The Black Stallion's Shadow [Hardcover]

Steven Farley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Black Stallion

When a tragedy at the racetrack leaves the Black afraid of his own shadow, Alec turns to eccentric trainer Wes Taylor for help. But Alec has doubts about Taylor's grueling therapy. Meanwhile, everyone is skittish about a bizarre series of "accidents" at the ranch. Can the Black's brilliant career be saved? Will the Black recover in time to help Alec stop the mishaps? With suspense, horse sense, and plenty of action, the latest Black Stallion novel is unequaled equine adventure.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9?In the Farley tradition, the plot gallops off to a dramatic start?the Black and jockey Alec Ramsay win a race that leaves two challengers dead. The Black begins to spook at shadows on the ground, so Alec consults Wes, a movie horse trainer. At the movie ranch, he and his horse become involved in a mystery involving sabotage on the set. Plenty of action scenes and the glamour of the film industry will involve readers of this long-lasting series. Steven Farley, son of the prolific Walter, debuts with this title (the pair co-authored The Young Black Stallion [Random, 1989]). His simple writing style and fast-moving plot will satisfy those who've devoured previous adventures of the Black and his clan. (And yes, Alec does help his horse to conquer fear of shadows).?Charlene Strickland, formerly at Albuquerque Public Library, NM
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. Steven Farley takes over the series his late father began with this adventure in which the Black develops a fear of shadows. When he takes the stallion to horse trainer Wes Taylor hoping for a cure, Alec Ramsay becomes involved in trying to find the person responsible for a series of "accidents" at the Taylor ranch. The exciting conclusion connects the two story lines: Alec and the Black become the next targets, and the Black must overcome his fear of shadows to avoid a deadly accident. The plot is well crafted and provides plenty of thrills, but Farley seems to have lost sight of his audience. Young readers may not be able to identify with any of the all-adult cast of characters or follow their discussion of complicated financial dealings, unions, and the adult sport of horse racing. Parents and teachers can compensate by using the book as a read-aloud and providing lots of discussion. Lauren Peterson

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 182 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (May 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067985004X
• ISBN-13: 978-0679850045
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,563,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps not as exciting as the others, but still quite good!, November 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Black Stallion's Shadow (Hardcover)

The Black and Alec face several different challenges in this book, the main one is the fact that Alec is away from home on a ranch. After his horse gets a fear of shadows, Alec realizes that he cannot race again until the Black overcomes this fear. He asks for the help of his trainer, Henry's friend. He meets many new people, some good, some not so good. A good story with a great plot.

I do not totally agree with the other reviews, because I love the Black Stallion and no matter what book he's in, he will still be the Black Stallion. This book is different, because it deals more with "other" activities than racing, horse grooming, breeding, etc. I think that this book deserves it's spot on the charts not as a book like the others in the series, but as a book by itself. Do not expect the expected when you read this book, if you have read others in the series. Writers truly do have their own way of writing and that is something we must accept.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not his father's Black Stallion, August 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Black Stallion's Shadow (Hardcover)

Like other reviewers, I am an adult returning to the ongoing Black Stallion series that I loved as a child. I'm sure Steven Farley is a good writer, but his style is not his father's and his efforts to continue the Black Stallion stories from his father should be put to rest. The violent deaths of three horses in this book are enough to halt any fan of Walter Farley's. The relationship between the Black and Alec is missing the depth and understanding that readers of the series are used to. Time to go back to the originals and leave these new stories to others less familiar with Walter Farley's work.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars well..., October 9, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Black Stallion's Shadow (Hardcover)

I haven't finished this book yet, but I can already tell it's not gonna be good. First, Steven Farley just can't write like his father. Second, he doesn't know anything about horse racing! In a big race, the America Cup, the Black's main challenger is a two-year-old colt named Ruskin. The race is a mile and a half.

Already, two problems.

1. Two year olds don't race against older horses here in America. Duh!
2. A two year old in a mile and a half race? YEAH RIGHT!

The writing was poor, and the author didn't write enough details in the race.

I'm already nearly done with the book, but I won't say any more, because all I need to say is that this book isn't worth buying.