The Cursed Unicorn

Book excerpt: From Alice Hemming, the bestselling author of THE MIDNIGHT UNICORN, comes a brand-new unicorn fairytale. In the faraway kingdom of Elithia, a powerful king holds the throne, with ten Royal Knights under his trusted command. Fearsome warriors and talented fighters, the knights are led by Samara, the most exceptional of them all. Samara's brother, Hero, also works for the king, and his role as the king's advisor gives him a privilege unrivalled by most. So when he falls ill, the king sends for the wisest healers in the kingdoms. Many healers answer his call, but none are able to discover the reason for Hero's failing health. In desperation, Samara seeks out a wizard called Ardis who practices dark magic. Ardis promises Samara the chance to save her brother's life, but the cost is her soul. When Samara refuses, Ardis curses her in rage. Weaving his magic, he forces Samara to take the form of a unicorn and Samara becomes an outcastÜand a legend: the Cursed Unicorn becomes well-known in the surrounding kingdoms, though where the unicorn came from nobody could say. Will Samara remain a unicorn forever, or will she break the magic that traps her? Her story started once upon a time, but who knows how it will end...