Review for "Errant"

"Errant" is a short story from Diana Peterfreund's  'killer unicorn' universe.
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A somber stern young woman looks out from the cover, something akin to condemnation in her stormy blue eyes. Her dark brown hair is pulled back in a no-nonsense style that says this woman means business. High cheekbones and full almost pouty lips are the key features of this alabaster face. It may be my imagination but I feel like her jaw is clenched. An etched silver sword pommel lingers on the left hand side of the frame. It is beautiful and no doubt deadly.
I have to say that I don't normally read too many short stories. I have however read Diana Peterfreund's first book 'Rampant'. It was one of those rare finds, before the Kindle, that I discovered while digging through the bargain book bin of a local store. I immediately fell for the unconventional 'killer unicorn' universe. One of my favorite books in the Narnia series was in part my favorite because of the beautiful yet frightfully fearsome unicorn charging into battle. So when I stumbled upon this short story for free I felt compelled to revisit their world once again.
"Errant" takes place in the medieval ages centuries before the events in her first book. She delves deeper into the Order of the Lioness and their complex relationship with the unicorns they are born to hunt.  It speaks a little to the darker desires of man and the unique inner strengths of women from different backgrounds.
Go ahead and get this short story. It's a brief breath of fresh air. If you like it you'll love the full story, "Rampant". There's also another book set in this universe, "Ascendant". I haven't read it yet, but its on my wish list.
I'm giving it 4 smilies instead of 5 simply due to the length of the short story. Had it been longer it would have easily inched up that final smile.
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4 out of 5 smilies
Recommended to older kids who can handle the idea of vicious unicorns and of course adults who enjoy a good fantasy.
Synopsis:
"In 18th century France, a noble family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s arranged marriage by holding a traditional unicorn hunt. But when an unusual nun arrives at the chateau with her beloved pet to help the rich girl train, nothing goes as expected. Starring hunters, fine ladies, fancy frocks, and killer unicorns."