By A.F. Steadman (author) Part of the Skandar series
"The first book in the epic Skandar series launches readers into an electrifying, imaginative world where unicorns are not the graceful companions of fairy tales but are fierce, deadly creatures."
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Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is the thrilling start to A.F. Steadman’s globally successful, epic fantasy series. Set in a brilliantly imagined world where unicorns are wild, deadly creatures bonded through elemental magic, the story follows Skandar Smith, a boy from the Mainland who dreams of becoming a unicorn rider.
After earning a place on the Island and entering the prestigious Chaos Cup, Skandar discovers a dangerous secret - he is a Spirit wielder, a rare and feared type of magic tied to wild unicorns.
When a masked villain known as the Unicorn Thief begins stealing unicorn hatchlings, the mystery deepens. The shocking twist comes when the thief is revealed to be Skandar’s disgraced father, Gideon, driven mad by Spirit magic.
Despite the darkness, the book is full of heart. Skandar’s friendships with Kenna, Bobby, Mitchell, and Flo are genuine and well-developed, providing warmth and camaraderie.
With non-stop action, emotional stakes, and a highly original magical world, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. A bold and unforgettable fantasy debut.
The first book in the award-winning, international hit fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn.
Read the full description
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.
Read the books in order:
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Skandar and the Phantom Rider
Skandar and the Chaos Trials
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
Skandar and the Spirit War
'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 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
'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.' - Tolá 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
A.F. Steadman grew up in the Kent countryside, getting lost in fantasy worlds and scribbling stories in notebooks. Before focusing on writing, she worked in law, until she realized that there wasn't nearly enough magic involved. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling Skandar series.
Photo credit Chris Close
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This captivating book immerses readers in a whirlwind of thrilling action scenes that are seamlessly intertwined with the enchanting presence of Unicorns.
This captivating book immerses readers in a whirlwind of thrilling action scenes that are seamlessly intertwined with the enchanting presence of Unicorns. It serves as a testament to the age-old adage: never judge a book by its cover, for within these pages lies a narrative so rich in depth and excitement that it transcends any preconceived notions derived from its exterior.
As readers take their first steps into the world crafted by the author's vivid imagination, they find themselves swept away in a symphony of emotions and adventures. Each turn of the page reveals new layers of complexity and wonder, transforming a simple tale into an intricate tapestry of magic and mystery.... Read Full Review
This book is great for people who love magic, mystery, adventure and a splash of excitement. If you’re a fan of Amari and the Night Brothers or Harry Potter I think you will enjoy this new and epic series too.
Skandar has always wanted to be a unicorn rider and train with his own unicorn at the eyrie. And, finally, after years of waiting, he gets the chance. He’s going to be a unicorn rider. But just as his dreams are becoming reality, things change. For the worst. An evil and twisted enemy (called the weaver) has stolen the worlds most powerful unicorn and people are going missing all across the island. It feels like no one is safe. No one knows what to do, everything is in chaos. It’s up to Skandar and his friends to stop the weaver and her plans before its too late. But can they make it in time?
This book is great for people who love magic, mystery, adventure and a splash of excitement.... Read Full Review
Fantastic book, really enjoyable, lots of twist and turns, pulls you in from the very first page.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is one of the best books I have read and can't wait to read the rest of them. I was pulled into the story from the very first page and could see myself raising and flying the unicorns.... Read Full Review
The first book in the award-winning, international hit fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn. Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was written by A.F. Steadman and published by Simon & Schuster Ltd
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief has 400 pages
Yes it is part of Skandar series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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