The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden:

5 stars

To fulfill her father’s dying wish—that Brittany remain independent of France—Anne is willing to marry a man she’s never met, humble herself, and scheme at great personal risk. She embarks on a unicorn hunt to delay France’s inevitable demands, never expecting to encounter such a creature. She does. And under the weight of that miracle, her carefully laid plans begin to unravel, with ruin always teetering in the peripherals. Yet from this tiger trap, a path to happiness emerges—if she has the courage to take it.

Ms. Arden takes deliberate liberties with history and reality, and they pay off magnificently. Her author’s reflections add context, tracing the story from childhood fascination to a mature, fictional reclamation of agency for a woman who historically had very little.

Anne of Brittany is charming, clever, and a gifted dissembler. It helps—and hinders—that she is also petite and beautiful. She is, above all, a realist: only a consummated marriage to a powerful man can block France’s claim on her and her duchy. Fortunately, such a man exists, and he recognizes something of his late wife in her circumstances. Unfortunately, while France’s early agents may be persuaded by visions of unicorns, Marguerite—the king’s sister and former regent—is far less easily swayed.

The language is accessible while still evoking the culture and morality of the period. A few usages may give readers pause, but context adds clarity. The worldbuilding is especially compelling: a Europe that accepts divination yet fears enchantment feels both familiar and intriguingly altered. Combined with sharp dialogue, The Unicorn Hunters becomes deeply immersive.

The stratagems Anne employs reveal both the mechanics of this world and the beliefs that govern it. They also lead her to an unexpected realization: she is willing to sacrifice much to keep Brittany free—her body, her future, even her life—but not everything. There are limits.

The supporting cast is vividly drawn. Louis is perfectly imperfect—practical, valiant, and human. Henri is a steady brother; Julien remains an enigma. Isabeau and Elesbed create a delightful balance, while Maximilien of Austria, Charles the Affable, and Marguerite of France add depth and perspective, if not always warmth.

The balance between ruthlessness and empathy, political maneuvering and genuine stakes—embodied in Austria’s unfortunate envoy—is handled with elegance. Even within a fantastical framework, the story remains grounded and deeply human.

The Korriganed (elsewhere known as the sidhe) are particularly well rendered. At once uncanny tricksters and something more sympathetic, they feel like a distorted mirror of humanity—more animal, more calculating, more indulgent, and fully attuned to magic. Yet even they display impatience with excess and madness.

My criticisms are few. First, I find it frustrating when female characters must feign intellectual inferiority as a strategy. While effective, it reinforces diminishing assumptions. Here, the trope is brief and handled more thoughtfully than in many works.

Second—and more a note than a complaint—the story carries a faint echo of a different kind of fantasy. Many men are drawn to Anne’s intellect and grace; she receives a gift from the unicorn that edges toward “chosen one” territory; and she understands enchantment in ways others do not. Though her journey is far from easy, a thread of youthful innocence lingers. The result feels like a blending of childhood wonder with practiced storytelling—refreshing and quietly disarming. It is potent against the political backdrop.

This novel will appeal to readers of historical fantasy, historical romance, unicorns, and fae lore. It offers a delicate yet vibrant blend of magical realism and historical accuracy, with the aforementioned liberties. The Unicorn Hunters is a rare treat.

Thank you to Del Rey/Random House for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley and am providing this review voluntarily.