I was introduced to this book as it is a declared favorite of Patrick Rothfuss, who is one of my beloved authors. I am delighted to state that I was not disappointed in the slightest. The writing is truly magnificent, and the story is elegantly simple. It is deeply touching and timeless. Additionally, it is not overly long. So, if you have the time and are at a loss for what to read next, do yourself a favor and read the first five pages. I can almost assure you that you won't be able to put it down and will want to continue reading. It compels you to be read.

Re-read update: It remains just as captivating. I feel that not enough people discuss this book. I still haven't watched the movie, and I feel terrible about it.

I've never read this before, nor have I seen the movie, and I haven't been following the discussion topic either. So, I really didn't know what to expect. However, I expected something good. For years, I've heard that it was 'g-g-great!'. But I didn't find it to be so. Half of the time, it read like a Mel Brooks movie (A wizard named Schmendrick!), and the other half like a ponderous fairy tale with a moral message.

For example, the line “The magician stood erect, menacing the attackers with demons, metamorphoses, paralyzing ailments, and secret judo holds. Molly picked up a rock.” is funny, but it's in the middle of a grim situation.

On the other hand, the line “I have been mortal, and some part of me is mortal yet. I am full of tears and hunger and the fear of death, although I cannot weep, and I want nothing, and I cannot die. I am not like the others now, for no unicorn was ever born who could regret, but I do. I regret.” is depressing as hell.

I was often unsure when it was meant to be serious and when it wasn't. In that and the overall theme, it's very much like life, and I suppose that's what it was trying to convey. But I was just out of step until the very end. I listened to the author read it, and he has a good voice and cadence. I got through it, but that's about all I can say for myself. I can see where others who are more in step could really like this, though.

Ermahgerd a Ernercern!!!!

This book was truly phenomenal!! I don't think I have ever underlined so many passages in a book before. There are an abundance of great quotes! This book has been compared to the Earthsea trilogy, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and others. But I gotta say, it towers above them all! It definitely deserves 6 Stars!

“Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed. It is all part of the fairy tale.” This quote really makes you think about the nature of heroes and how their hardships contribute to their传奇.

“Real magic can never be made by offering someone else's liver. You must tear out your own, and not expect to get it back.” It shows the depth and sacrifice required for true magic, adding an element of mystery and danger to the concept.

“Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name.” This is such a beautiful and passionate expression of love, making the reader feel the intensity of the emotions involved.

“It’s a rare man who is taken for what he truly is.” It reflects on the difficulty of being seen and understood for who we really are in a world full of judgments and expectations.

“Whatever can die is beautiful — more beautiful than a unicorn, who lives forever, and who is the most beautiful creature in the world. Do you understand me?” This thought-provoking statement challenges our perception of beauty and makes us consider the value of impermanence.

I grew up with the movie of this, and it was truly a part of my childhood. Then, when I was in junior high, I discovered that it was originally a book.

As crazy as I was about that strange cartoon with Alan Alda as Schmendrick, the book took my experience to a whole new level. The writing was just gorgeous, and some of the imagery it painted has stayed with me to this very day.

This is an absolutely magnificent work, and it is an absolute must-read for any fantasy fan.

In 2023, I decided to read this aloud to the kids. It was a rather weird read-aloud experience. The language was so beautiful and yet so complex that I had to give the kids a brief rundown of what had happened previously every time we read.

But despite the challenges, it was still a wonderful experience, and I hope the kids will also come to appreciate this amazing book as much as I do.

One of my early fantasy favorites as a child was a particular book.

It had such a profound impact on me that it would later indirectly influence the writing of my own fantasy/fae/myth novel, "Nightglory".

The vivid worlds and enchanting characters it presented captured my imagination and set the stage for my own creative endeavors.

I can still remember the excitement I felt while reading it, getting lost in its pages.

As I grew older, those memories of that beloved book continued to inspire me.

It was like a seed that was planted deep within me, slowly germinating and influencing my writing style and the themes I chose to explore.

A full review of this influential book will be posted later in 2016, where I will share my thoughts and feelings about it in more detail.

I'm looking forward to revisiting this childhood favorite and sharing my insights with others who may also have a passion for fantasy literature.

He said, "It cannot be an ill fortune to have loved a unicorn. Surely it must be the dearest luck of all, though the hardest earned."

"As for her, she is a story with no ending, happy or sad. She can never belong to anything mortal enough to want her."

What a weenie am I! I actually got all misty-eyed near the end of this book. It is really a sweet story filled with colorfully drawn characters and writing that engages all six of your senses.

I don't know why I never found this book when I was a youngster. I was really into unicorns, and even had a beautiful stuffed one with a golden horn.

The last chapter has the most beautiful writing in the book, as everything is brought to a conclusion. But I LOVED the scene in Chapter 5 (page 54 in my copy) where they changed the password. It was hilarious! It would have made an excellent Monty Python skit.

This book truly is a gem. The author's imagination runs wild, creating a world that is both enchanting and full of wonder. The characters are so vividly portrayed that you can almost reach out and touch them. The story takes you on a journey through a land of magic and mystery, and you can't help but be swept away by it all.

Whether you're a child or an adult, this book is sure to capture your heart and leave you with a sense of joy and wonder. So, if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy and let the magic begin!

This is a truly fantastic fairy tale. It is not only well-written but also extremely moving. The story is steeped in allegory, which I must admit I could not fully understand upon the first reading. However, that does not deter me in the slightest. In fact, I am looking forward to reading it again in the future.

There is something about this fairy tale that keeps drawing me back. Perhaps it is the beautiful language used to describe the characters and the settings. Or maybe it is the underlying message that I sense but have not yet been able to fully grasp.

Whatever the reason, I know that this is a story that will stay with me for a long time. It has the power to transport me to another world, a world full of magic and wonder. And I cannot wait to embark on that journey again.

Unfortunately, I wasn't thrilled from the first page. It was difficult for me to feel any connection with the characters. Only towards the end did I like them more and start rooting for them. Overall, I liked it, especially the ending ❤️ 3.5⭐

To expand on this, I would say that when I first started reading the story, I found myself a bit detached. The characters seemed somewhat distant and I struggled to engage with their experiences. However, as the narrative progressed, I began to see their true natures emerge. Their flaws and strengths became more apparent, and I started to develop an emotional investment in their fates. By the time I reached the end, I was truly rooting for them and was satisfied with how things resolved. The ending had a certain charm and warmth that left me with a positive impression. While it may not have been a perfect read from start to finish, it definitely had its moments that made it worth my time. 3.5 stars seems like a fair assessment, as it had both its highs and lows but ultimately managed to win me over.

How can a single book possess such a unique combination of qualities? It can be both whimsical, filled with flights of fancy and imagination, and yet completely earnest, with a sincere and profound message. It can be self-deprecating, poking fun at itself and its own flaws, while still maintaining a serious tone and purpose. How can it manage to contain the very essence of what fairy tales are all about, with their magic, wonder, and lessons, and yet also offer a distinct, small, and intimate journey of discovery for the reader?

How did I manage to miss out on reading this amazing book before? It's truly mind-boggling!

This book is utterly captivating and wonderful. From the very first page, it draws you in and holds your attention, taking you on a journey that is both entertaining and enlightening. It's a book that you'll want to read again and again, each time uncovering something new and wonderful. If you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat!

All the stars!

Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:

Peter S. Beagle’s classic The Last Unicorn turns fifty years old this year, and it’s truly a remarkable achievement. This enchanting fairy tale has remained in the public eye and continues to capture hearts like very few fantasies of its age. Like a beautifully crafted tapestry, it weaves together a rich tapestry of unicorns and harpies, wizards and witches, dark-hearted kings and brave heroes. The lyrical language is enhanced with whimsical humor and given depth by bittersweet life lessons.

A shy unicorn dwells in her lilac wood, where time seems to pass slowly, if at all, and the leaves remain evergreen and never fall. But one day, she overhears passing hunters grumbling that they must be in the forest of a unicorn. This unicorn, they say, must be the last one in the world. Unable to find peace after hearing this, the unicorn leaves her forest to discover what has become of all the other unicorns and to rescue them if they are in need.

As she travels, very few people recognize her for what she truly is. Mostly, they see just a beautiful white mare and try to capture her for all the wrong reasons. However, a ditsy butterfly, who speaks mostly in quotes and snippets of song, is one of the few that identifies her as a unicorn. The butterfly tells her that her people have been herded away by a Red Bull.

So the unicorn’s quest continues, and despite her preference for solitude, she gathers a few devoted friends around her. There’s Schmendrick, a mediocre magician with infrequent flashes of brilliant magic, who is enchanted to remain ageless until he can capture and control the magic within him. Molly Grue, a woman beaten down by her harsh life, becomes an essential part of the quest with her heart and wisdom. And there’s a spoiled, soft prince who is inspired to become heroic by his love for the unicorn. Together, they embark on a journey filled with both adventures and trials, and none of them will ever be the same again.

The pages of The Last Unicorn seem to turn themselves, as Beagle’s vivid imagination spins one memorable scene after another. There’s the shabby traveling Midnight Carnival of the witch Mommy Fortuna, who disguises ordinary animals to look like magical, mythic ones. But her caged beasts include one actual magical creature, the deadly harpy Celaeno.

The unicorn and her friends also pass through the cursed town of Hagsgate, where the fruitful fields and financial prosperity contrast sharply with the bleak hearts and faces of the townspeople, who know that the curse will eventually catch up with them.

The Last Unicorn’s pages are filled with countless similes and metaphors, adding to the beauty and depth of the story. While occasionally it may be a bit over the top, overall, the writing is truly delightful. However, the songs occasionally sung by the characters were less engaging for me. They didn’t seem particularly inspired or inspiring and felt like weaker links in the story. But there are some delicious ironies, such as the prince’s attempts to win the heart of the lady he loves in classic conquering hero style, which are both humorous and touching. And I was unexpectedly moved to tears by the ending.

The setting is generally medieval, but Beagle throws in a few anachronisms, like the butterfly singing modern songs and the bored prince reading a magazine. These touches not only add an element of humor but also give the story a timeless feel.

The Last Unicorn is an inspired tale, a well-deserved classic with unforgettable characters and profound themes. The unicorn and her friends have enchanted readers for fifty years, and may they continue to do so for many more.

Art credits:
1st and 3rd pics: artist is Renae De Liz, http://renaedeliz.blogspot.com/p/last...
I'm having trouble tracking down the artist for the red bull image. :/ I'll keep trying!
4th pic of Dan Avidan and the Unicorn is by Mona / sanshodelaine. https://twitter.com/sanshodelaine

Initial comments: I just finished reading Beagle’s first draft of this book, The Last Unicorn: The Lost Journey, and wrote a really great review for it. But my FanLit editor has convinced me to reread this book (it’s been probably 20 years since I last read it) and write a review of this one too. And she’s kind of holding my Lost Journey review hostage until I write a review for this book. (Just kidding... but really, this is kind of what's happening.)

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.

So I’m on the road with a unicorn and an extremely mediocre magician named Schmendrick, and Molly Grue has just made her first appearance. It’s like meeting a group of old friends. I love it!

4.0 stars
The adaptation of this story into a movie is truly one of my all-time favourites. It comes as no surprise then that I have an equal love for the source material. This particular novel is a very classic piece within the fantasy genre. It is filled to the brim with numerous tropes that are characteristic of the genre, and there are also quite a few songs sprinkled throughout. Generally speaking, a story with such elements might not appeal to me at all. However, this novel has managed to capture my heart completely. It is such a beautiful and enchanting tale that draws the reader in from the very first page and keeps them hooked until the end. The vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and the overall magical atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable read. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of fantasy literature.

It is about time I finally found and read The Last Unicorn, and what a fantastic piece this was! I cannot believe it is already over!

Just two weeks ago, due to work, I had to travel to a town I never visited before. While I was walking on Main street, I happened to pass this adorable used book store. (I never had luck finding any used book stores near my hometown, so this was a treat!)

I roamed this store for a good hour and left with two delightful treasures that I had been seeking for years! The first book I snatched was the 30th edition of The Princess Bride, and the second being The Last Unicorn. Both had been on my to-read list since I was a child.

Peter S. Beagle wrote such a beautiful story. I really wish I had been on the same journey as Lady Amalthea, Magician Schmendrick, and Molly Grue, to find all the lost unicorns and have the privilege of trying to help rescue them from their inevitable fate. I thought Beagle’s poems in the book were stunning. Even the way he wrote this story from beginning to end, with his choice of words, was just magnificent.

If you are a reader who enjoys transporting into a whole other dimension, one with exquisiteness and magic, then this is a must-read and should be done soon so you can enjoy the film as well!