The Skandar Book Series by A.F. Steadman

BLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A MORTAL ENEMY. The first book in the number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures from international bestselling author Annabel Steadman!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 and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series:'The most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter' - Telegraph 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting - it's a joy to enter Skandar's World.' - Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023! Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023. *Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024*Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children's Number 1 besteller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025

BLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A MORTAL ENEMY. The adventure continues in the number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures from international bestselling author Annabel Steadman!The Island shall have its revenge . . . Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider. But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island.  Meanwhile, Skandar's sister, Kenna, longs to join him - and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart - before it's too late for them all?  Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series:'The most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter' - Telegraph 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting - it's a joy to enter Skandar's World.' - Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023! Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023. *Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024*Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children's Number 1 besteller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The epic adventure continues . . . Don't miss the unputdownable new book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023! Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023   The Island always wins… Skandar and his sister Kenna are finally both at the Eyrie, but tensions are high. To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island's elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit - only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile Kenna's forged bond to a wild unicorn has left her alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction . . . As dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide how far is he willing to go - for Kenna, and for the Eyrie.   Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series: 'Skandar Smith's adventures at the Eyrie, a training school for unicorn riders, have made him the most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter.'- The Daily Telegraph 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.' - Louie Stowell, author of Loki  '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 '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 Starfell  '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 'Perfect for those who have consumed the Harry Potter books and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and are looking for their next fictional feast.' - The Sunday Times   Reader Reviews: ***** 'Overall amazing in every way.' ***** 'My daughter has rated them better that Percy Jackson.' ***** 'I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next one.' ***** 'I have read Harry Potter and I think Skandar is better.' ***** 'Move over Harry Potter there's a new hero in town!' *Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27 April 2024

'The most popular fantasy hero since Harry Potter' Telegraph BLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A DEADLY CURSE. The epic adventure continues. Don't miss the unputdownable new book in number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023! Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023. As Skandar and his friends begin their fourth year at the Eyrie, the Island's unicorns are struck by a terrible curse that threatens to change everything. Between a Commodore determined to eliminate the spirit element for good, and a sister hellbent on revenge, nowhere is safe for Skandar. As more and more unicorns are affected by the curse, the clock is ticking for Skandar and his quartet, who find themselves literally racing for their lives. Can they stop the curse in its tracks before the Island is lost for ever? Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out!  Praise for the SKANDAR series: 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.' - Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn '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 Starfell 'Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Rainbow Grey '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.' -Tọlá Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun 'Perfect for those who have consumed the Harry Potter books and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and are looking for their next fictional feast.' - The Sunday Times   *Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27 April 2024

BLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A MORTAL ENEMY. Don't miss this epic final adventure in the number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.  Pre-order THE FIRST UNICORN RIDER now to be one of the first to read an unmissable new magical adventure set in the incredible WORLD OF SKANDARSkandar is in hiding after the Chaos Cup where Rex Manning revealed a game-changing secret. But as Rex prepares to invade the Mainland, the Islanders are not sure who to trust. With one of Skandar's closest friends now fighting for the enemy, Skandar must build new alliances - including an uneasy truce with Kenna. To defeat Rex, Skandar and his friends will need to look back to the origins of the Island, and harness the full power of their elemental magic. Can Skandar become the leader he needs to be - to save the Mainland and the heart of the Island itself? Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series:'The most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter' - Telegraph 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting - it's a joy to enter Skandar's World.' - Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023! Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023. *Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024*Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children's Number 1 besteller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025

An unmissable new magical adventure set in the incredible World of Skandar, perfect for fans of the series and newcomers alike. From international bestselling author A. F. Steadman, with stunning illustrations throughout.

Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Impossible Creatures, Eragon and Greenwild.

A BOY WITH A DESTINY. A MYSTERIOUS ISLAND. A WORLD OF MAGICAL CREATURES.

George Penhaligon has only ever wanted adventure. But when he finds himself shipwrecked and alone on a mysterious island, he makes an incredible discovery.

Unicorns are real - and they're bloodthirsty.

Slowly, George gains one unicorn's trust and together they explore the island's magical secrets. But there is a dark presence lurking in his new home, more deadly than any unicorn.

Can George fulfil his destiny and free the island from a terrible fate?

Discover the incredible World of Skandar with this thrilling origin adventure with black and white illustrations throughout by Manuel Šumberac.

Praise for the SKANDAR series:

'the most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter' - Telegraph

'steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week

'Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting - it's a joy to enter Skandar's World.' - Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series

*Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024*

*Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children's Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025*

Ideal for readers who:

• Love children's fantasy that begins with shipwreck, destiny and strange creatures.
• Are drawn to unicorn stories with real danger rather than sweetness alone.
• Would be thrilled by a mysterious island full of secrets and bloodthirsty magic.
• Prefer adventurous middle-grade reading with illustrations and big series energy.