Customer Reviews

The Unicorn War

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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.

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!