S L Carlson

Escape S L Carlson

15-year-old Ricky discovers from his companion, Thram, the Spikonians are invading their homeland. Transforming with the war unicorn, Neighbor, into one warrior-unicorn-man, they complete the two-week journey to the capital in just two days, only to discover it in ruins. Searching the rubble of his family's home, Ricky reads part of a magic spell. As he speaks, the boy standing nearby sprouts a wing and collapses. Furious with Aldric's irresponsible use of magic, Neighbor leaves him.

Separated from the unicorn for the first time in over a year, Unicorn Keeper Ricky, refocuses and determines to set his family free, as well as all the captured citizens. However, Ricky's plans change to urgency when he discovers the witch-magician Alyse seeks to kill his mother. He is only able to rescue a few family members, including his Spikonian brother-in-law, Drake. The clash between Ricky and Drake becomes more than about race, providing for emotionally packed dialogue with actions of love and hate, of family and singleness, of aloneness and belonging.

The war unicorn rejoins them to add her counsel. Ricky and Neighbor mend their fragile relationship as they journey through wilderness encounters with nature and mythical creatures.

In the meantime, castle-raised Lord Thram was given the responsibility of returning and protecting the dragon-raised Princess Celeste, missing for fourteen years. The feral princess is anything but civilized. But when the king's consort, Lady Katrina, denies Thram palace entrance, he slips into his old habit of sneaking in the shadows where he discovers plots and deceptions.

Can Ricky and Thram complete their goals to once more unite in fighting evil?