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The Shadow of the Unicorn #2
The Deception
Sixty years after the unicorns’ narrow escape from extinction, Azaria's Legacy has gone wrong. The new generation barely exists, hidden in the depths of the forest. Their cruel and ruthless leader, Icarus, threatens them daily with Jaresh, an invisible being capable of taking away their powers. Angry, the young colt Ulysees and his friend Téo rebel, following an old, abandoned trail where they’re discovered by humans. Now the entire herd must flee. But Ulysees learns there’s a far greater danger than humans when he meets a giant creature who warns him of impending doom…
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
266 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne de Montigny
14 books277 followersSuzanne grew up in Chilliwack, B.C. A musical child, she studied music composition at the U of Victoria and UC San Diego. After a brief career as a composer and pianist, she drifted into music education where she learned she could weave a good story that kept kids pretty entertained. The Shadow of the Unicorn is a three-part series about endangered species and the recklessness of humans.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 23, 2015
Book Review originally posted here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception is an imaginative, fun read for middle graders and tweens. I haven’t read the first book, but I didn’t have to in order to understand this one. So first, I’ve never read a book featuring unicorns before, but I love horses, so I wanted to give this one a shot. Writing from the point of view of unicorns can’t be easy. Even just anatomically, horses differ a lot from humans. They do feel the same things though, at least in this book: loyalty, friendship, sadness. The book is told from the POV of Ulysees, a young colt growing into adulthood. The world is afraid of unicorns, so they must live in a secret hideout. But when Ulysees and his best friend Téo follow an abandoned trail and are discovered by humans, the entire herd must make a run for it, afraid of getting discovered by the humans.
I liked all characters, but in particular Ulysees. Icharus was interesting too – he thought the younger unicorns a lot, and though he might be ruthless, it was interesting to find out why. The unicorn’s skills are unique too. Obviously the author has an impressive imagination.
This book was totally unpredictable, and with such amazing and original main cast, it’s a great read for middle graders. The book has a positive message too, and I was glad not all humans turned out to be villains, although it was fun to see humans in the roles of villains for once.
The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception is an imaginative, fun read for middle graders and tweens. I haven’t read the first book, but I didn’t have to in order to understand this one. So first, I’ve never read a book featuring unicorns before, but I love horses, so I wanted to give this one a shot. Writing from the point of view of unicorns can’t be easy. Even just anatomically, horses differ a lot from humans. They do feel the same things though, at least in this book: loyalty, friendship, sadness. The book is told from the POV of Ulysees, a young colt growing into adulthood. The world is afraid of unicorns, so they must live in a secret hideout. But when Ulysees and his best friend Téo follow an abandoned trail and are discovered by humans, the entire herd must make a run for it, afraid of getting discovered by the humans.
I liked all characters, but in particular Ulysees. Icharus was interesting too – he thought the younger unicorns a lot, and though he might be ruthless, it was interesting to find out why. The unicorn’s skills are unique too. Obviously the author has an impressive imagination.
This book was totally unpredictable, and with such amazing and original main cast, it’s a great read for middle graders. The book has a positive message too, and I was glad not all humans turned out to be villains, although it was fun to see humans in the roles of villains for once.
May 11, 2015
I'm not usually a big fan of books with 'animals' as the main characters, since it's often difficult for the authors to get these characters to come across right. The Shadow of the Unicorn II not only did a good job in bringing unicorns to life, but did it in a refreshing way.
I read this book, number two in the series, before the first one and had absolutely no problems diving into the story. The book starts with a young unicorn following his father, and as the first dialogue began, I was hooked. Although this is a story featuring unicorns, the thoughts and dialogue is very modern and reflects the attitude of every day kids. Middle graders will have no trouble falling into the scenes and sympathizing with the characters.
The story itself takes place in a pre-historic time, just then when dinosaurs are about to face the changing Earth and their nearing extinction. This intermixing of two very different creatures (unicorns and dinosaurs) was well done and had a nice, adventurous twist to the end of the dinosaur age story that one so often sees (meteors, changing climate and dawning of two legged creatures.)
The story is largely pushed along through dialogue. This keeps a quick pace with a fun dash of humor and lots of twists and turns. The scenes are still described well enough that the reader can picture the surroundings and understand what the unicorns are going through. The only thing which threw me for a bit was the amount of characters; there a quite a few to remember at first, and sometimes I felt that I would have liked to have gotten to know a couple of them better.
Summed up, this is an enjoyable read not only for horse and unicorn lovers, and the writing and dialogue will especially appeal to kids 8-12. The writing makes for an easy read while adding enough adventure, twists and turns to keep the story going until the very end.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book, number two in the series, before the first one and had absolutely no problems diving into the story. The book starts with a young unicorn following his father, and as the first dialogue began, I was hooked. Although this is a story featuring unicorns, the thoughts and dialogue is very modern and reflects the attitude of every day kids. Middle graders will have no trouble falling into the scenes and sympathizing with the characters.
The story itself takes place in a pre-historic time, just then when dinosaurs are about to face the changing Earth and their nearing extinction. This intermixing of two very different creatures (unicorns and dinosaurs) was well done and had a nice, adventurous twist to the end of the dinosaur age story that one so often sees (meteors, changing climate and dawning of two legged creatures.)
The story is largely pushed along through dialogue. This keeps a quick pace with a fun dash of humor and lots of twists and turns. The scenes are still described well enough that the reader can picture the surroundings and understand what the unicorns are going through. The only thing which threw me for a bit was the amount of characters; there a quite a few to remember at first, and sometimes I felt that I would have liked to have gotten to know a couple of them better.
Summed up, this is an enjoyable read not only for horse and unicorn lovers, and the writing and dialogue will especially appeal to kids 8-12. The writing makes for an easy read while adding enough adventure, twists and turns to keep the story going until the very end.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2015
Once upon a time, in a magical land, there lived magical creatures. Like most animals, whether real or magical, they wanted to live and be happy with their families. Sometimes, however, dangers threaten and creatures, animal or human, have to learn who to trust and how to face their challenges.
In Author Suzanne de Montigny’s novel THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORN II: THE DECEPTION, written for middle grade readers, we meet some of these magical animals and some not so magical humans. The book opens with the birth if Ulysses, the colt of Unicorns Icarus and Sarah. As Ulysses grows and learns the ways of his family of unicorns he also discovers secrets that he wants answered. So Ulysses and his friend Teo set out to find the truth. On the way they encounter humans and a dinosaur and get themselves into more trouble than they could ever
have imagined.
Suzanne de Montigny has written a lovely story of family and bravery. The unicorns can do magical things, but they also seem real, like flesh and blood animals. They’re so likeable that I think having one of my own, not just as a pet but as a friend, since they can talk, would be great. When Ulysses faced danger, I faced it with him. Every step of the way I hoped he’d make the right decisions.
As much as I liked the first book in the series, this novel was even better. Even though it’s written for children, I think all ages will enjoy reading THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORN II: THE DECEPTION. I believe you will fall in love with the unicorns. And who wouldn’t like a big old dinosaur from years and years ago? Also, if you haven’t read the first book, THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORM: THE LEGACY, BOOK I, what are you waiting for?
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In Author Suzanne de Montigny’s novel THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORN II: THE DECEPTION, written for middle grade readers, we meet some of these magical animals and some not so magical humans. The book opens with the birth if Ulysses, the colt of Unicorns Icarus and Sarah. As Ulysses grows and learns the ways of his family of unicorns he also discovers secrets that he wants answered. So Ulysses and his friend Teo set out to find the truth. On the way they encounter humans and a dinosaur and get themselves into more trouble than they could ever
have imagined.
Suzanne de Montigny has written a lovely story of family and bravery. The unicorns can do magical things, but they also seem real, like flesh and blood animals. They’re so likeable that I think having one of my own, not just as a pet but as a friend, since they can talk, would be great. When Ulysses faced danger, I faced it with him. Every step of the way I hoped he’d make the right decisions.
As much as I liked the first book in the series, this novel was even better. Even though it’s written for children, I think all ages will enjoy reading THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORN II: THE DECEPTION. I believe you will fall in love with the unicorns. And who wouldn’t like a big old dinosaur from years and years ago? Also, if you haven’t read the first book, THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORM: THE LEGACY, BOOK I, what are you waiting for?
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May 23, 2015
I wasn’t sure I’d like this story about unicorns, since I’m not a “unicorn person.” But I found it delightful! I enjoyed it from beginning to end and wanted more!
The main character, Ulysees is a unicorn colt. He’s smart, brave, kind, and thoroughly appealing along with the three other foals born the same time he was. He has a lot to learn in order to fit in with his unicorn herd, and the lead stallion is a dictator, making everyone’s life difficult under the guise of “protecting” them. And the stallion’s not the only challenge little Ulysees must face. Since unicorns’ horns are magical and can heal the illnesses of humans, there’s a ruthless group of men chasing after the herd to try to kidnap one and make money off cures for the sick.
The chapters are short and fast-paced, perfect for kids with short attention spans, especially boys. I never knew what would happen next in the twisting plot line, and it kept me turning the pages, wondering what new problem or adventure Ulysees would be on to next.
Give this sweet MG novel a try—you won’t regret it! Very highly recommended!
The main character, Ulysees is a unicorn colt. He’s smart, brave, kind, and thoroughly appealing along with the three other foals born the same time he was. He has a lot to learn in order to fit in with his unicorn herd, and the lead stallion is a dictator, making everyone’s life difficult under the guise of “protecting” them. And the stallion’s not the only challenge little Ulysees must face. Since unicorns’ horns are magical and can heal the illnesses of humans, there’s a ruthless group of men chasing after the herd to try to kidnap one and make money off cures for the sick.
The chapters are short and fast-paced, perfect for kids with short attention spans, especially boys. I never knew what would happen next in the twisting plot line, and it kept me turning the pages, wondering what new problem or adventure Ulysees would be on to next.
Give this sweet MG novel a try—you won’t regret it! Very highly recommended!
April 4, 2015
Suzanne de Montigny's back and she's brought along her unicorns for the second installment of her marvelously entertaining MG fantasy series, The Shadow of the Unicorn. In The Deception, the characters have changed, old giving way to the new generation, but the powerful message remains: tolerance. Ms. de Montigny excels at weaving a fantastical tale of adventure, bravery, friendship, mystery. The books carry an important anti-prejudicial theme (uncannily using unicorns) and never comes across as preachy. This time out the human villains supply needed comedic relief. I recommend this book to readers of all ages! Get them both and I'm looking forward to the finale.
March 25, 2015
We watch Ulysees as he becomes a full grown Unicorn who battles humans, other unicorn’s false beliefs and a changing Earth. He also has wonderful experiences like meeting good humans, a beautiful unicorn named Alannah, and finding Unicorn Falls.
Unexpected twists await toward an ending that will challenge your thinking.
Hats off to Suzanne de Montigny for giving us a book that boys, girls and their adult friends will all love.
Unexpected twists await toward an ending that will challenge your thinking.
Hats off to Suzanne de Montigny for giving us a book that boys, girls and their adult friends will all love.
August 16, 2017
Great story told from the point of view of a unicorn. It’s a story that I grew up with told from a different point of view, although I didn’t find that out until the very end, which was a delightful surprise.
Point for view is so interesting in stories. I loved that this was told from the point of view of the unicorn. Besides being the story I had heard, which really isn’t the part I knew. It is also a story about prejudice, acceptance, and trust.
I give this story 5 out of 5 clouds.
Point for view is so interesting in stories. I loved that this was told from the point of view of the unicorn. Besides being the story I had heard, which really isn’t the part I knew. It is also a story about prejudice, acceptance, and trust.
I give this story 5 out of 5 clouds.
September 29, 2015
You have got to read this book. You'll never be disappointed with the unicorn tales of Shadow Of The Unicorn books. It has a good message, adorable characters and a very readable, moving plot. Buy it now.
November 8, 2018
This is the continuing story of the unicorns. They survived the disastrous asteroid strike that turned the world dark. Join them in their next thrilling adventure! Find out if the further prediction of the dinosaur seer comes to pass. Great fantasy for all ages.
Things have changed for the herd, a new leader reigns with fear and intimidation. Icarus defeated Polaris the past Great Stallion. He will do anything it takes to retain his power.
New foals are taught a twisted version of the herd’s past. Icarus tries to instill the herd with new beliefs to cement his power. There are many who disagree with him, but are too afraid to challenge him openly.
Will the new group of young unicorns fall in line, or will someone finally question Icarus? The dinosaur seer was right about the time of darkness, where many species died out, and the survivors lost members of their groups. Will his prediction of more trouble to come prove true? How will the herd overcome their new obstacles?
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things have changed for the herd, a new leader reigns with fear and intimidation. Icarus defeated Polaris the past Great Stallion. He will do anything it takes to retain his power.
New foals are taught a twisted version of the herd’s past. Icarus tries to instill the herd with new beliefs to cement his power. There are many who disagree with him, but are too afraid to challenge him openly.
Will the new group of young unicorns fall in line, or will someone finally question Icarus? The dinosaur seer was right about the time of darkness, where many species died out, and the survivors lost members of their groups. Will his prediction of more trouble to come prove true? How will the herd overcome their new obstacles?
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2016
Loved this one too!! Can't wait to have my two young boys read this series so we can talk about the morals Ms. Montigny smoothly slides into her novels. The lessons of tolerance for those different from you, second chances, and the pursuit of truth are just a few of the lessons learned in the second installment of the Shadow of the Unicorn series. A quick read for an adult, I feel my boys, ages 12 and 10, will really enjoy them as well. The books are action packed, the descriptions of the world well written, enough to build a world without spending too long talking about every insect and weed seen along the way. Great middle grade read for boys or girls (or the occasional adult). :)
February 23, 2018
this was a very well written story about unicorns. i can't wait to read more by this author
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September 9, 2020Great young adult novel. Brilliant author.
May 30, 2015
THE SHADOW OF THE UNICORN: THE DECEPTION by Suzanne de Montigny is the second middle-reader book in this series. It is set two generations after the “The Legacy” and is a stand-alone book. (Although I don’t recommend doing so, I feel that it is possible to thoroughly enjoy “The Deception” without having read The Legacy first). Similar to its predecessor, this book describes the adventures of a young male unicorn named Ulysses and his best friend Teo. They grow up together in a herd of unicorns that is now led by a tyrant who uses all available methods to stay in control for the good of the group. Action abounds as Ulysses and Teo come into contact with humans and the last living dinosaur. As he matures, Ulysses has his own important role to play in keeping the herd safe and he begins to be in conflict with the tyrant. Humans are again portrayed for the most part as being mean and greedy. Many of them will kill a unicorn at the drop of a hat to obtain the magical powers of the horn. However, there are notable exceptions among the humans. The ending may well surprise you. I am ready for number three in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews