The Unicorn Hunters: A Novel
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In a desperate gamble to save her throne, a young monarch conceals a secret marriage in the shadows of an enchanted forest—and unknowingly alters the fate of her world—in this dazzling novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale.
This otherworldly hardcover edition includes an illustrated jacket, a foil-stamped case, and designed full-color endpapers!
“I loved every moment I spent in this magical, dangerous, and haunted realm in the company of its clever and captivating duchess.”—Naomi Novik, author of A Deadly Education
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.
In this rich and epic novel, the author of the acclaimed Winternight trilogy turns the real history of a remarkable woman into an unforgettable tale of mystery, enchantment, and the price of power.
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Community Reviews
The Unicorn Hunters
✨ Reading Mood: Enchanting • Historical Fantasy • Lyrical • Medieval • Atmospheric
Author: Katherine Arden
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review:
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I first heard about it and immediately pre-ordered it. Unicorns have always held a special place in my heart, especially because Kris has called me his “amazing and beautiful unicorn” since almost day one of our relationship. So when I saw this gorgeous cover, I knew it had to find a home on my shelves.
This was my first Katherine Arden novel, and I truly didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a beautifully written story with poetic prose, rich imagination, and an atmosphere that completely drew me in. Set in medieval Brittany, the story follows Anne of Brittany as she fights to protect her homeland while ancient magic and the legendary unicorns of Brocéliande quietly weave themselves into history.
Anne quickly became a character I admired. She’s intelligent, courageous, stubborn in the best ways, and deeply devoted to the people she loves. I also found myself especially fond of Isabeau and Elesbed. They brought so much heart and warmth to the story, and I always looked forward to seeing them on the page.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the way it blended history with fantasy. The historical setting felt richly immersive, while the magical elements added just enough wonder to make the story feel truly unique. I also appreciated the multiple points of view, which gave a fuller picture of the political tensions and relationships surrounding Anne. My only disappointment was that I wanted more unicorns! The moments we did get were absolutely magical, but I couldn’t help wishing there had been even more of the unicorn lore and mystery woven throughout the story.
I paired my physical copy with the audiobook, and it was such a wonderful experience. The narrator beautifully captured the lyrical feel of the novel, and I honestly think it made me appreciate the story even more. I definitely recommend experiencing it that way if you can.
Overall, The Unicorn Hunters is a beautifully atmospheric historical fantasy filled with courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and a touch of enchantment. If you love strong historical heroines, lyrical writing, and stories where history and legend meet, I think this one is well worth picking up.
Content: Violence, political conflict, battle scenes, and romantic content, including two explicit on-page sex scenes. Because of this, I wouldn’t classify this as a closed-door read. Overall, I’d give the romance an R rating.
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