Gold Unicorn
by Tanith Lee

The sequel to Black Unicorn finds young sorceress Tanaquil--whose gift is mending things--nearing the end of her travels to see her world, accompanied by a very patient camel and her adorable, talking pet peeve. As she turns toward home, toward the castle of her eccentric mother, Tanaquil strays into the path of a conquering horde--an army bent on subduing the entire world--and the icy young Empress who believes she is bringing peace and perfection to an imperfect world.

The awful bit is that the Empress is none other than Lizra, half-sister to Tanaquil herself. And she wants Tanaquil to use her gift to animate a monstrous, gold-plated, mechanical unicorn that will snort scalding steam and stamp its massive feet and break down the walls of any city that dares to resist.

Trapped in the center of a horrible conquest, Tanaquil knows that no good will come out of using her power to aid her sister's evil plan. And in case you think nothing could be worse, Tanaquil also falls in love with the dashing young mercenary whose heart belongs to Lizra. Ouch!

Here is another tale full of humor and horror and pathos, and the growing pains of a young woman claiming her own identity in the world. Told in rich language, full of fascinating imagery including a dreadful interlude in Hell (or something like it), it is a captivating story of the dangers of sorcery and the anguish of love.

Robbie Fischer

Recommended Age: 14+

1/30/2005

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