aged 12, our lead character who is overjoyed at owning her first pony. A friendly yet determined character.
Charlie Hawes – Rowan’s idol, aged 17. A calm and knowledgeable horseman. Friendly and cheerful.
Runs the Hawes family equestrian services business. He provides support to the entire Hawes family.
Josephine Hawes – Aloof and studious, she is by far the quietest member of the Hawes family. Josephine helps train Rowan and Swallow. She is a brilliant rider who understands how to get the best from both horse and rider in a positive sense.
Lizzy Hawes – Rowan’s best friend, aged 14. A lively yet friendly girl who is a true friend to Rowan.
Hugh Hawes – Friend to Rowan although the relationship displays a little friction at times. He displays a slight ego at times. A fearless rider.
Shrimp Hawes – The youngest member of the Hawes family, aged 9. An extremely talented young rider who rides professionally for other people.
Joan Hawes – Beloved mother to the Hawes family. A lovely lady with a heart of gold who cares about her family first and foremost.
Fred Hawes – Hard working father to the Hawes family.
REVIEW...
After finishing the final book in this series, I was compelled to write an immediate review as I not only wanted to share a wonderful experience, but also wanted to record what was to me a magnificent story.
This is a brilliant series which primarily concentrates on the popular pony fiction theme of the relationship between a girl and her pony. Secondary to the main plot, the writer also tactfully explores relationships between families and the issues that arise when they are forced to face tragedy and adversity. Together these two plots intermingle with great success, giving us the basis for a terrific story.
In what I feel is one of her greatest strengths, the author showcases strong empathy in identifying with younger people’s feelings. K.M. Peyton manages to convincingly relay the story as mostly seen through the eyes of a twelve year old girl at a particularly exciting, yet often troubled time of her life. With our main character Rowan, we meet a young girl who is at once both hopeful and doubtful in her riding abilities. Determined to be able to master her beloved Swallow, it is Rowan’s greatest disappointment that she often finds herself at cross roads with him. On one hand, she adores Swallow so much she can not bear the thought of not having him in her life, yet on the other hand she is constantly doubting herself and her abilities in ever being able to ride him well enough and become a suitable owner for him. Rowan’s character is explored in great depth as she faces a mixture of emotions ranging from despair, jealousy, frustration, hope and joy.
We also explore how relationships with horses and ponies can change our lives and also the lives of those around us. These relationships are highlighted not only with Rowan and Swallow, but also with her friends Charlie, Josephine, Lizzy, Hugh, Shrimp, Babar, Matty and their respective horses. I felt that the author was effective in highlighting the differing reasons for our involvement with horses. What one person wants to achieve is not necessarily the same for another - therefore we are all bound together by our love for horses, only in different ways and by different circumstances. It was most interesting to visit the different motivational factors behind each character – some wanted to ride for pure enjoyment’s sake alone, others rode, trained horses, taught riding and competed as a means of making a living and carrying on family tradition, and one sadly appeared to be riding mostly for the sake of a pushy mother wanting to relive her own past days of glory. I felt the insight into these characters gave the story great depth and as such I was just as keen to discover their outcome as that of our lead character Rowan.
In these books, many of the joys and frustrations together with the associated ups and downs of horse ownership have been explored. The major highlight to me was author’s portrayal of the relationship between horse and owner and the lengths we will go to to enjoy such. I feel she has gone to great detail in portraying how certain personalities and horses seem to ‘click’ together, for this theme interestingly occurs a couple of times during the series. It is obvious the author has a great knowledge and understanding of how magical the bond between horse and rider can be (or not be!) and this is shown in terrific style throughout the books.
Generally I would have expected this type of plot to have been written in first person, which in my opinion makes for a more believable and interactive read; however this story was written under the third person style. I feel it is testament to the author’s strength and capabilities that the tale is just as convincing having been penned in this format. Normally, an ‘outsider’s’ view to me would not be as interesting as the more intimate and personal first person style, however in this instance I am happy to report that this was most definitely not the case.
From the very beginning we have a smooth yet fast faced plot that is brimming with action and adventure. I was completely taken with this series right from the outset to its very ending. I felt the story was told in an effortless style, there was always something interesting happening with its many twists and turns. Without spoiling things for those who have not yet read the series, the conclusion was slightly unexpected yet was in keeping with the storyline. I feel younger readers may have had more of a surprise with the ending and it would be interesting to hear feedback in this respect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and would highly recommend them as being read in chronological order to both young and older horse lovers. I would rate the series 5 horseshoes overall. Truly wonderful reading!