Title: Year of the Unicorn
Author: Andre Norton
First published January 1, 1965
224 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780839823568 (ISBN10: 0839823568)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
For years, Andre Norton captivated readers with her legendary tales of adventure and heroism, and none more so than her renowned Witch World series. In Year of the Unicorn, meet Gillan, a young woman trapped in a mundane existence in a secluded abbey.
Her heart yearns for adventure, and when she finally sets out into the world, she finds more than she ever bargained for. Danger lurks around every corner, and within her lies a power waiting to be unleashed.
Join Gillan on her journey as she discovers her true destiny in a world of magic and mystery.
About the Author
Alice Mary Norton had a passion for the humanities from a young age. She began writing in her teenage years, inspired by a captivating high school teacher.
When Norton first entered the publishing world, like many female writers of her time who wrote for a male-dominated market, she chose to use a pen name. In 1934, she legally changed her name to Andre Alice and also went by Andrew North and Allen Weston.
Norton’s first novel was published in 1934, and she made history by becoming the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World Science Fiction Society in 1977. She also won the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) association in 1983.
Norton’s work earned her two nominations for the Hugo Award, one for the novel Witch World in 1964 and another for the novelette “Wizard’s World” in 1967. She was also nominated three times for the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement, ultimately winning the award in 1998.
Norton received numerous other genre awards and her works regularly appeared in the Locus annual “best of year” polls.
In 2005, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America announced the creation of the Andre Norton Award in honor of Norton’s legacy. The award is given each year for an outstanding work of fantasy or science fiction for the young adult literature market, beginning in 2006.
Known as the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Norton wrote novels for over 70 years and had a significant impact on the entire genre. Her more than 300 published titles have been read by at least four generations of science fiction and fantasy readers and writers.
Notable authors influenced by her work include Greg Bear, Lois McMaster Bujold, C. J.
Cherryh, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Tanya Huff, Mercedes Lackey, Charles de Lint, Joan D. Vinge, David Weber, K.
D. Wentworth, and Catherine Asaro.
Editoral Review
Year of the Unicorn by Andre Norton is a classic tale of adventure and magic in a world of mythical creatures. As one of the pioneers of science fiction and fantasy, Norton creates a rich and imaginative world that captures the reader’s attention from the very start.
The story takes place in the world of Estcarp, a land populated by witches and warlocks, unicorns and werewolves. The central character, Gillan, is a young girl who is sold into slavery and then unexpectedly rescued by a group of witches.
Gillan is brought to the castle of Arvon, where she discovers that she has a special gift that makes her a valuable asset in the battle against evil forces. As the novel progresses, Gillan learns more about her gift and the dangers that threaten the land of Estcarp.
She is assisted by a host of magical creatures, including a unicorn named Herrel and a were-rider named Loyse. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to save Estcarp from the forces of darkness.
Norton’s writing style is fluid and evocative, drawing the reader deep into the world of Estcarp. The characters are well-drawn and sympathetic, even the villains.
The landscapes are vividly described, adding to the richness and depth of the story. At the same time, Year of the Unicorn deals with themes that are both familiar and timeless.
The story explores issues of power, oppression, and redemption. It examines the struggle between good and evil, and the ways in which individuals can make a difference in the world.
However, the novel does have some minor flaws. The pacing is occasionally slow, and some of the characters feel underdeveloped.
Additionally, the dialogue can be stilted at times, interrupting the flow of the story. Overall, Year of the Unicorn is an enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure.
Norton’s portrayal of the world of Estcarp is both imaginative and immersive, and the themes she explores are both timeless and relevant. The novel is a classic of its genre, and its influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers.
I would highly recommend Year of the Unicorn to readers who enjoy fantasy and are looking for a well-crafted and engaging story. The novel will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it will leave them eager for more of Norton’s work.
Based on my overall impression of the book, I would rate it an 8 out of 10.
