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Killer Unicorns #0.5
Errant
In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter's arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.
A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund's killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT.
A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund's killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Diana Peterfreund
54 books2,052 followersDiana Peterfreund has been a costume designer, a cover model, and a food critic. Her travels have taken her from the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the underground caverns of New Zealand (and as far as she’s concerned, she’s just getting started). Diana graduated from Yale University in 2001 with dual degrees in Literature and Geology, which her family claimed would only come in handy if she wrote books about rocks. Now, this Florida girl lives with her husband and their puppy in Washington D.C., and writes books that rock
Her first novel, Secret Society Girl (2006), was described as “witty and endearing” by The New York Observer and was placed on the New York Public LIbrary’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age list. The follow-up, Under the Rose (2007) was deemed “impossible to put down” by Publisher’s Weekly, and Booklist called the third book, Rites of Spring (Break) (2008), “an ideal summer read.” The final book in the series, Tap & Gown, will be released in 2009. All titles are available from Bantam Dell.
She also contributed to the non-fiction anthologies, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, edited by Jennifer O’Connell (Pocket Books, 2007), The World of the Golden Compass, edited by Scott Westerfeld (BenBella Books, 2007), and Through the Wardrobe, edited by Herbie Brennan (BenBella Books, 2008).
Her first young adult novel, Rampant, an adventure fantasy about killer unicorns and the virgin descendents of Alexander the Great who hunt them, will be released by Harper Collins in 2009. When she’s not writing, Diana volunteers at the National Zoo, adds movies she has no intention of watching to her Netflix queue, and plays with her puppy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Rio.
Her first novel, Secret Society Girl (2006), was described as “witty and endearing” by The New York Observer and was placed on the New York Public LIbrary’s 2007 Books for the Teen Age list. The follow-up, Under the Rose (2007) was deemed “impossible to put down” by Publisher’s Weekly, and Booklist called the third book, Rites of Spring (Break) (2008), “an ideal summer read.” The final book in the series, Tap & Gown, will be released in 2009. All titles are available from Bantam Dell.
She also contributed to the non-fiction anthologies, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, edited by Jennifer O’Connell (Pocket Books, 2007), The World of the Golden Compass, edited by Scott Westerfeld (BenBella Books, 2007), and Through the Wardrobe, edited by Herbie Brennan (BenBella Books, 2008).
Her first young adult novel, Rampant, an adventure fantasy about killer unicorns and the virgin descendents of Alexander the Great who hunt them, will be released by Harper Collins in 2009. When she’s not writing, Diana volunteers at the National Zoo, adds movies she has no intention of watching to her Netflix queue, and plays with her puppy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Rio.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews
July 7, 2011
Me and killer unicorns, we go way back. The first time I heard of their existence it was like finding that missing piece that completes you into a whole being. It filled the empty little place in my heart. And still now, I can't get enough.
Errant is a short story of about 30 pages, set in historical France. Gitta, a unicorn hunter trained in Rome, is summoned to help in a symbolic unicorn hunt. But there is more magic hiding in this estate than she expected...
I loved how in this tiny short story, Ms Peterfreund manages to insert several plot twists, character development and a teasing insight into the world of unicorn hunters. The story stands completely on its own, making it accessible for both die-hard fans and the relatively ignorant.
When I wrote this review, this novelette was still available for free. Read more about this offer on Diana Peterfreund's blog. Go read it, NOW!
Errant is a short story of about 30 pages, set in historical France. Gitta, a unicorn hunter trained in Rome, is summoned to help in a symbolic unicorn hunt. But there is more magic hiding in this estate than she expected...
I loved how in this tiny short story, Ms Peterfreund manages to insert several plot twists, character development and a teasing insight into the world of unicorn hunters. The story stands completely on its own, making it accessible for both die-hard fans and the relatively ignorant.
When I wrote this review, this novelette was still available for free. Read more about this offer on Diana Peterfreund's blog. Go read it, NOW!
July 22, 2011
A short story set in the same universe as the killer unicorns in Rampant and Ascendant, Errant is just as awesome as Rampant. I like unicorns; when they’re bad. Luckily, Diana Peterfreund’s unicorns are just the kind of unicorns that I love to read about.
Errant starts off a little confusing as you’re not too sure whats happening, who it’s happening to and why it’s happening but as you read on things become quite a lot clearer and it’s quite an interesting story.
I love Diana’s writing, I’ve read Rampant and a short story in the Zombies Vs Unicorns anthology and her writing was just as superb as in Errant. The words flow and the descriptions are pretty vivid so you can imagine what these unicorns look like immediately.
Another really good thing about Errant is that while it is set in the same universe as Rampant and Ascendant you don't really have to have read them to enjoy the story. You'll be missing a bit of the back story but it works quite well as a little introduction to the universe of the killer unicorns.
I liked both main female characters, they were both really different and I really liked that. The ending was quite surprising as I did not expect it but it was still really good.
Errant is a very short story so it doesn’t take too long to read. I really enjoyed it and if you’re a fan of Diana’s Killer Unicorn series then you’ll definitely love this one as it runs along the same veins. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already.
Errant starts off a little confusing as you’re not too sure whats happening, who it’s happening to and why it’s happening but as you read on things become quite a lot clearer and it’s quite an interesting story.
I love Diana’s writing, I’ve read Rampant and a short story in the Zombies Vs Unicorns anthology and her writing was just as superb as in Errant. The words flow and the descriptions are pretty vivid so you can imagine what these unicorns look like immediately.
Another really good thing about Errant is that while it is set in the same universe as Rampant and Ascendant you don't really have to have read them to enjoy the story. You'll be missing a bit of the back story but it works quite well as a little introduction to the universe of the killer unicorns.
I liked both main female characters, they were both really different and I really liked that. The ending was quite surprising as I did not expect it but it was still really good.
Errant is a very short story so it doesn’t take too long to read. I really enjoyed it and if you’re a fan of Diana’s Killer Unicorn series then you’ll definitely love this one as it runs along the same veins. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already.
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July 10, 2011Free download - code SSWSF - from Smashwords.com 7/9/11
May 6, 2022
Pretty good.
* Gitta is called to a house where a marriage is about to take place, they want to do some sort of traditional unicorn hunt before the wedding. Gitta doesn't really want to sacrifice her unicorn Enyo though, even though she's old.
* Gitta is surprised when it turns out that the bride, Elise, actually has the ability to call a unicorn to her, which she didn't expect.
* Gitta and Elise come up with a plan so that they can fool the men and spare Enyo, but Elise's cousin ties up Gitta, and tries to kill Elise to gain her late father's estate.
* Luckily the unicorns come to the girls rescue.
* I liked this. I like how kick-ass both Gitta and Elise were, and I loved the way the unicorns obey the virgin girls, but are deadly to everyone else 🤣
* Gitta is called to a house where a marriage is about to take place, they want to do some sort of traditional unicorn hunt before the wedding. Gitta doesn't really want to sacrifice her unicorn Enyo though, even though she's old.
* Gitta is surprised when it turns out that the bride, Elise, actually has the ability to call a unicorn to her, which she didn't expect.
* Gitta and Elise come up with a plan so that they can fool the men and spare Enyo, but Elise's cousin ties up Gitta, and tries to kill Elise to gain her late father's estate.
* Luckily the unicorns come to the girls rescue.
* I liked this. I like how kick-ass both Gitta and Elise were, and I loved the way the unicorns obey the virgin girls, but are deadly to everyone else 🤣
June 25, 2020
In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter's arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns. 2010 Locus Recommended Read.
February 2, 2024
The potential to be an absolutely amazing series was there, but that is about as far as it went.
July 3, 2011
This is a short story which I read on my kindle. Errant is part of Peterfreund’s series which includes Rampant and Ascedant but it is important that you understand that Errant is a stand-alone story. I have not read either of the other books and had no problem reading Errant.
The premise behind the story, and the series is that unicorns are not the innocent creatures we remember from childhood fairy tales. They are nasty creatures who would just as soon eat you as look at you. Even though I have always been a lover of unicorns, I love the idea of changing their mythology.
I want to start out by saying that I did enjoy this story. I also can’t shake the feeling that I would have preferred it to be longer, maybe a novella as opposed to a short story. The longer format would have made it possible for Peterfreund to develop her characters a bit more. She did an excellent job of creating a good plot, I just wish I would have been more invested in her characters.
The story reads very quickly and is interesting. It is a great download if you are looking for something that will allow you to pass the time at the doctor’s office, or while waiting in line at the post office. It is also a great story if you need to decide if you can abide the idea of evil unicorns before investing in Rampant.
I predict that if you enjoy the novels written by Robin McKinley, that you will enjoy this short story.
The premise behind the story, and the series is that unicorns are not the innocent creatures we remember from childhood fairy tales. They are nasty creatures who would just as soon eat you as look at you. Even though I have always been a lover of unicorns, I love the idea of changing their mythology.
I want to start out by saying that I did enjoy this story. I also can’t shake the feeling that I would have preferred it to be longer, maybe a novella as opposed to a short story. The longer format would have made it possible for Peterfreund to develop her characters a bit more. She did an excellent job of creating a good plot, I just wish I would have been more invested in her characters.
The story reads very quickly and is interesting. It is a great download if you are looking for something that will allow you to pass the time at the doctor’s office, or while waiting in line at the post office. It is also a great story if you need to decide if you can abide the idea of evil unicorns before investing in Rampant.
I predict that if you enjoy the novels written by Robin McKinley, that you will enjoy this short story.
July 1, 2011
Synopsis: "In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns.
A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund’s killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT"
My Review: This was a short story that takes place prior to the first two books of the Killer Unicorns series. I think this was the best one so far! The characters were strong, the story line and idea clear, and it kept me wanting to know more! It was great seeing young girls standing up for themselves even in a time when it was not done, with the help of the Unicorns of course. This is a great little teaser to go with the other two books, in fact I would have liked the series to focus on this story and these characters because I am more attached to them in that short time than in both Rampant and Ascendant.
A standalone novelette set in Peterfreund’s killer unicorniverse, which includes the novels RAMPANT and ASCENDANT"
My Review: This was a short story that takes place prior to the first two books of the Killer Unicorns series. I think this was the best one so far! The characters were strong, the story line and idea clear, and it kept me wanting to know more! It was great seeing young girls standing up for themselves even in a time when it was not done, with the help of the Unicorns of course. This is a great little teaser to go with the other two books, in fact I would have liked the series to focus on this story and these characters because I am more attached to them in that short time than in both Rampant and Ascendant.
January 15, 2013
Not bad, a little excursion to further realms of Peterfreund's Killer Unicorns-Universe. She always makes interesting statements about feminism and empowerment in her stories, and on top of things gives us fierce unicorns, what's not to like? Well, I liked this but did not love it as much as I did "Rampant" and "Ascendant", even the other short story I read by her, "The Care and Feeding of your Baby Killer Unicorn" did grab me more, well, I guess medieval tales are not really my thing though it was a nice novelty for once. The virgin factor is still a tad bothersome to me but at least there is a welcome spin on it (as usual).
The story fits perfectly with her other installments but is a bit too short for fans and probably not very interesting for people who do not know the series. But I give her that she created great characters in those couple of pages and a good enough scenario to make it a complete story. But what I actually want is the third book of the killer unicorns, hopefully we will get to see that a day not to far away...
The story fits perfectly with her other installments but is a bit too short for fans and probably not very interesting for people who do not know the series. But I give her that she created great characters in those couple of pages and a good enough scenario to make it a complete story. But what I actually want is the third book of the killer unicorns, hopefully we will get to see that a day not to far away...
July 28, 2012
Es un libro súper corto. Narra la historia de una joven llamada Elise que esta a punto de casarse y contratan a una cazadora de unicornios llamada Gitta para que le enseñe a matar el unicornio para hacerlo en el día de su boda como tradición familiar. En ese corto tiempo le toca enfrentarse a la crueldad de Adolphe, su primo, porque no le conviene que se case, ya que podría perderlo todo. Este librito es parte de la serie "Killer Unicorn" de Diana Peterfreund, sin embargo, está habituado en la época victoriana. seria casi una precuela, aunque no aparecen los mismos personajes de los otros libros (rampant y ascendant). Lo recomiendo para las personad que han leido los otros libros de la serie, porque si lo lee alguien que no los haya leido no lo disfrutará de la misma manera.
March 10, 2013
What a great short story! I love this world of killer unicorns, as silly as it sounds. The imagery is beautiful, the characters are thoughtful, and the prose is well written. I was so glad to hear there was more to this world, even though it was only a short story. I love the different take on unicorns. They are not the friendly creatures fairy tails have us believe. They kill anyone who isn't a virgin maiden. Killer, bloodthirsty unicorns. Love it.
This short story has nothing to do with the other two books. It's fine all on its own, and could really work as a prequel. If you're unsure of wanting to read the series, try this short story first to see if you enjoy the idea of unicorn hunters. Not nearly as much action in this short story, but still a fun read.
This short story has nothing to do with the other two books. It's fine all on its own, and could really work as a prequel. If you're unsure of wanting to read the series, try this short story first to see if you enjoy the idea of unicorn hunters. Not nearly as much action in this short story, but still a fun read.
August 11, 2011
Interesting addition to the Killer Unicorns universe. I like the emphasis on the historical unicorn hunters, as well as tying actual depictions of unicorn hunts and tapestry. That said, I wish there would have been more of Elise’s quiet strength, and her build-up to defying her family and fiance’s wishes at the end. Gitta’s story is strong, and I liked her relationship with Enyo the unicorn. It’s not a bad short story, and I’d recommend it for fans of the Killer Unicorns series, but it didn’t have the same drawing in as Rampant or “The Care and Keeping of Your Killer Unicorn” did. (Note: I got those during the free Smashwords promo last month.)
February 22, 2012
so it's well established i love killer unicorns, and i love everything Diana Peterfreund writes.
but let me say why i loved this short story.
what endears me to peterfreund is that it's clear she does her research. here with have gitta, a unicorn hunter nun, and elise, a noble french maiden. this is about tradition, and magic, desire and reality, duty and dreams. it's short, being a short story, but there is such detail. and enyo! and enyo's story. the little zhi and poor bijoux.
it's historically correct. and that makes me so happy.
but let me say why i loved this short story.
what endears me to peterfreund is that it's clear she does her research. here with have gitta, a unicorn hunter nun, and elise, a noble french maiden. this is about tradition, and magic, desire and reality, duty and dreams. it's short, being a short story, but there is such detail. and enyo! and enyo's story. the little zhi and poor bijoux.
it's historically correct. and that makes me so happy.
June 5, 2013
Nice and interesting story!!!
I can't believe they wanted to kill a unicorn for the hunt because of a betrothal celebration and start of the wedding party!!! Don't they know that unicorns are magical beings and hard to find??!!?? They should talk to Voldemort on how hard to find and what the price is to kill a unicorn!!!
The unicorn is eating the peacock!!! Where is Hagrid, obviously, the sister from Rome doesn't know how to take care of the unicorn.
Order of the Lioness...maidens of the blood... hunt for unicorn tradition...nun huntress...evil cousins...philandering fiancé...magical connection with unicorns...
I can't believe they wanted to kill a unicorn for the hunt because of a betrothal celebration and start of the wedding party!!! Don't they know that unicorns are magical beings and hard to find??!!?? They should talk to Voldemort on how hard to find and what the price is to kill a unicorn!!!
The unicorn is eating the peacock!!! Where is Hagrid, obviously, the sister from Rome doesn't know how to take care of the unicorn.
Order of the Lioness...maidens of the blood... hunt for unicorn tradition...nun huntress...evil cousins...philandering fiancé...magical connection with unicorns...
January 5, 2012
A wonderful little standalone short story set in Peterfreund's world of her "Killer Unicorns" story. This is a departure from the two novels (and her other short story, "The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn") because the story takes place in the 18th century as opposed to modern times. I love this because it shows how much Peterfreund has to mine in this universe where kick-ass nuns slay evil unicorns. I hope she never stops writing about these foul beasts and the babes who fight them.
January 10, 2013
I have had Rampant on my shelf for ages now and I am moving it up on my TBR list because I enjoyed this short novella so much! I began reading Errant and thought I was gonna just have to put it down because I could not fathom why anybody would want to kill a unicorn! I was really getting upset and still had an upsetting moment in the story (that had nothing to do with the Unicorn) but don't want to give that away...
There is not much I can say without unloading the entire story but it's basically about a Unicorn Hunter who has to train a lady to become a unicorn killer before her wedding.
There is not much I can say without unloading the entire story but it's basically about a Unicorn Hunter who has to train a lady to become a unicorn killer before her wedding.
October 3, 2011
I really like this world that Peterfreund has created, and I liked the direction this story took, but, as is usually the case with these novellas people keep putting out these days, it felt like the end came a little too abruptly and that the main problems were solved a little too easily. I definitely liked the two main characters, I just would have preferred a bit more depth to the story. But then, I'm not sure how much depth you can really squeeze in in so few pages. This is why I just don't love novellas...
August 26, 2011
My first ebook! I downloaded it to read on my new iphone during the eternal waiting around we'll do tomorrow signing up for benefits at my new school district.
This was a lovely companion to her other killer unicorn books. A look into their past and with more kick butt girls.
Perfect to pass time waiting in line.
This was a lovely companion to her other killer unicorn books. A look into their past and with more kick butt girls.
Perfect to pass time waiting in line.
September 5, 2011
Quick short story to go along with the killer unicorns series. I liked getting things from both girls' perspectives and thought it gave some good background to the series. I'd recommend it to anyone who's been reading the series, or even thinking about it (I don't believe it has any spoilers for the series itself).
January 20, 2015
This was a fun little introduction to the world of Killer Unicorns. As I understand, it is stand-alone and does not relate directly to the other two novels in that world. As a taste, it was interesting. I felt it could've used a little more showing & less telling, but I'm glad I read it and am definitely looking forward to reading the others.
March 31, 2016
A short story to accompany "Rampant" and "Ascendant." It's set in the past, about an old-timey unicorn hunter. And yet, Peterfreund packs as much emotion and intensity into this little story as she did in her full-length novels. Damn public, not reading her books and causing her damn publisher to pull out of the contract so the third novel never gets released.
September 23, 2011
Also in Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love edited by Trisha Telep
August 25, 2012
I really, really liked this story. I am going to get Rampant and Ascendant. This story caught me and I want to read more about these unicorns. This story was catching, easy to read, really great discriptions, fun and I was stuck. Must Read this book, and I totally recommend it to others!!!!!!
October 19, 2012
I've been reading this short story on and off when I've had a few extra minutes on my hands. I liked it, but not as much as I did Rampant. It contains different characters. Overall, it worked for great reading while waiting in line at the Secretary of State, etc...
August 11, 2012
I read this on a lark, thinking it would be hilarious. BUT I was surprised. The mythology is actually pretty good and in a short span of pages, some serious characters were drawn. I was actually attached to the unicorn! I'll prob check this series out in spite of myself.
September 3, 2012
I love me some warrior unicorns. ("The Firebringer Trilogy" is made of Epic.) I love me some female empowerment. Alternate history is fun. But for some reason, this one never quite "grabbed" me. I liked it, just didn't *really* like it. But it was well done and a good read for what it was.
January 21, 2013
I liked this addition to the world of Killer Unicorns. It was interesting to see how the hunters were functioning in the ages between roman and modern times. I liked the in between of it and the way characters treated the concept of unicorns and hunters.
April 11, 2011
Girl power. Herbology. Killer unicorns. Great good fun. It's 99 cents. Download it NOW.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews