The Unicorn War [Hardcover]

John Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1995

In the conclusion to the author's unicorn saga, which began with The Unicorn Quest, the unicorns of Strand defend the land's master of magic and his people against the war machines of Umbria.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This fifth and final volume of Lee's Unicorn Saga (The Unicorn Peace, etc.) proceeds like an expert chess match: brilliant strategies are enacted as political intrigue and daring battles abound, but the characters have about as much color and life as plastic pieces being pushed about on a board. Soon after young Weatherwards are kidnapped from their outposts, the Mage of Strand, Jarrod Courtak of the Magical Lands, finds himself pitted against his former allies, the Emperor Varodias and his bastard son, Malum of Quern. Jarrod must enlist the aid of his unicorn friends to help win this war-and, in so doing, discover a way for the unicorns to gain a safe haven among humankind. Many loose ends from the previous volumes are neatly tied, so loyal followers of these adventures are likely to be pleased, but anyone hoping for something original, exciting or magical will probably be disappointed by what is, ultimately, a lackluster work.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; First printing. edition (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312859139
• ISBN-13: 978-0312859138
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,213,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Unicorn War less about Unicorns, more about War, Magic, April 13, 2009

By 

Kathleen M. Marshall (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Unicorn War (Mass Market Paperback)

The Unicorn War by John Lee is the 5th and final book in a series about a Magician, Jarrod Courtak, trying to save his people and culture from the devastation of war by finding the legendary race of unicorns and enlisting their prophesied aid. In this final book of the series, although the peace established in The Unicorn Peace (the 4th book of the series) seemed to ensure tranquility between the world of Strand's 4 Magical Kingdoms and the scientifically oriented Umbrian Empire, the megalomaniac leader of the Umbrian Empire, Varodias, begins a war of conquest to become the Emperor of all Strand. Jarrod Courtak must again enlist the aid of the unicorns to fight for a lasting peace.
Although the series features 'Unicorn' prominently in each title, The Unicorn Quest, The Unicorn Dilemma, The Unicorn Solution, The Unicorn Peace, and The Unicorn War, the emphasis in most of the stories is on political maneuvering, and the waging of war. There are fantastical creatures involved, such as the unicorns, the cloudsteeds (flying horses), and warcats, and also Mages and Magicians of the Magical Kingdoms. There are a rich variety of cultures among the humans of the world of Strand, from the 'Mother'- worshipping Scientists of the Umbrian Empire using steam powered 'rotifer' flying air-machines and land-carriages as well as Horse Cavalry to the peace-loving Isphardi traders, to the courtly and feudal Countries of Paladine and Arundel, and the barbarian Songean clans hidden in their mountain reaches. In the first three books, the 5 major lands of Strand are united against an implacable destructive force of alien invaders from beyond the giant Causeway, who fight with tank-like machines and flame throwers and laser-like weapons of deadly effect. Readers who love battle strategies and war stories will enjoy reading the books for these chapters. Palace intrigues, spies, and political maneuvering all play a greater role in these stories than the Unicorns of the titles. However, there will be sufficient fantastical events, creatures and Magic to satisfy those seeking a well built fantasy world, especially those who quest for unicorns.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unicorns? FIGHTING?!?!?!, August 10, 2005

By 

Unicorn Uniform "alex" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Unicorn War (Mass Market Paperback)

Can you imagine a more horrifyingly uncute apocalypse? Shining hoof pitted against glimmering horn - terrors, horrors, unHOLY. I mean, the dialogue is riveting ("Lt. Fetlock, Ms. Minnie-mae Diamond Sparkles has been hit by peppermint shrapnel!!! Awaiting instructions, SIR!"), but if you are easily disturbed, stay away from this violent romp; it will haunt you in your dreams. I woke up several nights running, upon finishing the saga, drenched in fear, clutching my unicorn pillow to my chest so tightly that his (Lycobus') faux-gem eye left an indent in my bosom. Not for the faint of heart, but 'heart'-ily recommended!