The Last Unicorn
Readers rate it 3.9 (351 on Hardcover)
321 pages · Released 1991 · Penguin
Content report card
The Last Unicorn parent’s guide: what’s inside
Violence
Language
LGBTQ+ themes
Substance use
What it offers
Educational value
A note for parents
The Last Unicorn is a beloved literary fantasy that explores themes of love, loss, and purpose through a poignant quest narrative. While the story contains some darker elements—including the extinction of the unicorn race, emotional sadness, and a fearsome antagonist—these are handled thoughtfully rather than graphically. The book rewards kindness, courage, and acceptance of life's sorrows, making it meaningful for older middle-grade readers and beyond, though younger children may find the melancholic tone and heavy themes challenging.
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From the publisher
INCLUDES A NEW INTRODUCTION BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS Experience one of the most enduring classics of the twentieth century and the book that The Atlantic has called “one of the best fantasy novels ever.” The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone... ...so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted for... INCLUDES A NEW INTRODUCTION BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS Experience one of the most enduring classics of the twentieth century and the book that The Atlantic has called “one of the best fantasy novels ever.” The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone... ...so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch—and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction.... In The Last Unicorn, renowned and beloved novelist Peter S. Beagle spins a poignant tale of love, loss, and wonder that has resonated with millions of readers around the world. “Peter S. Beagle illuminates with his own particular magic.”—Ursula K. Le Guin
Shelved under
- Fiction
- Not Diverse Characters
- Loveable Characters
- Strong Character Development
- A mix driven
- Character driven
- Weak Character Development
- Plot driven
- Diverse Characters
- Lydia Thiesson
- Novel
- Adventurous
Books in The Last Unicorn
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ISBN 9780451450524 · Penguin