Dun Ladys Jess

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.

I read some of the reviews prior to buying this book, and I thought it would have a new perspective on the girl-horse-magic thing. I was right, but I was amazed by where the author went with the story, and I will be enjoying where she goes with the next story in this saga.

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.

Interesting concept as a horse from another dimension is changed into a young woman on the earth we know and finding her way, with the help of friends, into a kind of life, then has to face returning to her world and giving up her humanity to become a horse again. Lots of action, some strange situations that leave me saying :huh but definitely lived up to the hype.

If you are looking for book that is fun to read and does not have any parts that lag, purchase Dun Ladys Jess. It is an imaginative, well-written book that will keep you entertained the entire time you are reading it. Hard to put down. The the storyline concept and thought put into the book made it one that I will think about for a long time. This would be a good book for someone that doesnt know if they think they like fantasy but would like to try it. The characters are believable and the action non-stop. Ive ready two other titles by this author and cant say Ive been disappointed yet. I will be reading more of her work this summer!

This was one of those books that Id always meant to read but could never remember the title (Im not a horse person, so the title always came across as strange to me.) But Im so glad one of my friends posted it to my FB wall! I found the premise interesting, even weird -- a horse transforms into a human but isnt a shifter, but a horse with a humans body. That part is really well done, really convincing. The characters she makes friends with come across as real people... even/especially the horse. Im definitely going to buy the rest of the series. Oh, this is a fantasy book, not a shifter romance. There is a tiny bit of romance, but only at the end, and its not the focus of the story.

This was a truly unique story, told from a different perspective. The lead character is a horse in one world, who is changed into a woman in modern day Ohio. Her senses, her expectations of the world, and her growth into an amazing and brave person, are narrated in a believable manner. The author paints a picture of a horse as a being with personality and value, and yet, does not diminish the idea of being human. The actual plot, which involves a courier and his horse escaping their world to protect a magic spell, enlisting the help of humans from our world to return and right the wrongs committed by the spell, is fast paced and well thought out. A unusual story, well executed.

The character development runs deep. Amazingly detailed development of Jess. Having horses myself, I found her portrayal of horse turned woman realistic and compelling. A must reed for anyone who loves horses and likes fantasy.

This was a fine story, and such a novel concept: a horse transformed into a woman.

Interesting premise, and the author really knows horses.