Indiana Jones en de erfenis van de eenhoorn

Indiana Jones: Prequels #5

by Rob MacGregor

Lost on the labyrinth of a Paleolithic cavern complex, Indy Jones encounters references to a mythological beast that may have existed twenty-thousand years ago--and five years later Dr. Jones confronts the legend again, and the woman who is hoping to find the fabled unicorn's horn.  But so is someone else from Indy's past, a man who will stop at nothing to obtain the ancient relic.  Some say the unicorn's horn came from an animal made extinct by the Great Flood.  Others say the horn is an effective antidote to poison and a mystical relic.  Indy discovers that the horn's power is less than benevolent, and the same could be said about the intentions of a certain beautiful art historian.

Genres: Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Action, Mystery

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Rob MacGregor is author of 19 novels, 14 non-fiction books, and has teamed with George Lucas and Peter Benchley. He is a winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for mystery writing, and has been on the New York Times best-seller’s list. He writes both adult and young adult mysteries, adventure, and science fiction/fantasy. He’s best known for his seven Indiana Jones novels. He co-authored The Fog with Bruce Gernon, and with his wife, Trish, co-authored three books on synchronicity. His latest book is Aliens in the Backyard: UFO Encounters, Abductions, and Synchronicity. In his spare time, Rob teaches yoga and meditation.

Reviews

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of the Indiana Jones prequel novels so far. This one goes from the American Southwest to Italy, with the prize being what is supposedly the last "Unicorn horn" in existence. Plenty of the action and adventure you'd expect, and of course, an attractive female in the mix as well. As with previous volumes, the series does seem to capture the character well.

[Taylor - Muse Ignited Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - this series has been the perfect pool/beach reads for me this week. Liked the setting of this one (Colorado and southwest Desert scape and Indian legends) was not the sort of setting I was expecting for a mystery/adventure surrounding a mystical Alicorn, so it was a nice surprise/juxtaposition👌🏼

[Viktoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ist okay, aber 1 Stern Abzug wegen (zwar zeittypischem aber dennoch nervigem) Sexismus/ sexistischer Darstellung

[Hidekisohma · Rating 3 out of 5]

So i am a fan of "expanded media" on a game/film franchise. like star wars novels, mass effect, etc and decided to give an indiana jones one a try. and.... well it started out pretty okay. it was a shame it couldn't stay that way.

This one's basically about a unicorn horn that can do very vague things. (i had to double check the powers on the wiki) that involve having charisma powers and traveling through a gate to the underworld. (not really utilized much). Indy and his old buddy Mara are on basically two different stories trying to find this thing that traveled through people's hands and was eventually sold to a dude and then hidden.

The first half of the book is actually quite interesting. the start of the adventure, wondering exactly what this unicorn is, and what it does,but about the halfway mark, it's like the author Rob realized that he didn't have enough story to make up an entire novel and decided to pad the pages with chapters about Indy tripping balls on native american tea and long long pages of diary entries talking about the history of the horn. Needless to say, these fifyish pages were schlogs to get through.

It's also one of those stories where you feel like it should have ended earlier than it did when the major resolution takes place, but no, it goes on for another 50ish pages doing a whole other ending.

So that being said, the first half of the book is a solid 4 while the second half is more like a 2.5. Sadly, once they get out of the desert and move to the final set piece, it really loses it for me.

Indy and Marcus aside, the characters are not great in this one and i interchanged quite a few of them as the story continued. The characterization was fine though and didn't ever really feel like Indy was out of character.

The titular mcguffin, the unicorn horn, is no ark of the covenant or holy grail, it's a very lackluster artifact that really didn't leave a big impression on me. i mean, yes, it's hard to compare to those two, but it wasn't even in the same ballpark unfortunately.

The story was one of those situations where you look at the remaining pages and go "how the hell are they going to wrap this up in 18 pages?" and, 9/10 times that's not a good sign.

I will say that the book read very well. It was never really confusing and i got exactly what was happening. the style wasn't the issue, it was the contest.

All in all, i wish the 2nd half was like the 1st. if so i would have easily given it a 4. that being said, it wasn't BAD, just not as good as it could have been.

even 3 out of 5.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. These books have been okay, at best, but this one feels a little less, partly because of the way MacGregor breaks the book up into these different chunks that feel like separate stories. Here, we travel from France to the Southwestern US to Italy, and while I realize Raiders of the Lost Ark followed a similar kind of formula, at least there felt like a reason to be traveling all over the world in the service to a single story. It feels like MacGregor was just wanting to put as much world culture into the book as he possibly could.

They're still entertaining, but neither are they a match for watching the movies instead. Indy feels like he's best served in a visual medium.

[Rob Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indiana Jones and the Unicorn’s Legacy is an interesting tale from the point of view that it deals with an ‘alicorn’ (or a unicorn’s horn), and for some reason feels like it should be happening in Europe, yet a large chunk of the book is set in the USA and dips into Indian myth and legend more than anything else.

Only the book’s opening scenes and rushed ending happen in Europe; the latter of which is a big part of this book’s problem. After running around the desert in the USA for most of the book in a not-so-exciting way, we get to Rome, and an enemy for Indy who wants to end Mussolini (which you think would be a good thing but apparently not; the story only briefly touches on the irony of Indy trying to stop a man who wants to end a fascist), and Indy wanting to carry out a heist in disguise, and an old flame complicating matters… and this is brushed over in a tiny section of the novel, right at the end.

This Rome storyline is far more interesting that the USA-based content and I think if we’d spent less time running around the desert and just got to the point, we could have spent more time dealing with those characters fleshing them out, and basically opening up the interesting part of the adventure.

I also noticed that while this story didn’t have a certain mythical character show up and chat with Indy – as so many of the earlier novels featured – it still has Indy drinking a special ‘tea’ at one stage and basically tripping out of his head and thinking he’s a bird flying around with another bird and basically having visions. And while the novel is careful to present Indy, on the whole, as a guy who believes in science and has no time for the supernatural, to still have passages like this, where unexplained supernatural stuff happens to him… feels off. And I know some will say, “But supernatural stuff happens to him in the original trilogy of movies…” but I would argue that, aside from his possession in Temple of Doom, it’s usually not so direct; it’s usually happening to other people. In this novel it’s direct.

Reading through online reviews – which I typically don’t do, but I had so little to say about this novel, I felt compelled to see how other people felt – there were the usual, “It’s Indiana Jones, I love Indiana Jones, I give it five-stars!” type of people, but also a decent number of people who felt similarly to me. It’s a novel… stuff happens… some of it’s interesting… but you won’t be recommending this one to anyone in a hurry. Even someone who specifically asks for an Indiana Jones novel recommendation.

All up, I feel this is on-par with the other Rob MacGregor books… mostly… but it’s the one that’s failed to hold my attention the whole time. I’d pick it up and be like, “Oh yeah, we’re still running around in the desert… okay…” and burn thorough another chapter, only to find we’re doing more of the same. It’s basically in the same ballpark as the other Indy books preceding it in the range, but I just couldn’t get into it completely and, when I look back on it, I don’t feel it was a great story overall.

[Saimi Korhonen · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Indy had no idea what was going on. None of it made sense. Everything around him had suddenly shifted into a strange twisted nightmare. It all started about the time he crawled into that crevice. And he had the feeling it was only beginning."

Indiana Jones and the Unicorn's Legacy is set before the films, and follows Indy as he is swept up in a mystery surrounding a staff that's believed to be the last remaining horn of a unicorn. Alongside Indy, there are many others trying to get their hands on this mythical object, such as a beautiful art historian from Indy's past and an old rival and enemy from Indy's time in university.

I didn't expect much from this book, but I thought it might be a fun adventure mystery. I really like the Indiana Jones films, and so I thought reading about a quest of his, all about, as always, a mythical object, would be okay fun. Also I really love unicorns. But unfortunately this book didn't deliver. The mystery was quite uneventful and I felt like nothing really happened. The twists weren't impactful or super surprising (for example, it was obvious from the start that Mara would double-crosss and manipulate Indy.) I also didn't quite grasp what Indy's motivations where in trying to get the staff. And while in the films as well some things are always left for interpretation when it comes to the objects they are centered around, I did feel like the unicorn's horn was left a bit too unexplained. The characters were also quite blah and uninteresting. The book was also quite dated and old-fashioned in, for example, some of the terminology used for minorities, which did bother me a bit.

I don't regret reading this, it was entertaining enough to keep me going and not decide to DNF it, but I don't think I'll be picking anymore Indiana Jones novels in the future. But, yeah, unfortunately this wasn't the action packed historical mystery I was hoping it would be.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the idea behind this book. A unicorn's horn (an alicorn) is the McGuffin for the story, and it just feels right -- a lesser relic for a younger, pre-movie Indy. There a lot of other things to like in the story: Indy in the remote South-West U.S. among Native American ruins, a few shady characters, including a rival archeologist and the Italian mafia and a believable potential love interest. I especially enjoyed that it is actually Marcus Brody who comes up with a daring plan in Rome involving Indy in disguise as an older German professor.

McGregor does a fine job of setting up Indy-style action, and is pretty good with Indy's sarcasim and quips, but I do feel that the ending was a bit rushed. I had this complaint with Indiana Jones and the Seven Veils as well.

[Kiril Valchev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Лятото на 1928г. Лекциите в малък частен колеж в Нова Англия са приключили и любимият ни археолог мисли да прекара ваканцията в югозападните щати. "Четирите ъгъла" е мястото където си дават среща Колорадо, Юта, Аризона и Ню Мексико. Това са земите на древните анасази, оставили след себе си в пясъчниците на Меса Верде (и не само) множество скални жилища и петроглифи. Миналото на Инди обаче, просто не може да го остави на мира. В живота му се връщат стар неприятел, любов от студентските години и мистериозен артефакт, за който се предполага, че е направен от рог на митична гадина: един от мокрите сънища на криптозоолозите и сухите блянове на малките момиченца- еднорогът.

[Steve Maus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library thinking it would be a fun light diversion - but it was really disappointing. It's formulaic to a fault, somehow falling flat while including all the expected features of an Indiana Jones story. The story is all well and good, the unicorn lore, and I appreciate it being largely set in the four corners area with events centering around indigenous landmarks, but it's really just flat dialogue, and the action is even described in this lifeless straightforward sort of way.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought a story about Indiana Jones and a unicorn sounded silly, so I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It is one of the better Indiana Jones novels I have read so far. The conclusion felt a bit rushed and the setting somewhat out of place. Most of the story takes place in the American Southwest with a quick wrap up in Rome, Italy. Some ending involving the local Native American lore would have been more fitting. Still, this is one to be enjoyed by fans of Indiana Jones.

[WhatShouldIRead]

Sorry Indy. I got about 2/3s through and didn't care for the story, the characters, the situations or anything much about it aside from the fact that the story involved Indy. I'm sure I read this book years ago and got through it but nowadays I don't have the patience for mediocre stories so have set it aside.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quality one. Although not as globe-trotting as others. I was genuinely concerned Jack Shannon was going to die as he has the wife and child now so every scene he was in I was holding my breath. The premise was a little convoluted but the action and dialogue was fun and captured the spirit of Indy well. Interesred to see what MacGregor does with his last Indy novel.

[Paolo Calabrò · Rating 2 out of 5]

In spite of its many flaws, I rather enjoyed it. Not as good as "The Genesis deluge", mostly because of its subject. All things considered though, it's consistent with the rest of Mac Gregor's Indy novels.

[Les Hopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid romp into the world of Indiana Jones. Nicely researched so it felt at least as believable as the original films, and written well to tie in with the previous novels. Good fun, I shall read more!!

[Nicolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This starts strong with a underwater archaeological excavation. It's exciting an fun, but the author never quit recaptures that. The rest of the story is fine, though a unicorn horn is a pretty silly macguffin. (This is pre-Crystal Skull, mind you.)

[Kendal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story felt jumbled. There are a lot of characters running around, but there is not a lot of focus. The alicorn is here and there, but cohesion is minimal, and the ending was tacked on. Plus, not a lot of humor, as in the films.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the Indiana Jones books I've read so far, Indiana Jones and the Genesis Deluge was the high point. Hence why I gave it 5 stars, while all the others, including this one, got 4 stars. That being said, Indiana Jones and the Unicorn's Legacy was an interesting book in its' own right.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy fun.

[Maggie Haberman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the other one I read! The plot in this at least twists and turns a good deal. The side characters are still bizarre.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the better ones in the series. Maybe I just like it because it is in the southwest.

[Βασίλης Μέγας · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, plot twists, and a story worth telling. Indiana Jones embarks on a quest seeking the fabled alicorn - the unicorn's horn. The book was more than good and enjoyable.

[Phillip III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 10-20 years ago. Just updating my Goodreads.

[Andrés · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very solid 3.5. One of the better Indy novels without a doubt.

[Ty G. Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun Indiana Jones adventure, but not a memorable one. Still, if you’re looking for some Indy content you’ll probably be satisfied.

[Andy Haygood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book. Brain candy without a doubt, but a fun read nonetheless. I love the Indiana Jones franchise and this book falls into line with the other books and movies. It scratched the itch.

[Andrew Sheranko · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far this is the 1st one of the Indy prequels that just didn’t keep my attention

[Brooks Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the title is probably the goofiest of all of the Indiana Jones novels, it actually is one of the better novels. While I’ve heard many people call this one slow. I think I liked the pace of it. It had a beginning, a middle, and end unlike some of the stories.

While I would’ve liked a little more fleshing out of the villains and Mara, I actually enjoyed the Native American history and lore, it felt like a nice change of pace having a villainous archeologist (a watered down Belloq in Walcott) and a main villain who instead of being tied to Nazi Germany is tied to Mussolini’s Italy and the different viewpoints. I’ll always take more Brody where I can get him.

Indy was much closer to the character from the films. While I find it hard to believe that after everything he goes through he refuses to believe in magical happenings but it’s one brand, and the action is incredibly well done.

The titular Unicorn is ridiculous but the novel presents it in such a great way that it actually ends up being one of the best novel macguffins. When the villain wields it and its power it is actually kinda creepy and works well. While the title and the unicorn is associated with childish stories they did a good enough job of making it a little more “Indy.”

Rating: 8/10

[Graeme O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid action and a good yarn, INDIANA JONES AND THE UNICORN’S LEGACY is almost as good as the other prequel novels but just spends a little too much time spinning wheels in the desert.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unicorns in an Indiana Jones adventure? What the what? Well to be honest the story involves a unicorn horn. This Indy novel isn't as awesome as the other past novels (except Genesis Deluge). The characters in this novel seem a little bland(with the exception of Indy and Jack, and even Marcus Brody. The character of Mara is almost similar if not a rehashing of Elsa from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The story is a bit weak, but picks up at a fair pace. Again what this novel lacked was that hint of supernatural climaxes that almost every Indy adventures has. Not a bad read and pretty interesting.