Journey To Osm: The Blue Unicorn's Tale

by Sybrina Durant, Travis Erwin (Editor)

If you enjoyed reading Lord of the Rings, Alice In Wonderland or evenWatership Downs, you will love this book about a tribe of unicornsstranded a universe away from the home world of Unimaise. This is apurely fanciful unicorn fantasy full of magic and science and adventure.

Facing extinction, the Metal-Horned Unicorns of MarBryn are desperate for hope. Any hope. . .So when the Oracle reveals the prophecy promising just that, the remaining members of the tribe pin their future on the birth of a young foal. Hope becomes despair when the baby unicorn is born without metal. . .because without metal there is no magic. And without magic, this little blue newborn has no chance to defeat the evil sorcerer that has imprisoned all of MarBryn. Magh's rule proves both harsh and brutal and by the time Blue comes of age there are only twelve metal-horns left in all of MarBryn. Eleven can claim some form of metal based magic. . .but one must get by on sheer grit, will, and the desire to avenge his parents untimely deaths. Like most of the metal-horns, Blue disregards the prophecy as nonsense, but driven by his insecurities, he covertly trains for a fight he's ill-equipped to win.And then hope comes back around. For Blue...For the Metal Horn Unicorns of MarBryn ...But can a unicorn with no metal ... no magic ... answer the call of fate? The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm Illustrated book was a feast for the eyes but the story was short. This novel is the expanded version of that story.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2018

About the author

Hi:

I am the author of many different types of books. Some are technical and others are fanciful. Illustrated books are my favorite. I believe that you can capture a reader’s attention with a good story but amazing artwork will reel them in and keep them riveted.

Check out my newest series titled Magical Elements of the Periodic Table. Books are presented by unicorns, dragons and wizards. It's Techno-Magical.

Boo's Shoes is my last rabbit and fox book and it is a companion to Cleo Can Tie A Bow! Make sure to put it on your bookshelf so that you'll have it handy when you know someone who wants to learn to tie their shoelaces or any other kind of bow.

Journey To Osm - The Blue Unicorn's Tale is my first full-length novel. Please look for it on these Goodreads Listopia lists and give it a vote up on a few of them. https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/4...

Please look for "The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm Illustrated Book For Teens and Older Readers" on this Goodreads Listopia. https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9... A vote from you would be fantastic.

I've also written a companion book for little children called "Unicorns From Unimaise - The Magical Metal-Horn Tribe."

I also believe if you teach a child with a story and pictures, they will remember it forever. With that in mind, I wrote the "Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox" series of instructional books for boys and girls.

You can also vote for it on the best book for children to learn how to tie, here:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/30...

I am also the publisher of the 4 volume set - Sybrina's Phrase Thesaurus. Check out all of these books and if you like them, please recommend them to other Good Reads members.

And the Best Writer's Thesaurus List here:
http://www.goodreads.com/list/user_vo...

If you enjoy Pinterest, then you can view my boards at http://pinterest.com/sybrinad/boards/.

Happy Reading!
Sybrina

Reviews

[M.L. Tompsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review
Journey To Osm: The Blue Unicorn's Tale written by Sybrina Durant
Is a journey into the fantasy world for YA, all about a heard of special magical unicorns on the brink of extinction. Follow their journey of survival and fighting against the evil Magh. Read how a lonely little plain blue unicorn becomes the hero and saviour of the Metal-Horned Unicorns of MarBryn.
I enjoyed reading about Blue and his determination to be liked by his fellow magical unicorns and save his herd from the evil Magh, who has set out to destroy all the metal-horned unicorns.
I recommend the YA fantasy book, great read.

[Katie Paradis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this thinking I'd be reading another flowery, fantasy unicorn novel; it'd be pretty and fun but predictable.

I was definitely proven wrong. That was quite the adventure!

Who would've thought sci-fi and fantasy could mix like this? The magic, the science, the way it all blended together, absolutely amazing. There were twists and turns all throughout the wonderfully ridiculous lands they traveled - and throughout the plot. Some of the outcomes throughout felt predictable, but how we got there were most certainly not, and that made it so much fun!

I would've loved more detail, more descriptions of everything.I want to be able to clearly see what's going on, in my mind's eye. I want to be able to empathize with the characters, truly feel what they're feeling. There were parts where that just didn't happen. Days of travel though unknown lands were a dull blur as the writing moved on to the next thing so quickly. The threats that terrified the unicorns felt out of focus, as if there was no need to feel their fear at all through the book.

The extras after the end were a nice touch. I liked being able to see the map, and understand a little more about the members of the tribe.

I'd definitely love to read any side-stories that add to the world-building, as well. Detailed stories of how the tribe got where they were, battles referenced in the book, etc. This book has so much potential for other stories.

Overall, a pleasant read.

[Doctor Nyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are a myriad of ways for a new being to come into existence, and given the delicate balance of nature, it is always a gamble whether that new being will ultimately become a source for good or evil." - Page 152

This book is a extended version of a story for children. It does a great job at expanding the universe and plot. The author does a great job of turning the story into a story for teens and young adults. There is plenty of relatable topics, even though the main characters are unicorns mostly...

It's a YA novel for anyone who loves fantasy, unicorns or both!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

[Aliya DalRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

There should be more books about unicorns!

Journey to Osm: The Blue Unicorn’s Tale is an exciting fantasy about a small herd of unicorns who are facing extinction due to the machinations of an evil Sorcerer. Magh is determined to steal the horns and hooves of all unicorns in order to possess their magic. Their only hope for survival lies in the prophesy that foretells of a blue unicorn who will rescue them. Unfortunately for the Metal-Horned Unicorns, the blue foal is born without a metal horn or metal hooves, which means he has no magic. Blue grows up as an outsider, scoffed by his fellow unicorns but determined to someday prove himself. When that time comes, he sets off on a journey of Tolkien proportions, full of challenges and dangers that must be met, or his herd will be doomed.

This story was full of unique magics and harrowing heroism that is sure to warm to the hearts of young readers and even those of us with a few more miles behind us. If you like YA fantasy, you will definitely enjoy Journey to Osm.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a single day. Admittedly partly that was because things have been a tad quiet around the house lately... In any case the antics of the metal horned unicorn tribe made me smile, cry and generally feel a lot better than I have been feeling recently.

This book combines the threads of love and loss, determination and acceptance, into a beautiful blend of emotional storytelling. Sometimes there is power in being overlooked, and strength in being cared for. I am sure anyone with enough of a heart to react to Silubhra's song will find the book well worth reading.

[Lori Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

A pure fantasy novel brings us to MacBryn. A country where manticores, giants, firebirds and other “mythological” creatures exist side by side with Humans. The book is centered around a prophesied unicorn, born with no magic. Blue. He is destined to save his tribe of Unicorns from Magh the evil sorcerer that has nearly hunted to unicorns to extinction.

I typically don’t read a whole lot of fantasy books, because I can’t build the world in my head. However this book is reminiscent of CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series. While yes the are humans and mythological creatures in one world it is so well written that I could nearly reach out and touch the creatures as they were explained. An excellent book that I would recommend to anyone.

[Brittni Kitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story with mythical creatures galore. Lots of action and intrigue. Evil comes in many shapes and can really affect those around you. This is a believe in yourself and those around you, and you can defeat any enemy kind of story. Easy to follow, even with multiple viewpoints. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Amanda Hallam-Taillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story of this book. All the varied elements, coming together- highly imaginative. The characters were diverse, though none particularly stands out as an ultimate favourite. I would definitely recommend this book to younger YA readers, or just the young at heart.

I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey to Osm is a beautifully written tale of a herd of unicorns waiting on their prophesied savior to be born. He will be the one with the horn and the magic to save them all from the evil who wishes to destroy them all and enslave the world. The author builds such a beautiful world in this story. We meet unicorns, pendragons, two-leggeds (humans) and other strange creatures. This story tells the reader about young Blue who is made to not feel as if he belongs simply because his horn is not metal when he is born. "No metal. No magic." You will feel the sadness that he feels as he seeks to hide from the herd and learn the extent of loss that they have all suffered at the hands of an evil man who seeks more and more power.
The story flows so well and kept me engaged the entire time. I kept turning page after page to learn what was going to happen next. There are moments of where I am annoyed or disappointed with certain characters, but for me, it helps make them even more "real" or at least relatable as believable characters. I love the romance that the author throws into the story. You see it coming when you learn of Blue's stable-mate and how they came to be so close. It's heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time.
There is nothing that I don't like about this story. The author never becomes too focused on one particular part. The story flows well and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. I love the twists and surprises that the author throws into the story. It's a wonderful story to read.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a fantasy lover this is a book to pick up. If you love stories about unicorns then this is a book to grab. I'm sure that you will enjoy.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received from author and Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review.

Quick moving YA book about unicorns. Serious, but enjoyable read, that I ended up flying through because it really drew me in. Loved the different characters, and their different journeys, sweet and emotional to go through.

Cross-posted to GoodReads and Amazon

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I would definitely recommend!! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.

[Fae Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
The ending was definitely wholesome, though it did counteract the sadness that took place within the battle portion only a few pages ago.
What I liked most about this, was the uniqueness of the unicorns. Yes they were still described as gorgeous beings, but they were still unique. Metal-horns, this is definitely something I have seen before, (at least in books, unless you want to count Yu-Gi-Oh.)
The story of Blue and his tribe as the last of the Metal-horns, hiding from an even tyrant sorcerer named Magh, with a prophecy where Blue a unicorn before without metal is destined to save them.

[Mabearbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book ! I absolutely loved the world and character building and Sybrina did such an amazing job of transporting me into the unicorns world.I definitely couldn't put this book down, it was simply magical, lyrical and otherworldly and I can't wait for more from this author. ❤

[Kris Yarych · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness this is not your typical unicorn fairytale! I enjoyed the uniqueness of this story. I cannot wait to read further about these unicorns.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book in return for an honest review. Was a little slow to get into but on the whole a easy read & very enjoyable story. Thanks.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a magical tale. The author was able to transport me to a new realm and I fell in love. There is a great deal of detail in this story that fully let's you imagine this other world vividly in your mind. I often felt like I was watching a movie while I was reading. I also loved the underdog tones throughout the book. Everyone wants to rally behind a hero that nobody believes in and thinks will fail. I often found myself reading late into the night, just to see what would unfold next and how everything was going to play out. In the end I was very satisfied and thrilled to have read the story. I feel the author did a marvelous job with character development and storyline. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight to read, I was completely gripped from the get go and physically struggled to put it down therefore finishing it in less than 24 hours! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes the magical side of things! It's so well written that I felt like it could be true!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ded a universe away from their home world of Unimaise. It is full of magic, adventure and sciencey stuff plus a little bit of love and war.
Facing extinction, the Metal-Horned Unicorns of MarBryn are desperate for hope. Any hope. . .So when the Oracle reveals the prophecy promising just that, the remaining members of the tribe pin their future on the birth of a young foal. Hope becomes despair when the baby unicorn is born without metal. . .because without metal there is no magic. And without magic, this little blue newborn has no chance to defeat the evil sorcerer that has imprisoned all of MarBryn. Magh’s rule proves both harsh and brutal and by the time Blue comes of age there are only twelve metal-horns left in all of MarBryn. Eleven can claim some form of metal based magic. . .but one must get by on sheer grit, will, and the desire to avenge his parents untimely deaths. Like most of the metal-horns, Blue disregards the prophecy as nonsense, but driven by his insecurities, he covertly trains for a fight he’s ill-equipped to win.And then hope comes back around. For Blue…For the Metal Horn Unicorns of MarBryn …But can a unicorn with no metal … no magic … answer the call of fate? 

The Blue Unicorn's Journey To Osm Illustrated book was a feast for the eyes but the story was short and left readers wanting to know more. This novel is the expanded version of that story.  


Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
Ever since he was born Blue was looked down upon by the other Metal Unicorn’s. Instead of being the hope for them he was a no metal no magic unicorn. In spite of believing the oracle’s prophecy, only two of the tribe believed in him, the unicorn who revealed the prophecy and Ghel the one unicorn who loved Blue. Blue distanced himself form the tribe, but he was determined to learn to fight and become the strongest unicorn he could be. Now as prophecy’s go things are never quite what they seem leading Blue on a journey of discovery that could lead him to on an adventure of a life time.

Blue’s feelings of worthlessness and isolation can be understood by many people. His desire to make something of himself gives others hope that things can get better. Just believe in yourself and anything is possible. This is a wonderful story that combines fantasy and magic into a unique story that can be enjoyed by all ages.

[Jeffrey De · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly unique YA fantasy for all ages about unicorns with plenty of depth, suspense, adventure, and magic.

A tribe of 11 Metal-Horned unicorns have been captured by the evil sorcerer Magh and left stranded in MarByrn, a world away from their home, Unimaise. The Oracle Alumina predicts that a newborn foal will be their salvation. However, when newborn Blue is born, he doesn’t have a metal horn or hooves, so he doesn’t have the magical powers that the metal brings the rest of the unicorns.

Blue grows up believing he needs to work harder to overcome his handicap of not having the magic powers that metal brings. This is a true hero’s journey, where Blue learns to overcome this to save his tribe from extinction.

It’s unique that the character without the magic is the one that succeeds in a world full of unicorns with magic powers, the opposite of the usual fantasy trope. With many interesting and well-developed characters, this adventure kept me engaged from start to finish.

As a bonus, there is some bonus material at the end of the book. First, there is a map of MarByrn. Then there is a listing of all the characters of the Metal-Horn unicorn tribe and all their powers, metals, and mates. This is helpful since there are 12 unicorns in the tribe to keep track of. There is a list of the characters and setting locations and how to pronounce them. Finally, there is an illustration of the unicorn and all of its parts. Read this bonus material first to help you keep this crucial information in mind.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very imaginative book. I found the world and the characters to be both interesting and diverse. I certainly haven't read anything like it before. This is a clean book, suitable for children and adults. It does contain non-graphic violence.
I think that the number one thing I didn't like about this book was all the head hopping, especially where I suddenly found myself in a minor character's head. I would have enjoyed the book much better if the point of view change had been limited to just major characters and only in a separate scene from the last point of view. As it was, I had a hard time keeping up with the jumps.
The other issue I had was that there were a few things that were a little too far fetched for my tastes. I know that anything with unicorns is something that you need to suspend your disbelief in any case, but there were a couple things that didn't work for me. The biggest one had to do with a major revelation near the end. After that, I found myself rereading the first chapter because parts of it didn't make sense, especially given the pov in the beginning. After referencing the beginning, I still didn't feel like the beginning and end fit together.
But overall, this was a pretty good story that I would recommend to anyone that's interested and I don't regret reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My opinions are my own.

[Hannah Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey to Osm: The Blue Unicorn's Tale is an action/adventure, fantasy YA story for all ages. The story follows Blue the unicorn who's birth was prophesied to save all the Metal-horned Unicorns on MarBryn; however in an ironic twist of fate Blue is born with "No metal, no magic". Much to the disappointment of his tribe that is being hunted to extinction for their magical metal horns and hooves by the evil Magh. Will Blue be able to fulfill the prophesy and save his tribe; read and find out.

I would rate this book 3.5/5 stars. Overall I would recommend this book; it's an enjoyable YA novel. However I felt that there wasn't enough time spent on the characters to truly develop them into fully fledged characters and at time the story would introduce an idea, but never truly explore that idea (even at a surface level). For example the idea of a gray moral area is sort of introduced with Blue thinking that maybe these guys are not evil, but they just don't know another way to do this... but it's dropped right after that. Also Magh is one of the most stereotypical evil overlords. But saying all of that I did enjoy reading the story and would once again recommend it.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you seen Transformer movies? This novel is like that, except instead of transforming cars, its UNICORNS with metal horns. The entire book screams magic, and heart warming determination of one out-of-path unicorn BLUE. I thought it would be just a magical YA book, but the author Sybrina Durant has something magical for everyone! I really loved the prophecy gone wrong theme and the flow of story. Being my first Unicorn story, i loved it and is very fast read. Read it in less than two days. If you’re looking for fantasy magical read, this book will not disappoint you!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Sybrina Durant for sending me reader’s copy of this book. This review is purely based on my thoughts about this book.

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me quite a while to get into this story. Although it is important to inform the reader of a new world and characters, I found it took a long time for the story to truly start. Having said that, once Blue’s journey started, I was enthralled. He became important to me and I was pleased he had such good company on his journey. How refreshing it was meet completely new creatures, such as the Cubose and I loved the character of Icel. What the Numen was, came as a complete surprise and the transformation of Blue into Osm seemed so right! I was happy that the unicorns were able to get home and how lovely that unicorns are immortal. I received a complimentary book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[S.E. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe

'I had to learn to believe in myself.'
What a lovely line to end the narrative - but this is deeply representative of the trials we all face - in any situation.
I loved this story of Blue - saviour of the unicorns - but without metal or magic - or any belief in himself - the task he is destined to undertake since birth, seems hopeless.
This is a lovely tale of triumph over adversity, of the not so perfect stallion finding his courage in a sea of hostility.
It is written so beautifully, with drops of brilliance that you find in good fantasy fairytales, I can really see this as a Pixar animation.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a good underdog story, and this was definitely one of those. After being born with a plain blue horn, Blue is secluded from his tribe. No metal, no magic has been the chant he has heard his entire life. But when things begin to happen, and the Oracle sees Blue as the hero of his tribe, he decides to go on a journey to find out if a unicorn without a metal horn can be the savior his tribe needs.

This is a beautiful YA fantasy that includes all the great elements of an epic quest. I think my favorite part was the fact that the story is about unicorns of all creatures because it’s not something you see very often. The author has created an immersive world in Journey to Osm.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked about this book:
-Very creative story with interesting species
-Complex and well thought through world building
-Original mix between fantasy and sci-fi

What I didn't like:
-The middle two quarters were kinda hart to get through, I eventually ended up skimming through most parts
-For me, personally, there were way too many characters to keep track

In conclusion, I just don't think this book was for me, when it comes to stories with big journeys like this, I'm quite picky. If you love traveling stories, great fantasy worlds and unicorns, go give this book a shot!

[L.L. Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one beautiful fantasy adventure and the metal horn unicorn tribe take centre stage! Wow there's so much imagination gone into telling this tale and even if you are not 'unicorn mad', the fantastic fantasy creatures and worldbuilding will make you feel transported to an entirely new original realm. Though this could be a book for any age, I'd say that kids and young teens will particularly enjoy this book and it's a perfect introduction to readers wanting to get more familiar with the Fantasy genre in general. Great imagination! Be sure that an amazing quest awaits you!

[Carol Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it was hard to define the target audience. Some sections were adult reading, some young adult and some seemed written for children. Parts were cheesy; other parts were very detailed and extremely well written. It is a clean book which I always find a bonus! There were some editing issues also. I am interested in checking out the illustrated version to see if it would be something I could read with my six year old granddaughter who loves unicorns.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, witty, and colorful (in many ways) story that both kids and adults will enjoy. Kids will especially enjoy the action and antics of the unicorns, while adults will grasp a deeper meaning revealed throughout the story: the beauty and harshness of nature and our environment. I especially liked the humorous use of words throughout the story. For example: Do you know what a "Pendragon" really is? Quite clever, unique, and entertaining.

[gwendalyn _books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey To Osm
Sybrina Durant

The Blue Unicorns Tale

A wonderful fantasy written about a protagonist unicorn named Blue
A journey, a prophecy , a journey and magical beast .All the things that make up a great storyline. Creative world building keeps you engaged.
A fantastic fantasy. I enjoyed this exciting book

Thanks NetGalley for this complimentary copy for an honest review.