The Kingdom of the Seven Tapestries has endured war and has seen the rise of hunting unicorns for their horns. With disease plaguing Faerieville, the smallest of the Seven Tapestries, and afflicting the Lady Anastasha in particular, the hunt for unicorns in order to take their horns and harness their magic is rampant. During this turmoil, a young unicorn is born thanks to two orphans, Jack and Rosie. But can they keep her safe from those who want to take her magic? Also, why have magic tears started to appear in the very fabric of the world?
Thorn the Unicorn, Book 1: The Torn Seam is a fantasy middle grade graphic novel that compiles issues 1-7 of the Thorn series. It begins the epic adventure of Jack, Rosie, and the eponymous unicorn Thorn. The story starts with Thorn’s mother being chased by Lord Aldred and his soldiers. She is wounded but manages to escape using her magic, the ability to travel through time. Jack and Rosie, business partners since they were orphaned children, stumble upon the injured unicorn just as she is about to give birth. After they help her and meet her young daughter, they are caught by Lord Aldred’s group. The unicorn mother runs to keep their attention on her and leaves her newly born child, eventually named Thorn by Jack, in the care of Rosie and an unwilling Jack, who has brief visions of the future and doesn’t like what he sees. They try their best to hide and then disguise her, but they eventually have to face the fact that a secret as large as a unicorn cannot stay a secret forever.
The characters are the strength of Thorn. Jack and Rosie argue and fight, but the bond that exists between them is obvious. The rift in their relationship due to their disagreement over how to help Thorn is poignant, and the reader will root for them to mend their frayed friendship just as much as they root for Thorn to be safe. Supporting characters such as the gnome family, who help provide expository information about the world and its history through amusing bedtime story scenes, Everlee, the impulsive daughter of Lord Aldred and Lady Anastasia, and even the temperamental pixies breathe life into the story.
A.D’Amico’s art style is lush and vibrant. It fully captures the world of the Kingdom of the Seven Tapestries. Her use of colors perfectly captures everything such as the literal changing of the seasons to the emotions of the characters and situations, such as the use of red whenever ill will or anger is overwhelmingly present. Her art bolsters the already interesting characters by making them expressive and distinct.
The unfolding story of prejudice and strife is a tale as old as time, but Thorn the Unicorn is a heartfelt and fresh take on the familiar. The delightful characters and their personal journeys in the grand scheme of things will keep readers intrigued and waiting for more.
Thorn the Unicorn, Book 1: The Torn Seam has a publisher rating of ages 8-12+. It has some violence and minor romance, but the content is handled in an accessible manner for middle grade. The story and art has appeal for older readers as well. Fans of fantasy, and of unicorns in particular, will be eager to see how the story unfolds.
Thorn the Unicorn, Book 1: The Torn Seam  Vol. 01
By Josh Oaktree
Art by A. D’Amico
Not in listOak Tree Comics, 2024
ISBN: 9781954754058
Publisher Age Rating:Â 8-12+
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Middle Grade (7-11), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13)
