Title:
Unicorn Valley I: Gryphon’s Heart

Author:
Lena Austin

Published By:
Changeling Press

ISBN #:
1-59596-030-9

Release Date:
Available Now

Format:
Electronic

Lionel is one of the last of the dying race of Gryphons. He has gone out into the Mortal World and found no female Gryphons to be his mate. He is now back in his home in Unicorn Valley—an enchanted place where mythical creatures live together, mostly in harmony. Longing for a family, he must choose his mate from among the other creatures in the Valley. Together with his friends, Brolly the Werewolf healer, and Shad, prince of the Unicorns, he decides that a Werewolf female would be the best option. A Werewolf could change shape to look like a Gryphoness, thereby being able to give birth to Gryphlets. The best choice, Lionel thinks, is his foster sister Teema, a Werewolf bitch with whom he has had a loving sibling relationship. The problem is—no one asked Teema what she thought about the idea!

I found this novella (81 pg.) quite amusing. The tone is rather cartoonish and flip, but is very funny once you accept the idea that mythological creatures are living and interacting together in the Valley. It is oddly normal for Lionel the Gryphon to have a Werewolf and a Unicorn as best friends, and Werewolves for a foster mother and sister. The likeable characters are well-drawn and very emotive. Lionel is very touching in his longing for a mate and cubs, and quite a klutz when it comes to romancing the chosen female. The story’s simple plot was easy to understand, and the pacing was very even, making it a pleasure to read. This is the first of the series, which will continue with the stories of Brolly and Shad, so we will be able to look forward to learning more about our friends in Unicorn Valley.



Reviewed by: Jean