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** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Description
Anne of Brittany was a child when France invaded and drove her royal father to his death. Now she is a young woman, sovereign duchess of an occupied realm, and France means to crown their conquest by marrying her to their king. Such an alliance would put her title, her lands, and her body forever in the hands of her enemies.
But Anne refuses to be the last duchess of Brittany.
Her only hope of resisting conquest is another alliance sealed with marriage, so Anne arranges a daring last gambit: a secret betrothal to Charles of France’s greatest rival. But secrets are hard to keep in a world where rival courts spy on each other with diviners.
The forest of Brocéliande was once the haunt of Merlin the Enchanter and the long-lost faerie queen. But magic is long gone from Broceliande, except for the occasional sight of a unicorn and one critical quirk: This ancient forest is completely hostile to divination.
While pretending compliance with France, Anne plans a unicorn hunt in Brocéliande. A bit of pointless pageantry. A diversion so she can wed in secret.
Or so she thinks.
Summary
I recently had the pleasure to read an early release of The Unicorn Hunters by folklore and fantasy author Katharine Arden.
Review
The Unicorn Hunters is a historical fantasy combining medieval politics, folklore, and enchantment set in fifteenth-century Brittany.
Arden demonstrates a compelling narrative blending historical events with mythic storytelling. This creates a more than a beautifully structured mythic reimagining with a strong female protagonist bolstered by a detailed historical setting.
Arden draws Anne of Brittany into a realm of forgotten magic, fairy legends and dangerous consequences where the protagonist must negotiate both the mortal and supernatural threats while fighting to preserve her kingdom and her own agency and future.
Arden weaves a careful portrayal of Anne of Brittany as intelligent and calculating, choosing as she navigates royal politics in the guise of a legendary unicorn hunt in the depths of the Brocéliande forest. This forest itself is long rumoured to be under ancient enchantments and where magical spies cannot penetrate. The narrative takes a magical twist when from the depths of the forest, a unicorn appears and a mysterious wounded stranger in need of protection.
The worldbuilding is impressive and historically well detailed. The enchanted forest of Brocéliande is atmospheric and vividly described with Arden creating a place of myth, and magic, celebrating unicorn and fairy lore and ancient enchantments that enhance the narrative without overshadowing the historical setting.
The prose is elegant and beautifully executed with themes of duty, sacrifice, identity and agency, told with nuance into a compelling emotional tale.
The Unicorn Hunters is a beautifully crafted historical fantasy that combines political intrigue, folklore, and enchantment into an unforgettable reading experience. Arden’s skillful blend of history and myth creates a story that feels timeless, while the strong female protagonist displays determination and courage in an immersive read.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read that is well suited for fans of Arden’s other works and readers who enjoy historical fantasy, strong heroines and magical enchantment. The Unicorn Hunters is a well-crafted historical fantasy, multilayered and beautifully executed.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 