A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses (Book 2)

By: Sarah V. Barnes
Publisher: Heart Soul Horse Publications
Publication Date: June 21, 2025
ISBN: 979-8992769005
Reviewed by: Diana Coyle
Review Date: October 14, 2025

In 4000 BCE, fifteen-year-old Naya returns to her family after living with a group of wild horses on the Pontic-Caspian Steppe in A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes. This is a time of many changes and transitions. Not only has her grandfather, the tribe’s leader, passed away and her father has now stepped into the role, but Naya is faced with many indecisions for a young woman of her age. She truly loves being around the wild horses, but she learns that her family is in danger and she tries helping as best she can. What happens to the horses she’s communed with? What dangers does her clan face? Is she able to help her clan?

This story was so rich in historic detail, readers will believe they are living right alongside the clan members seeing and hearing everything firsthand. Sarah Barnes penned such descriptive narrative that allows her readers to feel that they are another member of the clan aiding in making the best decisions for each one of them as a whole. Each character was unique and they all complemented each other in the roles they were given to help their clan survive.

The scenery also was impressively described, so much so that readers will wholeheartedly believe they are living in this period of time right alongside this clan seeing the livestock nearby, witnessing the conditions they were living in, and discovering how the clan lived off the impoverished land.

Everything about this story will make the readers believe this story is unfolding before them as if it were an actual account of living on the Pontic-Caspian Steppe. Especially enjoyable was seeing the connectedness that Naya had with the undomesticated horses, and to think this story was set during a time when horses were wild and had not been ridden yet. Seeing how Naya’s spirit blended so well with these majestic beauties was just awe inspiring.

Sarah Barnes is a critically acclaimed award-winning novelist who is not only a historian, but also a horsewoman. Sarah’s love is not only writing, but she also offers equine-facilitated coaching and wellness workshops.

Quill says: A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses by Sarah Barnes is one historical fiction novel that will have readers believing wholeheartedly that they are living around 4000 BCE with this clan. The storyline is fully engrossing and the characters are well-developed. This is the second installment of this series and readers will delight in hearing it will have a third installment as well.

For more information about A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses, please visit the author's website at: sarahvbarnes.com