Blood & Hooves

In the sun-scorched hills of Mexico, a monster is born-not from myth, but from twisted science.El Diablo, a genetically engineered donkey with the intelligence and strength of a supervillain, is forged into the perfect weapon for a ruthless drug lord. But when the empire crumbles, El Diablo vanishes into legend... only to resurface years later as Pineapple, an unlikely resident of Noah's Park, a struggling animal sanctuary in rural Ohio.For eleven-year-old Ellie, the sanctuary is a refuge from a world that never understood her. A near-genius prodigy with a mind sharper than most and a heart loyal to creatures over people, she forms an unbreakable bond with the scarred, brooding donkey everyone else fears.But when shadowy figures from Pineapple's past descend on the park-armed with greed, vengeance, and secrets-Ellie uncovers a truth more dangerous than anything she imagined: her best friend is a living weapon with a history drenched in blood.Now, as moonlit enclosures become hunting grounds and childhood innocence collides with cartel brutality, Ellie and Pineapple must become what the darkness fears most-a girl who sees violence as a language, and a monster who's learned to love.Together, they'll rewrite the rules of survival.Blood & Hooves is a harrowing tale of redemption and fury. The line between protector and predator blurs, and the deadliest forces are those forged by loyalty. This story asks: Can a creature built for destruction become a hero... and will the world let him?Danger has a new name. And it's nibbling carrots in the animal sanctuary-and on bad guys' necks.Themes & ToneBlood & Hooves is a genre-bending novel that blends dystopian science fiction, animal companionship, coming-of-age drama, and gritty action thriller.At its core, it's a story about redemption-not just for Pineapple, but for Ellie too. Both characters are outsiders, products of violence and neglect, who find strength in each other. The novel explores how love can humanize even the most damaged souls, how trauma can be both a burden and a catalyst, and how loyalty sometimes demands blood.Despite its heavy themes-child endangerment, animal experimentation, sex trafficking, and cartel violence-the story carries a thread of dark humor and warmth. Ellie's voice is sharp and mature beyond her years, yet still laced with wonder and sarcasm. The bond between her and Pineapple gives the story a deeply emotional center that lingers long after the final page.

• | Author: Stephen Penezich
• | Publisher: Stephen Penezich
• | Publication Date: Apr 17, 2025
• | Number of Pages: 00266 pages
• | Binding: Paperback or Softback
• | ISBN-10: NA
• | ISBN-13: 9798218638856