Black Unicorn
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Tanith Lee |
| Products | Young-adult fantasy novels |
The Unicorn Series is a young-adult fantasy book collection authored by Tanith Lee, focusing on Tanaquil, a young woman who excels in mechanical repair rather than magical abilities, much to the dismay of her sorceress mother.
Black Unicorn
Black Unicorn (1991) serves as the inaugural novel in The Unicorn Series.
Plot summary
In the aftermath of a disrupted celebration, a mysterious black unicorn emerges, challenging myths by existing within this reality. Even Jaive, a formidable sorceress, cannot decipher its presence, yet Tanaquil, her non-magical daughter skilled in fixing devices, immediately recognizes that the unicorn has appeared specifically for her. Despite her lack of magical powers, Tanaquil embraces the challenge presented by this enigmatic creature.
Gold Unicorn
Gold Unicorn (1994) is the second installment in The Unicorn Series.
Plot summary
After extensive travels, the youthful sorceress Tanaquil returns and encounters an army commanded by Lizra, her half-sister and empress. Lizra depends on Tanaquil's rare magical talent to repair her massive mechanical gold unicorn—a war machine designed to transform a flawed world. Although disturbed by Lizra’s destructive ambitions, Tanaquil’s feelings for Honj, Lizra’s fiancé, lead her to follow the unicorn into a perilous alternate dimension.
Red Unicorn
Red Unicorn (1997) concludes The Unicorn Series by Tanith Lee, published through Tor Books.
Plot summary
Tanaquil arrives at her mother’s desert stronghold, confronting sorrow and disappointment. Guided by a red unicorn through a mirror portal, she discovers a world that mirrors her own and meets her counterpart named Tanakil. Facing this double forces Tanaquil to confront both external threats and inner turmoil.
Characters
- Tanaquil – Daughter of a powerful sorceress, possessing the unique gift of permanent repair as a 'mender.'
- Jaive – Sorceress and mother to Tanaquil.
- The Peeve – Tanaquil’s enchanted desert familiar capable of speech.
- Lizra – Princess and half-sister to Tanaquil.
- Honj – Betrothed to Lizra and object of Tanaquil’s affection.