Rise to the Horizon

A touching story about Axel, a horse whisper who is asked to help a horse named Poseidon after the trauma of a fire. What I liked about the story is that it’s based on a true story set in the 1990s when the author Hyunah Kim lived in Vienna. It’s also a side story to Kim’s first novel Dammi Mille Baci Vienna Calling where we first met Axel and Poseidon. Axel’s girlfriend Hyunah also makes a brief appearance in Rise to the Horizon which is really cool. It’s a quick read that you don’t want to miss.

I really enjoyed Rise to the Horizon, a beautiful story that I think will appeal especially to animal lovers. It’s easy to get immersed in the story, since each of the scenes are described in such fine detail, not only the people, but sights, sounds and even the smells. I found it interesting that parts of the story are actually told from the horse’s perspective, an unusual but impactful approach. It was also fun to see inclusion of the character “Hyunah,” a subtle reminder that each of the author’s stories are based on events from her well-travelled life. I’m looking forward to her next novella!

If you’re looking for something uplifting and encouraging during these trying times, then this is the book for you. It is beautifully written and brings to life characters that feel familiar. The book will fly by while bringing you hope and reassurance that everything doesn’t always have to end badly. It is also a great reminder that sometimes there is more to a soul than meets the eye.

Rise to the Horizon by Hyunah KIM is a lovely story about a young man with a unique ability to communicate with horses, and the emotionally and physically damaged colt that he needs to help. Poseidon is a show horse who is injured in a fire at a horse ranch. Because of the trauma that he endured, he now attacks anyone who gets close to him. It has been recommended that he is put down because of the danger that he poses to everyone around him, but his owner refuses to give up. She reaches out to Axel, a young painter who can communicate with horses. Axel agrees to help and puts his own life on the line to try and save Poseidon’s. Anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories will love this tale. The characters are amazing and the narrative pulls at your heart strings.

“Rise to the Horizon” by Hyunah KIM is a captivating tale that explores the magical connection between a troubled show-jumping horse, Poseidon, and a young man named Axel, known in his neighborhood as a horse whisperer. The narrative unfolds after a devastating fire leaves Poseidon traumatized and dangerously aggressive. Faced with the grim suggestion of euthanasia, Poseidon’s owner, Martha, turns to Axel, a painter with a unique ability to communicate with horses.The story beautifully portrays Axel’s courageous journey to heal Poseidon, defying the vet’s dire warnings. As Axel forms a deep bond with the wounded horse, the novel becomes a heartwarming narrative for animal lovers. Hyunah KIM skillfully weaves a tale that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also explores themes of empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship between man and beast. “Rise to the Horizon” is a poignant and uplifting read that celebrates the magic found in the unspoken connection between humans and animals. Highly recommended.