Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Like many young women, Caoilinn "Cal" Valderan has chosen an alternative to marriage or the nunnery: hunting unicorns. Though unicorn hunting is rewarded with monetary compensation, she is unsure of the worth of slaying the pure white equestrians.

In this coming-of-age story of lost love and betrayal, Cal chooses between unicorns and humans, and between family obligations and her own values, going against her society's expectations and questions what others do not dare to question.

 

Book Review

I have a long-standing love affair with unicorns that I imagine I share with others. They're magical. The unicorns in this story are even more incredible to me, although there is a mystery and sadness about these creatures that is quirky. Point of fact however, it is the corps of unicorn hunters that are introduced first. They are by necessity and tradition all young women and virgins. A few nonvirgins sneak into the current year's freshman collection but they come with an unusual backstory and there is an importance as to why these women have been integrated. Startlingly enigmatic!

Cal, Caoileen Valeran, is one astounding gal. She has been secretly in love with a friend and neighbor who is also enrolled in the freshman class of the unicorn hunting training program. Additionally, Cal has more diverse experiences and encounters than anyone else and that finds her eyes and heart opening up. There are a host of peculiar levels at work, particularly including Cal, that simply blow me away. So as Cal walks a delicate tightrope to protect and maintain her exceptional involvements, I am privy to the kaleidoscopic enrichment of this alien world and environment. Startlingly unbalancing!

Delphina Vane is one crackerjack counterpoint, a unicorn hunting trainee, and eventually a solid friend to Cal. It is through Delphina's eyes that I got a small inkling into what life is like in another province different from where this story takes place. I really related, liked Delphina, and was truly pleased as her rough edges naturally soften. Although she is an outsider who is not closely attached to anyone, she provides some very important balance and a distinctly alternative viewpoint. Classically intriguing!

This entire story occurs on some sort of planet that is not Earth and has diverse sections divided along the concepts of Fire/Water/Air/Earth with the bulk of the story taking place in the Fire section. Even with some loose ends, the story still works. The book on its own is extraordinarily enthralling!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 308 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	11-September-2013
Price	$5.87 ebook (Kindle), $10.79 paperback
Buy Link	http://www.amazon.com/Unicorn-Hunting-R-Hellbender-ebook/dp/B00F5PLAA4