Book Review and Giveaway: Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

I just finished this “killer unicorn” novel and I seriously have the urge to share it with everyone I know! Well, since it doesn’t come out until August, and I only have one copy, I can’t. But I am giving away my ARC to one lucky commenter as part of the Book Giveaway Carnival hosted by Bookroom Reviews and buying a hardcover copy when it comes out for my permanent collection. UPDATE: The author herself was so excited to see how everyone was so excited about her novel that she is also donating a copy to the contest which she will sign!

So what’s all the fuss about? 16 year old Astrid has always thought her mother was nuts with all her talk of killer unicorns and how they were driven to extinction by a virgin ancestor. But when Astrid’s best chance for a prom date is mauled by a unicorn in an apparent reemergence, Astrid discovers the truth behind the legends and joins a convent of virgin warrior maidens in Rome charged with protecting mankind from the foul beasts.

Sounds kind of out there doesn’t it? But Author Peterfreund has done her research and actually bases both the virgin warriors and the killer creatures on historical myths and legends, and weaves them perfectly into the tapestry of this thrilling novel. (Find out all about the 5 types of killer unicorns on her website here – spoiler free!)

There are so many things to love about this book. Let’s start with the characters. There are a lot of them, but even the supporting players get distinctive enough personalities that you can tell them apart. There’s Astrid - the type of sarcastically hilarious, fiercely loyal girl you want as a best friend (and want on your side in the case of a killer unicorn apocalypse). There’s also her free-spirited and athletic cousin Philippa. And there are the couple of boys that become serious threats to their virginity and their powers. (Abstinence programs take note – this book makes a great case for keeping your virginity!)

I also loved that the book takes you on an emotional journey with Astrid. There are the highs of a successful hunt, a stolen kiss (ok, a lot of stolen kisses), and discovering the benefits of her powers. But there are also the lows of defeat, of discouragement, of wanting to give it all up.

One last thing I want to mention is how much I enjoyed the scenes with Bonegrinder, the small unicorn of the zhi variety that lives with the convent girls. She is as sweet as a kitten to virgins but gores anyone else. Every time she was around, I just wanted to cuddle my kitten even tighter.

Rampant will be released in hardcover in August 2009. Leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to read it by March 12th at 11:59 pm CST (DEADLINE EXTENDED) and you’ll be entered to win. Post about the contest on your own blog (sidebar is fine) for a second entry and leave a separate comment telling me you’ve done so (It MUST be a separate comment to count, thanks). This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY!

PS. Don't forget to enter to win one of 20 copies of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak if you haven't already!