The Unicorn Quest

Benko, Kamilla. The Unicorn Quest. Book 1 of The Unicorn Quest series. ISBN 978-1-68119-245-1. Available at FIC BEN on the library shelves.

Claire Martinson and her older sister Sophie move into Windermere Manor, their great aunt’s following her disappearance. An explorer who traveled the world, their aunt vanished without a trace, and the Martinsons inherited a house that is more museum than residence. Stretching over an inordinate amount of rooms, the house is filled with souvenirs and items that were acquired during their great aunt’s travels. The tasks of cataloging and moving the estate helps Claire forget that last year her sister almost did not survive a mysterious illness akin to cancer.

While exploring Claire loses Sophie, and finds her climbing a ladder she discovered in a chimney. Claire joins her, but is worried as the light dims and vanishes. When they emerge out of a dry well into a different land, Claire and Sophie find themselves attacked by a monster. They quickly return to their own world, and Claire makes Sophie swear she will never return. Claire eventually has to climb the chimney when it becomes obvious that Sophie lied and has returned to that magical land.

Back out of the well, Claire is captured by members of one of the four magical guilds that live in the land of Arden, and she’s accused of stealing a magical unicorn artifact. Unfortunately, it is a case of mistaken identity as they are confusing her with Sophie. With Sophie in trouble, Claire is joined by friends who have their own reasons for chasing the unicorn relic. Will they be able to save Sophie and discover the secret of the unicorns’ power?