The Shepherd and the Horned Girl by Breanna Bright

 

Title: The Shepherd and the Horned Girl

Series: The Tales of the Shepherd

Author: Breanna Bright

Genre: YA Horror

Published on: March 1, 2022

Source: digital, R&R Book Tours

Pages: 256

Synopsis

Ivas Sbarg has seen a monster…

In the quaint seaside town of Loch Lomond, an ominous fog descends, shrouding the landscape in mystery and fear. As the locals whisper of lurking terrors within its depths, the fog thickens, casting an eerie pall over the town.

When a girl goes missing, simple shepherd Ivas Sbarg has the only clue to what happened, and he ventures into the mist to find her. He stumbles upon a chilling revelation: something far more sinister than the monstrous fog is on the horizon, and it hungers for the souls of all who dwell in Loch Lomond.

In a desperate bid to unravel the mystery and save their town from impending doom, Ivas, a girl with horns, and an incredible cast of villagers, must navigate the treacherous fog and confront otherworldly forces. But as they delve deeper into the heart of darkness, they soon realize that the true enemy may lie closer than they ever imagined.

A gripping tale of unlikely alliances and unwavering courage, The Shepherd and the Horned Girl plunges readers into a world of ancient legends and supernatural horrors. With its richly developed characters and palpable sense of dread, this haunting narrative explores themes of grief, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Prepare to be ensnared by the chilling atmosphere and heart-pounding suspense of The Shepherd and the Horned Girl—a mesmerizing journey that will leave you hooked until the very last page.

Thoughts

I found "The Shepherd and the Horned Girl" by Breanna Bright to be a truly captivating work of fiction that engrossed me with its fairytale-like atmosphere. Located in a small, port town where everyone seems to know everyone else, the book spun a tapestry of local myths and superstitions that enhanced its charming ambience. I was particularly fascinated by the legend of the Messenger.

I must commend the book for its focus on platonic friendships and mentor-ward relationships, rather than romantic ones. The depiction of these relationships, especially those between male and female characters, was done in such a touching and authentic manner.

The characters in the book were well-developed, making it easy for me to connect with them. I was particularly drawn to Ivas, with his love for animals, his easy acceptance of Ruby, and his protective nature. Tess was another character that I found lovable right from the start.

I also think the depiction of grief in the book is worth noting. It shows how grief can manifest in strange, unlikely ways, making it very relatable to anyone who has experienced loss. The concept of Ruby, the horned girl, transforming into a ‘monstrous’ figure in her rage and grief deeply affected me and resonated with the raw emotions of loss.

Moreover, I appreciated how the author skillfully tied up the narrative with a satisfactory ending, providing closure to the readers like me. Despite its brevity, the story stands as a testament to the author's ability to create a vivid and meaningful narrative.

In summary, I found "The Shepherd and the Horned Girl" to be an intriguing read that pulled me in from the first page. Full of magic and an eerie atmosphere, I was kept hooked until the last page. Overall, it was a greatly enjoyable read that left a lasting impression on me.

This book was gifted to me by author Breanna Bright and R&R Book Tours. This is no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.