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Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal
The secrets of Unicorn Island are all revealed in the final book in Epic’s middle-grade fantasy series! When Sam and Tuck discover a way to unlock the answers they’ve been seeking, they must set out to discover the truth…
For Sam, knowing a little about her mother’s disappearance through the portal is almost worse than knowing nothing at all. Determined to distract herself, she tries to learn everything possible about caring for the herd on Unicorn Island. But when she and her friend Tuck stumble on a coded verse in The Unicorn Protector Creed, they are faced with an even greater task.
With no way of knowing what’s beyond it, Sam, Tuck, and Barloc the unicorn step through the portal and find that not only is Sam’s mother no longer a unicorn protector, she also lives in a world plagued by its own problems—and convinced that the only solution to them rests in the horn on Barloc’s head.
With the portal closing at sundown on the third day, Sam and Tuck are in a race to rescue their friend, reunite their families, and save another world from a terrible fate of its own making!
For Sam, knowing a little about her mother’s disappearance through the portal is almost worse than knowing nothing at all. Determined to distract herself, she tries to learn everything possible about caring for the herd on Unicorn Island. But when she and her friend Tuck stumble on a coded verse in The Unicorn Protector Creed, they are faced with an even greater task.
With no way of knowing what’s beyond it, Sam, Tuck, and Barloc the unicorn step through the portal and find that not only is Sam’s mother no longer a unicorn protector, she also lives in a world plagued by its own problems—and convinced that the only solution to them rests in the horn on Barloc’s head.
With the portal closing at sundown on the third day, Sam and Tuck are in a race to rescue their friend, reunite their families, and save another world from a terrible fate of its own making!
- GenresFantasy
240 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Donna Galanti
14 books657 followersDonna Galanti is the author of the middle-grade Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, Loon Cove Summer as well as the Element Trilogy paranormal thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer.
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2023
If you are looking for some reading material to give your child hours of reading pleasure, getting lost in a fantasy world where Sam and Tuck take some amazing adventures, I must recommend this series.
The books are beautiful, with wonderful illustrations that draw us into the book, making it easier to visualize the scenes as they unfold, offering a little something extra to keep children involved, maybe even putting themselves in Sam and Tuck’s place.
Sam has a big heart and a need to help others, drawing Tuck into her adventures. Verny the Wyvern and Barloc the Unicorn are a couple of their best friends and volunteer to help them go Beyond The Portal to find discover answers about the disappearance of her biological mother.
Not only will they get the answers they are searching for, but they will help others who are in desperate need of it. All of them will be surprised at the outcome, learning that things are not always as they appear and helping others comes back to you. I love watching them grow and develop into more complex characters that are willing to accept what is, to go above and beyond what is expected of them, doing it with love and compassion.
I highly recommend the Unicorn Island series by Donna Galanti. Children will have hours of fun on Sam and Tuck’s adventures, playing on Unicorn Island, solving mysteries and making new friends of the supernatural kind. Their imaginations will blossom, maybe believing in magic and legends that are sure to supply hours of entertainment. I hope I conveyed my love of this series without spoiling anything for anyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unicorn Island: Beyond The Portal by Donna Galanti.
The books are beautiful, with wonderful illustrations that draw us into the book, making it easier to visualize the scenes as they unfold, offering a little something extra to keep children involved, maybe even putting themselves in Sam and Tuck’s place.
Sam has a big heart and a need to help others, drawing Tuck into her adventures. Verny the Wyvern and Barloc the Unicorn are a couple of their best friends and volunteer to help them go Beyond The Portal to find discover answers about the disappearance of her biological mother.
Not only will they get the answers they are searching for, but they will help others who are in desperate need of it. All of them will be surprised at the outcome, learning that things are not always as they appear and helping others comes back to you. I love watching them grow and develop into more complex characters that are willing to accept what is, to go above and beyond what is expected of them, doing it with love and compassion.
I highly recommend the Unicorn Island series by Donna Galanti. Children will have hours of fun on Sam and Tuck’s adventures, playing on Unicorn Island, solving mysteries and making new friends of the supernatural kind. Their imaginations will blossom, maybe believing in magic and legends that are sure to supply hours of entertainment. I hope I conveyed my love of this series without spoiling anything for anyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unicorn Island: Beyond The Portal by Donna Galanti.
April 12, 2023
This was a very cute unicorn book. I read it with my daughter who loves all things unicorn. We really appreciated the wider vocabulary here for middle graders, well I did, she didn’t like me making her look up words - but learning is fun! Also the illustrations were beautiful and full colour and added so much to the story. Love the different families represented and the inclusion of both boy and girl main characters. This was not too girly and all genders can get into the story. The book also dealt with morally grey issues which was great for discussion, there were two sides to the unicorn hunt and both had important and compelling reasons for doing what they did. I loved the realism there, because not every problem in real life is clean cut into good and bad.
The only small note I have is that this book would be better enjoyed had we read the previous in the series. The author did a good job filling in the blanks but it would have been richer had we been with the books from the start. So best read in series order.
I’d recommend this for all middle graders who like adventure books and books about animals.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The only small note I have is that this book would be better enjoyed had we read the previous in the series. The author did a good job filling in the blanks but it would have been richer had we been with the books from the start. So best read in series order.
I’d recommend this for all middle graders who like adventure books and books about animals.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2023
Beyond the Portal is the final book in the Unicorn Island series, while the author gives a nice recap of the previous book in the series, I would still recommend reading these in order.
A lot has changed since the last book. Revelations were made about Sam's dad and she and Tuck became unicorn protectors. But lingering in the back of all of their minds was that Sylvie, Sam's biological mom might still be alive despite having disappeared through a portal. Sam would love more than anything to reopen a portal, but this would be too risky. The unicorns are still too weak from the disease that infected the herd and drained their magic, and Sam doesn't want to risk them becoming mortal. So, the search for Sylvie was placed on hold. Meanwhile, Sam and Tuck busied themselves by studying The Unicorn Protector's Creed, when they happen upon a coded message on how to open a cave portal in "dire and unforeseen circumstances". Could this be the answer that Sam's been looking for?
As always, the full color illustrations by Bethany Stancliffe, are wonderful. I love the vibrant colors and the way they exude a light, cheerful tone that really complements the story and engages the reader well. Being the final book in the series, I was expecting a few more secrets to be revealed and was pleasantly surprised by what awaited Sam, Tuck and Barloc on the other side of the portal. No spoilers from me, only to say that I enjoyed how Galanti explored the grays of the world and that sometimes not everything is as it first seems. Also, sometimes we just need to take a chance.
Overall, I've really enjoyed The Unicorn Island series. I've enjoyed following Sam and Tuck on their many adventures. Experiencing the various obstacles that they've faced, including Grendell, the sand creature in book two. It's been a sort of atmospheric read for me, with the whole island shrouded by mist and our two unicorn protectors. It has strong kid appeal, the artwork is lovely, there are unicorns and a positive friendship between a boy and girl. This last book showed a lot of character growth and emphasized standing up for your principles. Lastly, I enjoy that each book features tidbits of information at the back of the book that tie back into the story. Things like explaining the history of coded messages, the importance of water, colic, horseback riding, and the healing prosperities of unicorn horns, explaining some of the mythology of unicorns while highlighting important historical and scientific facts. I'd happily gift this to fans of unicorns and kids who enjoyed Adam Gidwitz's The Unicorn Rescue Society or the Unicorn Academy Series by Julie Sykes. **A huge thank you to Donna Galanti for the E-ARC via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. **
A lot has changed since the last book. Revelations were made about Sam's dad and she and Tuck became unicorn protectors. But lingering in the back of all of their minds was that Sylvie, Sam's biological mom might still be alive despite having disappeared through a portal. Sam would love more than anything to reopen a portal, but this would be too risky. The unicorns are still too weak from the disease that infected the herd and drained their magic, and Sam doesn't want to risk them becoming mortal. So, the search for Sylvie was placed on hold. Meanwhile, Sam and Tuck busied themselves by studying The Unicorn Protector's Creed, when they happen upon a coded message on how to open a cave portal in "dire and unforeseen circumstances". Could this be the answer that Sam's been looking for?
As always, the full color illustrations by Bethany Stancliffe, are wonderful. I love the vibrant colors and the way they exude a light, cheerful tone that really complements the story and engages the reader well. Being the final book in the series, I was expecting a few more secrets to be revealed and was pleasantly surprised by what awaited Sam, Tuck and Barloc on the other side of the portal. No spoilers from me, only to say that I enjoyed how Galanti explored the grays of the world and that sometimes not everything is as it first seems. Also, sometimes we just need to take a chance.
Overall, I've really enjoyed The Unicorn Island series. I've enjoyed following Sam and Tuck on their many adventures. Experiencing the various obstacles that they've faced, including Grendell, the sand creature in book two. It's been a sort of atmospheric read for me, with the whole island shrouded by mist and our two unicorn protectors. It has strong kid appeal, the artwork is lovely, there are unicorns and a positive friendship between a boy and girl. This last book showed a lot of character growth and emphasized standing up for your principles. Lastly, I enjoy that each book features tidbits of information at the back of the book that tie back into the story. Things like explaining the history of coded messages, the importance of water, colic, horseback riding, and the healing prosperities of unicorn horns, explaining some of the mythology of unicorns while highlighting important historical and scientific facts. I'd happily gift this to fans of unicorns and kids who enjoyed Adam Gidwitz's The Unicorn Rescue Society or the Unicorn Academy Series by Julie Sykes. **A huge thank you to Donna Galanti for the E-ARC via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. **
March 31, 2023
With family, friendship, and magic, and exciting adventure unfolds, which will keep readers hooked until the last page.
Sam's mother has been missing since she was a toddler, and now, that her father has returned, she's determined to locate her mother, too. When she discovers a book, which holds the key to unlock the portal through which her mother disappeared, she and Tuck embark on a journey, which packs more than they expected.
This is the third novel in the series, and while I didn't read the first two, it wasn't difficult to sink into this one. These are not really stand-alones, though, since the stories do build on each other to a certain degree.
First off, I do enjoy the cover. Not only do the pink coloring, unicorns, and stars catch the eye, but there are silver, glistening words and stars...superficial? Probably but it does invite with a special touch. The first pages were a bit to chew through. The author does a super-quick summary of Sam's general family/friend developments from the first novels to help with memory (or new readers like me), but it turns into a hodge-podge of names, which had both my daughter and me re-reading it four or more times to get the names figured out...and we wonder if that was really necessary. But after that, this tales soars off into fun and imagination.
There's a lovely balance of family, friends and adventure in these pages, giving it heart while building up the action and excitement. It keeps a nice pace the entire way through (never too quick nor too slow) and holds several surprises. Sam and Tuck are a great pair, who work together well even when they don't agree completely. It's an inspiring friendship, but then, Sam has quite a bit of support in her corner thanks to her varied family, too. Then, there's her magical friends, which add a nice touch of imagination.
The illustrations are colorful and brighten up the tale. It is a treat to hit each one and get a glimpse of the scenes, since they do bring the world and characters even more life.
I would recommend this one more for the lower end of the middle grade audience or those who are transitioning from chapter books into the middle grade novels. The font is larger, making it easier to read, and the tale stays lighter for that age end. There are a few more difficult words thrown in to ease into higher reading levels, but the general level is very age appropriate. At the end of the book, there are several sections, which add more information to various topics hit during the story (each two pages). Readers get a deeper dive into information surrounding themes like horseback riding, mythical purposes of unicorn horns, colic and more.
So summed up, this is a lovely read to end off the series. It holds adventure, heart, imagination, and even a little information. I received an ARC and found this to be an exciting adventure.
Sam's mother has been missing since she was a toddler, and now, that her father has returned, she's determined to locate her mother, too. When she discovers a book, which holds the key to unlock the portal through which her mother disappeared, she and Tuck embark on a journey, which packs more than they expected.
This is the third novel in the series, and while I didn't read the first two, it wasn't difficult to sink into this one. These are not really stand-alones, though, since the stories do build on each other to a certain degree.
First off, I do enjoy the cover. Not only do the pink coloring, unicorns, and stars catch the eye, but there are silver, glistening words and stars...superficial? Probably but it does invite with a special touch. The first pages were a bit to chew through. The author does a super-quick summary of Sam's general family/friend developments from the first novels to help with memory (or new readers like me), but it turns into a hodge-podge of names, which had both my daughter and me re-reading it four or more times to get the names figured out...and we wonder if that was really necessary. But after that, this tales soars off into fun and imagination.
There's a lovely balance of family, friends and adventure in these pages, giving it heart while building up the action and excitement. It keeps a nice pace the entire way through (never too quick nor too slow) and holds several surprises. Sam and Tuck are a great pair, who work together well even when they don't agree completely. It's an inspiring friendship, but then, Sam has quite a bit of support in her corner thanks to her varied family, too. Then, there's her magical friends, which add a nice touch of imagination.
The illustrations are colorful and brighten up the tale. It is a treat to hit each one and get a glimpse of the scenes, since they do bring the world and characters even more life.
I would recommend this one more for the lower end of the middle grade audience or those who are transitioning from chapter books into the middle grade novels. The font is larger, making it easier to read, and the tale stays lighter for that age end. There are a few more difficult words thrown in to ease into higher reading levels, but the general level is very age appropriate. At the end of the book, there are several sections, which add more information to various topics hit during the story (each two pages). Readers get a deeper dive into information surrounding themes like horseback riding, mythical purposes of unicorn horns, colic and more.
So summed up, this is a lovely read to end off the series. It holds adventure, heart, imagination, and even a little information. I received an ARC and found this to be an exciting adventure.
March 15, 2023
Well, it's only good news here, as the final book in this trilogy rounds everything off in brilliant fashion – not closing the circle completely, and not ticking each and every narrative box, but taking us where we would want to be. With a mission more concerned with mending her original family, Sam and her friend (and their favourite unicorn) go to the island where unicorns live in a lovely sanctuary – and travel to the unearthly dimension where they originally came from. This is fraught with danger, as unicorns were hunted before they were all forced to leave, and who knows what the situation is now.
Well it's not ideal (and it's frustrating that nobody thinks to ask the source of the green issue), but they might just be able to beat the magic-enforced deadline and get everything tickety-boo. This is an adventure to prove the whole series so far has not really been about unicorns after all – but family. But by now we're not finding that soapy at all, and we're so in love with the whole situation and spirit of these books we can only will everyone to succeed. Not quite the laminate it, stick it on a space probe and shoot it to the stars quality, but still this whole trilogy has been delightful, and unexpectedly good. For me each volume has been worth four and a half stars.
Well it's not ideal (and it's frustrating that nobody thinks to ask the source of the green issue), but they might just be able to beat the magic-enforced deadline and get everything tickety-boo. This is an adventure to prove the whole series so far has not really been about unicorns after all – but family. But by now we're not finding that soapy at all, and we're so in love with the whole situation and spirit of these books we can only will everyone to succeed. Not quite the laminate it, stick it on a space probe and shoot it to the stars quality, but still this whole trilogy has been delightful, and unexpectedly good. For me each volume has been worth four and a half stars.
July 9, 2023
SPOILER ALERTS!! (KIND OF?)
The reason I gave this book a two star is because of the confusion. In the beginning unicorn island was nice and easy to read. Sam is the main character and she has a friend named tuck. Tuck and Sam go to the library, find a book on how to open the portal to unicorn world and Sam wants to find her mom. While they were going into the forest and meeting new friends like Sylvie, things got confusing. The names of the forest, unicorn sea, the portal, while reading I thought they were already in the unicorn world but in the end turns out they never even opened the portal! the names the sea and forest were hard to understand. Why name it unicorns sea if its in the human realm. I also did not like how the story ended. when they saved the pony from the puddle and they ended the story line there. I did not enjoy this book but the reading level was okay. I recommend this book to grade 5's and read it with an older sibling or parent.
The reason I gave this book a two star is because of the confusion. In the beginning unicorn island was nice and easy to read. Sam is the main character and she has a friend named tuck. Tuck and Sam go to the library, find a book on how to open the portal to unicorn world and Sam wants to find her mom. While they were going into the forest and meeting new friends like Sylvie, things got confusing. The names of the forest, unicorn sea, the portal, while reading I thought they were already in the unicorn world but in the end turns out they never even opened the portal! the names the sea and forest were hard to understand. Why name it unicorns sea if its in the human realm. I also did not like how the story ended. when they saved the pony from the puddle and they ended the story line there. I did not enjoy this book but the reading level was okay. I recommend this book to grade 5's and read it with an older sibling or parent.
February 11, 2023
As an educator, I am always on the lookout for books that I can recommend for students. Unicorn Island: Beyond the Portal is definitely a middle grade book I would recommend to several of my students. I expect that, like me, many students would find the adventures of Sam, Tuck and Barloc absolutely engaging.
As the title suggests, Sam, Tuck and Barloc find a way beyond a portal on Unicorn Island and are met with quite an adventure on the other side!
Five stars for the story, character development and growth, and especially for some very strong themes and lessons.
I love to use epic! in my classroom, and I'm looking forward to introducing students to this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As the title suggests, Sam, Tuck and Barloc find a way beyond a portal on Unicorn Island and are met with quite an adventure on the other side!
Five stars for the story, character development and growth, and especially for some very strong themes and lessons.
I love to use epic! in my classroom, and I'm looking forward to introducing students to this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
I was unaware going into this book that it was the last in a series but I think it worked fine as a stand-alone. But I would like to go back and start from the beginning since I enjoyed this one. I read Unicorn Island with my young stepson and he also really enjoyed it. We're both fantasy readers and this book gave us a wonderful setting with magic and adventure.
Sam, Tuck and Barloc find a way beyond a portal on Unicorn Island and what follows is a magical adventure with interesting I highly recommend if you have a middle grade student who enjoys getting into series. It would be perfect for early readers.
Thank. you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sam, Tuck and Barloc find a way beyond a portal on Unicorn Island and what follows is a magical adventure with interesting I highly recommend if you have a middle grade student who enjoys getting into series. It would be perfect for early readers.
Thank. you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2025
This is a more complex one than the first two volumes. I like that the font reduces the size just so slightly, showing our young readers that this volume has more plot and characters, even a new location, giving them the feeling that they are reading an advanced level. This is a brave and perilous journey as guardians of the amazing creatures, but more than that, Sam will face a larger surprise. Not only will she save the day and re-educate people to preserve the magic, but instead of destroying it, she will find someone she thought was lost. It can be an emotional one because not all goes as expected, and we'll always have an uplifting and inspiring story. I recommend this series, which is easy to read and feels like a warm hug. The illustrations are in color and stunning.
February 1, 2024
Get ready for a unicorn-filled spectacular in "Beyond the Portal" by Donna Galanti! This third and final chapter of the Unicorn Island series is a whirlwind of enchantment and surprises that will leave you with a heart full of joy.
Join Sam, Tuck, and the fantastical Barloc as they embark on their most daring adventure yet. This time, it's not just about unicorns and rainbows – they're diving into uncharted dimensions, unveiling family secrets, and stirring up a bit of magical mischief that will keep you grinning from ear to ear.
Donna Galanti brings her A-game, shaking up the fantasy playbook with unexpected twists that will have you on the edge of your seat. This isn't your typical unicorn tale; it's a magical journey where family takes the spotlight, and surprises wait around every corner.
Feel the excitement as the trio faces a mysterious green issue, adding a dash of mystery to the mix. The quest to uncover its source becomes an engaging puzzle, keeping you guessing until the very end. And the race against a magic-enforced deadline? It's a suspenseful ride that will have your heart racing.
While it might not be headed to the stars on a space probe, this trilogy is a delightful concoction of adventure, fantasy, and heartwarming family moments. Donna Galanti's storytelling brilliance weaves a spell of magic and mayhem, leaving you with a craving for more enchantment long after you've turned the final page.
Join Sam, Tuck, and the fantastical Barloc as they embark on their most daring adventure yet. This time, it's not just about unicorns and rainbows – they're diving into uncharted dimensions, unveiling family secrets, and stirring up a bit of magical mischief that will keep you grinning from ear to ear.
Donna Galanti brings her A-game, shaking up the fantasy playbook with unexpected twists that will have you on the edge of your seat. This isn't your typical unicorn tale; it's a magical journey where family takes the spotlight, and surprises wait around every corner.
Feel the excitement as the trio faces a mysterious green issue, adding a dash of mystery to the mix. The quest to uncover its source becomes an engaging puzzle, keeping you guessing until the very end. And the race against a magic-enforced deadline? It's a suspenseful ride that will have your heart racing.
While it might not be headed to the stars on a space probe, this trilogy is a delightful concoction of adventure, fantasy, and heartwarming family moments. Donna Galanti's storytelling brilliance weaves a spell of magic and mayhem, leaving you with a craving for more enchantment long after you've turned the final page.
July 16, 2023
After Tuck decodes a cryptic message that allows access to the portal, He and Sam enter and find the land of Crag Haven. This final adventure of the series brings closure to all of the questions, and mysteries that Sam needed answers to. Life in Crag Haven is threatened by a consuming plagued, and Sam and Tuck finds themselves in a race against time to help the citizens continue to survive.
May 25, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This book follows two friends as they go on a quest to find a missing person and help unicorns.
This is the third book in the series. It is not needed to read the previous books to understand and enjoy the story. The story is quick and easy with bright illustrations.
This book follows two friends as they go on a quest to find a missing person and help unicorns.
This is the third book in the series. It is not needed to read the previous books to understand and enjoy the story. The story is quick and easy with bright illustrations.
October 24, 2023
My daughter absolutely loved this book. I always have a hard time finding something she looks forward to reading and this book made it where she wanted to read. She didn't fight me to set down and do her reading. She has already told me she would read it again.
February 22, 2023
Great adventure story about unicorns but the series should be read in order to fully understand. Didn’t like how the people would take the horns but other than that, it was a great adventurous read
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August 18, 2023Is was nice relaxing to it also is a really happy ending
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews