Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker: Horn Slayer (Pacey Packer: Unicorn Tracker #2)

Phillipps includes a mini–drawing lesson at the end. A refreshing change of pace for unicorn devotees a bit weary of the sugary, mild-mannered sort. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10).

Gr 2-5--Following Pacey Packer's victory in the previous volume where she de-horned the evil unicorn Arkane, Pacey lives in peace with her little sister Mina and plushie-unicorn friend Slasher. It isn't long before they run into Slasher's old friend Carlos, visiting from the magic land of Rundalyn. Arkane's severed horn still has magic power, though corrupt, that could rescue petrified children in Rundalyn. All of them, plus Pacey's dog Lucky, take on the quest and return to Rundalyn, aided by a race of Mogs who are oppressed by Arkane's forces. This epic fantasy works in layers, with complex characters to creative paneling, in a palette of black, whites, and shades of purple. Regret, responsibility, integrity, and ego all motivate the spunky cast in different ways. For example, the sardonic Slasher wishes to return to his original unicorn body but considers his current form a fitting punishment for something he did long ago. VERDICT Readers would be best served by starting with the first book, to get a sense of the characters and lore; having devoured those, they'll be left waiting impatiently for the dramatically teased third entry.--Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC