Elayne thinks the old family story that one of her ancestors stepped through a tapestry into a world of mythical beasts makes a great fireside tale. But she lives in the real world. In New York City. And she’s outgrown that kind of fantasy.
Until she finds herself in front of a unicorn tapestry at the Cloisters museum and sees her initials woven into the fabric. And hears a unicorn calling to her. And slips and falls—into that other world.
Suddenly the line between fantasy and reality isn’t so clear. But the danger is real enough. Almost before she can think, Elayne is attacked by a ferocious beast, rescued by a unicorn, and taken prisoner by a tyrant king. Each of them seems to have an idea about her—that she’s a hero, a villain, dinner!
But Elayne has a few ideas of her own. She wants to overthrow the king; she wants to tame the unicorn. She wants to go home! And she’s willing to become both hero and villain to do it.
OPENING LINE: “Thunderstorms rumble nearer, the air charged with static, as sticky-hot as only a New Orleans night can be.”
(CLICK ON COVER to see photos and hear a podcast of Moonspill’s Ride)
REVIEWS:
‘The Land of the Fabulous Beast is, in a word, fabulous, a place where all the creatures dreamed up by various cultures are portrayed in all their glory… Hand this to readers who like their heroines sassy and their settings vividly imagined.’
– Bulletin of the Centre of Children’s Books –
‘The Hunt of the Unicorn is one of the best fantasy books for young adult readers to be written in the last few years. It has a good story with the fast plot typical of an adventure. By weaving historical elements into the modern world, the author has created a parallel world of wondrous beasts such as the types that would be found in a medieval bestiary.’
– Janet Johnson, Manitoba Library Journal-
Dear Mr. Humphreys,
I am well beyond the age range for which you wrote “The Hunt of the Unicorn,” but that did not decrease my enjoyment of it in the least! Do you by any chance offer for sale portfolios of artwork featuring Moonspill and/or Heartsease? Also, I might be able to be of help to you regarding the significance of the unicorn symbol to your family, having found myself in the midst of the same mystery. If you would contact me at your leisure (my e-mail address, blackshire@alaska.net , is also given below), I would be happy to try. Thank you very much again for providing me with several days of slowly-savored reading pleasure!
— Jason
Mr. Humphreys, I noticed a comment about having multiple wives relating to Mormons. I’ll have you know that we prefer to be referred to as LDS, and we are entirely against polygamy. Thank you for listening to the truth, if you did.
Hello, Lian. Do you mean a comment or a speech in the novel? If so, I think it was merely Elayne cracking a ‘joke’ while she was under pressure. It was not a statement and merely reflects her, but not my, beliefs. Character and author, quite different people. But you are quite right to point it out and I hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the book.
Is this just a stand alone book? I absolutely LOVED it!
Oh thanks for that! And yes, at the moment – but I am in discussions about a sequel. I’d love to write it!
I really love unicorns. You actually hit it spot on. Thx for the story!
You are most welcome
Hi, C.C. I was wondering if it were at all possible to receive a copy of The Hunt of the Unicorn in exchange for an honest review?
Alas, book three years old now so publisher won’t send them! But if I ever get round to the sequel…
Dear Mr Humphreys! Finally I got my copy of the book! I really liked it. The characters are interesting including antagonists (yes, I quite liked Leo and Marc despite everything :). And of course I love unicorns! It was also interesting to find other mythological creatures in the book. What is the difference between cockatrice and basilisk? Just synonyms? I’ve just read among the comments that there is possibility of a sequel so I’ll be looking forward to it, though the book is good as it is with an open ending.
Oh so glad you enjoyed it, Elena. Yes, the sequel will be out – only in Canada so far – in September. It is titled: The Quest of the Dragon.