Red Unicorn

Unicorn #3

by Tanith Lee

The enchanting, magical sequel to The Black Unicorn and The Gold Unicorn!

After several years traveling, Tanaquil — a sorceress like her mother with the ability to mend — returns home only to discover that her true love has been betrothed to her sister, Empress Lizra. Broken-hearted and jealous of her sister’s happiness, Tanaquil is lured by a red unicorn into a mirror world where she encounters Tanakil, a diabolical version of herself.

She discovers also several new powers. Powers she will need to foil Tanakil’s sinister plot of revenge.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Unicorns, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic, High Fantasy

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Tanith Lee was a British writer of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. She was the author of 77 novels, 14 collections, and almost 300 short stories. She also wrote four radio plays broadcast by the BBC and two scripts for the UK, science fiction, cult television series "Blake's 7."
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.

Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.

Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.

Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.

Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.

Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.

Reviews

[Bibliothecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

“'Say yes properly this time, or I'll push you into the fire.' 'Yes, properly.'”

Although not the best in the series, Red Unicron delivers a well rounded conclusion to the Unicorn Trilogy. In this instalment, Tanaquil once again travels to another world - this time, a world that mirrors her own but where everything appears to work in opposite ways. In that same sense, she also meets her mirrored self who, unlike Tanaquil's mending magic, is only good at breaking things.

This story is not so much concerned with action or big events happening. It essentially allows Tanaquil to sort through her own emotions and inner struggles she has had over the course of the trilogy. The world she is in is pretty absurd and there's generally a lot more magic involved - Tanaquil seems to be the only sane character. This makes for a fun read but at the same time doesn't quite match the atmosphere of the previous two instalments.

Although Tanaquil figured out that she loves Honj, I don't feel that there were enough scenes between them - neither in the previous book nor in this one. While I do like their chemistry, it didn't feel developed well enough to justify Red Unicorn which focuses a lot on Tanaquil's sorrow of having lost him.

The Peeve is, as usual, one of the most entertaining parts of the book. I did enjoy this series and it's rather unique in the way it explores the characters. But yet it still fails to stand out as a particular favourite of mine - it was good, nothing more, nothing less.

[N.T. Embeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was exactly what my heart needed, and exactly the journey I wanted to go through.

To read my full review, click here.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the three books. Most likely, this is because Tanaquil finally gets her damn HEA ending. She goes through a lot of crap in this series before she gets there and she deserves it. In this book, she did not feel as conflicted and the situations she ends up in are not as horrible. It was amusing more than anything else really. To the character, everything going on in this book was just as big of a deal as the events of the previous books; but for me, the reader, it just felt like a fun romp where the worries of how she was going to make it out of this situation would occasionally grab me for a minute. It never really grabbed me all that tightly because this book really, really lacked the urgency required for that. I understand why other readers would dislike this book compared to the other two but I don't have that problem. I enjoyed this book for what it was and not how it could hold up in comparison to the others. For me, this book was simply a way to tie up loose ends. Tanaquil (and the readers) needed closure after the previous book and Red Unicorn gave us that. In my opinion, it was a rather nifty way to give someone closure (which I wont go into because that would be spoilery - read the book & you will understand why it's a unique way to deal with her problems). So, read it! Just don't expect it to be the same as the previous two.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Tanith Lee, with lots of commas and question marks. It's almost too bad she decided to go with the unicorn motif for the sequels, because both the gold and red unicorn were disappointing. The eponymous red unicorn was only there for like a chapter and felt rather superfluous.

Still, a happy ending, and it made me rather happy. Also, the peeve is absolutely the best character.

[Rain Misoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely the weakest out of the three.

To read my full review, click here.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Rated more as 3.7 to 3.8 stars) I got to say the other two books were mostly about Tanaquil searching for family and exploring her magical talents. This third one focused in on her emotions, and how simple the answers can be (they can be right in front of you). She is finally coming to terms with her feelings toward her family, and the man she has come to love. I loved seeing her gain the courage to move forward in her endeavors. I do feel like more conflict could have been made. The whole invulnerable thing should have been totally broken down in this alternate world. And Tanakil should have been more of a threat in some way. I also feel that the ending in the real world was rather cut short. I wish we could have had a few more pages where she reunited with all her past friends (Honj is mentioned, and only really appears at the last couple of pages.). But I'm happy that things were resolved. I also enjoyed the ending, even though it seemed rushed. I only wish there had been more details to end this series (is it the end?).

[Sandra Visser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again it's enjoyable to read about Tanaquil and her familiar, the peeve, but this time it feels as if the whole story is unnecessary. The world Tanaquil finds herself in is just too silly and the fact she can do anything makes the whole plot null and void. It's as if Lee threw all the stray fantasy ideas she didn't know what to do with into one story. The whole point is that Tanaquil must come to the decision to go in search of Honj, but surely she could have done that at the end of the previous book? To postpone the happily ever after isn't really a wise decision as this story doesn't contribute anything to the tale. It's also a mistake for the chemistry between Tanaquil and Honj to be mostly absent. But the ending where they find each other again, the peeve and his mate and Jaive and Worabex make up for the silliness in the middle section.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concluding volume of Tanith Lee's Unicorn trilogy (and there may be spoilers for the first couple books herein).

Tanaquil, after the events of the previous couple of books, has finally come back to her mother's desert palace only to find that she's been preceded there by a wizard, Worabex, whom she had met on her travels and who is now shacking up with her mother. He's also fired all of the servants and guards and replaced them with magical beings at his service, much to Tanaquil's distress. And to add insult to injury, Peeve has found a lady peeve and so his attentions are ... elsewhere.

All of which eventually leads to Tanaquil going to a world that is almost but not exactly like the city her sister rules, and which is ruled by two sisters who are almost but not exactly like Tanaquil and Lizra, and there are tales of the titular red unicorn, and Tanaquil finds herself caught up in trying to provide some sort of reconciliation between the sisters, which might also turn out to have repercussions back in the "real" world?

A satisfying conclusion and proof once again that nobody was doing the things Tanith Lee was doing.

[living1000lives · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a lot like Alice in the wonderland and through the looking glass

some characters:
Tanaquil -sorceress
Tanakil- Tanaquil’s ‘evil twin’
Lizra- Tanaquil half sister, empress
Honj-Lizra’s fiancé, Tanaquil’s love

notes to remember story:
Tanaquil follows a red unicorn into a mirror (really just her own mind and or consciousness)
she steps into a world the exact opposite of her own
meets her mirror image self Tanakil and has to work through troubles that are really her own
she returns home on the red unicorn (her hearts desire)
and Finally with all resolved she gets her HEA with Honj

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting twist. I wanted more of the romance with Hanj. I like the way this author writes. And once again, Peeve 😍

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

End of the series. Not a favorite, but a quick good summer read.

[Caomhghain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a lot to be said really. It is a kind of dream fantasy. Again plot is not its strong point.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this final novel about a practical young woman who has come into her great mystical powers and who has walked the earth of three worlds, we conclude her story with BOYS.

BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!

A shady magician courts her weird mom!

Her pet peeve finds a girlfriend!

Her doppelganger tries to murder her otherworld sister cause she's wants her fiancé!

But that part was a unicorn-induced fever dream because our hero can't get that BOY from the last book out of her head! Great!

COOL COOL COOL

Anyway, I don't respect this book at all because the solution to the problem was the power of love. Like, go on and be a Strong Female Character all you like, that's fine, just be sure you end up married to Some Guy You Met For Like a Couple Months While Your Temporarily Insane Sister Was Trying To Take Over the World. In the last book, I got to enjoy the ridiculous story in a delightful hell world. All I got here was a green sky. OH WELL. They can't all be winners. You take care now.

[Leila Anani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy/Young Adult – Tanaquil returns home and her rage festers as both her mother and Peeve have found true love whilst she had to give up the man she loves to her sister. She gets knocked out as one of her mother’s spells goes awry and travels into an internal world where she meets her alter-ego and must work through the issues troubling her before she can return home on the red unicorn a symbol of her heart’s desire.

Themes:
• Witchcraft
• Family relationships
• Nature of “self”
• Sibling rivalry
• True love
• Adolescent heroine

Exciting conclusion to the unicorn trilogy is a wonderful multilayered fantasy reminiscent a little of Alice in Wonderland although rather than real world/fantasy divide we have fantasy world/alternative fantasy world. Stunning in its imagination and lovely use of language. While not perhaps Lee at her finest, or darkest this is still an enjoyable read and a worthy conclusion to the series.

[Cori Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book. If you have read my other reviews of this series I have suggested that you read the gold unicorn first and then the black unicorn, because that was what I did. However this one you need to save for last. Tanaquil broken hearted has to heal and of course isn’t getting that from her mom (thanks Warabex said with dripping sarcasm). And even though she is angry throughout The series Tanaquil wasn’t bitter. This amazing book about Tanaquil’s continuing journey of self discovery is the perfect ending. Peeve gets more self aware and how can you not love this little pet peeve! It is a journey that is needed no matter how much your perspective changes with a message that you should never forget.

[Alyssa Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book. I could already tell that this story was going to be very character focused and the characters are very weak in this series. There were random conflicts thrown in at the end of book 2 that had absolutely no place in this series. This author does not know how to write relationships. It was impossible to suspend my disbelief to get into this story because the relationship developments were so absurd and clearly just a way for the author to force a storyline that just did not fit. This author has some really cool storylines and creepy scenes but I just couldn't get past the terrible characters and relationships to see what adventure this story would bring.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a disappointingly weak finish on the trilogy. The first and second books suggest ideas and themes larger than the characters, whereas this story feels kind of simplistic in comparison. Rather than an exploration of a universe of wild possibilities that contrast good and evil and things in between, this story mostly centers around finding a place to belong to, and comes across a bit as a guide for emo teens. The story has a more goofy/cute tone than weird dark fantasy. Not as interesting as the first two books.

[broken.tsuba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good finale to the series, it wrapped up all the the loose ends as effectively as the first but more time was spent on it which made it feel much more meaningful. I enjoyed the second book on the series a bit more though as there were unresolved conflicts, more tension, and much more at stake. Which, as predicted, elevated the second book beyond the veru similar first and third.

[Etola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book and a fitting conclusion to the Tanaquil trilogy. As usual, Lee's writing is lovely and lyrical, and her characters avoid simple characterization. I only wish that I can write like this one day.

[Allen Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taniquil finds herself transported to a charming but absurd world. With an absurdly happy, but still nice, ending. Last in the series: I'll miss the peeve.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no clue there was a 3rd book. So glad I could read the whole series.

[l · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning was promising - the whole exploration of what it means to come home - idk why it shifted into a boring AU centered around who gets which boy. Who cares.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanith Lee's "Red Unicorn" is a captivating and enchanting addition to the unicorn series, following the remarkable journey of Tanaquil, a sorceress with the power to mend, as she navigates a world of jealousy, magic, and revenge.

The story picks up after years of Tanaquil's travels, leading her back home to a heart-wrenching revelation: her beloved is now betrothed to her own sister, Empress Lizra. This betrayal fuels a whirlwind of emotions, masterfully conveyed by Lee's evocative prose. Tanaquil's journey takes an unexpected turn when a red unicorn beckons her into a mirror world, unveiling a parallel reality and introducing readers to Tanakil, a darker reflection of the protagonist herself.

Lee's narrative prowess shines as she weaves a web of intrigue and tension throughout the story. Tanaquil's discovery of newfound powers adds layers of excitement and suspense, culminating in an electrifying clash between her and the diabolical Tanakil. The intricate world-building draws readers into a mesmerizing tapestry of magic, mirroring, and mystique.

The emotional depth of the characters enriches the narrative, especially Tanaquil's internal struggle between love, jealousy, and the desire for revenge. Her evolution as a character is expertly handled, making her journey not only about external conflicts but also an exploration of her own identity and choices.

"Red Unicorn" not only serves as a sequel but also stands on its own as a thrilling and imaginative tale. Lee's ability to craft lush and vivid descriptions of both the fantastical and emotional landscapes allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the story's rich atmosphere.

While the novel is a captivating read, there are instances where the pacing could have been more consistent, particularly during transitions between the real and mirror worlds. Additionally, some readers might find certain elements of the plot predictable. Nonetheless, the story's strengths far outweigh these minor quibbles.

In conclusion, Tanith Lee's "Red Unicorn" is a delightful addition to the unicorn series, blending magic, intrigue, and complex emotions into a compelling narrative. With its evocative storytelling, well-developed characters, and imaginative world-building, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and those seeking a tale of redemption and self-discovery. Lee's ability to transport readers to enchanting realms is truly commendable, making "Red Unicorn" a four-star journey into a world of wonder and mystery.

[Ziska · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book might have been fun on its own but was sooo disappointing as a conclusion to the trilogy. it did complete the trajectory (towards bland heterosexuality…) begun in the second novel, but at least the second novel had some really fantastic lizra character moments, and in this one she only appears as her alternate universe self and gets summarily dismissed as stupid. the moments in gold unicorn (#2) where tanaquil seemed more jealous of her sister’s boyfriend than of her sister were so interesting. the relationship between the reunited sisters and their respective relationships to the parents they grew up with was the human core of the story… I could not care less about Honj. And you’re telling me that all lizra needs is a husband who’s retroactively replacing her father… fascinating as the sort of conclusion only ms. lee would put into a middle grade fantasy novel but the way this goes utterly inexamined on tanaquil’s behalf and again we don’t even SEE lizra. Also she started to lose me with the made up words in in this one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was March, so it was time to read the third and final book in Tanith Lee's Unicorn trilogy (not quite in time to match the read dates of the previous two, but I tried). Once again Tanaquil finds another unicorn and explores a different world with the inimitable and lovable peeve by her side. Most of the action takes place in the other world, which is a topsy turvy place that in turns mirrors and almost parodies Tanaquil's usual world. It is tremendously creative and absurd (and sometimes straight up hilarious). There's not much sense of danger, so it's really just Tanaquil kind of wandering through some memorable scenes, just vibing and working out some things internally. It's different from the first two, but I think I liked it about equally. Tanith Lee is a hit or miss author for me, but when she hits, like in this and the Claidi books, I really, really like her (and she has a lot of books I have not read yet).

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eh, it doesn't quite live up to the humorous drama of the first book or the glorious hellscape of the second, but this was still a solidly enjoyable book.

I do feel it was a little lacking, as far as finales go, since it centered on Tanaquil's feelings for Honj. The romance was very weak, and he's basically just a handsome mannequin for drama to happen around. We're never really given any reason for their connection and barely even see any scenes between the two of them.

However, I did greatly appreciate the whole, "It doesn't have to be complicated. Just communicate with your loved ones, you dimwit." message of the book. And as always, Lee's worldbuilding and prose are absolute perfection.

[Kimberly Karalius · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! I gotta say I was a little disappointed by the second book (was def not Team Honj), but this book turned it around for me. I guess it’s because it felt like a part 2 of everything that happened in the second book - you can’t have one part without the other. RED UNICORN beautifully wraps up in such a satisfying way. Everything that Tanaquil had wrestled with since the first book has been answered here. I’m in awe, honestly.

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turns out this is the last book in a series that I haven't read, so I've got no sense of knowing the character and her struggles previously.

Even so, I love Tanith Lee's writing, and this book was a type of absurdist fantasy that was just... fun, but also a little bewildering.

Underlying theme was essentially facing one's own unresolved emotional issues, which happens to be a little too relatable to me!

[Ephiny Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great conclusion to the story. It was a departure from the other two books, but I loved the dynamic tension between Tanaquil and Takakil. This Wonderland-esque version of her world was fascinating to read, and I'm glad it all ended up working out okay.

[CatSidhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Black Unicorn, the first book in the Unicorn trilogy, almost thirty years ago when I was a child, and never realized that it had two sequels until this year. So I decided to finish the series now, and loved it as much as when I was a kid. It reminded me a lot of both Diana Wynne Jones and Jack Vance books, two other favorite authors of mine, so I will probably try to read more books by Tanith Lee in the future. This trilogy is highly recommended if you want to read some clever, inventive and well-written YA books.