Middle grade readers will likely enjoy this story set in Scotland, although adults and other older readers might find the pacing erratic. The story centers on Lewis (a bit dreary) and his best friend Rhona (rather a delight) and their accidental discovery of the last herd of unicorns during a school away trip in the Highlands. The villain of the piece came across as extreme and a rather unbelievable (yes, I realize I am complaining about this in a book about unicorns) and is dispatched in such a way by the end of the novel that it feels like she was inserted solely because the author felt the discovery of unicorns was insufficient premise for a book. It does seem like this will be series, although exactly that will work given the children live in Glasgow I'm not sure (perhaps an annual return to camp?)

I was attracted to this book because of the cover and blurb on the netgalley website. I wanted to know more and find out about Lewis, Rhonda and the real life poachers hunting an elusive unicorn.

In many books, unicorns are mythical creatures harnessing unimaginable magic in their horns. They are pastel coloured or rainbow coloured, but the lovely thing about this book is that they are given more of a realistic presence. They are huge, bigger than a Clydesdale, but darker coloured. Their manes remain soft and flowing as in other stories and they have a mystical quality to them.

Lewis, Rhona and their classmates are staying in Scotland on their school residential. Lewis struggles with sports and confidence and while waiting for classmates to finish abseiling he believes he sees a unicorn. His only friend from school Rhona doesn’t believe him but when they go for a walk the next day they discover a horrifying sight. A huge black unicorn is found dead and they are now fully intrenched in solving the murder of the unicorn.

Lewis and Rhona, both sufferIng from issues at home with parents, are tied together with a firm bond of friendship. This friendship is tested throughout their adventure but ultimately they form a perfect team in rescuing a herd of unicorns from a real life poacher wanting to sell a unicorn horn.

They are brave, daring and it is clear they have a unique ability to sense and speak with unicorns. They become the chosen Guardians of the Wild Unicorns,
It is a wonderful book to read. It deals with some issues affecting many children in schools, it promotes the need to protect natural wildlife from poachers and it ends with a clear message to ask questions and be open with your friends so they can be there for you.

I highly recommend this book and will be buying it for my schools.

A very nice young adult fantasy novel that follows the characters of Lewis and Rhona. Being someone who used to collect unicorns, I loved the premise of the story and the action that unfolded. The characters were well developed and the story made me keep reading until its very satisfying conclusion.