The Forgotten Beasts of Eld (1974)

Sybel lives among magnificent creatures she can summon and command, until a child brings human obligations into her secluded world. The beasts have their own presence; they are not simply an inventory of magical pets. McKillip gives power, tenderness and revenge the concentrated force of a fairy tale. A particularly rewarding choice when you want lyrical wonder with emotional consequences, in a modest-sized complete novel.