| Category: | Fiction - Coming of Age |
|---|---|
| Author: | Barbara Bryan |
| Publisher: | Atmosphere Press |
| Publication Date: | March 21, 2023 |
| Number of Pages: | 338 |
| ISBN-10: | 1639887288 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-63988-728-6 |
Topanga Canyon: Fire Season by Barbara Bryan is a
wonderfully crafted novel with strong themes and a young protagonist that
instantly wins the sympathy of readers. Matt's alcoholic mother sends him away
to his grandfather's horse ranch in Topanga, California. ''Her goodbye hug
held only hot anger, which she wrapped around him until its searing heat
penetrated his bones.'' In the new world, the teenage boy must learn to
quickly adapt, facing new people and dealing with animals. As his love for horses
grows, he notices that his grandfather might lose the ranch because of huge
debts. Matt will do anything to help. But things get worse when his grandfather
leases one of the barns to Robert Sinclair, a merciless horse trainer. Matt is
not happy to see the way Robert Sinclair treats horses and is determined to
expose him. Can he save the ranch and the horses?
This novel is immersive and Barbara Bryan's
evocative writing immediately seizes the reader's attention. Matt is a lovable
character and the author develops this character with a lot of care. When
readers meet him, he is a scared little boy who does not look like he can
survive long enough away from his alcoholic mother. But through grit and
courage, he transforms himself into a responsible boy, building healthy
relationships with people and animals. Matt's friend, Ariel, is another
compelling character and through him, the author develops the theme of
friendship, teamwork, and creativity. The lyrical writing augments the
entertainment and makes the narrative an enjoyable read. The vividly drawn
setting brilliantly offers a portrait of life in a ranch. Topanga Canyon:
Fire Season is an absorbing story with an appeal to a wider audience,
thanks to the humanity and realism infused into the writing.
Hand-picked reviews our authors and readers are loving right now
Essays, author interviews and publishing advice for curious readers and writers.
Many first-time memoirists believe that because the events are true, the structure will take care of itself. This is a fatal error. Life is chaotic; narrative is order.
Read the article →
Discover how to get your book reviewed with our ultimate guide. Learn how to secure editorial book reviews, navigate paid book reviews, and leverage book reviews for authors to boost sales!
Read the article →
High-quality book reviews for self-published authors are more accessible than ever. Below, we've ranked the 10 top editorial review sites for authors—platforms that combine credibility, reach, and genuine value—to help you choose the right partner for your boo...
Read the article →
The book market is more competitive now than ever. Here are the major changes to know if you want your book to stand out.
Read the article →
What Decades of Book Reviews and Editorial Book Reviews Reveal about Children's Books
Read the article →
A practical guide to building flawed, complex characters readers can still love.
Read the article →
 Mommys_Boy_6x9.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
 JPEG.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
