Horsemasters

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Join Dinah Wilcox in a Story You'll Never Forget

Ultimate Fantasy for Horse Lovers

Real Deal

Fond memories of a favorite book of my youth

One of my favorite books

Horsemasters
Don Stanford
Manufacturer: Funk & Wagnalls Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 030880113X

Customer Reviews:

Join Dinah Wilcox in a Story You'll Never Forget.......2006-07-10

Dinah is an American girl who wishes to attend a pricey small college along with her wealthier best friend. With an aim toward obtaining a horsemanship course certificate so she can work her way through college, both Dinah and her girlfriend "Bee-Bye" sign up the Owen-Allerford Riding School's Horsemaster course in England. You join Dinah as she works hard to care for her horse, learns to ride and jump properly and then teach others how to do so, and even acquires veterinary knowledge with fifteen other boys and girls. While this description may sound dull, the narrative never falters and you gallop (pun intended) into interesting lessons on horsemanship and horse care and end up learning something as you read the story without even trying hard. This book is the perfect gift for a horse-crazy child who thinks owning a horse is some fantasyland vision of galloping endlessly over sunny pastures without a thought to grooming and feeding. Dinah's classmates--like lazy Adrienne and flirtatious Enzo--and instructors, especially the precise Captain Pinski and the insufferable "head girl," Mercy Hale, are memorable as well. A blue ribbon to Don Sanford for his engaging and excellent narrative!

Ultimate Fantasy for Horse Lovers.......2005-11-30

I got my paperback copy in elementary school and still have it -- minus the cover, unfortunately. The paper is deteriorating with age, but this is an all-time favorite. I wish the Disney movie had been more true to the book's plot instead of going off on a different tangent, but that's Hollywood.
I also wish this book was back in print so I could get a new copy!

Real Deal.......2005-04-08

Porlock Vale Riding center was a real place.This book guided my adolescent years in Louisiana,where I found a tattered paperback copy in my junior high school library,ultimately leading me to England.Inspirational writing and accurate detail.It gives a true impression on the life,work and joy of the working pupils.I had the once in a life time experience of actually being a working pupil and doing the things discribed in the book.While It is no longer functioning in the same capacity,The vale is magical.And this book takes you there.

Fond memories of a favorite book of my youth.......2003-02-20

I have searched everywhere for this book from my childhood. I spent many happy horse-crazy hours reading The Horsemasters. I checked it out so many times from the school library that I don't think anyone else ever had the chance to read it! The movie version didn't quite do it justice,focusing more on showcasing Annette's talents than on the book's subject. For me, the book is as much of a well written classic as Black Beauty,My Friend Flicka,or the Walter Farley series. A wonderful read for young(or used to be young) horse lovers.

One of my favorite books.......2000-05-24

I first read this book about 20 years ago. I have an old beat-up copy and I read it a couple of months ago. It's a wonderful story. If you love horses and horse stories, try to find a copy and get this book.

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Not up to her usual standards
wonderful
This One is A Pleasure From Beginning To End...
Terrific Storytelling.
Loved their time on the island

The Horsemaster's Daughter
Susan Wiggs
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 155166755X

Amazon.com

Setting: 1854 Virginia
Sensuality: 7

Southern plantation owner Hunter Calhoun gambles the success of his Virginia horse farm on an Irish stallion; unfortunately, the animal arrives crazed and unridable after the stormy sea crossing. Desperate, Hunter turns to Eliza Flyte, the horsemaster's daughter, who has inherited her father's gift for gentling horses. Her ability to heal wounded spirits with her compassion and wisdom is amazing, and when Hunter convinces her to leave her isolated island and return home with him, she soon applies that gift to the bitter man and his grieving, motherless children. But what future can a woman raised alone by her father with only the sea, animals, and a few books for companions have with a man who grew up as a rich, upper-class son of the South? It seems unlikely that Eliza could ever fit into Hunter's world and just as unlikely that he would give up his privileged life for her world. It just may take a miracle for these two mismatched lovers to find a way to live happily ever after.

In this novel, centered on the brother of the hero from the bestseller The Charm School, the cynical hero who has nearly given up on life is balanced by a heroine who has enough faith and wisdom for them both. The plot, blessedly free of clichés, is unusual; just when the conclusion seems obvious, Wiggs tosses the reader a curve and with a few deft twists and turns, pulls off a terrific surprise ending. If you're only going to read one historical romance this week, make it this one. You'll be so glad you did. --Lois Faye Dyer

Book Description

She had the power to heal. . . but would that be enough?

A wild horse, a broken man, a family in ruins and a woman with the power to heal. . .

Once a privileged son of the South, Hunter Calhoun is now a widower shadowed by the scandal of his wife's death. He's been more successful at breeding Thoroughbred racehorses than in managing his crumbling estate and in caring for his grieving children. When his prized stallion arrives from Ireland crazed and unridable, Hunter is forced to seek out the horsemaster's daughter.

His only hope is the barefooted girl, who's been brought up far removed from the social world of wealth and privilege. Eliza Flyte has inherited her father's gift for gentling horses, and she agrees to tame Hunter's Irish Thoroughbred. But her healing spirit reaches farther, drawing her to his shattered family and to the intense, bitter man who needs her—as much as she needs him.

Because Eliza understands what Hunter refuses to see -- that love is the greatest healer of all. But can someone from her world teach someone from his what truly matters in life?

Customer Reviews:

Not up to her usual standards.......2006-04-08

I've enjoyed books by Susan Wiggs before (some have even made it onto my keeper shelf), but this one was one that I didn't even finish.

I liked Eliza, the heroine, immensely. Her ability to heal horses and connect with nature was a delight to read. Though she'd lived an extremely sheltered life, she never came across as stupid or immature. She was unique in a very intriguing way. It was easy to see why the hero would fall in love with her.

This wasn't the case with Hunter, the hero. He was quick to leap to conclusions, quick to get put out. At times, he came across as downright petulant. I also found him to be extremely self-centered. He lost his first wife by pretty much not giving a darn about her, and he didn't give a darn about his kids who were left motherless. And they might as well have been fatherless for all the time he spent with them. And he drank. A lot. All the time. I'd even go so far as to say he was an alcoholic, though not a violent one. Maybe this was dealt with later in the book, but I never got that far.

I couldn't really see why Eliza should fall in love with Hunter. I kind of felt that she was only attracted to him because he was the first man to spend lots of time with her since her father's death. As she'd lived pretty much isolated for her whole life, I felt like she only fell for Hunter because he happened to be around, not because of anything real.

Still, the romance was developing at a nice pace when the author suddenly had them start having sex. I felt cheated by this, as it was way too early in the book. They hardly knew each other, which made me feel kind of dirty. I couldn't muster up any desire to finish the book after that. I didn't like Hunter, and not liking the hero (or the heroine) is the kiss of death for a romance novel.

I will continue to read Wiggs' work, as I've enjoyed her books in the past. But I will no longer be shelling out full price for them. I would recommend this as a library read only, not a book you pay money for.

wonderful.......2006-02-13

I loved the heroine, didnt like the hero at first but he then grew on me. The story is absolutely wonderful and engaging. I loved it.

This One is A Pleasure From Beginning To End..........2006-02-06

This is the second book by Susan Wiggs that I've read. Previously, I read "A Summer Affair" (excellent story). I selected these books as I'm always looking for a new author, an interesting plot and passionate characters that stay with you long after a book is finished. That's not an easy order to fill. Fortunately, I feel like I've struck gold with this author and another book, "The Horsemaster's Daughter". I read them out of order as this latest one dealt with the father and step-mother meeting and the first book was about the son after he grew to manhood. They are both so well written they can stand alone but, of course like all series, they probably work best in order.

This author is so talented when it comes to putting down her thoughts, feelings and descriptions on paper. She brings not only the locations and actions to life but, the characters as well. You feel like visiting the places she creates and becoming friends with the people she develops. You know an author has done a great job when the story pulls you in and you hate to see the end come. The same happened in both of her books I read so far.

The setting of Flyte Island, the initial meeting of Hunter and Eliza and the gentle re-training that the mad horse Sir Finnegan had to go through to come back to the real world were all beautifully told. I'm not a horse person but, the descriptions of Eliza learning to tame the animal back to sanity, learning to trust and re-entering the world of racing was dramatically written and really pulled you in. Hunter felt drawn to Eliza as much as the horse and it showed. I like that SW never makes her characters conventional. No perfection in our hero and heroines here. They always have very human flaws and weaknesses but, as soon as they over-come these deficits, their beauty and strength shine through. Both Hunter Calhoun and Eliza Flyte fit this bill perfectly.

It was so easy to dislike Hunter for pulling away from his children after his wife died, drinking to drown his loss and sorrows of bankruptcy, loosing most of his estate and possessions and being a man very much down on his luck. But...the tenderness of his heart, the giving in his ways, his struggle to be a better man and father all warmed you to him. You couldn't help but, believe that with the right hand of guidance and touch of love (Eliza) he would come back one day. And he did. Eliza in turn was a sheltered girl who lived almost alone on a remote island all her life with no family, friends or social skills. Yet...she had the dignity and class of the highest bred woman and the heart of a saint. She took what life gave her and simply made more from the littlest of things. She found joy when others missed it. Her innocence was part of her beauty. Hunter and Eliza were from worlds apart yet...attraction, common interests and something close to destiny drew them together.

I enjoy this author further as she finds a way to make real emotions drive this story - rather than sexual attraction and intimacy. Most authors resort to passion and sex to lock in a reader and hold their attention. This author is a master at having intimacy scenes that are so gently and warmly and affectionately written that it becomes a very minor part of the book. Instead...the bonding between Hunter and Eliza is a spiritual and emotional connection that far surpass the physical side of things. Their struggle to come together in a modern world that puts up many barriers (class, economics, race and more) is appealing in many ways and you can't help but, hope they can find a way to create a world of their own if the current society won't accept them as is.

Hunter's children Blue and Belinda were also charming and appealing and so very easy to enjoy and care about. Other side characters like Hunter's brother Ryan and his wife, towns folk, cousin Charles and his son Noah and others rounded out an appealing and deep cast. Everyone added to the story rather than detracted from it. If you haven't read Blue's story in "A Summer Affair" definitely do so. It is as enjoyable as this book was.

I've already ordered a few other books by this author and can't wait to read further. Her books have a historical slant in terms of time frame but, it's not steeped in any kind of Dukes, Viscounts, Marquis, Prince, Princess, Kings or Queens...you'll be pleased not to find European royalty anywhere and not miss them at all. So far her books have focused on the US and American style characters and that's been a plus. She is able to make history appealing and romance even to us hard nosed and unromantic Americans. Do read her books, I'm sure you'll be pleased. They are rich in content and so memorable you're bound to keep them in your own library for years to come. I would give 4 1/2 stars if I could...it was great...just shy of excellent which is why no 5 stars. Really, really close though! Enjoy!

Terrific Storytelling........2005-08-23

What a great story! This was my first journey into Susan Wiggs' world and what a trip. If this is Wiggs' normal measure, well welcome to MY revered author's list Ms. Wiggs, for THE HORSEMASTER'S DAUGHTER is first-class entertainment!

Hunter Calhoun is a shattered man with a shattered family. His life is in turmoil. He was born into the privileged world of the south - the south before the Civil War. His world was wealth, breeding and good manners, but that world shattered the day he inherited Albion Plantation; the day they read The Will; the day the creditors came calling. Oh, how well he remembered that day and the day he told Lacey his dream - his dream to turn Albion into a Thoroughbred breeding and racing farm. He remembered his lovely, young wife weeping and begging him to reconsider. Painfully, he remembered how his delicate Lacey left him. How she left his home and their marriage. How she left him with a daughter to raise, a son to cope with, and a dented whiskey flask to hide in.

Hunter Calhoun's last chance was the devil himself. A devil hiding inside an Irish Thoroughbred - a prized stallion called Finn. Could Hunter Calhoun grasp this last chance, could his stallion lose its demonic evil? Only if the rumors were true - a 'Horsemaster', living on a remote marsh island, had a gift!

Eliza Flyte is a natural, unrestrained, untainted woman. Her simple joy for life is infectious. Raised by a mysterious man, in the middle of nowhere, Eliza Flyte is a gentle creature who lacks the refinements of a well-brought up lady. She is a woman who dresses poorly and speaks oddly. Yet, she is the most compelling woman Hunter Calhoun has ever met. She makes him feel new again. She makes him believe again - to believe that love is the greatest healer of all.

THE HORSEMASTER'S DAUGHTER is a wonderful romance filled with understanding and compassion. Although there is not much heat by way of passion and lust, Wiggs' manages to iron and smooth out this unimportant wrinkle through her great storytelling ability.
Grade: A

MaryGrace Meloche.

Loved their time on the island.......2005-03-08

Very likeable heroine, Eliza. Hunter was OK as the love interest, but not steamy hot. The time on the island was my favorite part of the book because it reminded me of some of my favorite books in my youth like ISLAND STALLION by walter farley, DOCTOR DOLLITTLE, and a tiny bit of SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON. I enjoyed her talking to the animals and relating to them, and I enjoyed the way he responded to her. The horse "Finn" was great as he came around to Eliza. Eliza was a genuine character, but Hunter wasn't too compelling.

But the rest of the book was OK. A nice little mystery with Blue was resolved strangely indeed. And the matter of Eliza's parentage was really a quick wrap-up. The ending was decent and left me wanting a sequel in California.

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The Horsemasters
Don Stanford
Manufacturer: New York: Scholastic Book Services, 1964
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FSEE5Y

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The Horsemaster
Marilyn Singer
Manufacturer: Atheneum,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N7IMFA

Dressage: The Seat, AIDS And Exercises (Pelham Horsemaster Series)

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Dressage: The Seat, AIDS And Exercises (Pelham Horsemaster Series)
Anthony Crossley
Manufacturer: Viking Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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Advanced Dressage

ASIN: 0720717779

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The Horsemaster's Daughter

Manufacturer: Mira Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 073940590X

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Horsemasters Notebook
Mary Rose
Manufacturer: Half Halt Press Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Training | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

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One of the best books I have ever read
One of the greatest prehistory novels!
WOW!!! This changes my life!
Horsemasters
Hidden jem of a story & part of a compelling series!

The Horsemasters: A Novel of Prehistory
Joan Wolf
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0525935894

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books I have ever read.......2002-12-07

As a history major, i spend a lot of my time trying to find decent historical fiction that I can read and tell other people about. I love this book. When I first read The Clan of The Cave Bear when i was 10, i thought that no book could be better than that. Joan Wolf's books (all of the historical fiction ones) are almost as good. I first read Daughter of the Red Deer when iwas 13 and loved it and since then have been looking for anything theat she has written. The Horsemasters is by far my favourite. The characters are so vivid and how can you not love Nel and Ronan? I highly recommend it and any of Joan Wolf's other books to anyone that is interested in Pre-historical novels. there just aren't enough out there, but these are keepers.

One of the greatest prehistory novels!.......2002-11-12

As an avid reader of prehistory novels, I can tell that this one is one of the best I've ever read! It's a pity that is it out of print!

The story itself is epic and very memorable, the characters are deep, and the landscapes and customs are very well described. Right from the start, I became very attached to the main characters, and even to less important ones.

I've already read the first in the series ("Daughter of The Red Deer"), which was excellent, but I loved this one even better. Now I can't wait to read the third book! ("The Reindeer Hunters".) I wish Joan Wolf had written more than just 3 prehistory novels -- she's very good at it!

Anyway, I highly recommend anyone into prehistory novels to get this one from Amazon's Marketplace, or any used book store. Well worth it!

PS: What happened to Siguna?

WOW!!! This changes my life!.......2002-08-31

Oh my gash!!! This is the most amazing prehistoric novel ever. I learned so much about the goings on of Cro-Magnon Magdellenians by reading this book. In fact I wrote a ten page research essay based off of information i learned in this book.... It also has a thrilling plot and lusty scenes that made rainy afternoons a little more exciting for me....If you are looking for adventure and romance mixed with deer skin and skull cups then don't miss the Horsemasters...scourge of the world!!!!

Horsemasters.......1999-12-03

Excellent book, excellent reading, excellent story. Wonderful continuation of "Daughter of the Red Deer"! This lady can write! Very thoroughly researched! If this is the 2nd in a trilogy, is the 3rd out yet?, & if so, what is the title?

Hidden jem of a story & part of a compelling series!.......1998-06-12

Before reading this series of books (this book is #2 in a series of 3), I had never read any fiction dealing with pre-history. It was wonderful. Joan Wolf's use of description and imagery is simplistic yet so satisfying during the reading of the tale. It is a wonderful story of love and adventure.

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The Horsemasters
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Manufacturer: Severn House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0727855883

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Hypnotic
Awesome!
Awful junk.
Totally awesome!
absolutely wonderful story

The HORSEMASTER
Marilyn Singer
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0020449917

Customer Reviews:

Hypnotic.......2000-11-12

There is something otherworldly about this book. Somehow, Marilyn Singer seems to have reached into the psyche of young women and touched on many of the images and ideas which silently haunt us-- the unexplainable bond between women and horses, the growing rift between mother and daughter, and the struggle for an identity being a few. Singer seemlessly blends all the themes relevant to us in a powerful orginial tale as beautiful as the tapestry on the cover. This is an amazing story. ( And no, it is not a sappy love story or a weak fantasy novel. This is an unrecognized treasure. )

Awesome!.......1999-11-02

This book has been sitting on my shelf for more than 5 years...finally I picked it up and read it! But I couldn't put it down...it was a little slow at first but it was so AWESOME! I love how the book was written and everything....maybe a better ending! Like Jessica found a horse you acted and looked just like Gabdon! I don't know! But it was just sooooooo koooll!

Awful junk........1999-09-18

One of the worse stories I have read. The plot is rather boring and the style confusing, and I didn't really care about any of the characters. The Red Lady was boring,and Gabdon was boring.A candidate for a book-burning. Nice cover, though.

Totally awesome!.......1998-12-04

This is an incredible story about a girl, a boy, a horse, and two very different times inseperably linked by a tapestry. I found it browsing through the library, and was caught by the title, because it sounded like a "fantasy" book, and i love fantasy (and horses). It was definitely worth reading, and I've read it many times since then, and have been looking for a copy to buy. I reccommend this book to anyone who has the perserverance to find it!

absolutely wonderful story.......1998-11-15

I found this book perusing through the paperback juvenile fiction section of the library, and since I was into horses at the time, picked it up. I didn't put it down til I had finished it some time later. This is an absolutely wonderful story incorporating the love between friends, adventure, finding out who you are, a wicked queen, magic, and a tapestry that ties it all together. Since that time in the library, someone "lost" their book, so I'm still hoping to find a copy of my own sometime soon..

Book Description

We know how the story ended...but how did it begin? In this special edition of MARS, we explore what happens when Kira meets Rei for the very first time. Longtime friends Tatsuya and Rei are acting more like enemies these days as they battle it out for Kira's affections. Will they be able to mend their friendship and settle their tense conflict once and for all? As a special bonus, acclaimed manga-ka Fuyumi Soryo also includes two additional stories for your reading pleasure. Long live MARS!

Customer Reviews:

read it in the store first.......2005-02-14

Ok. I knew that this book dealt with the friendship between Tatsuya and Rei when I read it, but i was hoping for a little more interaction betweent Rei and Kira. I was sadly disappointed. Rei and Kira's first meeting was told in the Mars manga in better detail then is this extra volume.
The other two stories were nice but were not on the same leve as Mars in story. the only reason this gets three stars is because the drawing is as beautiful as every and it give some background info on Tatsuya and Rei.

Save your money, borrow from a friend........2005-02-01

I love "Mars" and was excited to read a back-story to one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, "Horse with No Name" only offers a short and almost irrelevant story about Rei and Tatsuya becoming friends.

The two other stories in the book are completely unrelated to the "Mars" series. "Sleeping Lion" was an all right story, but the plot seemed unconnected and incomplete. "One Carat Fruit" was completely disappointing. The plot was boring and predictable and the characters were not likeable at all.

I suppose a die-hard fan could extract more enjoyment from "HwNN," but I suggest borrowing the book from a friend or a library. Not worth ten dollars.

The facts of MARS.......2004-08-01

MARS...the fourth planet from the sun.
MARS...the mythical soldier of war.
MARS...the snack-producing powerhouse that makes M&Ms and SNICKERS.
and MARS...one of the best shoujo/romance manga to come gracefully into the American soil.

~REVIEW~

Using the basic concept of a typical boy-meets-girl story, adding the hardship of modern cruelty in society, unexpected twists, and characters so likable that people wouldn't care if they sound corny (or act unusual), MARS stands out to be one of the best of its genre; it actually made me want to start buying romance manga, and I'm a straight-up action-obsessed hombre. A year and 15 volumes later, I wanted more from the series. Well, Tokyopop heard our cry and now they released a prequel to the popular series, under the ridiculous sub, "MARS: Horse With No Name." A prequel isn't exactly what the fans expected for continuation, but as long as it brought some depth to the series' name, it's still a great read, right?

It turns out from the first page that "MARS: Horse with no Name" isn't just a whole prequel in one manga, but an assortment, albeit limited, of stories written by the same author that is Fuyumi Soryo. It has the prequel, and two short stories that are enjoyable, but not accessible to the MARS name:

MARS GAIDEN: Horse with no Name - It takes place a year before the whole Kira and Rei relationship thing takes heed. Romance enthusiasts will find that the "romance" part is sadly missing in this story as it actually follow how Rei and Tatsuya became the best of friends, under Tatsuya's perspective. It was his first day of high school, and when Rei Kashino comes into the black-and-white panel, grudges ensue and rivalry was made (really, with a guy that excels at sports, and a face no women can resist, just about any body has the hubris to beat him to a bloody pulp). It didn't take long for Tatsu to realize that lassie can turn into a pit bull if anything rubs him the wrong way. After experiencing a motorcycle challenge and a rescue attempt, these rivals progress into an unlikely friendship that continued for the original series.

Interesting fact: Soryo-ka got the name, Horse with no Name, from a song of the same title by 70's fame group, America. So it's them that's responsible for the lousy name. It's a solid back-story about friendship...without romance (come on, what's up with that?). It has some interesting tidbits that were from the original, like when Rei met Kira for the first time, helping get her keys she dropped at the sewer. However, this back-story didn't grab me as much as the O.G. The characters aren't as open as I expected, and it lacks any tactile sense. Flaws aside, it was a good read and it brought back some enjoyment I have with the series...for a while. 3/5

SLEEPING LION - Isamu is a typical daredevil of his posse. He accepts and acts on any dangerous task, and doesn't have a care in the world. But his life changes when a young girl named Ayame was at his sight, and doesn't stop stalking the heck out of him. Then, like a tick to a dog, she continues to follow him and annoy him. As these two were together, they grew a stronger bond towards each others, and when secrets are revealed, things aren't always as it should be.

This must be Soryo-ka's earlier work, but this is one of her best. At first glance, it's acts as a obligatory `boy-hates-girl, boy-later-loves-girl' bit, but knowing Fuyumi, I shouldn't take the basic premise lightly. As the story folds, depth perceives as it brought comprehension to the main characters, and its Twilight Zone twist brought shock to its appeal. It's an emotional story that's well-written. 4/5

A ONE-CARAT FRUIT - Nina is one miserable, un-good looking cat. Her parents are liable to file a divorce, so her thought on love are usually ignored or presume to be a passing feeling. When her friend was going out with a boy named Rui, Rui wanted to know more about Nina. It upsets the friend, the friends got into a catfight, and the boy assist the miserable one. Nina wasn't at open arms towards Rui in the beginning, but then they grew to have a very interesting friendship. But what they didn't know, as they share their character towards each other, that their relationship is much deeper than they think, and it's not the romance talking.

Again, it's one of those `gender-hates-gender, gender-later-blahdah-blahdah' stories, but this is, unfortunately, much more under-whelming. It had an interesting twist at the end of the story, but with zero chemistry on the characters and a conventional plot structure, I didn't care. Although it did taught me all about birthstones, but that's about it. 2/5

THE FINAL WORD: Cheap. It's an anthology at heart, and a disappointing one, I might add. I waited months to get my hands on this new Mars manga, and what I got is nothing more than a lousy collection of one serviceable related story and two unrelated stories with mixed results. At it's best, all three stories are enjoyable to read, but at worst, they just seem arbitrary. MARS: Horse with no Name is one recommended for the fans alike, and that alone doesn't say much for the rest of the crowd looking for much better anthologies.

Do waste your money.......2004-07-16

The story about Mars is very short and did not really add more information about the main story. The other two short stories are cute but I don't think it is worth 10 bucks.

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