The Unicorn Hunters

What did you know, if anything, about Anne of Brittany before reading The Unicorn Hunters? Did knowing the real history behind the story influence your reading experience?

Anne sacrifices many of her own possessions and comforts to fight for Brittany’s sovereignty. How does her selflessness impact the story?

What was your biggest takeaway from The Unicorn Hunters? How has this book inspired you?

How do you think the story would differ if Isabeau was the elder sister and duchess of Brittany instead of Anne? Do you think Julien’s plan would have succeeded?

As a woman in the late 15th to early 16th century, Anne’s most valuable asset was her ability to bear children. Explain how, in the alternate history of The Unicorn Hunters, she uses this as a tool rather than giving in to systemic oppression.

Many of the royals had diviners, such as Calyx, to inform their decisions, and there were myriad ways that diviners used to see the future, some being “dice and clouds and water and candlelight” (14). What would your divination technique be?

Who was your favorite character? How would the story change if told from their point-ofview?

If The Unicorn Hunters was being adapted into a movie or television show, who would you cast for each character?

How did Anne’s character evolution throughout the story impact her romance with Louis? Did her acceptance of their love aid her efforts for independence? If so, how?

In mythology, there are many beliefs about what bait to use for unicorns during a hunt. Why do you think the unicorn chose to present herself to Anne in The Unicorn Hunters?