Ahoy there me mateys! I received this young adult fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
the transfigured hart (Jane Yolen)
Title: the transfigured hart
Author: Jane Yolen
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Publication Date: Available Now!!! (e-book)
ISBN: 978-1616961626
Source: NetGalley
I have been a Jane Yolen fan for eons. So when I saw this amazingly beautiful cover, I had to know what it was about.
This is a truly wonderful story about two young kids, who unbeknownst to each other, each catch a glimpse of a ghostly white creature in the woods. Richard is convinced it is a unicorn. Heather is convinced is a white deer. Both want to tame it. They don’t count on running into each other by the crystal, shimmering pool in the forest. Danger is lurking for the beast. Heather and Richard slowly realize that they must work together to not only determine what the creature is but also in order to save it.
Jane Yolen is one of those magical writers whose stories are rich in imagery and defy neat categorization. This complexly woven tale is delightful. It doesn’t necessarily feel complicated when reading it. Younger readers will be drawn into the mystery of the creature, the evolving relationship between the two teens, and the adventure that ensues. Older readers will love the unicorn history sprinkled in the tale, the rife symbolism, and the beautiful writing style.
I was completely immersed in the tale and was left in a lovely state of mind pondering the outcome of the story when I finished. I will certainly reread this in the future.
If ye want to find out what the beast in the woods turned out to be, then pick up this fantastic tale. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Tachyon Publications!
Side Note: Special thanks to James DeMaiolo, Marketing and Publicity of Tachyon Publications who kindly sent me a copy of this novella when I missed the deadline for downloading it on NetGalley after I was approved. I be forever indebted. This story be beautiful!
Goodreads’ website has this to say about the novella:
Is what Richard saw in the woods really a unicorn?
Heather and Richard have little in common. A voracious reader growing up in a large house filled with books, Richard is a sickly child that spends most of his time alone or surrounded by adults. Heather is comfortable in a crowd, but nonetheless sneaks away on her appaloosa pony for lone adventures in woods.
One evening after dinner, Richard spies a strange, white deer in the fading light of the woods. It leaps away into the thick brush, but Richard is certain of what he’s seen: a unicorn. And Heather—out for a ride on her pony—has also spotted the unusual hart.
When Heather and Richard meet, they cannot agree on what they’ve encountered, and they definitely do not want to share their secret. But they will soon discover that their mutual help is indeed much-needed.
Beloved, award-winning author Jane Yolen has created a magical tale of coming of age yet still believing in the seemingly impossible. The Transfigured Hart bounds into the wonderful in-between world where adults rediscover childhood wonder, and children can enjoy the fantastic tale right along with them.
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Previous Log Entries for this Author
Captain's Quarters 
That sounds amazing! I’ll have to look it up.
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GREAT review, Captain! I love Yolen’s works as well, though it’s been years since I’ve read anything she’s written. Is this a stand alone novel? I need more stand alone fantasy in my life!
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This is a standalone novella. It took about an hour or so to read. Her novella a plague of unicorns was a lot of fun. I also loved her books briar rose and snow in summer though it has been ages since I read them.
x The Captain
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Wow, this sounds amazing. And that cover is gorgeous! Love that it can pleasure both adults and kids for different reasons. The writing style alone has me intrigued. Awesome review, Captain! 😀
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It is truly lovely. It was strange to get into the spirit of childhood again while reading it and then to finish and be wrapped up in the adult themes and concepts. Jane Yolen is a genius.
x The Captain
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Very nice review. I’m a Yolen fan and this one wasn’t even on my radar before now (thanks!). I love books that appeal to both younger and older audiences because the complexity gives me something to sink my teeth into while still being able to feel like a kid again. Adding this… 🙂
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Yes that is exactly how it felt reading this one! I am amazed at her ability to be able to do this so flawlessly. This story was written back in 1975 but has been republished. I hope ye like it!
x The Captain
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This sounds wonderful! I am ashamed to say I have not heard of Yolen, but I will be looking up her work now 😉
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She writes beautiful fairy tale retellings, children’s book, and all sorts of things. She is extremely prolific. Over 365 things to date! Ye be bound to find something that suites yer taste!
x The Captain
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I love Jane Yolen, and after reading your review I’m going to need to find out more about the mysterious creature😁
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It was so very lovely. Apparently she wrote it back in 1975 and it has been rereleased as an e-book. I have a couple of her other works on the list. There is her Jenna series that a local library has but there is a big hold on them. But I will get a hold of them someday!
x The Captain
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