What do you think?
Rate this book
Realm of Light and Fire #1
The Unicorn Key
Unicorn have been extinct for years; or so I thought.
When two strangers turned up at my door asking to speak to my grandfather who’d been mute for five years, my first thought was to slam the door on them. I would have too if my grandfather hadn’t chosen that very moment to say his first words in half a decade...words that would send me on a quest to the unknown.
Following my grandfather’s wishes I embark on a journey with these two outsiders who swear they need to find some diamond in order to save the world from the evil prince of darkness. Problem is, none of us know how to follow the map we are given by a powerful fae, Cassiopeia, that will lead us to find the keys we need to find the diamond.
That was until him. The town outcast who swears he can guide us anywhere-through dragon territory, the darklands where the werewolves’ rule and to the nonexistent town where the mages roam.
Add unicorns, mages, evil gryphons, dragon shifters and two cute, little pixies into the mix and soon my life takes on a terrifying turn, which nothing has prepared me for.
Join USA Today bestselling authors J.A. Culican and J.A. Armitage on a magical adventure full of unicorns, dragons and darkness.
Scroll UP and click Read Now or Read for Free to learn the secret of the Unicorn Key.
Realm of Light and Fire reading order:
Book 1: The Unicorn Key (available NOW)
Book 2: The Unicorn Quest (available February 2020)
Book 3: TBA (available June 2020)
When two strangers turned up at my door asking to speak to my grandfather who’d been mute for five years, my first thought was to slam the door on them. I would have too if my grandfather hadn’t chosen that very moment to say his first words in half a decade...words that would send me on a quest to the unknown.
Following my grandfather’s wishes I embark on a journey with these two outsiders who swear they need to find some diamond in order to save the world from the evil prince of darkness. Problem is, none of us know how to follow the map we are given by a powerful fae, Cassiopeia, that will lead us to find the keys we need to find the diamond.
That was until him. The town outcast who swears he can guide us anywhere-through dragon territory, the darklands where the werewolves’ rule and to the nonexistent town where the mages roam.
Add unicorns, mages, evil gryphons, dragon shifters and two cute, little pixies into the mix and soon my life takes on a terrifying turn, which nothing has prepared me for.
Join USA Today bestselling authors J.A. Culican and J.A. Armitage on a magical adventure full of unicorns, dragons and darkness.
Scroll UP and click Read Now or Read for Free to learn the secret of the Unicorn Key.
Realm of Light and Fire reading order:
Book 1: The Unicorn Key (available NOW)
Book 2: The Unicorn Quest (available February 2020)
Book 3: TBA (available June 2020)
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
57 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Culican
107 books683 followersJ.A. Culican is a USA Today Bestselling author of the middle grade fantasy series Keeper of Dragons. Her first novel in the fictional series catapulted a trajectory of titles and awards, including top selling author on the USA Today bestsellers list and Amazon, and a rightfully earned spot as an international best seller. Additional accolades include Best Fantasy Book of 2016, Runner-up in Reality Bites Book Awards, and 1st place for Best Coming of Age Book from the Indie book Awards.
J.A. Culican holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she has been teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also the president of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United. J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and four young children.
For more information about J.A. Culican visit her website at: www.jaculican.com and follow her on Facebook: @jaculican
J.A. Culican holds a Master's degree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she has been teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also the president of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United. J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and four young children.
For more information about J.A. Culican visit her website at: www.jaculican.com and follow her on Facebook: @jaculican
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 1, 2019
I couldn't put this down & lost a couple of hours sleep finishing it . This book has enough magical , fantasy creatures to satisfy even the most choosy paranormal reader . I personally love a good quest , The Belgariad , The Hobbit etc ,some of my favourite books have them & this one didn't disappoint me from the moment Jet & Opal turned up on Freya's doorstep looking for help from her grandfather to the last chapter i enjoyed every minute of the journey , not enough quest books written these days & i'm glad to see one starting it's journey & taking me along for the ride ,& can't wait for the next part to begin
November 15, 2019
This is a great fantasy read! It’s full of action, adventure, mystery, suspense and a little touch of romance and has unicorns and dragons and trolls and werewolves! The world that this author has built is addictive and exciting and you get so involved in the story it’s as if you are right there along side them! The storyline is awesome as are the characters and I just could not put it down!
March 2, 2020
A bit young and cursory but not bad. A few homophone colloquialism issues.
November 27, 2019
Freya is living quietly with her mother and grandfather, on their farm. Five years ago, when she was just thirteen, her grandfather had a stroke and hasn't spoken a word since. He just sits in his rocker by the fireplace, rocking.
So it's rather a shock when two young people, a young man named Jet, with startlingly black hair, and a young woman named Opal, with pink hair. They want Seth, her grandfather, to go with them on a quest to recover the diamond that maintains the balance of dark and light. It's been stolen, and the dark is taking over.
Freya is very, very annoyed with these people, who obviously don't know her grandfather at all--until one of them mentions that Cassiopeia sent them. After not speaking and barely moving for five years, he wakes up. Cassiopeia, he knows. Cassiopeia, he wakes up for. He's not strong enough to go with them himself, but Freya, he says, has to. And he gives her a pendent he wears.
Freya can't refuse the request her grandfather makes the first time he speaks in five years.
Seth is soon silent and rocking in his chair again, but Freya has promised, and her mother encourages her. And, heck, it'll be an adventure, right? And she'll surely be back in a few days?
Of course not, but she doesn't know that. They do stop at a tavern, where the food is barely edible, but there they pick up River, the handsome, bad-boy son of an outright swindler, who has two advantages over any of them: He can read maps, and he has done a lot of traveling in the wilderness. Opal grudgingly agrees to pay him, and the next morning they set off.
This is an odd book. A lot of the setting and background details suggest a typically medieval-type setting; a lot of phrases and attitudes suggest a much more contemporary setting. This annoyed me, off and on, throughout the book. Yet the characters are likable and interesting, and the plot moves. I was never annoyed enough that I wanted to stop reading. Instead, I wanted to see what happened. The target audience here is young adult, and I honestly don't know whether they'll be more or less annoyed by the uncertain setting, but I can say that I enjoyed the book.
I received a free electronic galley from the authors, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
So it's rather a shock when two young people, a young man named Jet, with startlingly black hair, and a young woman named Opal, with pink hair. They want Seth, her grandfather, to go with them on a quest to recover the diamond that maintains the balance of dark and light. It's been stolen, and the dark is taking over.
Freya is very, very annoyed with these people, who obviously don't know her grandfather at all--until one of them mentions that Cassiopeia sent them. After not speaking and barely moving for five years, he wakes up. Cassiopeia, he knows. Cassiopeia, he wakes up for. He's not strong enough to go with them himself, but Freya, he says, has to. And he gives her a pendent he wears.
Freya can't refuse the request her grandfather makes the first time he speaks in five years.
Seth is soon silent and rocking in his chair again, but Freya has promised, and her mother encourages her. And, heck, it'll be an adventure, right? And she'll surely be back in a few days?
Of course not, but she doesn't know that. They do stop at a tavern, where the food is barely edible, but there they pick up River, the handsome, bad-boy son of an outright swindler, who has two advantages over any of them: He can read maps, and he has done a lot of traveling in the wilderness. Opal grudgingly agrees to pay him, and the next morning they set off.
This is an odd book. A lot of the setting and background details suggest a typically medieval-type setting; a lot of phrases and attitudes suggest a much more contemporary setting. This annoyed me, off and on, throughout the book. Yet the characters are likable and interesting, and the plot moves. I was never annoyed enough that I wanted to stop reading. Instead, I wanted to see what happened. The target audience here is young adult, and I honestly don't know whether they'll be more or less annoyed by the uncertain setting, but I can say that I enjoyed the book.
I received a free electronic galley from the authors, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 2, 2019
I love a story with unicorns, but there are so many other supernatural and mythical creatures to fear and love, that I barely had a moment to catch my breath as the threesome set off on a dangerous quest to find the Diamond.
An unlikely duo appears at Freya’s door. Opal is a young ‘girl’ with pink and purple hair and a gruff attitude, making it hard to like her. Jet is a young ‘boy’ with blue hair and a lighthearted demeanor, making it easy to like him.
Freya’s grandfather had a stroke and had not spoken in years, but when the duo arrived on their doorstep, he told her she must join them on their quest to find the Diamond and save them from the Darkness that is taking over the land.
River volunteers his services in reading the map, which is in a code they cannot decipher. Can he be trusted…or is he after the Diamond for himself.
Trouble is sure to find them as they enter the woods, travel to distant mountains and come face to face with Baxil. They will encounter many supernatural creatures and have others join in their quest.
Unicorns are not extinct, just very well hidden. Like elephants and rhinos in our world, they are valued for their horns.
I love the Diamond twist.
The action ramps up as their journey nears its end. The characters grow, develop, and show their true colors, while forming a family of sorts, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
The world building is magical, supernatural, and the more I read, the more I got lost in it, worrying, fretting, and wondering how the Diamond would save their world.
I love this quote:
I would never make the mistake of letting my fear stop me again. Life was too fragile, too uncertain to risk never getting the chance again.
Their quest is over, but there will more to the story and I look forward to being there for it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Unicorn Key by J A Culican and J A Armitage
See more at fundinmental
An unlikely duo appears at Freya’s door. Opal is a young ‘girl’ with pink and purple hair and a gruff attitude, making it hard to like her. Jet is a young ‘boy’ with blue hair and a lighthearted demeanor, making it easy to like him.
Freya’s grandfather had a stroke and had not spoken in years, but when the duo arrived on their doorstep, he told her she must join them on their quest to find the Diamond and save them from the Darkness that is taking over the land.
River volunteers his services in reading the map, which is in a code they cannot decipher. Can he be trusted…or is he after the Diamond for himself.
Trouble is sure to find them as they enter the woods, travel to distant mountains and come face to face with Baxil. They will encounter many supernatural creatures and have others join in their quest.
Unicorns are not extinct, just very well hidden. Like elephants and rhinos in our world, they are valued for their horns.
I love the Diamond twist.
The action ramps up as their journey nears its end. The characters grow, develop, and show their true colors, while forming a family of sorts, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.
The world building is magical, supernatural, and the more I read, the more I got lost in it, worrying, fretting, and wondering how the Diamond would save their world.
I love this quote:
I would never make the mistake of letting my fear stop me again. Life was too fragile, too uncertain to risk never getting the chance again.
Their quest is over, but there will more to the story and I look forward to being there for it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Unicorn Key by J A Culican and J A Armitage
See more at fundinmental
November 27, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A true old fashioned quest is where we meet the main character Freya. She and her mother live in a small village and look after her beloved grandfather. Sadly he became ill five years previously and hadn't spoken since. Two mysterious (yet somehow familiar) strangers appear out of the blue asking for him. It appears they need his help to find someone named Cassie and to save a diamond that will keep the land safe? If for only a moment, she and her mother hear grandfather speak once again. In those precious moments before slipping back into oblivion he makes it known she must leave the only place she'd ever I known to go on this quest. And with that he became silent once more. So begins an exciting quest with strangers who might become friends. Along the way meeting more interesting characters, and may trials and tribulations. After all as in most quests, things worth finding never occur easily. Freya learns a great deal about herself along the way, and I doubt this is the end of the tale....it looks like it's just the beginning. I loved all the twists and turns along the way! Nothing boring about this quest....after all, when unicorn shifters, pixies, fae and numerous other beings come to play...boring is the LAST thing that comes to mind!
October 20, 2019
We have action, adventure and it will make you mad and cry at the same time. The only reason I gave it a four is because I wish there was a prologue and it left you still wondering about two of the characters. We have Freya who never new the truth about her grandfather, which is still a mystery. We have two strangers Opal and Jet that show up at her door. We have River's that joins in their adventure at the beginning. Then we have more that join later. What will Freya do when she finds out about her adventure? What will Freya do when she finds the truth about Opal and Jet? What are her true feelings for River? What secrets does everyone hold? Some we hope to find in the next book. I received a copy for my honest review.
October 19, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review. It took a bit to get into but when I did, I loved it. Freya goes from seeming naive one minute to being one of the boldest in the group the next. Her instant attraction to River had me both puzzled and excited. I didn’t know if it was because he was the first boy that winked at her or if it was genuine. Obviously, I was hoping for the latter. It was hard to get a read on Opal and Jet at first but I grew to admire them. I loved Kaida from the beginning. She is a spitfire in more ways than one (*wink*). I grew to like the world that the story created but I wish there was more detail. Hopefully my wishes will come true in the next book.
October 22, 2019
J.A. Culican and J.A.Armitage. Two of my absolute favorite authors. Put them together and just you know that the result has got to be awesome. In the case The Unicorn Key (Realm of Light and Fire, Book 1) you’d be totally right. A heady mix of unicorns, mages, evil gryphons and dragon shifters. A fantastic plot that complex but easy to follow and wonderfully exciting. A cast, from Freya, River, Opal and Jet on down that is simply superb. Fantastic world-building and perfect writing. Reading ambrosia and easily worth five stars.
December 8, 2019
I really wanted to enjoy this story, because who doesn’t like unicorns!! The cover is beautiful, the story just fell flat for me!! I do love many other books by these authors, so this book won’t at all deter me from reading their other works!
December 3, 2019
I didnt enjoy this book. It was disjointed, the world building was confusing and everything was just too easy for the characters.
June 6, 2020
I wanted to read the book the blurb described.
The was sort of that book but not really. Could not get into it. Boring.
The was sort of that book but not really. Could not get into it. Boring.
September 25, 2021
This book may have been more feminine than I usually read but it was a good read nevertheless. If you are looking for a whimsical light-hearted tale then this is your book!
October 21, 2019
We have four young people who are complete strangers, Freya, River, Opal and Jet who embark on a journey together each with their own mission to accomplish.
Freya is going to look for a woman, Cassiopeia, Freya believes this woman can help her Grandfa who had a stroke about five years ago and has not spoken since. Freya would do anything to have her Grandfa back again.
Opal and Jet are looking for a rare and beautiful diamond. Opal and Jet seem to have an air of mystery about them as if they have a lot of secrets. What could they be hiding? Is it good or bad?
River is hired by Opal and Jet to be their guide on their journey. Freya is very suspicious of River and believes that he has other reasons for going along than just being their guide. She believes that he may be a con artist out to rob them blind. River claims that he is also going along to help keep them safe but is that the complete truth?
Their journey takes them through the dark forest where no one has ever been known to come out alive with all the dark creatures lurking in the forest. Someone is following them on their journey. Who could be following them? What do they want? Why are they following them? Is it for good or evil?
The Unicorn Key is a great introduction into a great new world with unicorns, shifters, fae, pixies and other dark creatures. It is filled with magic, evil, darkness and with lots of action and some mighty big twist that kept me racing through the pages to see how Freya, River, Opal and Jet were going to reach their destination to find what they were looking for and complete their tasks.
I could see it all playing out in my head like a movie. I could see the dark forest, the creatures within the forest, the unicorns and the dragons with all the beautifully written descriptions. The Unicorn Key is not the first book that I have read by these amazing authors. Each and every book that I have read by these two has been really awesome as I could see it all in my head. It was like we have ESP or something. The world building for The Unicorn Key is just so brilliant and amazing. I can’t wait to delve deeper into this amazing new world of Realm of Light and Fire in the next book.
I do highly recommend The Unicorn Key to all fans of fantasy, magic, paranormal creatures, shifters, action, adventure and so much more. One click yourself a copy today to begin this magical adventure!
Freya is going to look for a woman, Cassiopeia, Freya believes this woman can help her Grandfa who had a stroke about five years ago and has not spoken since. Freya would do anything to have her Grandfa back again.
Opal and Jet are looking for a rare and beautiful diamond. Opal and Jet seem to have an air of mystery about them as if they have a lot of secrets. What could they be hiding? Is it good or bad?
River is hired by Opal and Jet to be their guide on their journey. Freya is very suspicious of River and believes that he has other reasons for going along than just being their guide. She believes that he may be a con artist out to rob them blind. River claims that he is also going along to help keep them safe but is that the complete truth?
Their journey takes them through the dark forest where no one has ever been known to come out alive with all the dark creatures lurking in the forest. Someone is following them on their journey. Who could be following them? What do they want? Why are they following them? Is it for good or evil?
The Unicorn Key is a great introduction into a great new world with unicorns, shifters, fae, pixies and other dark creatures. It is filled with magic, evil, darkness and with lots of action and some mighty big twist that kept me racing through the pages to see how Freya, River, Opal and Jet were going to reach their destination to find what they were looking for and complete their tasks.
I could see it all playing out in my head like a movie. I could see the dark forest, the creatures within the forest, the unicorns and the dragons with all the beautifully written descriptions. The Unicorn Key is not the first book that I have read by these amazing authors. Each and every book that I have read by these two has been really awesome as I could see it all in my head. It was like we have ESP or something. The world building for The Unicorn Key is just so brilliant and amazing. I can’t wait to delve deeper into this amazing new world of Realm of Light and Fire in the next book.
I do highly recommend The Unicorn Key to all fans of fantasy, magic, paranormal creatures, shifters, action, adventure and so much more. One click yourself a copy today to begin this magical adventure!
October 18, 2019
I was born with a secret. The problem was, I didn't know it...
Not until two weirdoes turned up at my door asking to speak to my grandfather. My grandfather that had been mute since a stroke five years ago. When he uttered his first words in years to them asking us to find Cassiopeia, I found myself leaving the comfort of the only home I'd ever known and embarking on a quest with the strangest couple of people I'd ever met.
As elusive as they are strange, I only followed in the hope that whoever Cassiopeia was, she would help my grandfather. However these two are looking for a rare diamond and my own quest means nothing to them. They are hiding secrets of their own, secrets that neither is willing to share.
Thankfully, they enlist a navigator to help them through the perilous terrain, a local bad boy and money grabber only interested in one thing...and no it isn't me.
With the three of them dead set on finding the diamond and me out to find Cassie, tension is high, and it's not helping that the dark fae know we are looking and will stop at nothing to keep hold of the diamond. Add unicorns, mages, evil gryphons and dragon shifters into the mix and soon my life takes on a terrifying turn, which nothing has prepared me for.
Wow what a read this was.
We have a bit of everything in this one.
There is adventure, action, dragons, shifters and unicorns just to name a bit.
Wonderful well plot and story line that grips from the start and doesn't let go.
Engaging well written characters that were a joy to read about.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Not until two weirdoes turned up at my door asking to speak to my grandfather. My grandfather that had been mute since a stroke five years ago. When he uttered his first words in years to them asking us to find Cassiopeia, I found myself leaving the comfort of the only home I'd ever known and embarking on a quest with the strangest couple of people I'd ever met.
As elusive as they are strange, I only followed in the hope that whoever Cassiopeia was, she would help my grandfather. However these two are looking for a rare diamond and my own quest means nothing to them. They are hiding secrets of their own, secrets that neither is willing to share.
Thankfully, they enlist a navigator to help them through the perilous terrain, a local bad boy and money grabber only interested in one thing...and no it isn't me.
With the three of them dead set on finding the diamond and me out to find Cassie, tension is high, and it's not helping that the dark fae know we are looking and will stop at nothing to keep hold of the diamond. Add unicorns, mages, evil gryphons and dragon shifters into the mix and soon my life takes on a terrifying turn, which nothing has prepared me for.
Wow what a read this was.
We have a bit of everything in this one.
There is adventure, action, dragons, shifters and unicorns just to name a bit.
Wonderful well plot and story line that grips from the start and doesn't let go.
Engaging well written characters that were a joy to read about.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 13, 2020
All the classic elements of an epic fantasy quest are in this book and then some. A girl living in a small, quiet village finds out from mysterious strangers that there are secrets in her family and she alone has the power to save the world. Lots of walking to collect pieces of something, tawdry taverns and inns, help from unexpected places, shifters, romance, betrayal, a delightful hidden village, and a couple bard-worthy boss battles.
The story line was creative, with some unexpected twists. The characters were well developed, including a few support characters I hope make repeat appearances in subsequent books. The world building was immersive. Overall an enjoyable escape.
This book skews a bit younger than other books I have read by these authors. It is clean, no sex or graphic gore. But it is also lacking a level of complexity and realism that one would expect from books written for an older audience. I saw another review compared this to a fairy tale, and I think that is why. It is a very straight forward telling of a story. That might be part of where the GameLit feel comes from too. Collect these tokens, complete those side quests, defeat that bad guy. The way one of the baddies was dispatched felt straight out of a game to me but I'll stop there because spoilers.
The story line was creative, with some unexpected twists. The characters were well developed, including a few support characters I hope make repeat appearances in subsequent books. The world building was immersive. Overall an enjoyable escape.
This book skews a bit younger than other books I have read by these authors. It is clean, no sex or graphic gore. But it is also lacking a level of complexity and realism that one would expect from books written for an older audience. I saw another review compared this to a fairy tale, and I think that is why. It is a very straight forward telling of a story. That might be part of where the GameLit feel comes from too. Collect these tokens, complete those side quests, defeat that bad guy. The way one of the baddies was dispatched felt straight out of a game to me but I'll stop there because spoilers.
February 22, 2020
Ok. Cleanly written.
March 6, 2022
A story with the feeling of sweet fairytale rather than adventurous fantasy, depicting the ever going battle between the good and the evil.
Freya's life was a boring routine, before two strange people knocked at their door and took her on a quest to stop the darkness. Pulled into a fantastic world of unicorns, dragons, fae, and other magical creatures, Freya is trying to find any purchase in a situation she does not belong to, a human without any special abilities among shifters and trackers. Though her determination can make the difference.
Easy-going story written in a light tone in a relaxing read, not too demanding to think or too violent to be affected by it. It's a journey of exploration and purpose, learning the value of friendship, teamwork, and trust. The sparks flying between Freya and River add a bit more sweetness to the story, just a light romance to make the quest more intriguing. Overall, it was a nice read, though sometimes I felt it was balancing on the edge of becoming boring and uneventful on occasions, but it steered away to more interesting scenes always right on time.
Freya's life was a boring routine, before two strange people knocked at their door and took her on a quest to stop the darkness. Pulled into a fantastic world of unicorns, dragons, fae, and other magical creatures, Freya is trying to find any purchase in a situation she does not belong to, a human without any special abilities among shifters and trackers. Though her determination can make the difference.
Easy-going story written in a light tone in a relaxing read, not too demanding to think or too violent to be affected by it. It's a journey of exploration and purpose, learning the value of friendship, teamwork, and trust. The sparks flying between Freya and River add a bit more sweetness to the story, just a light romance to make the quest more intriguing. Overall, it was a nice read, though sometimes I felt it was balancing on the edge of becoming boring and uneventful on occasions, but it steered away to more interesting scenes always right on time.
October 26, 2019
Imagine growing up in a simple world, not really ever seeing or knowing much outside your home and small town, only to find out that magic is real. Unicorns and dragons are real. And your grandfather is a protector for this world. And because hes old, when the time comes that the unicorns need him. He tasks you to fill his shoes. So off you go. Into a wide world, with a man from your town you don't quite trust, and 2 mysterious strangers who knew your grandfather, who you don't trust at all. What's the worst that could happen, right?
This story had great character building, so much that I didn't see some of the changes until they actually happened. The plot was solid, and kept me wanting more. The setting was amazing. And I couldn't help wishing it was real at times. This was a wonderful story, with an ending I thoroughly enjoyed
This story had great character building, so much that I didn't see some of the changes until they actually happened. The plot was solid, and kept me wanting more. The setting was amazing. And I couldn't help wishing it was real at times. This was a wonderful story, with an ending I thoroughly enjoyed
October 30, 2019
Freya and her mother cared for her grandfather who had a stroke five years prior and could no longer talk. One day two people showed up at the door looking for him. They were strangely bedecked out in weird colored hair. Come to find out, they were whimsical creatures looking for a diamond to hold off the darkness. From there, Freya and the two take off on a journey through many lands and through many creatures to fight a battle of light and darkness. In an effort to save the world and realms around, they will have to battle an evil that is so large it may take their lives! Once they arrive they will do everything they can to rescue Diamond and bring light back fully. What will happen? Will they succeed? Who will be lost in the process? I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
October 16, 2019
I very much enjoyed this story, but I felt that the various 'obstacles/trials' the characters needed to overcome to succeed were achieved far too easily, and it was written in a style and language that seemed to be aimed at a younger audience than I had been expecting (10-14 years (ish) as opposed to a YA audience). That being said, there was a lot of humour and a little snark, and the plot was very original. The characters were well-written - I liked/was irritated by/felt betrayed by certain characters as intended by the author - and I honestly didn't anticipate Opal and Jet's delightful 'secret'! I would have liked it to have been longer, a little less simplistic and with a slightly older tone to it, but all in all a good read.
October 19, 2019
I received an ARC and the views and opinions are my own. This book is great for all ages, there is some fighting and scary scenes but most end okay. You meet Opal and Jet when they come to see Freya’s grandfather. Freya gets pushed into going on a rescue mission which is very vague and she has no ideal why she is there, then you have River who joins the mission and becomes their guide but he has a lot of secrets. When they find Cassiopeia they find that the diamond has been stolen by a dark fae and they have to find the pendants from the protectors and rescue the diamond. You meet lots of different characters and learn about the danger and some of the secrets that surround them. A good read which I would recommend to all.
October 24, 2019
Freya hasn't heard her grandfather speak for five years. Two strangers show up and demand to speak to him, and at his insistence, Freya is leaving her home to save the world from a dark fae. Of course, they first have to find a key that will help them save Cassie, the being responsible for keeping the balance between light and dark.
Unique, fascinating, sometimes snarky, and sometimes amusing characters that embark on a quest to save the world with an old map and very few clues as to how they are going to do it. There are dragons, shifters, mages, werewolves, and gryphons in this action packed and exciting read with plenty of unexpected twists that make this book hard to put down. Fantastic adventure.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Unique, fascinating, sometimes snarky, and sometimes amusing characters that embark on a quest to save the world with an old map and very few clues as to how they are going to do it. There are dragons, shifters, mages, werewolves, and gryphons in this action packed and exciting read with plenty of unexpected twists that make this book hard to put down. Fantastic adventure.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
October 19, 2019
I’ve read one of the authors but not the other one, so I was anxious to dive into this book. I was surprised to find it was more of a YA; I guess I thought it was at least a NA. As the book progressed, though, it was more NA maybe. I liked the premise and the characters, although I did at times have a hard time relating to Freya; I really related more to Kaida. She was so fascinating! About the middle of the book is when the book really became engrossing, and I loved every minute from then on especially when secrets started coming to light. I found the book to be very original, with some interesting ideas. Recommend! I was provided a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 19, 2019
First off this was refreshing in that it is a true fantasy that you enter into. As you turn each page it slowly encompasses you as the other things fade away. Freya is the one I really liked but there are other characters that complete this one. When she sets off on a journey with a quest of her own with actually everyone has their own, what unfolds is quite the adventure. With elements and mythical creatures of the fantasy realm it will have you paying close attention to see how the magic is woven. Being this is the first one when you reach the end of this one you look forward to what else is to come.
October 23, 2019
A great book for a first in a serie.
When two strangers turned at at Freya's door to speak to her grandfather, who couldn't speak since a stroke that happened five years ago. He spoke then is first words to find Cassiopeia.
Freya, leaves her home and embark on a quest to help her grandfather. But for Jet and Opal, the main goal is to find a rare diamond. They find help on the way from River, a navigator who can read the map that they have.
Really loved that book. Can't wait for the next one. I have received an arc from the authors.
When two strangers turned at at Freya's door to speak to her grandfather, who couldn't speak since a stroke that happened five years ago. He spoke then is first words to find Cassiopeia.
Freya, leaves her home and embark on a quest to help her grandfather. But for Jet and Opal, the main goal is to find a rare diamond. They find help on the way from River, a navigator who can read the map that they have.
Really loved that book. Can't wait for the next one. I have received an arc from the authors.
December 2, 2019
Good book 🤓
I love the Team that our MC formed to go on this epic adventure; the world building was amazing and the story line pretty good but, for me, it was really slow, it was hard for me to get into the book but it improves a lot after the first half; really enjoy the last chapters, where there was more action and the group really solidify her friendship and maybe something more... The end is promising, hope the next book is more action-packaged and also would love to see more romance.
I love the Team that our MC formed to go on this epic adventure; the world building was amazing and the story line pretty good but, for me, it was really slow, it was hard for me to get into the book but it improves a lot after the first half; really enjoy the last chapters, where there was more action and the group really solidify her friendship and maybe something more... The end is promising, hope the next book is more action-packaged and also would love to see more romance.
December 19, 2019
The Unicorn Key is fantasy adventure which sees Freya having to leave home with two complete strangers. She needs their help and that of the other strangers they pick up along the way. This book was difficult to get on with and the characters a bit odd. however it did improve about half way in. It is difficult to know who to trust as everyone has their own agenda. However The Unicorn Key does take the reader on an action packed journey that elicits a whole range of emotions. This is a good book and the start of a new series that definitely has potential to be fabulous.
October 23, 2019
What a great start to this new series! When I started it I wasn't sure what to expect, for me it started a little slow, but as I read more I was hooked. The characters certainly have personality, Opal had me snickering the entire book, though Freya I think needed more but she finally comes into herself. It's a tale of adventure that has many different creatures and also shifters. And it's a story that I think my teenager will enjoy as well. Wonder what will happen next.
October 24, 2019
I simply loved it! Plenty of magic, shifters, adventure, secrets, intrigue, suspense and a pinch of sweet romance. Wonderfully written, I loved the world building and the plot twists. Although the ending wraps up the story nicely, there are still some story threads that hint at a second book in the series. I really hope there is, I'm dying to find out more about River's and Freya's respective pasts. An epic fantasy perfect for teens and young adults!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews