Not Your "Typical" Unicorn Story

There are many worlds that I have found and explored that have existed between two covers and printed on paper. I have fallen in love with many of them, especially with fantasy and science fiction worlds that I could disappear into and forget about the things that troubled me. I could open a novel and be transported out of my mundane existence into a vibrant world, where the characters were brave and didn’t suffer from social anxiety or crippling fear. Where the shy characters were transformed into heroes, and magic existed. Where exciting things happened to ordinary people. And those people went on to save the world. I lost myself in those worlds, dreaming of what life would be like if I wasn’t born in this world if I was something other than myself. When I suffered from depression, anorexia, sexual abuse, and being bullied at school, I could open a novel and forget everything that plagued me. Books allowed me to get out of my own reality. Now, as an adult, I find myself much more comfortable and confident in who I am. Yet, I still find joy in reading and revisiting those alternate worlds. My favourite worlds have imperfect characters who overcome and stand in the face of adversity even if they make mistakes. They don’t let anxiety or stress hold them back from defeating the villain.

Now I spend my time creating other worlds and actually living through the characters’ experiences rather than just visiting the worlds through the character’s eyes. I also study books rather than just reading for enjoyment. Always with a pencil in hand to mark up the margins (something my younger self would cringe at today). While my reasons for reading have changed, I still love disappearing into a good story and returning to all those worlds that helped me face reality.

However, one fictional world sticks out among the sea of worlds that I have discovered. The one that helped me fall in love with reading when I was seven. The one world I have returned to repeatedly until the cover fell off and had to be retaped on - the world of Bundelage, found in Vicki Blum’s Wish Upon a Unicorn. Transported there via a crack in her eccentric grandmother’s kitchen floor, Arica is transported from her ordinary world to a magical one. The world is dark and gritty, about a girl who has the power to telepathically communicate with unicorns. It has fascinating magical creatures (such as “pfifers,” tiny snakes with wings), war, villains, and slavery.

The novel was my first introduction to dark fantasy. The book deals with complex family matters, and the background characters (like her parents) have complex backstories. Arica is forced to face this dark world alone, autonomy, and isn’t held back by any rules. As a child, these aspects were intriguing as she had the freedom that I often craved. As I read her story I followed as she transforms into a strong female character on her journey through the dark land as she desperately wishes to return home. Along with Arica, I am transformed into a strong person who is capable of fighting against evil. Even though the world is dark and chaotic, I have always had a sense of the feeling of home every time I have pulled it out to read.

All these years later, the novels still sit on my shelves; they have been with me for over twenty years. Been with me through every move, heartache, and tumultuous change that my life has gone through. And still, from time to time, I return to the world and find myself with the ability to communicate with unicorns and the strength to overcome adversity.