Alec is heading home aboard a steamship, when the ship sinks in a storm and there are only two survivors: Alec and a spirited black stallion. The two are washed ashore on a small island, where they forage for food, and Alec tames the wild stallion.

I was completely riveted while reading this book! I couldn't put it down, and read it in one day. The writing has such good pacing, and the action moves swiftly along, pulling the reader into the next chapter and the next.

I adored Alec's character. He's smart and tough and resilient. He loves that wild horse and the bond the two share is evident to the world. I was amazed at Alec's energy. He never seems to get tired for long. He's always bouncing right back up after being injured or disappointed. He displays several different types of courage throughout the book; the courage of waiting, the courage of taking risks, the bravery it takes to stick with a task day in and day out, as well as physical courage, and moral courage. I just loved his character!

The Black is described so wonderfully that I could really imagine his wildness and feral energy. Everyone who sees the Black is overwhelmed by the power of his personality, his fire and strength and beauty. It's really excellent writing.

I can't wait to read more books in the Black Stallion series!

Diogenes is a carefree swordsman who lives by his wits, known as the Laughing Cavalier in 1600s Holland. He is hired to kidnap the lovely Gilda Beresteyn, because she has overheard a plot to kill the Prince of Orange, and the assassins, one of whom is her own brother, want her out of the city for a few days so she can't divulge their evil plans. All goes according to plan, until Diogenes begins to fall in love with the beautiful Gilda, won over by her gentle ways.

I love the sword-fighting, political intrigue, betrayal, secret plans, adventure, and mystery. The plot is almost non-stop action, and every situation seems impossible for the heroes to survive, but somehow, amazingly, incredibly, they pull through. Every plot twist is a surprise! I love the agile writing style, because it keeps the reader interested through every page.

Diogenes pretends to be a devil-may-care rogue, but he has a noble heart, and a truly chivalrous code of honor. He is a figure larger than life, utterly strong and brave, laughing in the face of death, and able to win people over with his charm and ready wit.

Gilda is sweetness itself. She has led a sheltered life, but she is resilient in dire circumstances, and resourceful in her attempts to stop the assassins and save the Prince of Orange. She does some fainting and crying, but also has some strong scenes of courage and clever dialogue.

I adore all of the Scarlet Pimpernel books, and really enjoyed this spin-off about Blakeney's "famous ancestor."

Wonderful story, and better than Girl of the Limberlost. I laughed. I cried. I loved it!

A strange book, but with some very good bits interspersed with confusing bits. I got some magnificent quotes from it that are copied down in my quote book. Quite philosophical. I think it's one of those that are better the second time you read it. Maybe in a few years, I'll try it again.

I always enjoy rereading these short stories!

Almost better than sherlock holmes!