Year of the Unicorn

by Andre Norton

Paperback, 1981

Status

Available

Call number

Fic SF Norton

Publication

Ace (1981), Paperback

Description

Andre Norton enthralled readers for decades with thrilling tales of people challenged to the limits of their endurance in epic battles of good against evil. None are more memorable than her Witch World novels. Far from the besieged home of Simon and Jaelithe, in peaceful Norsdale, we meet Gillan, who longs to leave her dull life in a secluded country abbey. But when her wish comes true, she finds more than a little adventure. As she ventures out, not only is her life in danger, but also the power that lies within her, waiting to be discovered.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Aldrea_Alien

Another good Witch World book. The focus is fully on Gillan as she struggles with her magical abilities and the intrigue within the were-riders, especially since they target Herrel, the man she has chosen for a husband.
This inner conflict is a good foil for the outer which happens in the second

half of the story, the pair running together in a satisfying battle of both will and physical endurance both Gillan and Herrel face in the end. I was sorry when I reached the end.

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LibraryThing member TadAD

One of the better novels set in the Witch World.

LibraryThing member LauraBLough

Everything that is great about high fantasy.

LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey

I always remember loving this book - I love the first part, the last bit gets a little vague and wandery. Gillian taking action, Gillian pushing past being abandoned, those I like. And I like Herrel, too, though he's a bit low on self-esteem - Gillian has to point out where he's overcome the odds

and the other Riders several times. So when Gillian becomes helpless, and they have to go wandering through a dreamscape, it gets annoying. The end isn't bad, though I derive more amusement from imagining the reactions of the Riders in the morning than from the actual events. And phooey on Hyron. This is my many-th reread - I have no idea how many times I've read it, though this is the first time in the last decade apparently. This was the first appearance (I think) of both the Dales and Arvon, which I prefer to Estcarp in this universe anyway.

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LibraryThing member fuzzi

An intriguing telling of a familiar plot: maidens are given to mercenaries as payment for services rendered in battle, but in this version the mercenaries aren't quite human, and only one of the young girls has the ability to see beyond the illusions. Enjoyable but not predictable read.

LibraryThing member karidrgn

This story is almost like a fairy tale. But where the woman is taking an active role in choosing her future. To survive she must learn and grow a power that could get her killed if others discover its existence.

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