Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publication Date: August 2009
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Copy provided by: Myself, bought at Borders
Summary (via Goodreads):
Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns...
Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years.
Or not.
Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.
However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to—perhaps most dangerously of all—her growing attraction to a handsome art student ... an attraction that could jeopardize everything.
Why I read this: I've had this book on my shelf for about a year now. When Ascendant came out, I figured it was about time to read the first one.
Plot: Yes, it's true, there are killer unicorns! A small force of virgin girls from a long line of hunters must set out to kill them. I really loved this kick-butt book of a girl who really doesn't want to hunt unicorns but whose mother forces her into it. There were some great twists and gory battles throughout this book along with even a little bit of romance. This is definitely a series I will be looking forward to more of.
Characters: I really liked Astrid, first of all - what a cool name. She had her flaws and she reacted to the whole situation a lot like a normal teen would - wishing just to go back to her normal life. It was nice to see her not turn right away into the perfect warrior.
Relatability: Paranormal fans will enjoy this interesting twist on unicorn tales.
Cover Commentary: The cover really strikes me. I'm sort of digging this trend of half shown female features with some kind of weapon. :)
Rating: 5/5 Roses
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I so need to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI've had this book on my shelf forever too, hm you're making me want to pick it up girl!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that this book is fab! I also have it on my shelf, so I hope when it's time for me to pick it up, I'll be enjoying the book as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteAre you thinking of picking up Ascendant soon, by the way?
Glad you liked it! This is one of the books that has been on my TBR list for a long time now, and I hope to get to it soon. I have high hopes for it!
ReplyDeleteI too loved this book! I was highly disappointed by Ascendant though. :(
ReplyDelete