Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Shadow’s Pride is the true story of a courageous horse and the lives he touched. Areion dreams of running like the wind. Reality was pain. Roland was warned not to buy him, but he saw something special in the horse, determination and a desire to please. Areion saw Roland as his knight, his rescuer. The beautiful horse had a limp and was in obvious pain. The diagnosis was Navicular Syndrom. When special shoes do not work, surgery was the only option. Unfortunately, a second surgery was necessary, and Dr. Patty discovers a break that was never treated. Previous mistreatment had caused other injuries that surface. Roland did not give up on his brave hero.

Tears are still running down my cheeks as I write this review. I cannot understand how anyone can so mistreat one of God’s creatures the way Areion was mistreated. Roland Stanzione and Gabrilla Gafni have told Areion’s story in a heartfelt and insightful way. I particularly enjoyed the way the narrative moved back and forth between Areion and Roland, telling the story from the perspective of each. Shadow’s Pride is a beautiful story filled with much hope. This book would be very good for high interest/low level reading. Shadow’s Pride will inspire readers of all ages.