Peter Beagle

"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea." (from The Last Unicorn) Thus opens one of the many novels of Fantasy author Peter Beagle. He is a classic author that has been quietly contributing many descriptive, powerful works to the genre for many years. Every one of his books are different, but gives readers memorable characters and stories that stay with you for a long time. He writes in an easy style that conveys many ideas in few words. His books and stories span a vast range of Fantasy worlds in the genre.

The Last Unicorn is a lyrical tale of a unicorn. All the unicorns in the world disappear, leaving one female behind. She goes on a quest to find them. Along the way she meets some companions who help her. Schmendrick is a magician. He is not very good with magic and when it works, does not work in the way he intends. Molly Grue is a practical woman with common sense, but believes in legends. Together, they confront King Haggard and his Red Bull. This is a classic book with strong themes and is told in a descriptive prose.

Another book of Mr. Beagle's has ghosts and ravens in it. A Fine and Private Place is a story of love beyond death. Michael Morgan is a ghost trapped in a cemetary. He fights to maintain his identiy because ghosts forget with time. He meets Laura, they fall in love and struggle to maintain it throughout the book. Mr. Beagle wrote this book at nineteen years of age. It is a moving story of love with a touch of humor. The characters are unforgettable.

A more recent book that demonstrates the author's growth over the years is The Innkeeper's Song. It takes place in a stark Fantasy world where Tikat sees his lover Lukassa die. She is resurected and stolen by a mysterious woman. Tikat goes on a quest to find her. His fate becomes tied up with three cloaked women. The chapters alternate with a different viewpoint character. There is a clever fox too. This book is full of arresting images and interesting characters. It is a memorable story.

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