Named a changeling by some, Sarragh is certainly an unusual girl. That's why the intrepid Candela has chosen her for a task that no ordinary mortal might survive. Sarragh's quick, unthinking eagerness to accept will lead her to hidden places that reveal old secrets and truths that challenge her beyond her eeriest and most remarkable dreams.--------------------------------
'Daughter of the Sootstress,' Candela breathed, 'we have a task for you.' Candela paused, her eyes gentle pinpricks. She spoke the next words unflinchingly. 'It will test you.' The small hairs stood on my neck. My easy manner slipped from me as I placed my right hand upon my chest, below my throat, the way I had been taught, when... I could not remember...it was a memory of shadows. I looked Candela, the unicorn—the mother of all unicorns—straight in the eyes. 'Test me, then,' I whispered.
When a cryptic messenger reveals veiled words of prophecy, things change in Wish, forever. The high tower keeper, Hope, has gone missing. In her bid to complete the Circle of Light, everything depends upon Hope being found. The bleak invader leaks further into the land of Wish as the unicorns gather to battle the darkness. And so the plight of Sarragh deepens as she seeks the inscrutable Hope in places that even unicorns cannot go.
Deby Adair is an Australian writer and artist. Her published works include children's books, short stories and essays.
An avid organic gardener and environmentalist, she loves all animals and believes we must take care of our natural world. Over the years, she counts herself fortunate enough to have shared her life with a variety of wonderful and inspirational animals, many of them inspiring her series, The Unicorns of Wish Books.
She believes that everyone has a right to the lifetime benefits of literacy. Having participated in many school events, she counts one of her favourites as having read for the National Simultaneous Storytime in Australia.
Writing the Unicorn Kisses books has been a fascinating journey, not just for her readers but for the author, who has also created a huge body of accompanying artwork.
Unicorns and heartfelt feelings go hand in hand ...and the scene is set for an adventure that Sarragh will never forget and might well regret...
Book Excerpt
Hope
Knowing that I was entrusted to the promise of the task, I fiddled with my shoe and straightened my shoulders. It was my own fault; speeding toward the lure of adventure, my vanity flattered, I had refused to know what that adventure might be. ‘So, how do I get to this Tower of Dreams?’ I grunted, still indignant but contrite. ‘You follow me.’ The spun-silk unicorn stepped forward and, lowering his lovely neck, looked gently into my downcast eyes. I felt foolish and stood, deciding to make a proper job of looking him in the eye. ‘What do they call you?’ I asked gruffly, comforted by his attention. ‘You can call me Benny.’ He nodded and smiled, his eyes twinkling. Like all unicorns he had the gift of humour in the oddest of moments. My heart lifting, I knew I would like this Benny. I had full control of myself now. I felt the strength of my resolve return. The anger and the horror were fading and the power of my greatness was flooding me again. I turned to the unicorns. They were gone! ‘I detest it when they do that! Why don’t they ever just say goodbye, like everyone else?’ I had wanted to speak with Candela again. I felt rebuffed, my feelings hurt and brittle. Benny was watching me closely, shaking his head. ‘They usually do, but you were busy, uh, having… a tantrum. And in any case, do you?’ he asked, a small frown creasing above his lovely velvet eyes. ‘I seem to remember
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