Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider's Betrayal: The Maryland Equestrian Novel Series, Book 2 is a young adult social issues/coming of age novel written by L. R. Trovillion. Regina hated the idea of going to the prison where her mother was incarcerated for fraud -- and much worse. Regina had been living with her Aunt Sophie in Texas while Angela, her mother, was in jail. When her aunt broached the trip to Maryland, Regina figured it was just a weekend visit. The news that her mother gleefully announced during their visit sent cold shivers down the sixteen-year-old’s spine. She had thought she would be of age before her mother was released from jail. She just couldn’t grasp the import of her mother’s early release and what it would mean for her. Regina still bore the scars of growing up with Angela; she wasn’t at all sure she would survive this.

This is a magical and compelling novel about a young woman whose life and well-being seem to be in the hands of the worst possible people. While this is the second book in the series, I had no problem getting instantly involved in Regina’s story, and found the book to be impossible to put down. I loved getting to know the horses Regina works with, and her friendship with the young falconer, Declan, is transcendent. Trovillion addresses a crucially important issue in this book -- child abuse, especially at the hands of step-fathers and boyfriends, and Dr. Wade, the veterinarian boyfriend of Regina’s mother, is a particularly chilling and evil example of what’s out there. It also highlights the good work that committed caseworkers like Brenda can do to help kids get through the rough spots.

I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed reading this book. It will resonate particularly well with readers who love horses, raptors and animals in general. If they also enjoy coming of age novels as much as I do, they’ve got a real treat in store for them. Trovillion’s characters are true-to-life and credible; her plot is multi-dimensional and engrossing; and her writing style is assured and smooth. Horse Gods is most highly recommended.

Desperate to escape the clutches of her abusive mother, show jumper Regina Hamilton is on the lookout for a way to earn a living. While her mother is in prison, Regina stays with her aunt, and with the help of a friend she manages to find work at Twin Elms, a dressage barn. But what seems like a golden opportunity soon reveals itself to be a trap when Regina witnesses one of the other workers in a fight with her mother’s boyfriend, Wade, and then disappears. Regina is faced with a difficult decision. Should she tell the police what she saw? And will Wade and her mother find out and punish her if she does? Regina’s boyfriend Declan and his reclusive father are the only people she can trust, but does Regina know exactly what she’s up against? Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider’s Betrayal by L.R. Trovillion takes a look at the dangerous world people live in when those who should protect them turn against them.

L.R. Trovillion has written a suspenseful young adult novel that will lead you on an exciting, but intriguing ride. The writing style is conversational, the tone dramatic and the characters relatable – just the right combination for a young adult novel. There is nothing I didn’t like in this mystery novel with its strong sense of place and tough, yet endearing main character. Both adults and young adults who enjoy stories of horses and a darn good mystery will find in Horse Gods: The Dressage’s Rider’s Betrayal a book that they cannot put down. I will definitely be reading the other books in the series!