Description
Soar into a breathtaking world of heroes and unicorns as you’ve never seen them before, in this first book in the hotly anticipated fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers.
‘Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.’ – Louie Stowell, author of Loki and Otherland
‘A dazzling feat of imagination. I loved every breathless moment of it!’ – Cat Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper’s Island and co-author of Twin Crowns
‘The best book I’ve ever read.’ – Patrick, age 10
Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider.
To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero. But just as Skandar’s dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined.
A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island’s most powerful unicorn – and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever . . .
Get ready for unlikely HEROES, elemental MAGIC, sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and FEROCIOUS UNICORNS, in this EPIC ADVENTURE series that will have your heart soaring. Praise for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief: ‘My book of the year. Not since Harry Potter have I felt this excited about a series.
Readers are sure to be clamouring for the next book. You’ll never look at unicorns the same way again, nor will you want to!’ – Dominique Valente, author of the Starfell series ‘Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey ‘A magnificent book. I raced through it – at turns enthralled, delighted, amazed.
It’s everything I could have wanted and more. No doubt this book is going to fly.’ – Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear ‘Skandar and the Unicorn Thief brims with wild adventure, fierce sky battles, elemental magic, ferocious unicorns and a terrifying enemy. Steadman’s cinematic writing draws you in from the very first page, creating a hugely compelling, unforgettable read.
Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.’ – Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn ‘A. F. Steadman has created a stunning new world that feels both familiar and fresh, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.’ -Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun ‘A fresh new voice brimming with imagination and crackling with excitement.
These bloodthirsty unicorns will take you on a ride you’ll never forget!’ – Benjamin Dean ‘A fantasy adventure of epic proportions by a superstar author. I loved everything about it from the elemental magic, to the treehouses, and unique unicorn twist. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is going to be the start of everyone’s new favourite series.’ – Aisha Bushby ‘Skandar and the Unicorn Thief takes you on a great adventure from bloodthirsty unicorns to duels in the air.
This MG is a must-read and you won’t be disappointed.’ – Rachel Faturoti ‘An absolute triumph. I gasped at every chapter . .
. It has everything I love in a good book.’ – Mel Taylor-Bessent, author of The Christmas Carrolls and Director of Authorfy
Katherine Brown (verified owner) –
I think it has been a bit unfair on AF Steadman that Skandar and the Unicorn Thief has been so heavily compared to Harry Potter. I can see where the comparisons have come from; children grow up waiting to see if if they get to leave home to go to a magical new world, in this case to become a Unicorn rider.
Steadman has written a brilliant book; the imagination behind the unicorn’s, the world-building and the magic is varied but consistent. The characters are complex in ways that never happened in Harry Potter because it isn’t the case that people are clear cut good or evil, and they are all emotionally complex beings, each for their own reasons. The plot is fast paced, if a bit predictable, but you will turn each page wanting to get to the next.
However, the main reason I’m reluctant to give it five stars is because as brilliant as it is, I found it very uncomfortable to read. Skandar is pretty much in constant danger from the start to the end of the book, and there is no rest bite for him, not even entirely with the other children who become his friends.
Harry Potter is threatened, but there is wonder and comfort in Hogwarts, which is key to why it is so magical. Now I’m well aware, sadly, not all children in the world have comfortable lives nor the safety of having trusted adults to depend upon. In truth I think AF Steadman should have been compared more to Jacqueline Wilson for capturing a more realistic portrayal of the power dynamic between children and adults, and the reality that not everyone is safe. However, I could have done with just a few more moments of magical wonderment, because the possibility for it is there with what Steadman has created, but there was just too much pressure and threat, which is why even if children younger than 9 know Harry Potter, I wouldn’t recommend it until children are 9+ because some of the issues faced are more mature.