The Last Unicorn

by Peter S Beagle, Peter S. Beagle
The Last Unicorn cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4593
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780451450524
  • Publisher: Ace
  • Published: 1968-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In a lilac wood, the last unicorn lives alone, unaware of the changes in the world. Driven by curiosity and a longing for companionship, she ventures out on a quest to find others of her kind. Along the way, she meets the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the spirited Molly Grue, who join her on her journey. Together, they face the joys and sorrows of life and love, ultimately leading the unicorn to a despondent monarch's castle and a confrontation with the creature that threatens her existence./n/nPeter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn is a poignant tale that has captivated millions of readers worldwide. The novel is celebrated for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It has been praised by renowned authors such as Ursula K. Le Guin and has become a classic in the fantasy genre.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-12-18
fantastic 4.75

The Last Unicorn is considered one of the greatest fantasy novels, praised for its lyrical writing and exploration of mortality.

The Last Unicorn is often hailed as one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time, and for good reason. The lyrical writing is a standout feature, drawing readers into a world that is both enchanting and deeply thoughtful. The characters are memorable and very human, each bringing their own unique struggles and triumphs to the story. The exploration of mortality is particularly poignant, adding a layer of depth that elevates the narrative beyond a simple fantasy tale. The unicorn's journey is not just a quest for her kin but a profound exploration of what it means to be truly alive and connected to others. This blend of magical storytelling and emotional depth makes The Last Unicorn a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    This book is the greatest Fantasy novel of all time, in my view.

    Its lyrical writing, its memorable and very human characters, and its exploration of mortality.

    A true classic of fantasy literature that is full of magic and beauty.

Fantasy Hive · 2022-12-12
enchanting 4.50

The Last Unicorn is a timeless classic that explores themes of courage, identity, and loss with depth and beauty. It is a story that resonates across generations, offering a magical journey that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

The reviewer highlights The Last Unicorn as a timeless classic that transcends age groups. They appreciate the depth and beauty of the story, noting its exploration of themes like courage, identity, and loss. The magical journey is described as enchanting and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fantasy lovers. The reviewer also praises the poetic writing style and the richly drawn characters, which add layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Last Unicorn is a tale of courage, identity, friendship, love and loss.

    At its heart this is a timeless children's classic but with Beagle's added depth ...

    The Last Unicorn is a book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, offering a magical journey that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2019-03-20
highly recommended 4.50

The Last Unicorn is highly recommended for its universal appeal and emotional depth. It is a book that anyone can enjoy and should attempt to read.

The reviewer wholeheartedly recommends The Last Unicorn, believing it to be a book that anyone can enjoy. They highlight its universal appeal and emotional depth, making it a must-read for all. The reviewer also appreciates the book's ability to resonate with readers of all ages, offering a magical journey that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident in their recommendation.

Quick quotes

    This is a book that I recommend highly and wholeheartedly.

    I believe it is a book that anyone could enjoy, and everyone should attempt to read.

    The Last Unicorn is a book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, offering a magical journey that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

The Crooked Pen · 2019-02-02
confusing 1.50

The reviewer found The Last Unicorn confusing and struggled to finish it. They criticize the tone as hopelessly confusing and believe it fails to balance peril and whimsy.

The reviewer expresses their frustration with The Last Unicorn, stating they couldn't finish it. They find the tone hopelessly confusing and believe the book fails to balance genuine peril with whimsy. The reviewer also mentions that the story's pacing and structure contributed to their difficulty in connecting with the narrative. Despite their criticism, they acknowledge the book's magical elements but ultimately found it unenjoyable.

Quick quotes

    Another complaint I have against this novel is the hopelessly confusing tone.

    I believe it's possible to balance genuine peril and whimsey.

    I couldn't finish The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle.

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