Black Unicorn
2 journalers for this copy...
Rec''d via Bookmooch.com.
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From Publishers Weekly
Tanaquil, whose only talent is the ability to fix things, lives in the isolated desert palace of her mother, the sorceress Jaive. When an inquisitive peeve--one of the palace pets--unearths a cache of strange, sparkling bones, Tanaquil uses them to piece together a unicorn''s skeleton. A stray blast of Jaive''s magic brings the creature to life, and it escapes to the desert, followed by Tanaquil and the peeve. Free at last from her mother''s wizardry, Tanaquil embarks on a series of adventures that culminate in the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. A magical journey that mirrors a teenager''s coming-of-age is hardly a new plot device, but experienced SF writer Lee allows events to unfold at their own pace, revealing unexpected twists along the way. The combination of self-assured storytelling and the near-tangible evocation of a quirky world will have much appeal for fantasy devotees. As in the novels of Robin McKinley ( The Hero and the Crown ; The Blue Sword ), an understated current of feminism runs throughout. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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From Publishers Weekly
Tanaquil, whose only talent is the ability to fix things, lives in the isolated desert palace of her mother, the sorceress Jaive. When an inquisitive peeve--one of the palace pets--unearths a cache of strange, sparkling bones, Tanaquil uses them to piece together a unicorn''s skeleton. A stray blast of Jaive''s magic brings the creature to life, and it escapes to the desert, followed by Tanaquil and the peeve. Free at last from her mother''s wizardry, Tanaquil embarks on a series of adventures that culminate in the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. A magical journey that mirrors a teenager''s coming-of-age is hardly a new plot device, but experienced SF writer Lee allows events to unfold at their own pace, revealing unexpected twists along the way. The combination of self-assured storytelling and the near-tangible evocation of a quirky world will have much appeal for fantasy devotees. As in the novels of Robin McKinley ( The Hero and the Crown ; The Blue Sword ), an understated current of feminism runs throughout. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Black Unicorn was a pleasant read, but even though I've just finished it my mind is already drawing blanks on what happens in the book. Tanaquil (I wonder how you pronounce that - Tan-ah-quill? Tan-uh-quill?) is quite likable, and her adaptability and quick wits save her multiple times. She's the only character who really has a chance to develop a personality in this novel; everyone else is kept to one or two dimensions. Even though I'm a sucker for kids books, this is DEFINITELY for the younger reader, perhaps in elementary school. It doesn't offer much to older eyes.
Journal Entry 3 by k00kaburra at By Mail in RABCK, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (8/22/2007 UTC) at By Mail in RABCK, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
sent to Sharon Epperson of Chandler, Arizona to fulfill a request on Bookmooch.com.
sent to Sharon Epperson of Chandler, Arizona to fulfill a request on Bookmooch.com.
I "mooched" this book from Suzi (k00kaburra) from California. I have read a few books by Tanith Lee and had noticed that she has several "unicorn" books. They are perhaps related, but appear to be standalone novels. I am a sucker for dragons and unicorns and fantasy in general, so I thought that I would give it a try.
