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The Unicorn Hunters
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26With her country's future and her own life at stake, an orphaned duchess must journey into a world of myth and there discover a power that may be her salvation—or her demise—in this enchanting new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Winternight Trilogy and The Warm Hands of Ghosts.
Anne of Brittany was a child when her realm was invaded, her home besieged, and her royal father driven to his death.
Now her treasury is empty, her land occupied by her enemies, and she is ordered, under threat of renewed war, to become queen of her conquerors and marry the King of France.
This marriage means her country’s annexation. But Anne promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered.
Defiantly, she betroths herself in secret to France’s greatest enemy. But in a world where courts may spy on each other by magic, there is only one way to solemnize this illicit union.
Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest, where the court diviners’ skill cannot reach. The world thinks they are only a hunting party, coursing after unicorns. But that is a lie, a trick, a feint. No one in living memory has seen a unicorn. All Anne wants is this secret wedding, which is her only hope of salvation.
But when against all hope a unicorn appears and a stranger out of legend stumbles from the trees and falls at her feet, Anne is plunged into a world of enchantment where a doomed sovereign might find the power to change her own and her country’s destiny—or be lost in the shadows forever.
Anne of Brittany was a child when her realm was invaded, her home besieged, and her royal father driven to his death.
Now her treasury is empty, her land occupied by her enemies, and she is ordered, under threat of renewed war, to become queen of her conquerors and marry the King of France.
This marriage means her country’s annexation. But Anne promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered.
Defiantly, she betroths herself in secret to France’s greatest enemy. But in a world where courts may spy on each other by magic, there is only one way to solemnize this illicit union.
Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest, where the court diviners’ skill cannot reach. The world thinks they are only a hunting party, coursing after unicorns. But that is a lie, a trick, a feint. No one in living memory has seen a unicorn. All Anne wants is this secret wedding, which is her only hope of salvation.
But when against all hope a unicorn appears and a stranger out of legend stumbles from the trees and falls at her feet, Anne is plunged into a world of enchantment where a doomed sovereign might find the power to change her own and her country’s destiny—or be lost in the shadows forever.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Katherine Arden
17 books18.7k followersA note to everyone who trips and falls upon my Goodreads page. First, welcome. Let us read and discuss all the books together. I review books I've read, everything gets five stars, if I didn't like it I don't put it up.
Second, Goodreads is wondrous, but contacting me through my Goodreads DMs is a good way to ensure a long wait for a reply. Your best bet is Twitter or Instagram (arden_katherine) on both.
Happy reading.
Born in Texas, Katherine studied French and Russian at Middlebury College. She has lived abroad in France and in Moscow, among other places. She has also lived in Hawaii, where she wrote much of The Bear and the Nightingale. She currently lives in Vermont.
Second, Goodreads is wondrous, but contacting me through my Goodreads DMs is a good way to ensure a long wait for a reply. Your best bet is Twitter or Instagram (arden_katherine) on both.
Happy reading.
Born in Texas, Katherine studied French and Russian at Middlebury College. She has lived abroad in France and in Moscow, among other places. She has also lived in Hawaii, where she wrote much of The Bear and the Nightingale. She currently lives in Vermont.
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Currently Reading
February 27, 2026Folks, folks, folks! They gave me an ARC of the book today!
I can't believe I got my most anticipated book this early. The Book Gods love me*, mine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.**
___________________________________
Update: I entered the giveaway for the print copy, and I really, really hope to win. I never win anything, and if I do, I promise on my honour as aknight lady that I'll be good for the next 5 years, er, make it 10 years to be safe. (Narrator's voice: She didn't win.)
*Or they want to punish me for something by again making my most anticipated reads of the year a flop, but we won't think of that.
**But now I have to behave and be a good girl for the next 10 years as promised? Ugh. Shoulda have promised my firstborn to Rumpelstiltskin instead.
I can't believe I got my most anticipated book this early. The Book Gods love me*, mine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.**
___________________________________
Update: I entered the giveaway for the print copy, and I really, really hope to win. I never win anything, and if I do, I promise on my honour as a
*Or they want to punish me for something by again making my most anticipated reads of the year a flop, but we won't think of that.
**But now I have to behave and be a good girl for the next 10 years as promised? Ugh. Shoulda have promised my firstborn to Rumpelstiltskin instead.
March 4, 2026
When I first heard about this book I was in awe, because Katherine Arden and medieval unicorns are the absolute most perfect match of author and story that I can think of. That's also why I'm a bit bummed out that this didn't end up being the flawless 5-star read that I was hoping for. It's undoubtedly a well-written and well-researched novel that does stand out from the masses of new fantasy releases this year. By that I mean that I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to your everyday fantasy reader. It's also a deeply historical novel, reimagining the past and adding an otherworldly spin to it. This, of course, turned a bit into Katherine Arden's trademark over the years, but I still wished that this book was more magical. The titular unicorn hunt, for instance, is over very quickly; the legendary forest of Broceliande remains a mystery. Katherine Arden is exploring the time period through a different approach instead. She relies on a courtly setting and makes duchess Anne of Brittany the main character of this book. The story is set around 1490 when the situation between France and Brittany is tense and the future unclear. The Bretons already lost to the French, and Anne is meant to seal this defeat by marrying the French King and giving up her land. But she already has an intricate plan to save her country and her people. It begins by spreading rumors of a unicorn and planning its hunt and everyone knows that only a virginal and virtuous woman can lure such a creature, so Anne better stay unmarried until it is captured. But as I said, the unicorn hunt is only a small portion of this book. It's really only the beginning of a long string of events that shall lead to Brittany's safety, but there are multiple other parties working for or against this goal too. There are political maneuverings, manipulations and distractions, and also plenty of supernatural interferences. Strange powers from inside the forest follow Anne into her courtly life and make yet another problem that she has to face. She was truly a great main character to me. Anne is viewed as a pawn, a childish girl, supposed to be married for greater political goals and never questioning the decisions that others make over her head. But in reality she isn't a passive character at all and has so much agency, even in the most hopeless situations. She is clever and cunning and never stops fighting for her country. I just loved to follow Anne around. I didn't really get where her romantic feelings for a certain person came from at one point in the book, but I was happy to see her happy. The chapters from the POV of other characters weren't as memorable to me and I had the feeling that they were always over too quickly to really making an impact on the story. These characters also didn't get the closure that Anne got in the end and while the ending definitely was of the good-for-her kind, it also came rather abruptly for me. Which was strange, because the whole book is a relatively slow and long built-up. But while the pacing was not my favorite in the end, I did really like how the story got more and more ghostly and otherworldly. As I mentioned already, I would have loved it if the book really leaned into these fantastical elements instead of the historical side of things, but maybe that wouldn't be true to Katherine Arden's style. Overall, I'm pleased with this story, even if it went in a different direction than I thought it would. The Winternight Trilogy remains my unchallenged favorite by the author, but I will, of course, always pick up her new releases and hope for more such greatness.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2026
Anne wanted to be married so little she came up with this elaborate unicorn scheme (and I love her for it)
Here for louis throwing himself across the room to come to her aid and for more men just being super devoted in the name of love tbh
In The Unicorn Hunters, historical meets the fantastical with France on the edge of obtaining Brittany and the magical forest of Brocéliande bringing magic and memory to the verge. Katherine Arden goes beyond the expected in her latest novel to show how the best parts of fantasy include history retold. Through her focus on Anne of Brittany, a woman placed into a singular narrative, Arden recontextualizes the life of the duchess, one where her cleverness finds resonance in the magic of a lost city and a forest of secrets. Most importantly, unicorns. There are unicorns. An elaborate lie built to retain control of Brittany leads to magic taking root within its borders, where portents, diviners, and courtly intrigue are at their height and vying for dominance. Swept away in a hunt for a unicorn and a lost world impressing itself upon a duchess, The Unicorn Hunters appeals to a magic just out of reach, but one that can be shaken out of sheer tenacity. Cunning women, delightful animal companions, and a strange otherworld all find a place within the confines of this audacious historical legend. The Unicorn Hunters is proof that Katherine Arden can do no wrong with her penchant for sweeping historical fantasy. That we need to have her spin on every kind of fairytale—and history for that matter.
Read my review
Bookstagram | Blog
Here for louis throwing himself across the room to come to her aid and for more men just being super devoted in the name of love tbh
In The Unicorn Hunters, historical meets the fantastical with France on the edge of obtaining Brittany and the magical forest of Brocéliande bringing magic and memory to the verge. Katherine Arden goes beyond the expected in her latest novel to show how the best parts of fantasy include history retold. Through her focus on Anne of Brittany, a woman placed into a singular narrative, Arden recontextualizes the life of the duchess, one where her cleverness finds resonance in the magic of a lost city and a forest of secrets. Most importantly, unicorns. There are unicorns. An elaborate lie built to retain control of Brittany leads to magic taking root within its borders, where portents, diviners, and courtly intrigue are at their height and vying for dominance. Swept away in a hunt for a unicorn and a lost world impressing itself upon a duchess, The Unicorn Hunters appeals to a magic just out of reach, but one that can be shaken out of sheer tenacity. Cunning women, delightful animal companions, and a strange otherworld all find a place within the confines of this audacious historical legend. The Unicorn Hunters is proof that Katherine Arden can do no wrong with her penchant for sweeping historical fantasy. That we need to have her spin on every kind of fairytale—and history for that matter.
Read my review
Bookstagram | Blog
arc-netgelley
February 27, 2026EDIT: GOT AN ARC LETS GOOOOO its getting devoured tonightttt
Gonna throw up from excitement, sounds like the perfect book omg
Gonna throw up from excitement, sounds like the perfect book omg
Read
May 21, 2026ARC provided by Del Rey - thank you so much !!
review to come before release :]
blog | instagram | youtube | wishlist | spotify | amazon
♡.) The Warm Hands of Ghosts ★★★★
1.) The Bear and the Nightingale ★★★★★
2.) The Girl in the Tower ★★★★★
3.) The Winter of the Witch ★★★★★
1.) Small Spaces ★★★★★
2.) Dead Voices ★★★★
review to come before release :]
blog | instagram | youtube | wishlist | spotify | amazon
♡.) The Warm Hands of Ghosts ★★★★
1.) The Bear and the Nightingale ★★★★★
2.) The Girl in the Tower ★★★★★
3.) The Winter of the Witch ★★★★★
1.) Small Spaces ★★★★★
2.) Dead Voices ★★★★
Want to Read
May 16, 2026
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!
I received an arc of Katherine Arden’s newest book!!!
I don’t know why, but lately my feed has been full of edits of The Last Unicorn, and every single time I see one, my mind immediately goes to this book. At this point, I feel like I have to watch the movie first (shocking, I know, I’ve never seen it) before diving into The Unicorn Hunters.
I’m so excited that I have a vaild (and inescapable) reason to finally read a KA book. ☺️
I received an arc of Katherine Arden’s newest book!!!
I don’t know why, but lately my feed has been full of edits of The Last Unicorn, and every single time I see one, my mind immediately goes to this book. At this point, I feel like I have to watch the movie first (shocking, I know, I’ve never seen it) before diving into The Unicorn Hunters.
I’m so excited that I have a vaild (and inescapable) reason to finally read a KA book. ☺️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Katherine Arden's intricately crafted, atmospheric novel 'The Unicorn Hunters' examines the life of Anne of Brittany through the lens of fantasy...and isn't really about a unicorn or a unicorn hunt. I read this because Katherine Arden is one of my favourite fantasy authors, and loved it for many reasons. However, if you're planning on reading this specifically for the unicorn, you'll probably end up disappointed.
I love how the blurb gives away almost nothing about what the book is really about. It's not about the unicorn. In fact, the titular unicorn hunt concluded at around the 20% mark, and it was the aftermath of the hunt that really kicked off the story. The only spoiler I'll give is that no harm comes to the unicorn in the story. She plays an important role in Anne's story, but doesn't have a lot of screen time (page time?). The fantasy aspect of the book focuses on...a certain other element of Breton folklore. At its heart, 'The Unicorn Hunters' is about Anne's desire to protect Brittany from the French, and the lengths to which she'll go to achieve that.
Anne is yet another addition to Katherine Arden's strong-willed and incredibly compelling female protagonists. Her willingness to save her people at the cost of entering a loveless marriage for the rest of her life was quite moving. She was never the damsel in distress. There was a lot of scheming and political maneuvering involved, which is something I always love to see. The side characters were also well-written. I loved Anne's relationship with her sister Isabeau and half-brother Henri. This is yet another book where cats have the ability to travel between worlds, and honestly, I can't complain about that! The way Arden embellished the story with historical details, atmosphere, and customs and traditions of the time period was another highlight for me. The characters didn't talk like 21st century Americans; the dialogue and the prose suited the setting. As much as I'd love to rave about the fantasy elements of this book, I'd recommend that you go in blind. Not knowing what turns the story would take after the unicorn hunt really made my experience better. I appreciate how beautifully balanced the fantasy and historical elements were. The plot in historical fantasy novels often tends to favor one genre over the other, which I didn't feel was the case here. The ending was entirely unexpected and deeply satisfying.
My only two (minor) complaints would be that the pacing dragged in some parts, and the two sex scenes were a bit too long. They read like something straight out of a romantasy when the rest of the book is absolutely not that.
Overall, I'd say that Katherine Arden's newest was worth the wait. Reading it felt like reading an old folktale, something nostalgic and refreshingly new at once. I'd highly recommend this to both fantasy and historical fiction lovers!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Katherine Arden's intricately crafted, atmospheric novel 'The Unicorn Hunters' examines the life of Anne of Brittany through the lens of fantasy...and isn't really about a unicorn or a unicorn hunt. I read this because Katherine Arden is one of my favourite fantasy authors, and loved it for many reasons. However, if you're planning on reading this specifically for the unicorn, you'll probably end up disappointed.
I love how the blurb gives away almost nothing about what the book is really about. It's not about the unicorn. In fact, the titular unicorn hunt concluded at around the 20% mark, and it was the aftermath of the hunt that really kicked off the story. The only spoiler I'll give is that no harm comes to the unicorn in the story. She plays an important role in Anne's story, but doesn't have a lot of screen time (page time?). The fantasy aspect of the book focuses on...a certain other element of Breton folklore. At its heart, 'The Unicorn Hunters' is about Anne's desire to protect Brittany from the French, and the lengths to which she'll go to achieve that.
Anne is yet another addition to Katherine Arden's strong-willed and incredibly compelling female protagonists. Her willingness to save her people at the cost of entering a loveless marriage for the rest of her life was quite moving. She was never the damsel in distress. There was a lot of scheming and political maneuvering involved, which is something I always love to see. The side characters were also well-written. I loved Anne's relationship with her sister Isabeau and half-brother Henri. This is yet another book where cats have the ability to travel between worlds, and honestly, I can't complain about that! The way Arden embellished the story with historical details, atmosphere, and customs and traditions of the time period was another highlight for me. The characters didn't talk like 21st century Americans; the dialogue and the prose suited the setting. As much as I'd love to rave about the fantasy elements of this book, I'd recommend that you go in blind. Not knowing what turns the story would take after the unicorn hunt really made my experience better. I appreciate how beautifully balanced the fantasy and historical elements were. The plot in historical fantasy novels often tends to favor one genre over the other, which I didn't feel was the case here. The ending was entirely unexpected and deeply satisfying.
My only two (minor) complaints would be that the pacing dragged in some parts, and the two sex scenes were a bit too long. They read like something straight out of a romantasy when the rest of the book is absolutely not that.
Overall, I'd say that Katherine Arden's newest was worth the wait. Reading it felt like reading an old folktale, something nostalgic and refreshingly new at once. I'd highly recommend this to both fantasy and historical fiction lovers!
Currently Reading
February 26, 2026couldn't resist starting this last night... will any unicorns actually be hurt in this? please no 🙁
_________________
Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC.
_________________
Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Me : I have many arcs to read… I will wait closer to release date.
Also me : I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER
Huge thanks to NetGalley & Del Rey for this arc 😭 you have made me soooo happy 💗
Katherine Arden has done it again!
She has woven Historical Fiction into a dark fairytale - and even if I didn’t expect the story to be like that (nothing in the blurb made me believe the story would happen that way) I absolutely got swooped in and couldn’t put it down.
I’ve read almost every Katherine Arden’s novels so far (the only one left is the last book of her first trilogy) - and there’s one thing for certain… this woman can write strong female characters and I simply cannot get enough.
We follow Anne, the Duchess of Brittany in her many quests and ideas as to not be married & annexed to Charles of France. She is smart, witty & always sees the light… no matter how dark it gets.
Anne also has a little sister, Isabeau - who was as smart, but maybe more bold than her older sister (if that is to be believed!).
And then we follow my little diamond - Elesbed & her cat Butter. Oh they were everything to me! How many times did they save the day? Those quiet secondary characters really had all my heart. I wish we had more of her backstory and I would 100000% read a novel about her (also Butter!!).
The only tiny thing that hindered my reading experience had to do with the pacing. It sometimes moved very fast - while some other instances were unearthly slow. I could’ve done without the sex scenes but that is 100% a personal preference.
Now if you’re reading this for the unicorns - you might be disappointed ; because the journey was about more than the unicorn (even if I absolutely loved every chapters with the animal in it). I absolutely loved the ending & cannot wait to see what Katherine Arden comes up with next!
Also me : I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER
Huge thanks to NetGalley & Del Rey for this arc 😭 you have made me soooo happy 💗
Katherine Arden has done it again!
She has woven Historical Fiction into a dark fairytale - and even if I didn’t expect the story to be like that (nothing in the blurb made me believe the story would happen that way) I absolutely got swooped in and couldn’t put it down.
I’ve read almost every Katherine Arden’s novels so far (the only one left is the last book of her first trilogy) - and there’s one thing for certain… this woman can write strong female characters and I simply cannot get enough.
We follow Anne, the Duchess of Brittany in her many quests and ideas as to not be married & annexed to Charles of France. She is smart, witty & always sees the light… no matter how dark it gets.
Anne also has a little sister, Isabeau - who was as smart, but maybe more bold than her older sister (if that is to be believed!).
And then we follow my little diamond - Elesbed & her cat Butter. Oh they were everything to me! How many times did they save the day? Those quiet secondary characters really had all my heart. I wish we had more of her backstory and I would 100000% read a novel about her (also Butter!!).
The only tiny thing that hindered my reading experience had to do with the pacing. It sometimes moved very fast - while some other instances were unearthly slow. I could’ve done without the sex scenes but that is 100% a personal preference.
Now if you’re reading this for the unicorns - you might be disappointed ; because the journey was about more than the unicorn (even if I absolutely loved every chapters with the animal in it). I absolutely loved the ending & cannot wait to see what Katherine Arden comes up with next!
Read
April 11, 2026This novel is historical fantasy done well. I should say up front that many readers want their historical fantasy or historical romance to be modern Americans (I use that term deliberately) stuck in the past, with their 21st Century language and outlook held up as the epitome of qool. Which is fine! But it doesn't happen to be where my interests lie.
Here, Arden gives us a semblance of the medieval outlook excellently blended with magic, to create a stunning alternate history, focusing on Anne of Brittany. The story posits what her life would have been like if she had been able to avoid marrying King Charles of France.
Anne is a teenager raised to the idea that women in her postion must sacrifice themselves through their marriages to the benefit of their land. Anne does not want her lands to be absorbed by France, so she looks for another husband who might save Brittany. Using every skill and wit she has, within the limitations possible for women, and some magic from beyond the world we know, Anne finds a way to true power. And yep, the unicorn is absolutely necessary.
I really loved this book, reading it slowly to make it last. The women in it are strong individuals with passion and complexity (and delights, such as the fierce little maid with a cat named Butter) the men interesting, but do not overwhelm the story. I really appreciated the balance here--and look forward to rereading it. As well as eagerly anticipating her next!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love that Arden looked at the heartbreakingly short life of the real Anne of Brittany and said : let's try that again but give the girl a unicorn.
There is something gentle and almost wondering about this story. Despite being set around real historical events with their respective real historical figures, which should have lent the story weight, instead this felt.. light. Gossamer. Almost like the old-timey fairytales that sprinkled it's pages.
This story is an alt-historical fantasy complete with politics, magic and quests, lands lost to time and shadow, a host of strong women, and a cat named Butter. If any of that sounds appealing, I would definitely recommend.
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
There is something gentle and almost wondering about this story. Despite being set around real historical events with their respective real historical figures, which should have lent the story weight, instead this felt.. light. Gossamer. Almost like the old-timey fairytales that sprinkled it's pages.
This story is an alt-historical fantasy complete with politics, magic and quests, lands lost to time and shadow, a host of strong women, and a cat named Butter. If any of that sounds appealing, I would definitely recommend.
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Want to Read
October 24, 2025I am beyond EXCITED for this one!!! NEED THIS ONE NEOWWWW!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
you're in her DMs marrying her by proxy, I'm wandering through the Lost Lands for her.
This book was absolutely everything my medieval romance (little r, not to be confused with the modern Romance genre) loving heart ever wanted. Katherine Arden has written a beautifully imagined historical fantasy novel that leans heavily on fairytales and myths, but even moreso on the courtly politics of the era.
First things first I adore Katherine Arden and her rich writing, and I have since I first cracked open The Bear and the Nightingale. But I will note, this wouldn't be the Arden book I recommend to a new fantasy reader. That honor goes to The Bear and The Nightingale, which feels much more of a coming of age fantasy tale, though it leans on the same historical fantasy mixed with myth trademarks.
But I got something different from this story...something that is so hard to describe but...that I've rarely felt. I haven't read many books that made me feel like I did here. Like I had actually stepped back in time, into an older world that - frankly - doesn't exist. It somehow felt like a combination of Under the Starlit Tide and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell somehow? And yet the feeling that I'm most captivated by is of looking at those medieval figures so flat and alien in a tapestry and seeing them as something fully rounded and real. I'm obsessed.
This story is about Anne of Brittany, a duchess determined to maintain her independence from France. Of course, this is a reimagining of history, and it naturally affords Anne choices that perhaps she wouldn't have had. But I think that's the beauty of the story.
Arden perfectly captures the feelings that a good sovereign would have toward her people: the necessary sacrifices, the impossibility of personal happiness, the responsibility and privilege combined.
Anne is an exceptional character - truly one of Arden's best.
The impossibility of it shook her, but it was her whole life's work to take impossibilities and act to make them real. To decide. To rule.
Louis of Orleans...where do we start. The knight of my dreams. The girls want more devoted knights. The girls want Louis of Orleans. The girls need a man with a sword ready to do battle for his lady.
He was shaken by his heart's own triumphant beating as it overbore, at last and forever, his head
Anyway...off to...convince myself I can pick up any other book now.
This book was absolutely everything my medieval romance (little r, not to be confused with the modern Romance genre) loving heart ever wanted. Katherine Arden has written a beautifully imagined historical fantasy novel that leans heavily on fairytales and myths, but even moreso on the courtly politics of the era.
First things first I adore Katherine Arden and her rich writing, and I have since I first cracked open The Bear and the Nightingale. But I will note, this wouldn't be the Arden book I recommend to a new fantasy reader. That honor goes to The Bear and The Nightingale, which feels much more of a coming of age fantasy tale, though it leans on the same historical fantasy mixed with myth trademarks.
But I got something different from this story...something that is so hard to describe but...that I've rarely felt. I haven't read many books that made me feel like I did here. Like I had actually stepped back in time, into an older world that - frankly - doesn't exist. It somehow felt like a combination of Under the Starlit Tide and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell somehow? And yet the feeling that I'm most captivated by is of looking at those medieval figures so flat and alien in a tapestry and seeing them as something fully rounded and real. I'm obsessed.
This story is about Anne of Brittany, a duchess determined to maintain her independence from France. Of course, this is a reimagining of history, and it naturally affords Anne choices that perhaps she wouldn't have had. But I think that's the beauty of the story.
Arden perfectly captures the feelings that a good sovereign would have toward her people: the necessary sacrifices, the impossibility of personal happiness, the responsibility and privilege combined.
Anne is an exceptional character - truly one of Arden's best.
The impossibility of it shook her, but it was her whole life's work to take impossibilities and act to make them real. To decide. To rule.
Louis of Orleans...where do we start. The knight of my dreams. The girls want more devoted knights. The girls want Louis of Orleans. The girls need a man with a sword ready to do battle for his lady.
He was shaken by his heart's own triumphant beating as it overbore, at last and forever, his head
Anyway...off to...convince myself I can pick up any other book now.
April 27, 2026
Men who yearn are exquisite but have become so rare, women are fleeing to the forest to hunt unicorns.
Themes & Sparks: historical fantasy, french history, faerie lore and magical creatures, unicorns, womenhood in the context of history, political and court intriugues, sisterhood, love and grief, proof that cats are indeed the best
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden was an enchanting historical fantasy novel that felt like a light spring breeze and a fairytale of a story.
Set in medieval France, this novel brilliantly blended together court intrigues and historical politics with divination and faerie lore. This combination made for an enthralling and captivating story, as both have darker connotations to them and complemented each other perfectly.
Therefore, Anne of Brittany did not only have to deal with the threat of both a marriage to and a war with France, but also with cunning diviners, dangerous faerie creatures, and long-lost cities. And because one thread of an unwanted marriage wasn’t enough, she also had to deal with a mysterious faerie king wanting to marry her. Given that Anne was a woman of power both in real life and in this novel, I loved how this story explored the question of what it means to wield power and how the answer depended on the goodness of a person's heart. Closely linked to that, the historical connotation of The Unicorn Hunters made this a story of female sacrifice.
However, The Unicorn Hunters simultaneously shone with the bright light of sibling hood, newfound friendship, and the mythical power of the unicorn. On that note, I really enjoyed how this novel took place in a version of our world in which unicorns were not unheard of, as it gave it such a fairytale-esque, forest-y, and whimsical atmosphere. I fully blame this next remark on the US cover, but if I had to attribute colours to this novel, it would definitely be green, an orangey yellow, and white. I say this because these are indeed a perfect representation of the aforementioned atmosphere of the story. Along with that, and to emphasize the fairytale character of The Unicorn Hunters, I really enjoyed exploring but also asking myself whether stories take root in the real world or whether the real world is just a reflection of these stories.
Lastly, and on a more general note, Katherine Arden has a wonderfully atmospheric writing style and sense for prose, which enchanted the reader just as much as the magic did to the characters in the book. I also really loved the romance between Anne and Louis, as it was such an exquisite case of yearning with so much tension and history. An element about this novel that was also deeply moving was the relationship between Anne and her little sister, Isabeau. It was built on so much love and the desire to protect each other; it was as heartwarming as it was heartbreaking from time to time.
Overall, if you like atmospheric historcial fanatsy book and are a fan of Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke or The Thorns Remain by JJA Harwood, then The Unicorn Hunters is the perfect novel for you.
Thank you so much to PRH, Dely Rey and Inklore for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Themes & Sparks: historical fantasy, french history, faerie lore and magical creatures, unicorns, womenhood in the context of history, political and court intriugues, sisterhood, love and grief, proof that cats are indeed the best
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden was an enchanting historical fantasy novel that felt like a light spring breeze and a fairytale of a story.
Set in medieval France, this novel brilliantly blended together court intrigues and historical politics with divination and faerie lore. This combination made for an enthralling and captivating story, as both have darker connotations to them and complemented each other perfectly.
Therefore, Anne of Brittany did not only have to deal with the threat of both a marriage to and a war with France, but also with cunning diviners, dangerous faerie creatures, and long-lost cities. And because one thread of an unwanted marriage wasn’t enough, she also had to deal with a mysterious faerie king wanting to marry her. Given that Anne was a woman of power both in real life and in this novel, I loved how this story explored the question of what it means to wield power and how the answer depended on the goodness of a person's heart. Closely linked to that, the historical connotation of The Unicorn Hunters made this a story of female sacrifice.
However, The Unicorn Hunters simultaneously shone with the bright light of sibling hood, newfound friendship, and the mythical power of the unicorn. On that note, I really enjoyed how this novel took place in a version of our world in which unicorns were not unheard of, as it gave it such a fairytale-esque, forest-y, and whimsical atmosphere. I fully blame this next remark on the US cover, but if I had to attribute colours to this novel, it would definitely be green, an orangey yellow, and white. I say this because these are indeed a perfect representation of the aforementioned atmosphere of the story. Along with that, and to emphasize the fairytale character of The Unicorn Hunters, I really enjoyed exploring but also asking myself whether stories take root in the real world or whether the real world is just a reflection of these stories.
Lastly, and on a more general note, Katherine Arden has a wonderfully atmospheric writing style and sense for prose, which enchanted the reader just as much as the magic did to the characters in the book. I also really loved the romance between Anne and Louis, as it was such an exquisite case of yearning with so much tension and history. An element about this novel that was also deeply moving was the relationship between Anne and her little sister, Isabeau. It was built on so much love and the desire to protect each other; it was as heartwarming as it was heartbreaking from time to time.
Overall, if you like atmospheric historcial fanatsy book and are a fan of Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke or The Thorns Remain by JJA Harwood, then The Unicorn Hunters is the perfect novel for you.
Thank you so much to PRH, Dely Rey and Inklore for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A medieval fantasy bursting with whimsy, political intrigue, a a unicorn, a scheming duchess, courtly romance, and enemies at the gate I was locked in from the start, fascinated, thinking “I could read a million of these stories!”, I adored The Last Unicorn. Based on the true story of Anne of Brittany who held out against France due to her father’s last wishes for her people, our Anne distracts from the incoming marriage alliance with a “Unicorn Hunt”. She was holding out on a Hail Mary from Maximillian, son of the Holy Roman Emperor. When a real Unicorn is found magic and folklore starts trickling in to the story the world opens even more. Chock full of interesting characters and a slow burn romance this was a page turner. I think readers who love historical fiction or historical romance would be attracted to the story as the fantasy bits don’t really come in full steam until the middle.
For me the ending started to slow down as it felt more tedious and the lost city/kerrigan aspects didn’t appeal to me quite as much but I think overall it was a very enjoyable read. I loved the folklore and ideas behind the story.
🏰 Folklore Historical Fantasy
🏰 Slow burn Romance
🏰 Smart Independent Queen
🏰 HEA Ending
🏰 Open Door, Med Spice
🏰 He carries Her, fights for her
🏰 Courtly Love
🏰 Scheming and Political Intrigue
🏰 Unicorns and Mythical creatures, Sorcery
🏰 Love on the run
🏰 Close family, sister and brother
*No Unicorns killed in the book 🦄✌🏼
Publication Date June 2, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and DelRey/Penquin for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
For me the ending started to slow down as it felt more tedious and the lost city/kerrigan aspects didn’t appeal to me quite as much but I think overall it was a very enjoyable read. I loved the folklore and ideas behind the story.
🏰 Folklore Historical Fantasy
🏰 Slow burn Romance
🏰 Smart Independent Queen
🏰 HEA Ending
🏰 Open Door, Med Spice
🏰 He carries Her, fights for her
🏰 Courtly Love
🏰 Scheming and Political Intrigue
🏰 Unicorns and Mythical creatures, Sorcery
🏰 Love on the run
🏰 Close family, sister and brother
*No Unicorns killed in the book 🦄✌🏼
Publication Date June 2, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and DelRey/Penquin for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
February 3, 2026- Katherine Arden ✅
- Historical fiction ✅
- Unicorns ✅✅✅✅✅
- Historical fiction ✅
- Unicorns ✅✅✅✅✅
Want to Read
March 4, 2026i was wondering why her name sounded so familiar and realized woman literally wrote the bear and the nightingale
March 3, 2026
Historical fiction is my latest obsession.
This one beautifully weaves together a piece from history with a grim fairytale.
"The Unicorn Hunters" tells the story of a young duchess forced to think like a ruler long before she is ready. Her homeland is threatened and her choices are narrowing with every passing day. Determined to protect Brittany’s independence, she orchestrates a unicorn hunt in the legendary forest of Brocéliande. This is a move meant to outwit watchful diviners and create space for her own secret plans. But in this tale, myths are no harmless ornament, and Anne’s political maneuvering disturbs powers far older than any crown.
What I admired the most about this novel is its graceful blend of historical fantasy and the darker, grimmer fairytale. The political stakes feel real and weighty, yet the story moves softly through a world of legends. There is something timeless in its atmosphere, something that feels inherited from old fireside tales where beauty and danger are never far apart.
The most enchanting part of the book, for me, was the world itself and its hidden gems. The forest feels alive, layered with whispers of folklore and fragments of myths. Arden threads references to existing tales throughout the narrative. It feels as though the story intertwines older traditions, drawing strength from them while reshaping them into something new.
The only element that did not fully grab my heart was the romance. While it plays an important role in the plot, it unfolds rather quickly. I found myself wishing for a slower build, for more tension, more moments that would allow emotions to deepen naturally. Overall the romantic subplot felt slightly rushed.
Still "The Unicorn Hunters" is a very atmospheric read. It's a story full of legend and magic, where history meets the folklore. For every reader who enjoy historical reads with fairytale undertones.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This one beautifully weaves together a piece from history with a grim fairytale.
"The Unicorn Hunters" tells the story of a young duchess forced to think like a ruler long before she is ready. Her homeland is threatened and her choices are narrowing with every passing day. Determined to protect Brittany’s independence, she orchestrates a unicorn hunt in the legendary forest of Brocéliande. This is a move meant to outwit watchful diviners and create space for her own secret plans. But in this tale, myths are no harmless ornament, and Anne’s political maneuvering disturbs powers far older than any crown.
What I admired the most about this novel is its graceful blend of historical fantasy and the darker, grimmer fairytale. The political stakes feel real and weighty, yet the story moves softly through a world of legends. There is something timeless in its atmosphere, something that feels inherited from old fireside tales where beauty and danger are never far apart.
The most enchanting part of the book, for me, was the world itself and its hidden gems. The forest feels alive, layered with whispers of folklore and fragments of myths. Arden threads references to existing tales throughout the narrative. It feels as though the story intertwines older traditions, drawing strength from them while reshaping them into something new.
The only element that did not fully grab my heart was the romance. While it plays an important role in the plot, it unfolds rather quickly. I found myself wishing for a slower build, for more tension, more moments that would allow emotions to deepen naturally. Overall the romantic subplot felt slightly rushed.
Still "The Unicorn Hunters" is a very atmospheric read. It's a story full of legend and magic, where history meets the folklore. For every reader who enjoy historical reads with fairytale undertones.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Read
October 23, 2025Katherine Arden + folklore + unicorns — where should i sell my firstborn to get this book?
May 21, 2026
A flawlessly executed alternate history novel, meticulously woven with atmosphere and magic and folklore, and filled to the brim with political machinations and action that keep readers—and Anne of Brittany—always on their toes. Despite starting it late in the night, I could barely put it down. And Butter the cat, I would die for you.
unreleased
March 11, 2026NEW KATHERINE ARDEN BOOK AHHH i'm foaming at the mouth. unicorns?! UNICORNS?! her mind...
March 23, 2026
My medieval princess and knight fantasy era continues. More velvet!! Snoods!! In a world where magic exists yet is a fraction of what it was, Anne, Duchess of Brittany, is trying to maintain duchal (and personal) independence from France while every man falls head over heels for her. She’s beautiful, politically savvy, and, most importantly, a virgin!! The story begins with her party going to hunt a unicorn in a mythical forest with Anne being the bait because, again, virgin. Whilst on hunt, Anne can secretly marry the king of Austria to get out of the grasp of King Charles of France who she is betrothed to, all while dodging plotting courtiers and constant power plays. One of these courtiers being the handsome Louis of Orleans, a childhood friend turned enemy, who seems to be suspiciously smitten with Anne. Insert evil sorcerers. Lands haunted by ghosts. Faerie worlds. Unicorns. Sea dragons. Divination. Political intrigue. Lost love. A romantic subplot. A very real depiction of physical ailment.
I was gobsmacked by how much I enjoyed this. A reimagined story of the very real Anne of Brittany with important commentary on women’s worth being tied to virginity and childbearing without taking away from the realities of the time. The titular unicorn hunt is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the complexity of this story. Overall, highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was gobsmacked by how much I enjoyed this. A reimagined story of the very real Anne of Brittany with important commentary on women’s worth being tied to virginity and childbearing without taking away from the realities of the time. The titular unicorn hunt is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the complexity of this story. Overall, highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Currently Reading
February 27, 2026°˖➴
pre-read : ANOTHER ARC ACCEPTED FOR AN ANTICIPATED RELEASE. I AM SPOILED ʚ₍ᐢ ›̥̥̥ ༝ ‹̥̥̥ ᐢ₎ɞ
pre-read : ANOTHER ARC ACCEPTED FOR AN ANTICIPATED RELEASE. I AM SPOILED ʚ₍ᐢ ›̥̥̥ ༝ ‹̥̥̥ ᐢ₎ɞ
Want to Read
May 20, 2026Ugh, this book still isn’t available for pre-order on amazon, and it’s sooooooooooooooooo frustrating!
February 25, 2026
Many thanks to Del Rey for the preview. All opinions are my own.
Absolutely and utterly perfect. Once again Arden creates this alchemy of history, fairy tale, romance, and setting that just blows me away. The Unicorn Hunters is so beautiful, I’ve actually got tears in my eyes thinking about it.
Anne of Brittany is such a fascinating character. Determined to hold on to the independence of her duchy, she must still choose to sacrifice her own in marriage. But what if….she didn’t? And that is the story we explore here. It’s full of magic, sorcery, fae, the uncanny, and mystical creatures. Lost Lands and forgotten tales that merge with the mortal lands to create something entirely new. Anne is absolutely brilliant as she navigates courtly politics and plotting, gambling for her life and those of her subjects. She’s so strong, and her getting the life and love she deserves is a triumph.
So read this if you’ve love Arden’s other books, or if you love historical fantasy with amazing characters (including the cleverest cat named Butter!). Arden’s writing is as always gorgeous. This will be a new favorite to reread, just as The Winternight Trilogy has been.
Absolutely and utterly perfect. Once again Arden creates this alchemy of history, fairy tale, romance, and setting that just blows me away. The Unicorn Hunters is so beautiful, I’ve actually got tears in my eyes thinking about it.
Anne of Brittany is such a fascinating character. Determined to hold on to the independence of her duchy, she must still choose to sacrifice her own in marriage. But what if….she didn’t? And that is the story we explore here. It’s full of magic, sorcery, fae, the uncanny, and mystical creatures. Lost Lands and forgotten tales that merge with the mortal lands to create something entirely new. Anne is absolutely brilliant as she navigates courtly politics and plotting, gambling for her life and those of her subjects. She’s so strong, and her getting the life and love she deserves is a triumph.
So read this if you’ve love Arden’s other books, or if you love historical fantasy with amazing characters (including the cleverest cat named Butter!). Arden’s writing is as always gorgeous. This will be a new favorite to reread, just as The Winternight Trilogy has been.
Want to Read
March 10, 2026I mean, this is called The Unicorn Hunters. And my dissertation subject (Ruth Pitter) gave a BBC radio address called "Hunting the Unicorn." So reading this is basically research, right?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.
Let it be clear: Katherine Arden can write historical fiction. She goes into the detail and makes it feel authentic as anything. But, when you're expecting a fantasy from her - one that features unicorns, maybe temper your expectations just a bit.
I guess I miss old Katherine Arden. The one who wrote almost a completely original story with cameos with famous people here and there. Her Winternight Trilogy was still one of my favorite reads, and I wholeheartedly loved the story she told and the fierce female protagonist of that. So when she releases these new novels I hope to get that kind of feeling again. Another protagonist I can root for.
In this, she chooses to grab a historical female - Anne of Brittany, and turn her story into a 'what if' for the sake of this tale. Anne is to wed the King of France, but vows not to due to a promise to her father. She decides to use the legend of the unicorn and to call forth a hunt for it. However, all changes and soon Anne and her court are against foe from a land that was told to be lost for centuries.
When people write historical fantasy, and seeing what I had gotten in her trilogy, I expected something lush and as wonderous as that. Remember Warm Hands of Ghosts? This is that, only with a different lens. Maybe if I knew more about Anne of Brittany I'd care more. There are perhaps some Anne of Brittany aficionados who are going to either dislike the changes given to her history or lap it up because it gives strength to a character who really didn't have much to begin with. For me, I was trucking along for 50% of the book asking myself 'well, where is the magic'. Sure we get a unicorn, sure we get a mysterious nun who appears, a guy who may or may not be a foe who has strange powers, but it's bogged down by so much back and forth on 'is my husband from Germany going to come or not'. Also, we get a man who was captured by the French, then let go in return to make sure Anne takes France to wed. (Slight spoiler: he doesn't and ends up having a relationship with him... which isn't really romantic at all, just kind of strange because it feels like there is a story there we're missing. There is more to it in the author's afterword which kind of left me a little hmmm.)
It was fantasy lite - for people who don't like fantasy. The book doesn't get fantasy heavy until 60% into it, and when it is time for the two parts to merge (fantasy and historical) it ends up clunky and boring. I've read historical fantasy, I've read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell and that was (and still is) the strongest historical fantasy I ever read because of how detailed it was on bringing this au London to life.
I guess I gotta just keep hoping that Katherine goes back to writing something original. I'm not a fan of her history fantasy but for those who are, these are certainly for you.
Let it be clear: Katherine Arden can write historical fiction. She goes into the detail and makes it feel authentic as anything. But, when you're expecting a fantasy from her - one that features unicorns, maybe temper your expectations just a bit.
I guess I miss old Katherine Arden. The one who wrote almost a completely original story with cameos with famous people here and there. Her Winternight Trilogy was still one of my favorite reads, and I wholeheartedly loved the story she told and the fierce female protagonist of that. So when she releases these new novels I hope to get that kind of feeling again. Another protagonist I can root for.
In this, she chooses to grab a historical female - Anne of Brittany, and turn her story into a 'what if' for the sake of this tale. Anne is to wed the King of France, but vows not to due to a promise to her father. She decides to use the legend of the unicorn and to call forth a hunt for it. However, all changes and soon Anne and her court are against foe from a land that was told to be lost for centuries.
When people write historical fantasy, and seeing what I had gotten in her trilogy, I expected something lush and as wonderous as that. Remember Warm Hands of Ghosts? This is that, only with a different lens. Maybe if I knew more about Anne of Brittany I'd care more. There are perhaps some Anne of Brittany aficionados who are going to either dislike the changes given to her history or lap it up because it gives strength to a character who really didn't have much to begin with. For me, I was trucking along for 50% of the book asking myself 'well, where is the magic'. Sure we get a unicorn, sure we get a mysterious nun who appears, a guy who may or may not be a foe who has strange powers, but it's bogged down by so much back and forth on 'is my husband from Germany going to come or not'. Also, we get a man who was captured by the French, then let go in return to make sure Anne takes France to wed. (Slight spoiler: he doesn't and ends up having a relationship with him... which isn't really romantic at all, just kind of strange because it feels like there is a story there we're missing. There is more to it in the author's afterword which kind of left me a little hmmm.)
It was fantasy lite - for people who don't like fantasy. The book doesn't get fantasy heavy until 60% into it, and when it is time for the two parts to merge (fantasy and historical) it ends up clunky and boring. I've read historical fantasy, I've read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell and that was (and still is) the strongest historical fantasy I ever read because of how detailed it was on bringing this au London to life.
I guess I gotta just keep hoping that Katherine goes back to writing something original. I'm not a fan of her history fantasy but for those who are, these are certainly for you.
May 7, 2026
A book that feels written for me. Thank you to my Medieval Heroes and Villains class in college. I absolutely loved this book. The yearning and banter and all the different relationships and the magic and the wonder. A true modern fairytale.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In an attempt to stall her marriage to the king of France, giving him control over Brittany, the duchess Anne claims that a unicorn has been spotted in the nearby forest and announces a hunt. To her shock, when the hunt commences a unicorn really appears, shortly followed by a man who has seemingly stumbled out of the fey realm after being trapped there for several centuries. With pressure on her from all sides and the looming threats from another realm, Anne must get ahold of her newfound abilities and protect her land while she still has a land to protect.
I am in the vast minority (I think) of Katherine Arden fans who didn't really like The Winternight Trilogy, but I really loved The Warm Hands of Ghosts and have been eagerly awaiting Arden's next foray into historical fantasy. The Unicorn Hunters fell a little middle of the road for me—there were a lot of elements I really liked but they didn't really go where I hoped. I will say that one of the other early reviews was disappointed that the actual unicorn hunt was so short considering that it's the title of the book. There is a literal unicorn hunt in the book, but I think the title metaphorically refers to Anne trying to fend off these opportunistic suitors that see her as a prize to be won or a path to power. Arden alludes to this in the afterword, and that makes total sense to me and didn't bother me. The fairytale vibes are amazing, especially in the beginning. I got really excited by the Korrigan king's proposal because I loved the idea but honestly that didn't really go anywhere in the way I wanted it to.
Generally, I enjoyed it, but I wasn't blown away and never got super engaged with the characters. Still, it's a beautiful book and I just love historical fantasy so I'm glad Katherine Arden is still writing it!
Thank you to Katherine Arden and Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
I am in the vast minority (I think) of Katherine Arden fans who didn't really like The Winternight Trilogy, but I really loved The Warm Hands of Ghosts and have been eagerly awaiting Arden's next foray into historical fantasy. The Unicorn Hunters fell a little middle of the road for me—there were a lot of elements I really liked but they didn't really go where I hoped. I will say that one of the other early reviews was disappointed that the actual unicorn hunt was so short considering that it's the title of the book. There is a literal unicorn hunt in the book, but I think the title metaphorically refers to Anne trying to fend off these opportunistic suitors that see her as a prize to be won or a path to power. Arden alludes to this in the afterword, and that makes total sense to me and didn't bother me. The fairytale vibes are amazing, especially in the beginning. I got really excited by the Korrigan king's proposal because I loved the idea but honestly that didn't really go anywhere in the way I wanted it to.
Generally, I enjoyed it, but I wasn't blown away and never got super engaged with the characters. Still, it's a beautiful book and I just love historical fantasy so I'm glad Katherine Arden is still writing it!
Thank you to Katherine Arden and Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Want to Read
May 1, 2026what a relief to read something this 90s paperback
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