Published by: Harmony Ink Press, April 21st 2016
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 180
Format: Ebook
After a savage attack drives her from her home, sixteen-year-old Mnemba finds a place in her cousin Tumelo’s successful safari business, where she quickly excels as a guide. Surrounding herself with nature and the mystical animals inhabiting the savannah not only allows Mnemba’s tracking skills to shine, it helps her to hide from the terrible memories that haunt her.
Mnemba is employed to guide Mr. Harving and his daughter, Kara, through the wilderness as they study unicorns. The young women are drawn to each other, despite that fact that Kara is betrothed. During their research, they discover a conspiracy by a group of poachers to capture the Unicorns and exploit their supernatural strength to build a railway. Together, they must find a way to protect the creatures Kara adores while resisting the love they know they can never indulge.
Unicorns and lesbians? Possibly the best combination ever.
Come for the rep, stay for the creatures. The relationship between Mnemba and Kara is so sweet, and sad in parts. I loved that Mnemba was a recovering victim - did not expect that but I loved how it was written. (And that her rapist was rotting in a pit. Please let this be the standard punishment everywhere.) Because of the obvious obstacles to a relationship, it's a bittersweet love, and it's so realistic.
The creatures were my favourite part of this book. It wasn't just unicorns - there's all sorts of mythical creatures mentioned and part of the story, which was an epic surprise. I wasn't overly sure of the story until the end; it was hard to see how unicorns would play into a railway being built, but there is a genuine reason for it and I enjoyed the mystery around it. Honestly, I just loved the animals and the setting. I can't say much for authenticity because I've never been to a country in Africa, but I could visualise everything and it FELT real. It was like I was actually there (but without the displeasure of melting in the heat. Bonus!)
If you're looking for less common mythical creatures, non-western settings, and honest romance, read this immediately.
Characters ★★★☆☆
Setting/world ★★★★☆
Writing ★★★★☆
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