The Goodness of Unicorns

The Tritonia Chronicles #1

by Kayla E. Green

One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you've never seen before.

It's Rowan Tritonia's sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person's soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe?

News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan's local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king's sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness.

Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Kayla E. Green is an author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. She has written an award-winning YA fantasy novella, Aivan: The One Truth, and an inspirational poetry collection, Metamorphosis. Kayla also
has stories and poems featured in various anthologies as well as contest-winning stories published in Clean Fiction Magazine and online with WOW! Women on Writing. Additionally, she has several flash fiction stories available through Havok Publishing. Kayla’s next YA fantasy novel is set to debut in 2025. Learn more and connect with her at theunicornwriter.com and on Instagram @theunicornwriter93.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

3 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - YA Fantasy (with abilities/powers; not called magic)

About this book:

“One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you've never seen before.
It's Rowan Tritonia's sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person's soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe?
News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan's local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king's sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness.
Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her?”


Series: Book #1 in “The Tritonia Chronicles” duology.


Spiritual Content- 1 Peter 3:15 at the beginning; People tell Rowan that she was prepared “for such a time as this” (referencing Esther 4:14); Prayers, Thanking Verimor, & a Blessing over food; Talks about Verimor & turning to Him when needing guidance; ‘H’s are capital when referring to Verimor (God); Rowan doesn’t understand why Verimor won’t heal her sister; Rowan is blessed by a messenger of Verimor (who is a unicorn in human appearance) with the gift of “Sight” which causes her to lose being able to see any color and is now able to see the condition of a person’s soul (showing grey shadows or white light; When she stares at the person’s chest and soul, she can see memories that shaped the person (good or bad), their emotions, and any moral battles inside of them; Some are “shattered” due to past tragedies and others are fully black; Someone tells Rowan that she can encourage others who have strayed from Verimor to go back to Him with her blessing); *Major Spoilers* Rowan’s necklace has a blessing on it and causes Blythe’s burns to be healed and her hair to change colors (implying she’s been blessed as well) *End of Spoilers*; Thanks to her blessing, *Spoiler* Rowan is able to find the location of people who have been abducted because of knowing what their soul looks like *End of Spoiler*; Mentions of Verimor, His plans, & His purpose for us; Mentions of prayers & praying (including characters kissing a curved finger and raising it to the sky after praying); Mentions of the Book of Verimor (Bible); Mentions of faiths & having faith; Mentions of clerics, clergywomen, & mages (who all work in church-like settings); Mentions of cathedrals, going to worship, & services; Mentions of blessings; A few mentions of devotionals & quite time with Verimor;
*Note: Unicorns are messengers of God (the author has said on social media that they are comparable to angels) and one transforms into a human-like appearance to talk to a character; Prophets/Prophetesses are called “Phoenixes” and a prophecy is shared from one; The head of the religious church is called a “diatomist” and is able to ask the wind to do something for him and asks for the earth to shake (this is because of the person’s faith and a connection that allows “direct spiritual guidance” from Verimor); The head diatomist’s apprentice is called a “mage”; *Spoilers* Oren, the mage and apprentice to the head religious figure, is the only person that Rowan can see in color; He is responsible for teaching her and tries to convince her that they would be an unstoppable team; *Major Spoilers* Oren uses Rowan to help those who have been “shattered” by darkness in their souls by trying to have her separate the shadows and the light, but while Rowan thinks something is wrong, she does it anyway and it causes major consequences; Rowan uses her blessing on someone else which helps the person, but Oren is upset that she used her blessing without him (the difference between what Rowan felt and experienced between the two different times of using her blessing is noticed); Rowan witnesses someone who has been “healed” by the girl’s soul being covered by the shadows and is torn about Oren’s way of using their gifts/powers together because shadows come from him when using it instead of the white light she experienced; Those who have given themselves to the darknesses appear as having shadows in their eyes and veins *End of Spoilers*; Dinah is one person who was blessed with the gift of Sight from Verimor through one of His unicorns (a story is told about her from Blythe that is partially from the Book of Verimor, but Blythe admits to adding creative liberties to the story because not much was said about the girl in the Bible-like book); A villain tries to use a cursed item through “shadows of a dysfunction” to harm others (which is said to be from the dark twisting/corruption of a blessing) and can be used in a poison-like way; Another country believes it to be foolish to believe in a deity like Verimor & one man from there spews “blasphemy” against Verimor; A side character says that regardless of what “semantics” you use, things like wishes, prayers, and dreams are all a fantasy; A tradition in this world is to eat a certain fruit on a person’s sixteenth birthday and how ever many seeds is in that melon, the person gets that many “wishes” (because of this, Rowan plans to wish for her sister to be healed; Bane tells her that her wish is not guaranteed and it’s just for fun, but Rowan still believes that Verimor will grant her wish because it’s the desire of her heart; A legend/story is told about four men holding up the pillars of the world when it was young and the snakes that tried to tempt them (one version has a multi-headed snake); A few mentions of a prophecy from a prophetess; A couple mentions of luck & being lucky.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’ and a form of ‘stupid’; The fictional phrase “what/how in the name of Admiral Ocean [a place]” is said four times; Being shot at, Being held at knife-point, Injuries, Pain (including chronic), Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Seeing people stabbed, killed, beheaded, & dying (up to semi-detailed); Finding two cats poisoned and nearly dead (but both survive, up to semi-detailed); When Rowan uses her blessing to look into someone’s past hurt, she feels the pain and grief the person has faced (up to semi-detailed); Blythe tells someone about her nightmare of being trapped a fire and then in water; Mentions of wars, assassination attempts & poisons; Mentions of deaths & grief; Mentions of attacks, people being held at knife-point, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of Blythe’s chronic pain & sometimes being bedridden due to the pain; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of an abusive drunk beating and killing his wife (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a man who cut out his own tongue to avoid being questioned (and later dying due to an infection); A few mentions of beatings; A few mentions of alcohol, drinking, & an abusive drunk; A few mentions of fires & burns; A few mentions of snakes being killed; A few mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A mention of a mother dying shortly after childbirth;
*Note: Blythe is hurt by Rowan’s comment that implies she views Blythe as broken (due to her chronic pain; *Spoiler* At the end, Rowan realizes that her obsession of getting Blythe’s pain to stop was making Blythe feel less than and asks for forgiveness *End of Spoiler*); A side character has a strained relationship with her father; A story is told about a girl who is told she is a nobody from her father and his unkindness towards her (a unicorn counters his words and tells her that she is a child of Verimor and has a purpose); A few mentions of a country viewing women as “second-class citizens” (including a man’s comments against women).


Sexual Content- Two hand/palm kisses, two cheek kisses, and a forehead kiss; Some touches, embraces, dancing, hand holding, tingles/butterflies, nearness, smelling (including unwanted ones, barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Some noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blythe knows that her worth isn’t dependent on a boy’s love, but still wonders if love and marriage are possibilities for her; Mentions of a handsome young man and girls ogling him; Mentions of courting & crushes; A few mentions of jealousy; Very light love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Helping a woman in labor (barely-above-not-detailed).

-Rowan Tritonia, age 16
P.O.V. switches between Rowan, Linnea, Blythe, and Bane
266 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

This was definitely different than my normal fantasy read! It actually felt like a mix of different elements that I usually only see in either Christian Fiction Fantasy or Clean Fiction Fantasy books. The faith system for this world had parts that reminded me of Christianity, but also had unicorns being the messengers of the God-like character and a other things like prophetess and oracles, which felt more like what I’ve seen in Clean Fiction Fantasy books.

It’s definitely not an allegory, so don’t take it as one because not everything in the faith aspect correlates directly to the Bible. There’s a prophetess called a phoenix and unicorns that are messengers from the God-like character, Verimor. I think I prefer my fantasy books a little more straightforward but those who are interested in this plot may enjoy this book more. It has the Light vs Shadows element as well that a reader has to pay attention to notice at first before it becomes obvious due to different events.

I wasn’t sure at first with the comments about wishes and the God-like character granting them, but it’s quickly discussed that there is a difference between wishes and prayers & how Verimor (the name for God in this setting) doesn’t grant wishes; the wish granting comments and parts are just an old tradition that is done for fun. Rowan’s friend, Bane, was very clear about this and I really appreciate that being said so quickly into the book.

One other thing I would have liked to see quickly in the story was more about the abilities that Rowan has received. There were some things here and there that I didn’t understand. Such as I didn’t always understand what Rowan’s “Sight” was. What she did and what happened when she used it made sense eventually, but I would have preferred more information about it all up front because it was a new element I didn’t quite get. Her power was supposed to be from Verimor (God) after being blessed by a unicorn (one of Verimor’s messengers), so learning more about the history of it and why it’s given would have been helpful. By the end, I understood more, but I think the world building could have been a little more at the beginning. I wished things had been explained more and why things were happening, such as the whole prophetess who was called a phoenix. Perhaps that will be a more important part in the sequel story, but I was confused how she tied in as it felt a little random and not explained.

I liked Rowan, Blythe, and Bane. I enjoyed these main characters, seeing them interact, and the challenges they faced. Rowan and Blythe’s sister dynamic was strong which I always like to see in books. They weren’t perfect sisters to each other and cause each other hurt with their words at times, but they always had each other’s backs.

There was a certain side character that felt like a walking red flag, so I was glad he wasn’t the love interest in this book and narrowed my eyes at him anytime he appeared—and rightfully so after the ending! “The Goodness of Unicorns” ends with a cliff-hanger, as a heads up!

This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me; I liked some elements (the sisters’ bond!) and was confused on other parts (the magic/power system), but I think those that like High or Epic Fantasy books (books with lots of fantasy elements) may enjoy this book me than me.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

[Brooke J Katz]

The Goodness of Unicorns is a magically faith filled journey. It reminds us of our worth and doing the right thing in the midst of challenges even when it's hard. It incorporates sisterly bonds, chronic illness representation and find strength in his light.

[Sarah]

The Goodness of Unicorns is a fantasy novel with a strong faith element, some interesting worldbuilding, and solid disability representation, but which could've been stronger in certain aspects.

I definitely appreciated the strong faith element. This story dwells a lot on faith and what it means to live by faith, especially in regards to the question of what you do when God doesn’t seem to be answering the prayer you want Him to answer. Rowan, the main heroine, particularly struggles with this question throughout the story, and while it’s not fully resolved by the end (probably because this is the first in the series), I like how it’s handled throughout.

The disability representation also seemed well-done. Blythe, Rowan’s sister and one of our secondary main characters, struggles with disability and chronic pain that sometimes renders her unable to walk and sometimes forces her to use a cane. While I’m not an expert, her storyline rings true with accounts I’ve seen and heard from other people, and I liked the tension between some characters wanting to “fix” her problem and others (including Blythe herself) trying to find ways that she can live with the issue.

Characters tend to be what make or break a story for me, but unfortunately, this was one of this novel's weak points. Rowan's Sight was interesting, and Rowan's reaction to receiving the Sight was understandable, but for the most part, I didn't connect strongly to most of the characters. Linnea, the older sister and advisor to the king, who could have been queen herself, was the one exception. She’s in a place where she’s mature enough to have some experience, wisdom, and self-awareness and act as a mentor, but still has more space to grow and change, and she just generally interested me.

Part of the reason I had trouble connecting to the characters is probably because the novel could've used more polish. Character dialogue especially suffered; characters were simply too transparent. The style in general also feels a bit flat. While I didn't find a lot of technical problems, there's still a spark lacking.

In summary, The Goodness of Unicorns is not a great book, but it does some things well. If the blurb interests you, it could be worth a try; just don't set your expectations too high.

[Tabitha Caplinger]

Weaving together familiar fantastical creatures with elements of vibrant faith, The Goodness of Unicorns is such a sweet story that reminds us of the value of family and that our worth goes far deeper than our outward abilities. With the onset of battle between kingdoms and within hearts, I eagerly await the next installment of the Tritonia Chronicles.

[Bri]

I need book two, stat!

I was hooked from the very beginning! If you love books with strong sibling relationships, Christian themes, and chronic disability handled in a respectful way, this is the book for you!

I love how Rowan and Blythe are! They both love each other so much, and they are both great characters. I really liked Blythe's outlook on life, and I empathized with her fears that her sister doesn't love her as she is, that it's conditional to her getting better, and seeing them finally address that fear was wonderful. The importance of family and the love between them really shines through not just the sisters but their parents as well.

The story has just a hint of romance, and I really loved that! It was very sweet. There's also a lot of excitement with a war brewing and a prophecy that there's a traitor in their midst.

Oh! And I must mention, I love when there are stories within a story, and there are some present here, which I really enjoyed!

Content warning: There is an instance of animals getting injured that could bother some readers.

Overall, I highly recommend it, and can't wait for book two!

[M.H. Elrich]

An enjoyable YA Christian Fantasy Novel...
First, characters! Rowan and Blythe are fantastic protagonists. Rowan was one of those characters you love but also want to shake at the same time, which makes her compelling. Blythe was a sweet cinnamon roll that had fierceness about her despite her disability. She was great. Bane, the primary love interest, was sweet, but I would've liked to know more about him. Oren was interesting....and I will leave it at that.
Second, the setting/worldbuilding. I really loved how color and sensory details was incorporated throughout the story. Especially the orange and purple colors, which was very distinct. Then, I loved how the author incorporated a God character and this idea of shadows/light. Finally, the phoenix and unicorn aspect-it was so different and neat!
Third, the plot. I will say that I thought I knew where this story was going, and it surprised me. It is a steady build to a climax, and since this is a series, not everything is resolved. As a result, I'm looking forward to book 2!

[Rachael Ritchey]

I'm a sucker for a sweet fantasy tale with truly kind characters, precious sisterly relationships, and the occasional ambiguously nefarious antagonist.

The Goodness of Unicorns definitely fits the noblebright genre following sisters Rowan and Blythe as they are faced with what feels like curses but are blessings in disguise. The theme of loving someone through suffering and not forgetting who they are in the midst of physical challenges is strong and purposeful. The idea of a gift given for good being able to be used for evil resonates, and that theme is explored so well and subtly.

I'd definitely recommend this book to teens and older who enjoy fantasy with an interesting magic structure, disability handled with care, a touch of sweet romance, and an overall innocent feel mingled with themes of light overcoming darkness.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC! This honest review is all my own for the benefit of readers like me.

[Kris Valdez]

The Goodness of Unicorns is a tender and imaginative read that blends whimsical fantasy with heartfelt themes. Kayla E. Green crafts a magical world, inviting readers to see the beauty in kindness, hope, and perseverance. It’s a charming escape into a world where goodness still matters — and in today’s world, that’s a gift, isn’t it?

[Celeste]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

The Goodness of Unicorns is a charming story that manages to balance a cozy tone and setting against high stakes. This is a story in which faith is deeply, vitally important. God—or Verimor, as He’s named in this world—permeates every aspect of the story. And it’s such a fresh, interesting twist on they mythology of unicorns and phoenixes!

The worldbuilding is lovely, and has a fairytale sensibility to it, while the more modern style of the prose counterbalances that timeless quality, grounding it in today. The writing can be just a touch stiff at times, and almost too informal to feel believable to its fantastical setting at others. But both of those drawbacks were infrequent, and overall the storytelling is very engaging. There are lots of quick, soft bursts of wisdom. Especially from Blythe, who reminding me of Little Women’s Beth in lovely, heartbreaking ways.

Speaking of Blythe, this is such a lovable cast of characters. I especially fell in love with Rowan, Blythe, and their parents (both of whom are wonderfully alive and loving; a rarity in fantasy novels). And, of course, Bane. I have a weakness for friendships that blossom into more, especially when he’s loved her for longer than she knows. Which is the case with Rowan and Bane. Blythe, Rowan’s sister who is living with an unexplained, disabling amount of pain, was hand’s down my favorite character. She deals with her situation with so much grace. I appreciated the deep bond we see between two sets of siblings—Rowan and Blythe, Linnea and Isak—as my brother has always been one of my very best friends.

It’s a novel that grapples with some hard questions—why does God allow suffering? If someone who loves God is in pain, why wouldn’t he want to heal them? There is also a lot here about not allowing your physical limitations to define you, and realizing that God can bring beauty from our pain. There’s an emphasis on learning not to see someone as their disability, to instead see and nurture and love who they are beneath it.

Be forewarned: this story ends on a cliffhanger. I’m interested to see where the story goes from here!

[StarlingsDarling]

“But even when the pain is the worst, it doesn’t mean there isn't goodness in life, too," - Kayla E. Green in 'The Goodness of Unicorns.'
I’m in my 30s and wanted to read something different from my go-to self-help and non-fiction choices. A light-hearted read turned into a supplement for my personal healing journey. I have recently found myself struggling with pieces of both past and recent experiences as well as heavy emotions. As I got closer to the end and the pages continued to turn, I felt worried about not having closure to the tale. Although there are questions left, I’m excited and eager to read the second book when it is released. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the story and the timing of it finding its way to me.

[Bookish_Aly_Cat]

This was a pretty good fantasy read. I enjoyed the overall concept, the world building, and I thought the disability representation was handled well. If you like stories full of adventure, mystery, and unicorns this might be the book for you.

[Taylor Pence]

"Everything happens for a reason, and beauty can be born from what is broken."

The Goodness of Unicorns is a whimsical tale about sisterhood, friendship, first love, and magic that exposes the the light/darkness interwoven within the human heart. I enjoyed the fairytale charm of Kayla's writing. Filled with awe and wonder, it made me want to explore this world alongside the characters. However, beneath the light-hearted atmosphere, danger lurks with the desire to creep into the sunlight.

The focus on sisterhood is precious. Not only are Rowen and Blythe sisters, but they're sisters who love reading! Their passion for story creates a bond between them that I strongly identified with as a reader. Plagued with a mysterious illness that renders Blythe unable to walk/move without extreme pain, Rowen wants nothing more than to use her birthday wish to cure her sister. Although Blythe desires to be healed, she secretly wishes for Rowen to stop believing a cure will fix everything. A cure would make walking easier, but it doesn't change who Blythe is as an individual. She very much believes that her disability doesn't make her unable to live a full and purposeful life.

The magic Rowen possesses is fascinating. Kayla did a wonderful job of showing the complexities of this gift. Rowen might be able to see into some's heart, but she doesn't always understand exactly what she's seeing. Further adding to the chaos, some people have learned to manipulate the light and dark aspects of themselves. They can hide the darkness while emphasizing the light. This makes it a challenge for Rowen (and the reader) to fully trust what's being seen. Personally, I loved the ambiguity surrounding Rowen's gift. It raised the stakes and intrigue for me. I also appreciated how this gift displayed the true depth of Rowen's empathy for others.

This was such a fun read, and I cannot wait for the sequel!!

[Charity]

I loved this YA fantasy book! Adventure, unicorns, allegory, family, and mystery. What's not to love?

There were just a couple places in there that were a little iffy for me-a couple lines that didn't seem to really fit with the story, keeping it from 5 stars for me, but overall, I loved it!

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[˗ˏˋ Ames ˎˊ˗]

I have so many words about this book, but first of all, what was that cliffhanger? I really want to read the second book already 🥲

Edit: I’ll try to keep this review short for once, even though there is so much to talk about (the faith element, Rowan's interesting power. Oh, boy...), so I’ll start with a synopsis—Rowan, the main character, is blessed by a unicorn (which, interestingly enough, are prophets in this universe), a gift that may be the answer to saving her nation. Obviously, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. There’s love, betrayal, with a sprinkle of common insecurity for balance.

What I liked
Usually, I have a thing for characters—their growth, how realistic they are, everything about them really, will either lift or bring down a book. They can affect so much. This time, while I really loved the characters (and I’ll talk more about them in a bit), the best part were the encouraging messages spread across the entire book. Just like its name, there was so much goodness, beauty and faith hidden among the pages. As a fellow Christian, reading about so many characters that also believe in God (or Verimor, as they call Him), and talk about Him and His love, warmed my heart somehow. I highlighted so many paragraphs because of this alone, so I’ll just leave some of my favorite quotes here as well.

“Does He speak to you?” Rowan asked. “With words?”
“I’ve never heard Verimor’s voice, but I have heard Him speak.” Dendro turned to face Rowan. “It’s been placed on my heart to tell you: Stop doubting. To doubt yourself and this calling, is to doubt your Maker.”

“Even when you feel alone, Verimor is there. And even when you think you’ve been abandoned, He is there. And He has placed, and will place, people in your life to help you on your journey through this world.”

Moving on to the characters. I have said it before and will say it again—Rowan, Blythe and Bane seem like the best kind of friends one could have, if only they weren’t fictional. They have their faults, like Rowan’s self-righteous sense that surfaced from time to time (you don’t get to make Blythe cry without being called out, miss), and the aforementioned insecurity that they all shared at times.

Above them, their good traits still shined, especially in Bane who continued to act like a best friend, even when that might have been all he was to Rowan. I don’t have enough words to express how much I love that this wasn’t just another book letting misunderstanding come between the main character and their love interest. Blythe was equally great, seemingly shy but with an unmoving faith and fire to do her part in life (does that count as a pun? I wonder… 🤭). Sure, also Rowan, for how she fights her own doubts in the end, and Linnea, the sweet and faithful guide (and even though it might have been interesting to see her as a queen, she fits her role perfectly).

Where it fell short (if it did)
It might have been me, but it started quite slowly. I’m not sure if it picked up the pace or it just fell into a cozy read that was perfect as it was later, but I do know I ended up not even realizing when I reached the end.
But that cliffhanger…this one might just be called illegal 😢

Final thoughts
Sometimes, only 5 starts really don’t do a book justice. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

Special thanks to the author for the advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion 💜

[Mutaharah Shafiq]

I'll be HONESTTT: the starting felt like I won't like the book but the story changed my mind!

The beginning was honestly a little confusing. It took me some time to understand the world, the setting, and exactly what was going on. The writing in the opening chapters felt quite elaborate and royal, so I found myself rereading a few parts. But the patience was definitely worth it because once the story found its rhythm, I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

While reading, I was constantly reminded of The Selection series and Throne of Glass. I USED TO LOVE THE SELECTION THOOO. Not because the plot is the same, but because of the kingdoms, court politics, and fantasy atmosphere. It brought back so many memories of reading those books, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

One of my favorite parts was the character development. I especially loved the dynamic between Blythe, Rowan, and Bane(their friendship and banter in the early chapters was so entertaining to read) As the story moved into the castle, characters like Oren, Nora, the King, and the Lady all felt well-written and added so much to the story. I really enjoyed watching the plot unfold.

The only thing I would have changed is making the language in the beginning a little simpler. It leaned heavily into a formal, royal style, which made the first few chapters harder to get through than they needed to be. That's my opinion thooo hehe

The fantasy elements were definitely a highlight. I loved the idea of the main character being blessed by a unicorn and how that made her stand out in the story. That was pretty different!! If you enjoy magical worlds, kingdoms, found family, and a touch of mystery, I think you'll have a great time with this book.

The ending leaves you on quite the cliffhanger, and now I'm genuinely looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. Overall, this was a lovely fantasy read that rewards your patience, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys magical adventures and kingdom stories.

[Louise Jane]

Nothing short of a literary masterpiece, showcasing the remarkable talent of a gifted author.

Green excels at crafting characters that resonate deeply, allowing readers to forge genuine connections with them. Rather than solely focusing on grand, climactic moments, she skillfully illuminates the quieter, more intimate interactions, enriching the overall emotional landscape of the story and enhancing the reader's investment in the characters' journeys.

The plot is a marvel in itself, brimming with meaningful details that provoke thought and reflection. I greatly appreciated the way the narrative begins by presenting two fascinating stories that are later intertwined, resulting in a fantastic tale that keeps readers interested and excited to flip through the pages. Green's storytelling is not just entertaining; it is imbued with values that are vitally important for young adults to be exposed to. The narrative emphasizes the significance of faith and the reliance on God, particularly in times when prayers seem unanswered. Through the character of Verimor, the author also beautifully illustrates the goodness of God, encouraging readers to trust in His plans, even when they may not fully understand the path laid out before them. This exploration of faith is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, making it both relatable and inspiring.

As the tale nears its thrilling conclusion, readers are swept up in a storm of emotions that could easily bring a tear to their eye, just as it did for me! The ending serves as a powerful culmination of the themes explored throughout, and this first installment, in what promises to be an epic and successful series, sets the stage for further adventures, ensuring that fans will be left yearning for more.

All in all, Green's ability to combine excitement with meaningful messages makes this a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining story that uplifts and inspires.

[Sherry]

The Goodness of Unicorns (Tritonia Chronicles Book 1) was a lovely, delightful read that also encompassed deeper meanings. The descriptions of people and places were vivid and colorful allowing the reader to "see" the story. Relationships were an important part of the story as well, especially the unique bond between sisters. Family and faith were also powerful themes as was chronic illness and the effects it has on the individual and those who love them most.

The characters were introduced and well developed. The main character, Rowan is blessed with the gift of sight by a unicorn in the land of Verimor. Faith, trust, gifts, desires of the heart, doubt, and confusion when prayers are not answered in the way the characters expect are well expressed. Rowan and her sister, Blythe have a very special sisterly relationship. Rowan wants nothing more than to relieve Blythe from the pain of her chronic illness. Blythe simply wants to be happy, live with purpose, and be loved. Those who live with chronic illness or have a loved one with chronic illness will understand these struggles.

The worldbuilding in the novel was beautifully created. You could easily imagine the Kingdom of Wisteria, Aconite, and the Kingdom of Obsilvia as well as the details of each character. A war between kingdoms is another important part of the story that reveals the use of Rowan's gift. There is also mystery around several characters such as Oren.

This is a wonderful story and an important one. It is entertaining, but it touches on topics that are not often discussed in fictional stories. The story is full of heart, inner strength, hope, and faith. If you love Christian Fantasy, stories that emphasize the importance of family, sisterhood, and a touch of romance and mystery, then you will love The Goodness of Unicorns. This is also book one in the series. If you love a series like I do, then you will definitely look forward to the next installment. I can't wait for book two!

[TC692]

The Goodness of Unicorns by Kayla E. Green was a decent book. I liked the premise of the book, and the Christian based theme overall. I thought there were some things brought up that should remain in the adult sphere of conversation. These issues were women in ministry, traditional gender roles and women in leadership. I think these types of things can be added to adult books, but in young adult books, they should be left out, since many young people can be influenced one way or the other and not really know what God commands in His Word as the truth. This book was short, and I think for that, it had the right amount of pacing and build up to the end. I liked that the author addressed disabilities and how God loves all His created human beings regardless of these things that may seem to be inconveniences to us.
Bane is the main character of this book. He is the best friend of Rowan and Blythe who are sisters. He is funny and seems to be pretty laid back. He cares deeply for Rowan and Blythe. When Rowan seems to be blessed by a unicorn with Sight, he is right by her side to encourage and comfort her.
Rowan is the main female character of this story. She is just trying to enjoy life and her sixteenth naming anniversary and find a cure for her sister, who has been stricken with some kind of rare condition. However, Rowan is struck with a headache and essentially colorless sight. She is only able to see gray and black. Rowans’ condition is seen as a blessing and may be the answer to all the king’s worries when it comes to warring with neighboring areas. She will be tested, and she must learn who she can trust and who she cannot.
Overall, I liked the book, but the aforementioned issues I would rather have been left to more adult readers. The plot of the book for the most part was great. It was a fun, quick read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.

[Deana Dick]

Fans of fantasy will enjoy this story where lessons will be never ending. I liked how the author was able to include faith and relatable characters. Rowan was quite interesting and I really liked her compassion for her sister. She wants to see Blythe healed and enjoying life . As Rowan’s sixteenth Naming Anniversary approaches she desires for her wish to come true. Readers will see that this is parallel to how we celebrate birthdays . We make a wish and blow out the candles. It made me think of what we wish for. Rowan wants her sister healed but her friend tells her, “it’s just a game we play for fun.” “You can’t put all your hope in the naming anniversary wishes and then lose your faith if Blythe doesn’t get better.”

It is something to think about as the story delivers a thought provoking story where faith will be tested. If we only have the faith of a mustard seed, miracles can still happen. I appreciate how the author illustrates the struggle someone has with a chronic illness. We get a look at how it affects the entire family. Deep rooted love surrounds Blythe as Rowan focuses on getting her well.

This may be a fantasy story with worlds and culture collide, but we see how important faith is to our main characters. We can’t overlook Bane. His friendship with Rowan is sweet and innocent. Readers are in for a treat as this special relationship develops.

Don’t miss the message in the story that shows how important it is to know that God is always near. He sees our pain and knows that sometimes we must walk through difficult challenges to grown us stronger and draw others to Him. Well written story with a beautiful interweaving of faith.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[H.A. Pruitt]

Genre: fantasy, Christian fantasy
Audience: Young adult

My summary: Rowan loses her ability to see color but gains the ability to see into souls and is thrown into an oncoming war between the countries and her land. The king and his sister Linnea believe she has been blessed by a unicorn and can help win the war by guiding people away from darkness and to light. However, the enemy is threatening the king and Linnea and is interested in using Rowan for other purposes.

Positives
The characters were realistic. They struggled and had flaws but they were also relatable and lovable. I was rooting for Rowan, Blythe, Linnea, and Bane through the whole book and felt for them.
The emotion was well-written and engrossed me in the story and invested me in the characters. I felt all kinds of emotions while reading.
The plot was intriguing. I wanted to know what was going on with each person and was excited to keep reading to know what would happen.
The messages were clear well interwoven into the story and specific to the different characters yet applicable to many lives. Blythe, Rowan and Linnea learned lessons about being brave, not giving up, acceptance, doubt and faith, shifting perspective, and goodness from God.
The book made me want to read the second book in the Tritonia Chronicles: Faith of the Pheonix.

Negatives
Often the big ideas were too clear and the small details were unclear. It became clear early on who the traitor was, yet it seems like we weren’t supposed to know.
The end felt a bit rushed. The action didn’t have enough detail to be clear or to give the reader the full emotional experience.

Overall: A heartfelt, meaningful, encouraging story.

[Jasmine]

Distance cannot separate sisters....

Fantasy has been one of my go-to genres this year and it has been fun to discover fantastical new worlds and stories. The Goodness Of Unicorns is my second book from Kayla E. Green, even though it is the first book in the Tritonia Chronicles series, and I have to say that it was imaginative as well as more intriguing.

Right from the start one can't help but love Rowan and Blythe. These two sisters truly love one another and will risk much for each other. I found the chapters focusing on each sister equally as interesting and I appreciated how Kayla E. Green crafted her story so each of those chapters, no matter the perspective, built upon the previous one.

There is some great worldbuilding right off the bat in The Goodness Of Unicorns and I really loved the birthday traditions in particular. From courting symbols to royalty to the landscape, it was all nicely done. I also found Rowan's gift and all of its nuances to be quite compelling.

As someone who is older than the target audience but still enjoys a good fantasy tale, I am a big fan of the way this first Tritonia Chronicles novel blended faith with that particular genre. This story has a little bit of everything including unicorns, what more could you ask for...?

So, I enjoyed the simple but imaginative introduction to the world of The Tritonia Chronicles. The Goodness Of Unicorns was a fairly quick read for me and since Kayla E. Green left things on a bit of a cliffhanger I am quite looking forward to finding out what happens next....

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Jia Fatima]

The Goodness of Unicorns surprised me with how much heart it has. While it's clearly a fantasy novel, the story is just as focused on relationships, faith, and resilience as it is on magical creatures and world-building. The bond between Rowan and Blythe is easily the emotional center of the book, and their love for each other gives the story genuine weight. Blythe's experience with chronic illness is handled with compassion and respect, making her chapters especially meaningful without defining her solely by her struggles.
The world itself is thoughtfully constructed, with kingdoms, religious traditions, and mythology woven naturally into the narrative instead of feeling like pages of exposition. The unicorns are more than decorative fantasy elements;they have a meaningful place in the story's themes, which makes the title feel well earned. I also appreciated that the political intrigue surrounding Linnea added another layer to the plot, creating a nice balance between personal journeys and larger conflicts.
The writing has a warm, hopeful tone that fits the story well. There are moments of humor, quiet reflection, and suspense, and the pacing gradually builds toward bigger mysteries rather than rushing through them. The faith based elements are central to the novel but are integrated into the characters' lives and decisions in a way that feels sincere instead of forced.
If I had one small criticism, it's that the beginning introduces a lot of names, kingdoms, and lore, so it takes a little time to settle into the world. Once everything falls into place, however, the story becomes much easier to follow and increasingly engaging

[Mandee (mandee.reads.cleanbooks)]

The Goodness of Unicorns is such a beautiful reminder of sisterly love and faith. Rowan and Blythe’s bond is tender, raw, and real—the kind of love that shapes everyone around them. Even when Rowan struggles to accept Blythe’s illness, her care for her sister never wavers. That tension between love and grief felt so honest and human.
I also really appreciated Linnea as an older female main character. You don’t see that often in fantasy, and her calm strength and insight bring such grounding to the story. She’s a quiet force—wise, steady, and exactly what so many of the other characters need.
The biblical truths throughout the book are woven in so naturally. They don’t feel forced—just deeply rooted in the characters’ lives. By the end, I felt like I had learned something new about God and His character, simply through how the story unfolded.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth. These characters feel things deeply, and I found myself right there with them—hurting, hoping, and healing alongside their journeys. While there is romance, it never takes over. Instead, it complements the bigger themes of love, sacrifice, and faith. (Though yes, Bane is absolutely a standout male lead.)
The story is fast-paced yet meaningful, balancing adventure with truth in such a unique way. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in from page one and lingers long after you finish.
I’d highly recommend The Goodness of Unicorns to readers who love clean epic fantasy filled with heart, faith, and hope.

[Mahnoor]

Kayla E. Green's The Goodness of Unicorns is a beautifully written Christian fantasy that blends family relationships with a magical world. The story follows Rowan, a kind-hearted sixteen-year-old whose greatest wish is not for herself but for her younger sister, Blythe, who suffers from a mysterious chronic illness. As Rowan eagerly awaits the traditional wishes granted on her naming anniversary, an unexpected event changes everything. Her vision turns into shades of gray, her eyes become an unnatural magenta, and she is thrust into a destiny far greater than she ever imagined.

What truly makes this novel shine is its emotional depth. The bond between Rowan and Blythe is incredibly touching, portraying unconditional love, sacrifice, and hope in the face of suffering. Rather than relying solely on action, the story carefully develops its characters, allowing readers to connect with their fears, faith, and personal struggles. The fantasy element unicorns, ancient prophecies, magical blessings, and the richly imagined kingdom of Wisteria feel fresh and meaningful, while the slow-building mystery keeps the pages turning.

Overall, it's an inspiring and wholesome fantasy that celebrates courage, compassion, faith, and the enduring strength of family. While the pacing is gentle and the faith-based themes are central to the story, they blend naturally with the adventure, creating a comforting yet compelling read. Fans of character-driven fantasy with heartfelt relationships, clean storytelling, and uplifting messages will find this an interesting read.

[Humble]

This was a delightful YA Christian fantasy that kept me hooked from start to finish. It manages to balance rich worldbuilding with deeply human characters, leaving me genuinely excited for the next installment.

The Characters: Rowan and Blythe are brilliant leads. Rowan is complex and realistic—the kind of protagonist you root for even when her choices make you want to shake some sense into her. Blythe is an absolute gem; despite navigating a chronic disability, she possesses a quiet, fierce strength that makes her stand out. As for the side characters, Bane is a sweet interest who I hope to see more of in the future, while Oren is... intriguing, to say the least!

The Worldbuilding: The author’s use of sensory details is fantastic. The vibrant focus on colors brings the setting to life. I also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a faith element through the light-and-shadow dynamics, as well as the refreshingly unique take on phoenixes and unicorns.

The Plot: Just when I thought I had predicted the story’s direction, the narrative took several surprising turns. The plot builds steadily toward a high-stakes climax, and while it leaves a few threads open for the series to continue, it makes for a thoroughly satisfying read.

Overall, a creative and enjoyable start to a series. I look forward to seeing where the story goes in book two!

[Country Mama]

The Goodness of Unicorns by Kaylie E.Green is a YA fantasy book by the author with two MC's named Rowan and Blythe. The world building is really well written in this boook. I totally loved the way that the author created such well written and memorable characters. She wrote a lot of descriptive details in her book. There is a religious element involved with a godlike character included in the story, this story is especially great for fans of Christian fantasy series. I liked that Rowan is struggling with when their god doesn't answer prayers what to do and how all that works. While going through the book, the characters seem to get a better grasp of this.

“Does He speak to you?” Rowan asked. “With words?”
“I’ve never heard Verimor’s voice, but I have heard Him speak.” Dendro turned to face Rowan. “It’s been placed on my heart to tell you: Stop doubting. To doubt yourself and this calling, is to doubt your Maker.” used from The Goddess of Unicorns by Kaylie E. Smith for this review only.

I think overall that the story is a great fantasy with some Christian elements that really make the story a lot better for the readers. The author really puts a message in for the kids who are struggling with faith questions in a fun fictional way.

[Charmy Gray]

I really, really enjoyed this book! It was very well-written, and the faith element was so strong and inspiring. Rowan was a bit of a different character for me than I am used to. She was gifted by Verimor, the God of the book’s universe, but she is very focused on her wants, such as saving her sister. This is not wholly bad, as she has good intentions, but I loved to see how her sister reminded her of the importance of following Verimor’s will and not her own. God is sovereign, and our difficulties serve to strengthen our faith and glorify Him. I love how Blythe and Linnea encouraged Rowan to keep this in mind.
Rowan found herself in a high-stakes role where people could get hurt if she didn’t use her gift right. She was surrounded by new difficulties she never thought she would have to face, and she needed to learn discernment in determining whom she could trust. This book was so interesting, and I was very, very shocked by the cliffhanger it ended with. I immediately went looking for release dates for the next book. I think fans of fantasy with a strong faith element will really enjoy this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[J.R. Brady]

Check out the first installment in this Young Adult noblebright fantasy!

I enjoyed the beautiful and powerful Christian allegory and having sisters as the main characters! I especially appreciate the theme of chronic illness and prayers answered in ways we don’t expect!

⚠️ You’ll definitely want the second book right away!

🦄 when I first heard about this book I thought it was about unicorns, so I was a bit disappointed at first. Unicorns are messengers of Verimor (the god in this world) and give blessings- which is super awesome and vital to the plot but not featured as much as I expected.

📚 “You can’t control how others around you feel. That’s not your burden to carry.”

📚”I want you to know that even when it feels too overwhelming, you have been born for this time. Remember that Verimor has a plan, and it includes you.” The words left goosebumps on Rowan’s arms.”

📚”But I do think my cousin is a few squares short of a finished quilt, if you know what I mean.”😆

📚”I was once told that wishes and prayers are different. But often we pray for things our hearts wish for, right? Does not getting an immediate answer to a prayer mean our faith is hopeless?”

[C.B. Sharp]

🌸The Goodness of Unicorns was such a sweet and uplifting read, with sister bonds, childhood friends to more, royal intrigue, and of course, unicorns!

🌸When Rowan suddenly loses her ability to see colors and her eyes turn magenta, she quickly discovers she has been unicorn blessed! She is called upon to use her powers for good to help bring peace in times of a brewing war. But not everyone wants to use her powers for good, and she must be cautious about who to trust.

🌸I really enjoyed the POV from Rowan’s sister Blythe, who struggles with a new debilitating condition. It is nice to see how beautifully this challenge is displayed in many books as of late.

🌸Bane was also such a sweet and supportive character, and I appreciated the loyalty between him and Rowan.

🌸There were many very cool world-building bits. I really like the omni seed birthday tradition. Overall, this was a quick light read that I could see many middle-grade to young adult readers flying through (though adults who love the whimsical will certainly enjoy it too!)

[Caroline]

This is a fantastic fantasy book that combines kingdom politics, family love, and a completely fresh twist on unicorn lore. The story follows two sisters: Rowan, who is looking for a way to heal her sister, and Blythe, who is searching for her own purpose in life while dealing with chronic pain.

Rowan’s life changes completely on her sixteenth birthday. She gets a severe headache, her eyes turn magenta, and she suddenly sees the world in black and white. Even stranger, she can now see the light and shadows inside people's souls. A local priest believes this is the legendary "Sight" given by ancient unicorns. Rowan is confused and frustrated—she didn't ask for this power, and she just wants her sister Blythe to get better.

The book does a wonderful job of balancing an exciting fantasy plot with really emotional character journeys. The writing is simple and easy to follow, yet it keeps you completely hooked. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves unique fantasy stories with a lot of heart.