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Guardians of the Wild Unicorns
Away from home at sleepaway camp, Nic and his best friend Grier discover that unicorns don't just belong in legends and fairy tales. Real unicorns do exist and they need help!
The two friends find themselves caught up in a dangerous adventure to save the world's last herd of wild unicorns. Sneaking out of camp at night, they must track down the captured unicorns, help them escape to safety in the ancient and mysterious forest, and keep them secret so no one can harm them ever again.
Fighting against real-life poachers, and harnessing ancient magic, can they rescue the legendary creatures in time?
The two friends find themselves caught up in a dangerous adventure to save the world's last herd of wild unicorns. Sneaking out of camp at night, they must track down the captured unicorns, help them escape to safety in the ancient and mysterious forest, and keep them secret so no one can harm them ever again.
Fighting against real-life poachers, and harnessing ancient magic, can they rescue the legendary creatures in time?
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
12 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 28, 2019
This was a very enjoyable middle grade story about two kids, Lewis and Rhona. While they are away at camp they come across a real life unicorn! Then soon realize it’s not just one unicorn in the forest but a whole blessing of them.
The unicorns are being trapped by poachers that want to get rich on them. Lewis and Rhona have to save the unicorns themselves because no one else will believe there story!
I think young readers will enjoy this unicorn adventure!
Thank you to Myrick Marketing and NetGalley for the chance to review this book!
The unicorns are being trapped by poachers that want to get rich on them. Lewis and Rhona have to save the unicorns themselves because no one else will believe there story!
I think young readers will enjoy this unicorn adventure!
Thank you to Myrick Marketing and NetGalley for the chance to review this book!
May 2, 2019
Man, I am so overjoyed that this ended up being far more amazing than I ever thought possible and is a gorgeous children's book to feed their imagination. It is a heart-warming, lovely read for all ages, and as it can often be difficult to engage youngsters and foster a reading habit this may be a suitable place to start for those with an interest in beautiful mythological creatures such an unicorns.
What I really wasn't expecting was it to be as powerful and gripping for me as an adult who tends to pick up rather a lot of gritty crime capers, so this was refreshingly light and breezy tale right from get-go. Not only that but there is a wise message within its pages, too. A timely, topical reminder of the precarious nature of wildlife/animal conservation and how we humans play a huge role in the active management of our planet.
So come and join best friends and confidence Lewis and Rhona as they go on a magic-filled adventure in order to save the elusive, enigmatic unicorns from extinction. Many thanks to Kelpies for an ARC.
What I really wasn't expecting was it to be as powerful and gripping for me as an adult who tends to pick up rather a lot of gritty crime capers, so this was refreshingly light and breezy tale right from get-go. Not only that but there is a wise message within its pages, too. A timely, topical reminder of the precarious nature of wildlife/animal conservation and how we humans play a huge role in the active management of our planet.
So come and join best friends and confidence Lewis and Rhona as they go on a magic-filled adventure in order to save the elusive, enigmatic unicorns from extinction. Many thanks to Kelpies for an ARC.
February 15, 2019
If you’re here for fluffy, cutesy, rainbow-coloured unicorns, then this book may not be for you. If you want a book about dark, quietly fierce, untamed (and untameable) mythical creatures, then stick around.
On the face of things, there is nothing exceptional about our protagonists, Rhona and Lewis. Two friends from a Glaswegian school on a field trip in the highlands of Scotland. Rhona can’t think of anything better, and Lewis would rather be anywhere else. But their friendship is pushed to the limit when they find themselves trying to save the last of the wild unicorns from an egotistical, greedy woman who has captured them.
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns has everything you need in an adventure book with a bit of fantasy thrown in. There is danger, friendship, and a bit of magic too. But it also offers something far more relevant to today’s society and offers a commentary on the experiences of children as well as the impact it has on their lives.
Take Rhona, for example, who is revealed to be a young carer to a parent with rheumatoid arthritis and mental health problems. There is no magic wand for Rhona but she does learn that there is help available if she will share her problems with people around her who she trusts.
Lewis, on the other hand, faces a different set of challenges. He joined his school later than his classmates as his parents separated. His father suffers from alcohol addiction, and now Lewis and his mum have moved and live in a smaller home. As a result, Lewis doesn’t always deal with things in the best way, much to the frustration of the rest of his class.
If I’ve made this book sounds heavy, then I apologise, as that is not my intention and it certainly is not heavy. It’s wonderful. But it’s also relevant. There are many children out there who will be able to relate to these characters and will have the message driven home to them that there is help out there, you just need to ask.
I don’t know whether I’ve just been unaware of it until recently, but Scottish children’s literature is on fire at the moment. I’ve read a few books by Scottish authors writing books set in Scotland and they’ve all be sensational. Guardians of the Wild Unicorns is no exception.
If you’re a primary school teacher please, please get this book on your shelves. It may just make a huge difference to a child’s life.
On the face of things, there is nothing exceptional about our protagonists, Rhona and Lewis. Two friends from a Glaswegian school on a field trip in the highlands of Scotland. Rhona can’t think of anything better, and Lewis would rather be anywhere else. But their friendship is pushed to the limit when they find themselves trying to save the last of the wild unicorns from an egotistical, greedy woman who has captured them.
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns has everything you need in an adventure book with a bit of fantasy thrown in. There is danger, friendship, and a bit of magic too. But it also offers something far more relevant to today’s society and offers a commentary on the experiences of children as well as the impact it has on their lives.
Take Rhona, for example, who is revealed to be a young carer to a parent with rheumatoid arthritis and mental health problems. There is no magic wand for Rhona but she does learn that there is help available if she will share her problems with people around her who she trusts.
Lewis, on the other hand, faces a different set of challenges. He joined his school later than his classmates as his parents separated. His father suffers from alcohol addiction, and now Lewis and his mum have moved and live in a smaller home. As a result, Lewis doesn’t always deal with things in the best way, much to the frustration of the rest of his class.
If I’ve made this book sounds heavy, then I apologise, as that is not my intention and it certainly is not heavy. It’s wonderful. But it’s also relevant. There are many children out there who will be able to relate to these characters and will have the message driven home to them that there is help out there, you just need to ask.
I don’t know whether I’ve just been unaware of it until recently, but Scottish children’s literature is on fire at the moment. I’ve read a few books by Scottish authors writing books set in Scotland and they’ve all be sensational. Guardians of the Wild Unicorns is no exception.
If you’re a primary school teacher please, please get this book on your shelves. It may just make a huge difference to a child’s life.
February 24, 2019
Lewis and Rhona are on a residential trip to the Highlands with the rest of their class of eleven-year-olds from the East End of Glasgow. Lewis isn't having a great time - he's "rubbish at rugby, clueless at kayaking, a failure at football and ... abysmal at abseiling". He didn't even want to go, but his mum insisted. His best pal Rhona is making the most of the trip, but even she can't get Lewis to start enjoying things.
But then Lewis sees something. Something impossible. As he dangles from an abseiling rope, helpless and looking like "soap on a rope" (as Rhona so helpfully puts it) he sees a unicorn. Not a sparkly, rainbow-tailed unicorn like you'd see on a five-year-old's lunchbox, but "a huge dark beast, a heavily muscled horse with a gleaming, rippling black mane."
Before long, Lewis and Rhona discover that he's not hallucinating, not seeing a mirage, but unicorns are real, they live in the wilds of Scotland, and they're in terrible danger.
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns follows Lewis and Rhona as they try to save the magical beasts. It's a race against time as the end of the residential trip draws near, and the threat to the unicorns looms larger. Lewis and Rhona's friendship is tested, and they face adversity, adventure, and real danger.
This is a fast-paced adventure with a conservationist theme and a magical twist. It's not hard to draw parallels between hunting unicorns for their horns and rhino poaching, and the book also has interesting things to say about the tension between the protection afforded by conservation projects and the vulnerability to exploitation of animals that are not allowed to roam free in their natural habitat.
Lewis and Rhona are great characters, with plenty of depth to their contrasting personalities, and troubled family backgrounds that produce very different results - Lewis is withdrawn and sullen, while Rhona is determined to make the most of her trip away from home.
But the stars of the book are, of course, the unicorns themselves. As tall as a police Clydesdale, black, white, or silver-grey, without a speck of glitter in sight. Wild and magical, and very, very dangerous.
Highly recommended.
But then Lewis sees something. Something impossible. As he dangles from an abseiling rope, helpless and looking like "soap on a rope" (as Rhona so helpfully puts it) he sees a unicorn. Not a sparkly, rainbow-tailed unicorn like you'd see on a five-year-old's lunchbox, but "a huge dark beast, a heavily muscled horse with a gleaming, rippling black mane."
Before long, Lewis and Rhona discover that he's not hallucinating, not seeing a mirage, but unicorns are real, they live in the wilds of Scotland, and they're in terrible danger.
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns follows Lewis and Rhona as they try to save the magical beasts. It's a race against time as the end of the residential trip draws near, and the threat to the unicorns looms larger. Lewis and Rhona's friendship is tested, and they face adversity, adventure, and real danger.
This is a fast-paced adventure with a conservationist theme and a magical twist. It's not hard to draw parallels between hunting unicorns for their horns and rhino poaching, and the book also has interesting things to say about the tension between the protection afforded by conservation projects and the vulnerability to exploitation of animals that are not allowed to roam free in their natural habitat.
Lewis and Rhona are great characters, with plenty of depth to their contrasting personalities, and troubled family backgrounds that produce very different results - Lewis is withdrawn and sullen, while Rhona is determined to make the most of her trip away from home.
But the stars of the book are, of course, the unicorns themselves. As tall as a police Clydesdale, black, white, or silver-grey, without a speck of glitter in sight. Wild and magical, and very, very dangerous.
Highly recommended.
March 15, 2019
I loved this book. Particularly the realistic friendship between Lewis and Rhona.
It starts with poor Lewis dangling from a cliff on a school adventure trip. Except he’d much rather be inside with a good book. I’m with him there. His best friend Rhona is much more adventurous and is trying to bolster his confidence, leading to a line that gave me an image that made me snort laugh. And when you are dangling an inch away from death your life flashes before your eyes or unicorns do!
Chapters are told alternately from Lewis and Rhona’s point of view and seeing their inner insecurities and how they both keep these from and share them with the other works really well.
The conservation storyline is really important and I think that using mythological creatures to highlights the rarity and increases the suspense. The children have to outwit some very misguided and/or nasty characters to prevent the unicorn’s re-extinction. This would make an excellent book for class discussion on conservation as well as being a gripping and human story. It also deals with themes such as anxiety and young carers and will speak to children that may not fully see themselves in the many overly brave and outgoing books characters there are.
The use of the Scottish setting and smattering of dialect was a great touch and the publisher DiscoverKelpies is focused on publishing books with a Scottish twist. It is amazing how reading about books set near you or to places you’ve been can add to the magic.
I will leave you with the fact that a group of unicorns is called a blessing. As was reading this book.
Thank you to Kirsten at Floris Books/Discover Kelpies who #gifted me the copy of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns used for this honest review.
It starts with poor Lewis dangling from a cliff on a school adventure trip. Except he’d much rather be inside with a good book. I’m with him there. His best friend Rhona is much more adventurous and is trying to bolster his confidence, leading to a line that gave me an image that made me snort laugh. And when you are dangling an inch away from death your life flashes before your eyes or unicorns do!
Chapters are told alternately from Lewis and Rhona’s point of view and seeing their inner insecurities and how they both keep these from and share them with the other works really well.
The conservation storyline is really important and I think that using mythological creatures to highlights the rarity and increases the suspense. The children have to outwit some very misguided and/or nasty characters to prevent the unicorn’s re-extinction. This would make an excellent book for class discussion on conservation as well as being a gripping and human story. It also deals with themes such as anxiety and young carers and will speak to children that may not fully see themselves in the many overly brave and outgoing books characters there are.
The use of the Scottish setting and smattering of dialect was a great touch and the publisher DiscoverKelpies is focused on publishing books with a Scottish twist. It is amazing how reading about books set near you or to places you’ve been can add to the magic.
I will leave you with the fact that a group of unicorns is called a blessing. As was reading this book.
Thank you to Kirsten at Floris Books/Discover Kelpies who #gifted me the copy of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns used for this honest review.
February 21, 2019
This is not your typical book about unicorns! Guardians of the Wild Unicorns is a fast-paced adventure set in the beautifully evoked landscape of the Scottish Highlands, where the last herd of wild unicorns has been captured. Rhona and Lewis are on a school residential: one is in her element whilst the other would rather be at home. All that changes when Lewis makes a promise to one of the unicorns, a promise he is determined to keep. The affinity between the unicorns and the children, and their desire to protect them, resonates throughout the story. This bond leads to the children being able to overcome their fears, and show determination and courage in the face of some very real threats from Ailsa, the laird's daughter. I loved the author's portrayal of the unicorns as endangered animals: fearful, yet proud and fierce, and ever hopeful of their freedom. There were so many elements I loved about this story: the authenticity of Lewis and Rhona's friendship; a refreshingly different portrayal of unicorns with a modern twist; the representation of the Scottish Highlands; and, as I am a teacher, the depiction of the joys of a school residential! I will definitely be purchasing this for my class and school library. I would highly recommend it to children of 8+.
March 16, 2019
This is the story of best friends Lewis and Rhona as they go on a school residential trip and become embroiled in saving the last unicorn herd from a cruel poacher. Lewis and Rhona are both great characters, and I definitely related big time to Lewis which was a lot of fun to read. I also thought the balance between the fantasy/adventure side of things and contemporary was super well done- the exploration of the characters` issues and how they affect their lives was gradually revealed and so interesting. I loved the unicorns and the way their customs and history were explained, particularly since they were very different to what I`d expected them to be and I liked what they actually were even more. The book`s villain also needs a mention, because they are absolutely CHILLING and gave me total Cruella de Vil vibes, which is not a comparison I make lightly seeing she is basically my favourite villain of all time. Finally, as a Scottish person I loved the use of slang in this book, as I think I`m from an area quite near to Lewis and Rhona`s (I say think because I`m hopeless with anything to do with geography…) and a lot of it was very familiar and I hear/use so many of the phrases daily. 4.5/5
April 4, 2021
This beautifully-written tale, set against the majestic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, explores themes of friendship and compassion. And unicorns. Not rainbow cartoon unicorns - real ones: huge, fierce and fast, with gleaming sharp horns and ... Well, I'll let Lewis and Rhona tell you the rest. It all begins when these two troubled eleven-year-old friends go on a school trip to an outward bound centre, where they quickly discover the creatures they once thought imaginary are very real, and in very grave danger. Dodging the beady eyes of their teachers and the bullets of someone keen to keep them away from the magical herd, the kids need to find every last ounce of stamina and determination if they are to fulfil their destiny as Guardians of the Wild Unicorns and protect the beasts from certain death. This book is easy and fun, but filled with tension, magic and thrill, great characters and excellent dialogue (with a sweet smattering of Glaswegian dialect). I loved it.
Age 7+ #unicorns #adventure #thrill
Age 7+ #unicorns #adventure #thrill
April 29, 2019
A middle-grade fiction read. The unicorns seem more like a creature found in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I like the non-traditional unicorn. This is likely a book I would have read over and over again in middle school. It reminds me of the Unicorns of Balinor, and Bruce Coville's Unicorn books. I was grateful for my love of British, Irish, and Scottish terms, as there were several of them in this book. To the point where I kind of hope the final copy has a glossary. Like most fantasies, the main characters Lewis and Rhona (who was my favorite of the two), have issues at home and school. Unlike other books with unicorns, these are not magically solved with the insertion of unicorns.
Thank you, NetGalley for this fun read. And thank you Lindsay Littleson for this delightful read.
Thank you, NetGalley for this fun read. And thank you Lindsay Littleson for this delightful read.
December 6, 2019
Really wonderful book - it's about two kids from Glasgow on a school trip to the Highlands. They discover that unicorns are real, and that the last herd in the world are in terrible danger!
The characters are really good, and the story is beautiful. It's fun, but it also has some darkness (both magical and mundane) in places.
I think if I had read it when I was younger it would have been a formative reading experience for me. The tone and themes remind me a lot of the books that really influenced me as a young reader, and that I still remember all the details of today. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.
The characters are really good, and the story is beautiful. It's fun, but it also has some darkness (both magical and mundane) in places.
I think if I had read it when I was younger it would have been a formative reading experience for me. The tone and themes remind me a lot of the books that really influenced me as a young reader, and that I still remember all the details of today. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.
March 15, 2019
When Lewis and Rhona, two friend from a Glasgow school, go on an outdoor adventure trip to the Scottish Highlands they got more than they bargained for. A wicked gamekeeper has captured a herd of unicorns and Lewis and Rhona are determined to set them free. The landscape used in this story was what captivated me. I know the Highlands well and could feel and believe the discomfort of Rhona and Lewis as they battle bog, wet, weather and the evil gamekeeper to free the unicorns. I loved this story and can't wait to give it to my 8 year old granddaughter. I am positive she will love it too.
March 27, 2019
Rating: 4.5
This book is yet another example of why I adore middle-grade fiction so much; the story was full of pure hope, with realist, lovable characters & an exciting & enticing plot. Although I found myself wishing the book was longer, I actually think it was the perfect length as nothing was dragged out or done too quickly.
I was sent this book by Kelpies in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
This book is yet another example of why I adore middle-grade fiction so much; the story was full of pure hope, with realist, lovable characters & an exciting & enticing plot. Although I found myself wishing the book was longer, I actually think it was the perfect length as nothing was dragged out or done too quickly.
I was sent this book by Kelpies in return for an honest review.
Extended Review to follow.
December 20, 2019
I received this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Guardians of the Wild Unicorn is an adorable, wholesome story both about conservation, magic and hardships faced by children in the current age. I enjoyed both character POVs and their struggles - it was very real and reliable. I loved the unicorns, the fact they weren't your typical unicorns. It was a super unique story and I adored reading it!
Guardians of the Wild Unicorn is an adorable, wholesome story both about conservation, magic and hardships faced by children in the current age. I enjoyed both character POVs and their struggles - it was very real and reliable. I loved the unicorns, the fact they weren't your typical unicorns. It was a super unique story and I adored reading it!
March 12, 2020
Guardians of the Wild Unicorns is a really fresh take on middle-grade fantasy. These unicorns aren't fragile or shy, they are fierce, wild, unpredictable creatures. And the main characters are child heroes, but they don't have magical abilities or a destiny described in a prophecy. They are real kids struggling with modern day problems. I particularly warmed to Rhona, indefatigably seizing life despite the difficulties that come with being a child carer.
March 2, 2019
Wonderful book! The action never stops, and I don't see anyone getting bored due to the sheer pace of the narrative. The unicorns are brilliantly realised, being depicted as intelligent and immense creatures. The book also ends with an important lesson about understanding what your friends are going through, even if they seem fine on the surface.
May 11, 2019
I wasn't too hopeful when the book first started; however as time went on, I began to enjoy it more and more. Not only is the book about Unicorns, but it also brings to light different home life struggles that kids go through. This is a book I wish I was purchasing for my library. The Scottish phrases and some of the words would make it hard for my library's kids to fully understand.
January 13, 2020
More disturbing than I thought it would be, but this book was fun to read with all of the Scottish terms. I really enjoyed the different type of unicorns in this book. Dangerous, wild, but still immensely magical. Lewis learned about himself, Rhona got her escape, and Ailsa got the end she deserved.
February 22, 2019
4.5 review coming shortly
May 17, 2019
No fluff, unusual conservation angle. I loved it. Ailsa is such a memorable villain!
July 22, 2020
I read this with my boys (aged 8 and 10) and we all loved it. An exciting adventure full of warmth and humour.
January 21, 2021
When I had started this book I thought I was gonna be really boring and I’d stop reading it after a few chapter. But I was wrong this book is so exiting and fun! It’s way better than all the other books I have read before... at the start of the book I was really interested in what was going to happen.. and by the end I was just desperate. It’s also a really grousome and heartbreaking at the same time as some of the unicorns get killed because of their horns... Personally I enjoyed that, it gives a sort of mystery vibe.. and I quite like that :-]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2019
A very nice young adult fantasy novel that follows the characters of Lewis and Rhona. Being someone who used to collect unicorns, I loved the premise of the story and the action that unfolded. The characters were well developed and the story made me keep reading until its very satisfying conclusion.
December 12, 2020
Magic and myth run wild across the moors as two already-burdened city kids take up an otherworldly quest - called upon to contend against the threat of human greed by legendary creatures as rugged and majestic as the Scottish highland landscape that infuses this story. A jewel of a book!
September 7, 2020
This was a really fun book to read aloud to my kids (ages 8 and 6). We’d read a chapter or two a night and they always wanted me to read more. It was simple to follow, engaging and exciting.
November 3, 2019
Disclaimer: I have voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free ARC copy from the publisher via Edelweiss, thank you!
Okay so looking how my reading blog is literally called "Unicorns-Bookshelf" it's only right for me to review some books that actually have some unicorn content in them. You see, as a kid, I was a huge horse person (kinda funny looking at how I've never actually attended horse riding lessons or anything) and all the mythical horses were a big part of it. So as soon as I saw Guardians of the Wild Unicorns I thought "Hey if that isn't something my younger self would absolutely love".
The book is about Lewis and Rhona - two eleven-year-old kids who are away on a school camp in the Scottish mountains while Lewis spots a unicorn in the distance. Convinced that he's been hallucinating, Rhona takes him to investigate and they indeed find a unicorn but it turns out it had been killed. The two friends learn about a plot to breed the unicorns and sell their horns on the black market and are determined to free the herd and save it.
This book was an okay read. There were parts that I liked and there were parts that I just didn't care about very much and also there were parts I wished there was more of. The last one was the unicorns - they were and I enjoyed the way they were portrayed aka real animals with maybe a pinch of magic, not cutesy rainbow ponies but I just didn't feel like the horse-loving me could get enough of them.
The part I didn't care about was the plot - I just wasn't invested in it as I thought I would be. It just didn't feel magical and enthralling as many children's books and movies do. I also hated Lewis at the beginning of the book for being a selfish spoilsport who did everything in his power not only to avoid having fun but also ruin it for others. He barely cared about his best friends' feelings not to mention anyone else. He did get better in time but it didn't leave me with much warmer feelings towards him.
Now, the part I enjoyed was as I mentioned the portrayal of unicorns - the actually felt like real animals, not a fairytale pasted into the modern world. I also really appreciated the mentions of heavier topics and how easy it is to assume stuff about people without knowing what's going on in their lives when we don't see them. Both main characters have issues with their family and they discover the truth about each other as the story goes on. I really appreciated that and I'm on my way to take Rhona away from her mother because she deserves better.
Overall, it's a cute, short book even though it's not very memorable. I would recommend it to all unicorn lovers out there.
Okay so looking how my reading blog is literally called "Unicorns-Bookshelf" it's only right for me to review some books that actually have some unicorn content in them. You see, as a kid, I was a huge horse person (kinda funny looking at how I've never actually attended horse riding lessons or anything) and all the mythical horses were a big part of it. So as soon as I saw Guardians of the Wild Unicorns I thought "Hey if that isn't something my younger self would absolutely love".
The book is about Lewis and Rhona - two eleven-year-old kids who are away on a school camp in the Scottish mountains while Lewis spots a unicorn in the distance. Convinced that he's been hallucinating, Rhona takes him to investigate and they indeed find a unicorn but it turns out it had been killed. The two friends learn about a plot to breed the unicorns and sell their horns on the black market and are determined to free the herd and save it.
This book was an okay read. There were parts that I liked and there were parts that I just didn't care about very much and also there were parts I wished there was more of. The last one was the unicorns - they were and I enjoyed the way they were portrayed aka real animals with maybe a pinch of magic, not cutesy rainbow ponies but I just didn't feel like the horse-loving me could get enough of them.
The part I didn't care about was the plot - I just wasn't invested in it as I thought I would be. It just didn't feel magical and enthralling as many children's books and movies do. I also hated Lewis at the beginning of the book for being a selfish spoilsport who did everything in his power not only to avoid having fun but also ruin it for others. He barely cared about his best friends' feelings not to mention anyone else. He did get better in time but it didn't leave me with much warmer feelings towards him.
Now, the part I enjoyed was as I mentioned the portrayal of unicorns - the actually felt like real animals, not a fairytale pasted into the modern world. I also really appreciated the mentions of heavier topics and how easy it is to assume stuff about people without knowing what's going on in their lives when we don't see them. Both main characters have issues with their family and they discover the truth about each other as the story goes on. I really appreciated that and I'm on my way to take Rhona away from her mother because she deserves better.
Overall, it's a cute, short book even though it's not very memorable. I would recommend it to all unicorn lovers out there.
March 27, 2019
ARC provided by Myricl Marketing and Media via NetGalley for an honest review.
If you are hoping to find cute, cuddly and sparkly unicorns then stay away from Scotland. These unicorns are more realistic in their temperaments and looks. These are wild beasts that would more likely kill you then let you pet them. Which was just fine with me. This is definitely not a Disney type unicorn story which made me like it even more.
Lewis and Rhona were very interesting characters, they both have their issues and even though they are friends they don’t seem to know that much about each other. They both are very private about their personal lives, even with each other. Rhona is the more out going of the pair and Lewis would rather curl up with a good book than interact with other people. But even though they are mismatched they truly care about each other. Even though the book is short, they both grow through their shared experiences on this adventure.
The adventure is very realistic with the exception that they are saving the last of the wild unicorns. The activities that they participate in on the school camping trip sound like fun, at least from Rhona’s point of view. She very much enjoys them and convinces Lewis to do some of them with some good results. The plot of saving the unicorns was interesting. It bordered on endangered animals and poaching issues, unicorn horns are very valuable. But the relationship that develops between them and the children was special and heartwarming.
There were some slow spots to the story but the setting of the Scottish highlands was spectacular. Rhona’s Scottish dialect was hard to interpret at times and may turn some kids off of the story. Hopefully there will be a glossary in the final book.
Overall a likable story about wild unicorns that was not frilly or frivolous at all. It brought up some issues of animal welfare and endangered species with a nice magical touch. A solid read for middle schoolers who like their unicorn stories on the serious side.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
If you are hoping to find cute, cuddly and sparkly unicorns then stay away from Scotland. These unicorns are more realistic in their temperaments and looks. These are wild beasts that would more likely kill you then let you pet them. Which was just fine with me. This is definitely not a Disney type unicorn story which made me like it even more.
Lewis and Rhona were very interesting characters, they both have their issues and even though they are friends they don’t seem to know that much about each other. They both are very private about their personal lives, even with each other. Rhona is the more out going of the pair and Lewis would rather curl up with a good book than interact with other people. But even though they are mismatched they truly care about each other. Even though the book is short, they both grow through their shared experiences on this adventure.
The adventure is very realistic with the exception that they are saving the last of the wild unicorns. The activities that they participate in on the school camping trip sound like fun, at least from Rhona’s point of view. She very much enjoys them and convinces Lewis to do some of them with some good results. The plot of saving the unicorns was interesting. It bordered on endangered animals and poaching issues, unicorn horns are very valuable. But the relationship that develops between them and the children was special and heartwarming.
There were some slow spots to the story but the setting of the Scottish highlands was spectacular. Rhona’s Scottish dialect was hard to interpret at times and may turn some kids off of the story. Hopefully there will be a glossary in the final book.
Overall a likable story about wild unicorns that was not frilly or frivolous at all. It brought up some issues of animal welfare and endangered species with a nice magical touch. A solid read for middle schoolers who like their unicorn stories on the serious side.
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March 14, 2019
Year 6 have gone on a residential trip to the Highlands of Scotland – so anything could happen. Lewis didn’t want to go as he is worried about everything. Rhona, his best friend did want to go for her own reasons. The rest of the class are the usual mixture of typical 11 year olds, teasing one another or sailing through all the sporty activities without a problem. Lewis, however, is not sporty and can’t even keep up on the walk back to the camp. On his own, wet, muddy and miserable, he is frightened by the huge, dark creature galloping towards him, clearly angered by something. But it’s not a horse – it’s a unicorn. A unicorn which doesn’t exist. He realises if he tells a teacher he won’t be believed, and even Rhona humours him at first. But soon, she too sees for herself and the pair are caught up in a battle to save the herd of wild unicorns, who have survived undiscovered in the forest for centuries.
These are real beasts that need conserving, not cute, pink, glittery pony-sized animals of modern day tales. Removal of unicorn horns is discussed, and can only be looked upon as abhorrent by readers of the book of all ages.
Children will empathise with the experiences, the need for conservation, the adventure and also the problems faced by Lewis and Rhona, once these have been revealed.
Exposure to Scottish dialect is an added bonus, although I would have appreciated a glossary in my ARC.
These are real beasts that need conserving, not cute, pink, glittery pony-sized animals of modern day tales. Removal of unicorn horns is discussed, and can only be looked upon as abhorrent by readers of the book of all ages.
Children will empathise with the experiences, the need for conservation, the adventure and also the problems faced by Lewis and Rhona, once these have been revealed.
Exposure to Scottish dialect is an added bonus, although I would have appreciated a glossary in my ARC.
August 4, 2019
This was an ok book. Nothing particularly stellar. Lewis and his best friend Rhona are on an adventure trip with their school group. While Lewis is dangling from a cliff, he thinks he sees a unicorn. This is confirmed later when when he gets left behind and is nearly impaled by the unicorn. He eventually tells Rhona and she agrees to sneak out to look for the unicorn. What they find is a dead unicorn and two adults arguing about cutting off its horn. They learn there are others being held captive and it's up to them to free the unicorns.
Everything about the story was predictable, but if you love unicorns, you'll have no problem overlooking that. The Scottish vernacular is strong and will be problematic for non UK kids.
Everything about the story was predictable, but if you love unicorns, you'll have no problem overlooking that. The Scottish vernacular is strong and will be problematic for non UK kids.
February 9, 2022
Really good book. The start was quite slow but once you get into it it’s hard to put down as the end of chapters have so many cliffhangers. I was a little disappointed with the ending felt the final chapter was quite rushed.
March 26, 2019
Goes by a bit fast and doesn't necessarily delve particularly deep, but a sweet mixture of friendship, fantasy adventure, and character development/family issues.
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