Out of the Valley of Horses

Out of the Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr is an interesting fantasy adventure. When Honey’s family escapes a spreading illness by finding refuge in an enchanted valley, it seems like the perfect safe haven. For seven years, they live alongside the magical horses and basically recycle everything they brought with them. But the valley becomes a prison when they are held captive by powerful magic so they can never leave.

When Honey suspects her father is ill, she knows she must find a way to break free and seek help from the outside world. I loved how their cozy valley life blended realistic details like recycling everything, with the magical elements like the valley’s protective enchantment.

The backstory about Honey’s grandfather added wonderful depth. And I was on the edge of my seat as Honey embarked on a daring quest to escape the valley’s boundaries. Fantasy readers will love this world, blending reality with fiction and the magical horses. I liked the way the author used texts and emails to help readers understand what other people thought and what was going on.