I read I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade with my 10-year-old granddaughter as a buddy read. While I appreciated the historical depth, my granddaughter’s feedback strongly shaped my rating—3 stars. As she put it, “It’s hard to compete with Harry Potter!”
The story begins with Oyuna, a girl born on the Mongolian steppes during the reign of Kublai Khan, cursed with bad luck after a horse crushes her foot. Determined to prove her worth, she disguises herself as a boy and embarks on an incredible journey with her old mare. Along the way, Oyuna faces trials that lead her to the Khan’s palace, where she plays a key role in saving the ruler’s herd of white horses.
While the premise is fascinating, the pacing left us both restless at times. The last third of the book picks up dramatically, delivering excitement and tying Oyuna’s journey together with satisfying resolve. However, the narrative often felt detached, making it hard to emotionally connect with Oyuna despite her bravery and resilience.
What I did love was the richly detailed portrayal of life in 14th-century Mongolia. The author’s research shines, offering a glimpse into the rituals, beliefs, and landscapes of the era. It’s a rewarding read for those interested in historical fiction, though the slow pacing may test younger readers’ patience.
In the end, Oyuna’s story of courage and self-discovery is inspiring but fell short of captivating us entirely. A solid 3-star read.