DARK HORSES

Narrator Alex Allwine performs this domestic thriller involving an inappropriate relationship between Roan, an Olympic-class equestrian, and her controlling father, who is her coach. Friends and fans see Roan as blessed; she's wealthy and beautiful, a skilled athlete, and well loved by her charming father. What they don't know is that her father dictates her every move--as a horsewoman, a high school student, and a daughter. Allwine's youthful tone is appropriate for Roan's story; she enriches her performance by clearly signaling the teen's emotional turmoil and carefully compartmentalized life. She nails Roan's no-nonsense focus when riding, her fear and conflicted feelings when dealing with her sexually abusive father, and her resolve to find a path to a normal life. Details about competitive riding help soften the discomforting plot. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2021]