Rated 3.5 - MYSTIC HORSEMAN by Kathleen Eagle is a contemporary western romance featuring Lakota Sioux Dillon Black, best friend of Nicholas Red Shield from book one, RIDE A PAINTED PONY. Dillon’s love for his daughter and wild horses give him an idea for a horse camp for wayward youth. When their grant is denied, will their dream also die?

Kathleen Eagle has a knack for writing the types of stories I love to read. Her male characters are realistic in their mannerisms. We’re often gifted with their point of view. That can also lead to a shortened and choppy writing style that is difficult to read, at first. It usually takes me half the book to get into the rhythm, then I must re-read sections to understand what they mean. It’s creative and consistent, so I’m sure it’s just the author’s style, but it made me stumble reading this book.

The Native American mysticism makes Dillon’s character realistic, but his thought process comes across as disjointed if you don’t follow his realm of thinking. The less descriptive sentence structure often flows into the woman’s point of view, which doesn’t seem as realistic as it is for a man’s. I get that it’s a style issue that simply doesn’t work with my brain as consistently as other techniques, but I’m honest about how a book makes me feel.

Maybe that’s why I found it more difficult to get into this second book as quickly as the first. There wasn’t a lot of action at the beginning and mostly inner dialogue instead of interaction by the characters. These long internal monologues update you on where the characters are in their heads right now, and then tease you a bit to warn of what’s coming. As a reader, I feel I need to pay close attention to this style because there are hints I must retain. That forces me to re-read several paragraphs because my mind wanders. I think that’s why I like character interaction and dialogue so much, because I don’t have to think as hard as I do with descriptive inner monologues.

With that said – this choppy and ethereal writing style is beautiful. There are inner meanings to discern as you go, so it keeps me thinking. It’s like the idea is put out there in a shortened form where the reader needs to decide what does this mean, exactly? For some, I’m sure they’ll just rush through it and not give it a second thought. But for me, I’m always wondering why it was written that way, as well as what is the underlying meaning.

This group of characters is faced with some sad circumstances. There are the trials of reservation living with the promise of a camp that may help the youth. Then Dillon’s ex-wife gets involved for unselfish reasons that look completely self-centered. Her story is heartrending.

Also included are Dillon and Monica’s two kids – a daughter in college who adores her father, and a younger son who couldn’t care less. He doesn’t know his father, so of course he’d rather that life just be the same as it has always been. Then Monica’s good friend Ella is roped in for her expertise on the project that continues to grow. A reality show is coming to Dillon’s ranch, but will he be ready for the reality when the truth is revealed?

Kathleen Eagle’s books are very hard for me to rate in numbers. There are so many good points, including a plot that’s unusual and interesting. Then there are the style issues that don’t always work for me. The fact that I keep coming back to read them should say it all. Just because an author’s style isn’t necessarily one that I can easily read without a few speed bumps, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy her books. Exactly the opposite; it makes me strive as a reader to appreciate the magic within.

If you want to try a unique author with a lot to say, read my review of the first book, RIDE A PAINTED PONY. Then grab a copy of both books and enjoy the ride.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.

Dylan Black was trying to make an ongoing program where horses are used to give children new experiences called Mystic Warrior Horse Camp. Dylan works with his seventeen year old daughter Emily who is in college and also trying to bond with his sixteen year old music prodigy son D J. Dylan is a Lakota Indian and a rancher. Emily adored Dylan Dylan wants to be with his children needed but also be true to himself. Monica is Dylan’s ex and the kids mom and has cancer and trying to keep it hidden the best she can. Dylan lost everything he cared about Dylan agrees to a reality show to pay for the youth horse camp that would be for local reservation kids. Ella is the producer of the show and Monica is the shows host. The reality show is about community projects get a makeover.
I enjoyed this story a lot. It held my interest all the way through this story right from the start. I wanted Dylan to have that camp and for it to be successful for himself and his family but most of all for the reservation kids to get a taste of their lost culture. I loved learning a little about the Lakota tribe but didn’t love hearing about the struggles this particular branch of Native American had. I was so proud with what Dylan wanted to do. I congratulate the author for bring this to our attention through her story. At times this story was a little confusing but I got through it and still enjoyed the story a lot. I did think Dylan came on to Ella way to fast even if they had met briefly before. One thing I have to say quit smoking Monica I did wasn’t easy but it can be done especially in her case. Yes this was like I was there with Dylan and the rest of the characters. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

I fear I was expecting something different more about horses and the relationship with the main character. Although I believe it has a very solid objective it just moved to slow. It has no edge of your seat action and in some areas the story line was flat. Basic love story with only a few sub plots.

Katherine Eagle has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. She is a master at writing Native American culture and drawing you in! I will continue to read everything she writes!

I love Kathleen Eagle's books, they are sensitive, romantic and tell the truth no matter what. Strong characters and I liked that it had several POV from the characters.. A really good book that you will never want to stop reading.
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In the sequel to Ride A Painted Pony, Kathleen Eagle continues her excellent storyline with this new story. You will continue to enjoy her creative characters and storyline and add in some horses and cowboys.

4.5 Stars Mystic Horseman is the heart-warming story of Native American, Dillon Black this one will pull at your heart string and even get you a little mad at times but you will feel the emotions of the characters in this well written story. I look forward to reading more by this author