Title:
Unicorn Valley 2: Stallion’s Heart

Author:
Lena Austin

Published By:
Changeling Press

ISBN #:
1-59596-043-0

Release Date:
Available Now

Format:
Electronic

Shadow is the son of the Unicorn’s Herd Stallion – in other words, the heir to the ruler of Unicorn Valley, a haven of peace for all supernatural creatures. As the story begins, Shadow’s foster mother Kella is felled by a stroke, and her recovery is the primary concern of all the creatures in the Valley. Her illness also precipitates a crisis in government, since her mate, Tanne Brae, the current Herd Stallion, is no longer concerned with the herd or the Valley, but only with the fate of his mate.

The leadership of the Unicorns is up for grabs, and the traditional way to solve the problem is a fight between the various competitors for the office. Shadow suggests to the Unicorn Council that perhaps by studying historical precedents they can find a way to allow a peaceful transition of power. So Shadow, always interested in intellectual pursuits, is delegated to go to the historian of the Elves, whose history goes back much farther than the history of any of the other races in the Valley. But Shadow finds much more than history in the land of the Elves...

I find the Unicorn Valley series fascinating. This is the continuation of the story that started in Gryphon’s Heart, in which we were introduced to good friends Lionel, Shadow, and Brolly. These novellas are in some ways very simple – the protagonist, in this case Shadow – has a problem to overcome. The problem in Stallion’s Heart is the loss of a loved one, the change of power from one generation to another and the preservation of Unicorn Valley’s way of life. As Shadow solves the problems, he is rewarded with personal fulfillment and happiness. All in all, this is a good example for our lives – do good, solve problems, and achieve happiness.

The love scenes are very sensual, and mildly explicit. The pace of the story and the plot are straightforward and even, without slow spots or a hurried finish. I enjoyed reading the story, and recommend it for those who enjoy fantasy or shapeshifter fiction.


Reviewed by: Jean