She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One)
by Sarah V. Barnes
GENRE: Historical Fiction
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/2022
DESCRIPTION:
Set more than 6,000 years ago, She Who Rides Horses: A Saga of the Ancient Steppe (Book One) begins the story of Naya, the first person to ride a horse. Daughter of a clan chief, bolder than the other girls but shunned because of her unusual appearance, Naya often wanders alone through the vast grasslands where her people herd cattle and hunt wild horses for their meat. But Naya dreams of creating a different kind of relationship with the magnificent creatures. One day, she discovers a filly with a chestnut coat as uncommon as her own head of red hair. With time running out before she is called to assume the responsibilities of adulthood, Naya embarks on a quest to gallop with the filly across the boundless steppe. Unwittingly, she sets in motion forces and events that will change forever the future of humans and horses alike. A story set against the harsh beauty of the steppe, filled with adventure, peril, love and betrayal, portraying the mysterious bond between a girl and her horse.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Sarah is not writing stories, she practices and teaches riding as a meditative art. She also offers equine facilitated coaching and wellness workshops. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in history and spent many years as a college professor before turning full-time to riding and writing. She lives with her family, dogs and horses hear Boulder, CO.
REVIEWS:
Winner, 2022 Best Indie Book Award for Historical Fiction, 2022 EQUUS Film & Arts Fest Award for Historical Fiction, Global Book Award for Coming of Age Fiction. Positive editorial reviews in Kirkus Review and Booklife/Publisher's Weekly, numerous five-star reader reviews on Amazon.
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Clan of the Cave Bear / Alpha
CASTING:
Naya -- 14 year-old girl with unusual red hair and blue eyes. Aytal -- 16 year-old young man with black hair and blue eyes. Sata -- Naya's mother, 35 year-old woman with auburn hair and blue eyes. The novel portrays the first individuals to develop these combinations of hair and eye color among ancient pastoral peoples. The actors should not appear too white/European in appearance.
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
The ancient steppes of what is now southern Russia/Ukraine. Could be filmed in any location with open, grassy plains surrounded by distant mountains.
BOOK EXCERPT:
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