Ahoy there me mateys!  I received this young adult fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  So here be me honest musings . . .

I have been a Jane Yolen fan for eons.  So when I saw this amazingly beautiful cover, I had to know what it was about. 

This is a truly wonderful story about two young kids, who unbeknownst to each other, each catch a glimpse of a ghostly white creature in the woods.  Richard is convinced it is a unicorn.  Heather is convinced is a white deer.  Both want to tame it.  They don't count on running into each other by the crystal, shimmering pool in the forest.  Danger is lurking for the beast.  Heather and Richard slowly realize that they must work together to not only determine what the creature is but also in order to save it.

Jane Yolen is one of those magical writers whose stories are rich in imagery and defy neat categorization.  This complexly woven tale is delightful.  It doesn't necessarily feel complicated when reading it.  Younger readers will be drawn into the mystery of the creature, the evolving relationship between the two teens, and the adventure that ensues.  Older readers will love the unicorn history sprinkled in the tale, the rife symbolism, and the beautiful writing style. 

I was completely immersed in the tale and was left in a lovely state of mind pondering the outcome of the story when I finished.  I will certainly reread this in the future.

If ye want to find out what the beast in the woods turned out to be, then pick up this fantastic tale.  Arrr! 

So lastly . . .

Thank you Tachyon Publications!

Side Note: Special thanks to James DeMaiolo, Marketing and Publicity of Tachyon Publications who kindly sent me a copy of this novella when I missed the deadline for downloading it on NetGalley after I was approved.  I be forever indebted.  This story be beautiful!

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