Sunday, May 13, 2012

UNICORN KEEP - Book Review and Giveaway

Title: UNICORN KEEP

Author: Angelia Almos

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Enchanted Book Tours Review:

Jiline of Ainsley is dismayed when her best friend is selected by the mages to become a unicorn keeper at the Keep, an isolated mountain fortress. Especially since Madelen is in love and engaged to the richest boy in the village. Jiline on the other hand has no prospects of marriage or a trade in their small village. So, she comes up with a plan to take Madelen’s place at the Keep and hopefully flunk out of unicorn keeper training before the mages can discover the deception. Unfortunately, the unicorns have their own plans for her.

Mage Herrick, son of the Keep Mage, returns home to the Keep as the trainee keepers arrive. A chance encounter with Jiline, who he believes is Madelen, on the trail sparks a magical connection between the two. Knowing he can’t feel a magical draw to someone who has no magic, he tries to prove Madelen (Jiline) has magic within her. His attention brings unforeseen complications for both of them.


My Review:


UNICORN KEEP by Angelia Almos is a lovely, lovely story. Written simply, with enough prose and description to keep my imagination working, it features unicorns, unicorn lore, and unique characters I could sympathize with.

We are introduced to the main character, Jiline, and her best friend Madelen, as they’re waiting for the mages to "test" them for their worthiness as possible unicorn keepers. For those who are pure enough to be chosen, they must travel to Unicorn Keep, where they will take care of the magical creatures.

Madelen is chosen to be a unicorn keeper, and Jiline is not. For Madelen, who is in love with the mayor’s son, Wilm, the last thing she wants to do is leave the village. For Jiline, who has no prospects for marriage, the role as a unicorn keeper could have been a blessing.

Jiline formulates a quick plan. She and Madelen (who look so much alike they are often mistaken for sisters) will trade places.

Madelen and Wilm will travel to the city and start a new life together.

Jiline will go to the Unicorn Keep.

Expecting her lack of purity to be discovered, Jiline is surprised as the days pass and the mages don't seem to suspect anything. When the time comes for the trainees at the keep to be judged and chosen by the unicorns themselves, she prepares herself for the lie to be exposed at last.

Then the unexpected happens. The unicorns choose her as a keeper, because there is magic within her.

However, Jiline have to keep her friendship to the unicorns a secret, for they reveal secrets to her that puts her in danger. For one thing, the unicorns tell her that the keep is not a haven. It is their prison. And there is a lie about the crystal the mages use to choose new keepers. Does it really work the way they say it does?

Jiline is the girl chosen to save the unicorn from their imprisoned existence in the Keep. She just has to stay alive.

This book was a quick read, simple yet elegant in its simplicity. The unicorn element was delightful, and for unicorn fans, this is a must-read. I give it four stars.

*****

To celebrate UNICORN KEEP, I am excited to host a giveaway for another book written byAngelia Almos. To enter this international contest for a chance to win HORSE CHARMER, fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. Come by tomorrow, because I'll be a posting an interview with Jiline, the heroine of UNICORN KEEP.

Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great review Cat and for being a part of the Unicorn Keep tour.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anybook with a unicorn on the cover, I'm in!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really like the sound of this book. Unicorn books are so rare! Wonder why when they are such a fascinating subject.

    Tx for the opportunity to win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know why few people write about them. I love them. They are the best fantasy creature EVER!

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  4. I agree with you guys.. Unicorns definitely need to be written about more! Love them! This book sounds good too :o)

    ReplyDelete

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