Into the Land of the Unicorns: The Unicorn Chronicles Book 1

by: Bruce Coville

Published by: Scholastic (August 1 release)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Into the Land of Unicorns is a Middle Reader book listed as appropriate for grades 4-6. However, I believe older adolescents will also enjoy the novel.

Someone is after Cara Hunter and her grandmother. The two duck into a church in an attempt to hide, only to have the mysterious person follow them. Grandmother gives Cara an amulet and a cryptic message and instructs her to climb the church bell tower. On the twelfth chime of the bell she is to jump. Cara is frightened that she will fall to her death, but trusts her beloved grandmother. As instructed, Cara jumps and falls into the land of Luster, the home of Dimblethum, Squijum, evil delvers, dragons and a special unicorn, Lightfoot.

Cara’s instructions to guard the amulet and deliver a message to the unicorn queen proves difficult. Cara’s new friends accompany her on her dangerous mission but they must avoid the delvers, pacify Firethroat and avoid the Hunter who is after Cara and the amulet.

While in Luster, Cara learns many secrets about her family and the story of why the human Hunters want to kill all the unicorns.

Into The Land of the Unicorns is the foundation for other novels in the Unicorn Chronicles. It’s a delightful tale, with enough excitement to hold the reader’s attention. There is a plot twist that will add intensity to the story and readers will eagerly await the outcome. But they will have to wait for another book to give the answer.

Armchair Interviews says: Into the Land of the Unicorns is a wonderful addition to the Middle Reader’s Library.

Author’s Web site: http://www.BruceCoville.com