BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine. 

If you're new here, hello and welcome, book lovers! Here's how this works: Each month we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. So if you haven't already signed up, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where you'll be able to find Bestie Book Club updates, special contests, giveaways, event invitations and more. 

Here's a quick list of everything you'll find inside this post (and beyond). Just remember, *major spoilers* are ahead, so look for the spoiler ratings before you read!

Soul Riders: Darkness Falling: THE BOOK CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
+ Buy the Book
+ Quick-Read Recap
+ Commentary from our Bestie Book Club
+ Details on how to participate

Spoiler level: Low

The best book for spring break? One full of friendship, adventure, magic and, ofc, all the horses a girl could dream of. The third book in the Soul Riders series, Darkness Falling, is full of answers to all the questions we've had from the first two books of the series. Lisa, Anne, Linda and Alex are back to stop Mr. Sands and his dark riders in their tracks. Want to know more? Buy it right here.

Psst: Want to skip the spoilers and just read our (low spoiler) Bestie Book Club reviews? Click HERE.

Spoiler level: High

Cozy stables and forever friendships seem extra bittersweet while we're reading the third (and final!) book in the Soul Riders series.

We're back on the island of Jorvik with besties Lisa, Anne, Linda and Alex as they do everything in their power—including harnessing their magic abilities—to stop the devious plans of Mr. Sands, who wants to take over Jorvik with his dark riders.

This bestie squad is willing to do whatever it takes to save their home, and with their horses by their sides, there's nothing they can't do.

Read the book right now.

Spoiler level: Medium

Did our Bestie Book Club love Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? Read on!
We chatted about Soul Riders: Darkness Falling with fellow BBCers who are just as obsessed as we are. Get to know #bookstagrammers Aria, Ava, Lexi, Kira, Kylee and Paizley—and their fave parts of this oh-so-sweet, best-friends-forever read.

Aria @itsariabrooks

Tell us about your dream horse. She would be white with black spots and speckles all over. I love cookies n' cream ice cream, so I would love a cookies n' cream horse, too! I'd name her Oreo, natch. Plus, Oreo and Aria have a nice ring to them, right?! 
Why should girls check out Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? There are so many learning lessons in this book: It's about the value of teamwork. It's also full of friendship. 
Why is reading important? It helps you grow. It improves your imagination and helps you find that creative energy every single day.

Ava @avaireland729

Tell us about your dream horse. I love horses so much, so that's definitely a tricky one! But I love black horses with beautiful shiny manes. So if I could have that horse and name her Midnight, I think I'd be in love.
Why is reading so important? For me, reading is my favorite way to wind down every night before bed. It's so relaxing! It also helps me have some time for myself and fall in love with the world of whatever book I'm reading.
Why should girls read Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? The whole series was so fun, I read them so fast! If you're a girl who loves horses (of course), adventure and lifelong friendships, you'll love this book for sure.

Lexi @lexisoleil08

Why is reading important? We use it in our everyday lives, whether it's with our families, for class or to spend our weekends. When you read something new, you get to experience something exciting.
What's your dream horse like? My dream horse would be all white with a blonde tail and mane. She would be the fastest runner and jump any ravine.
What are you most looking forward to for spring? I'm *def* looking forward to the warmer weather and longer days! I'm in love with all things sunshine, flowers and blue skies, ofc!

Kira @cali.kira

What are you *most* looking forward to this spring? I am looking forward to horse camp! I love to go and care for the horses, it's the best part of my year. 
What's your favorite animal? My favorite animal is a horse, of course. Horses are so kind and so smart—and riding is one of my favorite hobbies.
Why should girls check out Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? Girls should check out this book because it’s about friendship and being brave and going on great adventures. 

Kylee @cheerps.lauren_k

Why should girls read Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? Horses are just amazing creatures. I love everything about them! And if you love horses—and adventure—too, you won’t want to miss out!.
What's your dream horse like? I'd love a chocolate brown horse with peanut butter highlight-colored hair. I would probably put lots of braids in her mane because I love to do hair, too.
Why is reading important? I love to read! Reading helps my mind wander to a new safe place. With the stress and isolation from COVID-19 this last year, reading helped me escape to a new world that could take my mind off the reality I was actually living in.

Paizley @paizley_steven

Tell us about your dream horse. That’s a hard one! I'd definitely say an all-white horse. Pink is my signature color, so a light pink mane with some sparkles in the shape of a diamond on the nose. And maybe even a fishtail braid on the tail with a pink bow. For a name, I’d probably go with Snowflake or Cloud.
What are you most excited for this spring? I’m looking forward to getting outside and hanging in the sunshine. Spring and summer are my two favorite seasons. Nothing better than fresh air and cute clothes!
Why should girls check out Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? I couldn’t put the first two books down. Such captivating fantasy-themed stories. And the third book of the trilogy, Star Stable: Darkness Falling, is the best one yet. I encourage all my book and fantasy-loving friends to curl up in some comfies and get reading.

So you've read the book and you're ready to talk all things Soul Riders: Darkness Falling? Wondering *exactly* how the Bestie Book Club works and what it means to be a member? There are so many ways you can get involved—whether it's solo, on social media or with your whole squad. Here's a quick list...
+ SOLO. Take your personal reading game to the next level using the themes of love, friendship and family as a guide for your own journaling and personal reflection. If you love to read, it could be fun to start a special book diary where you keep track of all your favorite novels—and the personal musings they inspired.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your thoughts on Soul Riders: Darkness Falling using the hashtag #glbestiebookclub on Twitter and Instagram. (Just remember: You have to have a public account for us to be able to see and respond to your posts!)
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host an IRL (or Zoom) book club party. And be sure to tag us in your snaps so we can share them.

by GL | 4/8/2021