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Unicorn Witch
The inhabitants of the fourth planet of one of the last solar systems found before leaving this galaxy know their world as Refuge. They know only that a race referred to as the Old Ones brought their ancestors to it, and still, at the rate of twenty or thirty per year, continue to do so.From childhood, all are able to mentally call for small items such as food and it will come to their hand. Some have more power and are able to change the nature of things. They refer to their ability as magic.For the last ten years, groups of people have been wakening to discover that they have lost their powers.World President Merlin recruits an eighteen-year-old girl to investigate. Why does he think she may succeed where he has failed? She is the only witch to have a unicorn as a familiar!
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
226 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2004
17 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Derek White
5 books105 followersBorn in 1936, I became a full-time professional dancer after university. Now semi-retired I split my time between my home with my wife Maureen in a little village South East of London, England, near where my son Matt lives with his wife Lani, and in New York visiting my daughter Melanie with her American husband Greg, and their children Emily and Mathew.
I enjoy reading, writing, and is just learning about "Pages" on Facebook and Goodreads I hope to be able to chat with fans of my books.
I enjoy reading, writing, and is just learning about "Pages" on Facebook and Goodreads I hope to be able to chat with fans of my books.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 26, 2012
Unicorn Which is a very interesting story. It can be a bit confusing when you are first starting the book, because you jump back and forth between two different places that seem to be in two different times. Don't let this confuse you. The years are different because they started tracking dates at different times. They actually coexist at the same time. Refuge is a planet, equivalent to Earth, but is not nearly as populated and is inhabited by witches and various other awesome creatures. There is a group referred to as The Old Ones, that will rescue witches that are in danger of losing their lives on Earth. The Old Ones put them on the planet Refuge as a safe haven. Hence, the name Refuge! I am only telling you this because it will make things easier to understand at the start of the book. So, please, do not give up on this one. You will enjoy it, I promise!
Be aware that there are, what my friends and I like to call, British-isms. For example, you will here the mention of a weight measurement in Stones. 1 stone is about 14 pounds. Some of the spelling is different as well, but not so much so that you can't figure out what it is -- learnt = learned, etc. There are a few things that you feel may move too fast or that don't go deep enough into the story, but I had no issues moving on and continuing on a journey along side Tyana, Marcus, Karim, and Rebel. Did I mention that Karim and Rebel are unicorns? No? Oops! There are more where they come from.
I don't want to go too far into detail because this is genuinely a good story and I want you to read it! I just wanted to point out the things that may cause you to stop reading the book making you miss out on a good story! There is love, friendship, action, mystery, and much more. It is really a well rounded adventure. If you act fast, you can get this first installment for free! Just head over to the Unicorn Witch facebook page and get a coupon code to use on Smashwords. If it isn't your thing who cares? It was free! If you like it, buy the next two books at a very reasonable price ♥
Be aware that there are, what my friends and I like to call, British-isms. For example, you will here the mention of a weight measurement in Stones. 1 stone is about 14 pounds. Some of the spelling is different as well, but not so much so that you can't figure out what it is -- learnt = learned, etc. There are a few things that you feel may move too fast or that don't go deep enough into the story, but I had no issues moving on and continuing on a journey along side Tyana, Marcus, Karim, and Rebel. Did I mention that Karim and Rebel are unicorns? No? Oops! There are more where they come from.
I don't want to go too far into detail because this is genuinely a good story and I want you to read it! I just wanted to point out the things that may cause you to stop reading the book making you miss out on a good story! There is love, friendship, action, mystery, and much more. It is really a well rounded adventure. If you act fast, you can get this first installment for free! Just head over to the Unicorn Witch facebook page and get a coupon code to use on Smashwords. If it isn't your thing who cares? It was free! If you like it, buy the next two books at a very reasonable price ♥
September 1, 2012
"Given To Me For Review"
All i could say was wow. This is seriously something i would of read one day if someone recommended it to me. I got a great opportunity to read it. For the first few pages i was confused but i soon got the hang of it. This was something totally different from what i usually read. Even though i'm more of a vampire, werewolf kind of girl i loved this book. Witches, unicorns and something new to like, familiars. *you will get what i mean when you read this book*
Anyway, there was only one things that wasn't so great for me and that was the use of these --> !!!! While reading i saw to many and some were unnecessary. I dont know if that was only my file but yea. Either way i liked the book and would totally recommend that you read it! :)Unicorn WitchDerek White
All i could say was wow. This is seriously something i would of read one day if someone recommended it to me. I got a great opportunity to read it. For the first few pages i was confused but i soon got the hang of it. This was something totally different from what i usually read. Even though i'm more of a vampire, werewolf kind of girl i loved this book. Witches, unicorns and something new to like, familiars. *you will get what i mean when you read this book*
Anyway, there was only one things that wasn't so great for me and that was the use of these --> !!!! While reading i saw to many and some were unnecessary. I dont know if that was only my file but yea. Either way i liked the book and would totally recommend that you read it! :)Unicorn WitchDerek White
November 10, 2012
Great Read For Teens and Adults
It starts out with a young but powerful woman trying to save her home. It turns into a great story of love, friendship, determination, respect, magic, and mystery. It is set on another planet with magic and unicorns. All the action (romance/ violence) is there but mild enough for teens to read and intriguing enough for adults to be interested.
The main characters are Tyana Counter, the young powerful witch and her familiar Karim (unicorn). Detective Sergeant Marcus Samuels, a new arrival from Earth and him familiar Rebel (unicorn). They have many friends along the way that help them in their journey. The discover other species that live in their world that they have no idea existed.
The plot was exciting and I did not see the true villain or savior until it got to them so you wanted to keep reading to find out “who, why, how”. There are some interesting issues raised in the book that are taken from our own struggles with humanity and equality with race and gender. There are a few grammar errors but not enough that I stopped reading.
The book was a nice read I hope there is more stories from this world. The book ended nicely and there is room for more books but it does not demand more to finish this story. It was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking are more from this author as this was my first by Derek White.
It starts out with a young but powerful woman trying to save her home. It turns into a great story of love, friendship, determination, respect, magic, and mystery. It is set on another planet with magic and unicorns. All the action (romance/ violence) is there but mild enough for teens to read and intriguing enough for adults to be interested.
The main characters are Tyana Counter, the young powerful witch and her familiar Karim (unicorn). Detective Sergeant Marcus Samuels, a new arrival from Earth and him familiar Rebel (unicorn). They have many friends along the way that help them in their journey. The discover other species that live in their world that they have no idea existed.
The plot was exciting and I did not see the true villain or savior until it got to them so you wanted to keep reading to find out “who, why, how”. There are some interesting issues raised in the book that are taken from our own struggles with humanity and equality with race and gender. There are a few grammar errors but not enough that I stopped reading.
The book was a nice read I hope there is more stories from this world. The book ended nicely and there is room for more books but it does not demand more to finish this story. It was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking are more from this author as this was my first by Derek White.
August 27, 2012
The Unicorn Witch is based on Refuge, the alternate world to Earth where magic exists and is a way of life to it's inhabitants. Anything needed is conjured with a thought and your animal familiar is your equal and best friend. Life is perfect...for those unaffected by a mystery illness robing people of their magic.
Tyana's friend Darren was the first affected when they were children but was by no means the last. Tyana progressed with her magical career while Darren stayed behind to continue life as a normal human. Years later she's been made head of the task to find Who? How? and Why? by Merlin. Which her trusted familiar, the Unicorn Karim helping the two embark on a quest across refuge to find the answers.
Meanwhile in Camelot, the latest refugees from Earth arrive just outside Tyana's family ranch and are welcomed and introduced to this new magical world that they thought only existed in stories.
The story has an easy natural flow that continuously piques throughout to keep it fresh. The dialogue is natural between the characters with good abbreviation. It's not over written and I would have liked to have read more!
Honestly can't pick out a favourite character as their all likeable and well developed with the story being told from different view points.
A truly magical tale
Tyana's friend Darren was the first affected when they were children but was by no means the last. Tyana progressed with her magical career while Darren stayed behind to continue life as a normal human. Years later she's been made head of the task to find Who? How? and Why? by Merlin. Which her trusted familiar, the Unicorn Karim helping the two embark on a quest across refuge to find the answers.
Meanwhile in Camelot, the latest refugees from Earth arrive just outside Tyana's family ranch and are welcomed and introduced to this new magical world that they thought only existed in stories.
The story has an easy natural flow that continuously piques throughout to keep it fresh. The dialogue is natural between the characters with good abbreviation. It's not over written and I would have liked to have read more!
Honestly can't pick out a favourite character as their all likeable and well developed with the story being told from different view points.
A truly magical tale
September 12, 2012
This book was absolutely amazing it's not a book I would normaly pick up to read but I'm so glad I did if your into magic/unicorns and different worlds I suggest you pick up this book because I'm glad I did
August 9, 2012
What a awesome book. Adventure,romance,mystery,fantasy all rolled into one book. I can't wait to read the next one . Iterate this book a 5.
August 29, 2012
Reminds me of the Pern series by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey. Will update as I have more of it read but 21% into it and I find it incredible and very well done.
August 25, 2013
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Grade: A+
For the easily confused, this book might not work. You jump back and forth between two different settings for the book, especially in the beginning. It part of the plan, and stay the course, because this book is worth it!
We see Refuge, planet like earth, inhabited by witches and various other freaking cool creatures. This is a planet I’d like to go to, it sounds like a fun place to be. The old one rescue witches, who are at risk on Earth, and bring them to Refuge to protect them; Refuge is a haven for all those who are different and not accepted on earth. This concept is so imaginative and interesting to me!
Unicorns, there are unicorns as characters in this book. It’s my childhood dream come to life in reality, or book reality. I loved this. It’s not a cheap thrill; these are well thought out unicorn characters! Who ever thought that this day would come? They are such a wonderful addition to this story.
There’s a bit of a sherlockian element in the mystery, the illness causing people to lose their magic, and now Tyana’s on the task of figuring the whole thing. It adds a nice bit of mystery and suspense to the whole story. It’s full of twist, and it reads so easily, you don’t realize how much of the story you’ve already flown through.
Did I mention Merlin is in this book? Oh I didn’t? Like you really need another reason to pick it up!
The book blends magic, and quests, and all the wonderful things from fantasy with witches and unicorns, and then it blends in the sci fiction element with planets. It’s a wonderful read, and captures everything I love about fantasy into one, and then adds some!
This is definitely a book you buy and keep on your shelf to read over and over! It flows, it’s got a great plot, and it has unicorns. What more do you need?
**I received this book in a giveaway, and am providing a review.
Grade: A+
For the easily confused, this book might not work. You jump back and forth between two different settings for the book, especially in the beginning. It part of the plan, and stay the course, because this book is worth it!
We see Refuge, planet like earth, inhabited by witches and various other freaking cool creatures. This is a planet I’d like to go to, it sounds like a fun place to be. The old one rescue witches, who are at risk on Earth, and bring them to Refuge to protect them; Refuge is a haven for all those who are different and not accepted on earth. This concept is so imaginative and interesting to me!
Unicorns, there are unicorns as characters in this book. It’s my childhood dream come to life in reality, or book reality. I loved this. It’s not a cheap thrill; these are well thought out unicorn characters! Who ever thought that this day would come? They are such a wonderful addition to this story.
There’s a bit of a sherlockian element in the mystery, the illness causing people to lose their magic, and now Tyana’s on the task of figuring the whole thing. It adds a nice bit of mystery and suspense to the whole story. It’s full of twist, and it reads so easily, you don’t realize how much of the story you’ve already flown through.
Did I mention Merlin is in this book? Oh I didn’t? Like you really need another reason to pick it up!
The book blends magic, and quests, and all the wonderful things from fantasy with witches and unicorns, and then it blends in the sci fiction element with planets. It’s a wonderful read, and captures everything I love about fantasy into one, and then adds some!
This is definitely a book you buy and keep on your shelf to read over and over! It flows, it’s got a great plot, and it has unicorns. What more do you need?
**I received this book in a giveaway, and am providing a review.
May 12, 2013
(This review may contain spoilers).
I really did like the idea behind this book. Unfortunately, it fell short of a lot of my expectations and just fell into the same category as so many other YA books... but more at the tail-end of bad.
I've never been interested in reading about characters who are so powerful, everything falls into their lap. By the end of the book, it was just reading about how wonderful and amazing the good guys were and how bad the bad guys were. There was no true conflict - and, really, someone's disguised as ugly, but their 'true beauty' shines through? *Gags*.
This had a lot of the irritating cliches so prevalent in YA books - love at first sight, characters who aren't fully developed, over-powered characters... (Really? The youngest person to ever become a high-leveled magic user, the most powerful magic user ever *eyeroll* and the *only* person to have a unicorn familiar? Oh and let's not forget the fact that she manipulates minds and reads people's thoughts without permission and has no qualms about murdering people who she knows can't defend themselves).
The idea behind the magic was a really interesting one, including the one about familiars. I just wish that the character had actually had real things to deal with, rather than just spending the entire book having everyone say, 'Look at Tyanna! Isn't she wonderful? Don't you just love her?!'
I apologise for the fact that this is probably overly-harsh, but I'm sick to death of reading the same thing over and over again. It's a pity I have to wade through so much rubbish to find the books that are actually good.
I really did like the idea behind this book. Unfortunately, it fell short of a lot of my expectations and just fell into the same category as so many other YA books... but more at the tail-end of bad.
I've never been interested in reading about characters who are so powerful, everything falls into their lap. By the end of the book, it was just reading about how wonderful and amazing the good guys were and how bad the bad guys were. There was no true conflict - and, really, someone's disguised as ugly, but their 'true beauty' shines through? *Gags*.
This had a lot of the irritating cliches so prevalent in YA books - love at first sight, characters who aren't fully developed, over-powered characters... (Really? The youngest person to ever become a high-leveled magic user, the most powerful magic user ever *eyeroll* and the *only* person to have a unicorn familiar? Oh and let's not forget the fact that she manipulates minds and reads people's thoughts without permission and has no qualms about murdering people who she knows can't defend themselves).
The idea behind the magic was a really interesting one, including the one about familiars. I just wish that the character had actually had real things to deal with, rather than just spending the entire book having everyone say, 'Look at Tyanna! Isn't she wonderful? Don't you just love her?!'
I apologise for the fact that this is probably overly-harsh, but I'm sick to death of reading the same thing over and over again. It's a pity I have to wade through so much rubbish to find the books that are actually good.
August 1, 2016
I wanted to like this book. I really did. A new world filled only with magical people transplanted from Earth. they use their powers openly and everyone is equal and gets along. But someone is stealing their powers and it's up to one woman and her unicorn familiar to figure out who it is and how to stop them.
the premise is good. I described the book to a few people and they were right into it.
but then you start reading it. And it's okay the first few pages. a little clunky and weird dialogue formatting but you can get passes that. As the story progresses though? you realize that all the characters talk the same way. there is no distinctive voice. And it's wooden and it seems the author wants to get info across to the reader so someone asks a question that just reads awkward. Also it is over explained. there are various levels of magic and the system on how to progress is explained at least 5 times in the first 100 pages. there are also various love stories with instant "I love this person fully for the rest of my life" and those story lines just seemed forced and unnatural.
I don't know, the whole execution of the story as a whole read like my 14 year old self's writing with no distinctive voice. it saddens me because I love the idea. I'm hoping this was the author's first novel and the writing will improve in subsequent stories.
the premise is good. I described the book to a few people and they were right into it.
but then you start reading it. And it's okay the first few pages. a little clunky and weird dialogue formatting but you can get passes that. As the story progresses though? you realize that all the characters talk the same way. there is no distinctive voice. And it's wooden and it seems the author wants to get info across to the reader so someone asks a question that just reads awkward. Also it is over explained. there are various levels of magic and the system on how to progress is explained at least 5 times in the first 100 pages. there are also various love stories with instant "I love this person fully for the rest of my life" and those story lines just seemed forced and unnatural.
I don't know, the whole execution of the story as a whole read like my 14 year old self's writing with no distinctive voice. it saddens me because I love the idea. I'm hoping this was the author's first novel and the writing will improve in subsequent stories.
June 6, 2013
This was a delightful fantasy adventure. It took a little while—the first few chapters—to really get going but once it did I couldn't stop reading it. Honestly, keep with it, you'll be missing out on a lovely story if you don't.
Much of the book is set in the world of Refuge. The population is a mixture of human and fantastical creatures—and the humans at least are there because they were rescued from certain death on Earth by the mysterious "Old Ones." All of the inhabitants have some level of magical ability, but over recent years some have lost that ability without warning or apparent cause. Merlin, effectively head of the humans asks Tyana and her unicorn familiar Karim to investigate, and the story really takes off from there.
There was a mixture of new and interesting ideas in Unicorn Witch alongside a few fantasy/fiction staples, but it's definitely an enjoyable read, and I could recommend it for teenage or adult readers. However, it might not be suitable for children—there is some mild sexual content in the book. I gather there are further books to follow on from this one, but this does stand quite nicely on its own and the story is wrapped up well.
Lovely story, and my thanks to Melanie for pointing me at a free copy.
Much of the book is set in the world of Refuge. The population is a mixture of human and fantastical creatures—and the humans at least are there because they were rescued from certain death on Earth by the mysterious "Old Ones." All of the inhabitants have some level of magical ability, but over recent years some have lost that ability without warning or apparent cause. Merlin, effectively head of the humans asks Tyana and her unicorn familiar Karim to investigate, and the story really takes off from there.
There was a mixture of new and interesting ideas in Unicorn Witch alongside a few fantasy/fiction staples, but it's definitely an enjoyable read, and I could recommend it for teenage or adult readers. However, it might not be suitable for children—there is some mild sexual content in the book. I gather there are further books to follow on from this one, but this does stand quite nicely on its own and the story is wrapped up well.
Lovely story, and my thanks to Melanie for pointing me at a free copy.
May 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters. At first in was a bit confusing jumping around from one location to the next, but once I started to get further in, it all made sense. The book is well written and the characters are well developed. It gave a good amount of background information on the characters.
Tyana lives on Refuge. A world where everyone uses magic and from time to time someone from Earth will randomly appear. There have been a number of people who will suddenly lose their magic, and people want to know why. Tyana is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Tyana lives on Refuge. A world where everyone uses magic and from time to time someone from Earth will randomly appear. There have been a number of people who will suddenly lose their magic, and people want to know why. Tyana is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
December 8, 2015
In the special world of Refuge,far, far away, readers will find magic,mystery and suspense. Ho awesome would it be to conjure up what you need with a thought and have your favorite animal be your familiar. When people begin to lose their magic readers are taken on the adventure of finding out why. The author is able to create a mystifying,magical world of adventure and daring. The main drawback to this book were a few strange font changes, but other than thought I found this story a good one for readers who love magic and mystery. I would like to check out book two and see where the story goes from here.
January 28, 2014
Ok this was a great book. I'm a big fan of unicorns; magic and the legends of the wizard Merlin. I also love the fact that to preform these magical things they didn't need a wand or even a spell. This book has all these things combined into one. I wasn't so much into the whole romance soul mate thing but I feel the magic and adventure made up for a little of it.
September 20, 2015
Please, please, please do not let my review stop you from getting this book.
With that being said, I had to push through after 10%. In no way am I saying that this book isn't worth the read because it is. It's well written, the characters are really well developed and it flows nicely. I just couldn't get in to it.
With that being said, I had to push through after 10%. In no way am I saying that this book isn't worth the read because it is. It's well written, the characters are really well developed and it flows nicely. I just couldn't get in to it.
August 27, 2015
Not a bad book. Confusing at first and it didn't flow well for me anyways. I know some liked it but its one of those you like or dont. I didnt like it much and not something I'll continue with the series. Good idea though just didnt get executed well. Its not for everyone but give it a try and make that conclusion yourself! :)
July 13, 2013
I recommend this book to everyone. This book was different then other books I have read. The incorporation of witches, "fairytale" creatures, other planets, and aliens was awesome. I cannot wait to read the other 2 books in the series. Thank you:)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews