Dun Ladys Jess

Unexpected fun well developed.

Apart from the Harry Potter books, Ive read few fantasy novels. My one exception: the books of my friend Doranna Durgin. Of course, as shes been my friend for over 20 years, you cant expect me to be wholly objective in a review. So Ill just tell you what I like about her very first published book, Dun Ladys Jess, which has been reissued in a beautiful new edition by Canadian publisher Red Deer Press. Beautiful dun mare Lady, and her rider, Cary, are running for their lives when Cary invokes a spell that sends them hurtling to an alternate reality--a reality that does not include magic. Not only that, but Lady has been transformed into a human woman. Shes found by Eric, a kind-hearted environmentalist, and his friend Dayna. They quickly realize that Lady is in a state of mental confusion. Wary about turning her into the authorities, they take her to Daynas home to try to figure out what to do next. They meet up with their friends Jaime, who owns a horse training facility, and her brother Mark. And when Carey shows up--thats when the fun begins. This book has everything I look for in great storytelling: endearing friendships, action, adventure; suspense, thrills and fun. Im not kidding when I say itll make you laugh and cry. Theres a reason this book won the Compton Crook Award, and its hard to believe this could be someones first book because Doranna got everything right. The characterization, the action, and most importantly, the mindset of Dun Ladys Jess--a horse changed by magic into a woman. Read it. Youll love it, too.

Ive never read a book from a horses perspective before. It was really well done. The story flowed very smoothly and kept me wondering what would happen next. The only jarring note was the ending. Did the author run out of steam? The story ends abruptly with a jump ahead by months and a brief synopsis that seemed to contradict one of the resolution points. Very odd.

I enjoyed the author playing with the idea of a horse becoming human. The romance was nice and not overbearing. There were enough questions raised to keep a person interested in the series. The writing flowed well. I somehow lost a little interest during the climax, but then action is not my favorite genre.

is the statement of the belief that the real difference between humans and animals is simply a matter of complexity and simplicity of mind. Anyone who has spent time seriously observing dogs, cats, horses, pigs or other domesticated animals behaviors knows that these beings who are so different from humans in form are quite similar in our basic needs, emotions and wants. This novel explores this concept via Dun Ladys Jesss transformations from horse to human and back again. This story is written in much the same spirit as Richard Adams Watership Down or Erin Hunters Warrior series and is as intriguing a read as those works.

How does a person react when life changes so dramatically that it affects every acquaintance and loved one? Very few face changes as dramatic as those affecting Dun Ladys Jess, a beautiful young mare who enters a parallel world as a dreadfully confused young woman. The book is one of the delights of the fantasy genre and a must-read for every horsewoman. A lovely read.

This was very interesting read. The book starts on a world of magic. 4 beings from that world are pulled threw time and space to our world. 2 of them are changed from horses to the form of people, yet they still have the mentality of the horse. One is not so lucky and is struck and killed in traffic when he runs out in a panic. The other is luckier, the people who find her are sympathetic, and think she suffered a trauma, and take her home and dress her. She stays quite until she can start talking back and she quickly learns how to help and makes her self useful at a riding academy. She makes friends But needs to find her friend and rider. she makes her needs known to her friends and the drama takes off. Read it to find out more.

Seldom do I come across a new theme. This would be hard for any writer to pull off.....change a horse into a woman. Doranna does a beautiful job. Her love of horses shines through. Entertaining and well written

This had it all: epic adventure, fantasy, magic, love and horses! There are plenty of stories where a human is changed to an animal, and even some the other way around, but I havent read any that seem so real. The way the horse/human acts and thinks, just perfect. I cant wait to read more!

I really enjoyed Dun Lady Jess. It was different . I liked all the characters good and bad. story was far fetched but thats what made it enjoyable to read.