Horse Boy Written by Tanya Landman. Reviewed by Freddie, Age 13

This is a story about a boy called Oak who was out hunting for food one day with his clan. He gets tangled with the horse they were trying to kill and together they end up getting swept away from the clan in a river. They wash up down steam, separated from the clan and lost. Instead of killing the horse Oak starts to build a connection his survival companion and they create a special bond whilst trying to find their way back home. Inside the front cover is a map, which I enjoyed using to follow the boy and Horse on their journey.

The story is set a long time ago in a wild landscape, where people live in clans and have a strong connection with a goddess, who gives them hope and a reason as why things sometimes go wrong. For example, they assume that they must have displeased her and she is unhappy and punishing them with a drought.

There are two clans in the story, the Deer clan and the Bear clan. Once friendly, now they have fallen out and the drought is making everyone desperate. Ashe is the leader of the Bear clan. I love how the characters really look up to Ashe and see him as their protector. He is an inspiring leader who all the clan respect, including his son and daughter Oak and Willow.

The writer describes all the characters well so I could really picture how they looked and behaved in my mind. My favourite character is Willow. She is resourceful and kind and good at hunting. I think she would make a really good big sister.

I like that the horse is given its own voice. This helps the reader to understand its feelings.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves animals and nature. People who like exciting adventure stories too would also enjoy it as it is a real page-turner. I found myself sinking into it and wanting to read on to find out what happens to Ash and the horse on their journey.