Reviews for The unicorn quest

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

*Starred Review* The first book in an exciting new series, this takes readers into the world of Arden, where, once upon a time, magic thrived, people of all trades mixed and worked together, and unicorns roamed. Then war between the various magical guilds raged, and all the unicorns were lost, save one, which was turned to stone (according to legend, anyway). Hundreds of years later, enter Claire and Sophie Martinson, who, like Lucy and her siblings in Lewis' classic, find their way to this magical, Narnia-like world through an old house full of unusual artifacts, and are quickly drawn into conflicts within Arden. When older, bolder Sophie disappears, it's up to shy and careful 11-year-old Claire to find her sister and bring her back home. Benko's debut ends in an excellent cliff-hanger bridging directly into the plot of the forthcoming second book in the series. The vivid world building and memorable characters add to the fantasy allure, while some truly touching moments of friendship and sisterhood give this story a great deal of heart. Fans of magic and fantasy, especially those who love Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time (1962) or the darker, creepy atmosphere in Neil Gaiman's Coraline (2002), can't miss this debut.--Pino, Kristina Copyright 2017 Booklist


Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Unity in Arden died with the queen and the unicorns. As a new war threatens to fracture the land, a girl races to rescue her sister and return home.Eleven-year-old white girl Claire Martinson doesn't trust the mysterious ladder in the fireplace of Great-Aunt Diana's mansion, but when her older sister, Sophie (also white), disappears, Claire chases after her into the magical land up the chimney. However, Claire isn't the only one searching for her willful sister. Anvil Malchain, a dangerous treasure hunter, seeks Sophie tooand the unicorn artifact she might have stolen. The four guilds of ArdenTillers, Forgers, Spinners, and Gemmersall covet the unicorn artifacts that strengthen their magic. With the help of Nett, a Tiller with light brown skin, and Sena, a white Forger exile, Claire must rescue Sophie before a new war begins. In this debut, Benko constructs a world with a complex history and no clear divides between good and evil; Claire discovers that the legends of Arden's last war don't tell the whole truth. Despite Claire's envy of Sophie's bravery (and easy-to-ponytail straight hair), she rises to overcome her insecurities and unlock her own power to save the people she loves in a satisfying hero's journey. Readers will be pleased to know more adventures in Arden are planned.Rich worldbuilding and high stakes make this a quest worth taking with a protagonist who grows by facing her fears. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.


School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 5-8-A magical story of two sisters, Claire and Sophie, who enter a fantastic land named Arden. While exploring their new home in Windemere Manor, Claire and Sophie discover a land in the heat of battle. The people in charge of magic are fighting and the revered unicorns are missing, all while terrifying creatures called wraiths haunt the land. The sisters sense danger and decide to return home. The true adventure begins when Sophie disappears one night and Claire must return to Arden to find her. Benko crafts fully developed characters and a detailed fantastical world. Though the plot is reminiscent of many of magical fantasy adventure, the suspense and sisterly bonds will keep readers hooked. VERDICT A solid start to a new -series. Hand to readers who love Narnia.-April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.


Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

When Claire follows her sister Sophie up a ladder into a chimney, she emerges in the fantasy domain of Arden; there, a harp made of unicorn mane is missing, and Sophie is suspected of the theft--or is someone using the harp to resurrect the last unicorn? Despite derivative world-building and unclear stakes, Claire is an earnest heroine whose transformation by books end is well earned. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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