By A.F. Steadman (author) Part of the Skandar series
"Book 4 in the epic Skandar series brings unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, secrets, and more fierce unicorns! "
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Skandar and the Skeleton Curse , the gripping fourth book in the hugely popular Skandar series, plunges readers into darker territory as a deadly curse sweeps the Island, killing unicorns and endangering riders. Tied to corrupted Spirit magic, the curse places suspicion once again on Skandar and Callie.
As Skandar uncovers the true origins of unicorns and Spirit magic—revealing they are not evil but dangerously unstable—he must embrace his powers fully to save his friends, risking corruption in the process. Meanwhile, the revelation that Gideon is still alive and sowing chaos from the shadows adds a chilling twist.
With growing mistrust among riders and a fractured Island left behind, Skandar breaks the curse but realises that the true battle is still to come—the Spirit War that could decide the fate of the Island itself.
Jacob Revill, one of our Kids Reader Review Panel, said -
"This fourth book of the series is brilliant. I have loved reading every single page. I didn't think it could get any better and then out comes the flaming fireballs, I mean wow, flaming fireballs. I feel like I am a part of the story. The quartet is quickly growing up, there are now cursed unicorns and keen is completely out of control. It's time for Skandar to face his fears. Looking forward to book number 5."
The epic adventure continues.
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!
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
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.' - Tiá 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
Skandar Books in Order: The Complete Series
A Clock Strikes Murder
The Case of the Dreaming Dragon: an Elemental Detectives Adventure
Fireborn: Twelve and the Frozen Forest
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse is an exciting, magical adventure with brave friends, wild unicorns, and creepy mysteries. A must-read for anyone who loves thrilling stories, friendship, and heroic battles! I LOVED it!
This book was AMAZING! I couldn’t stop reading it. I loved Skandar and the Skeleton Curse so much – it’s full of magic, unicorns (but not the cute fluffy ones – these ones are wild and awesome!), and so many exciting twists.
Skandar is such a cool character - brave, clever and doesn’t give up even when things get super scary. I also liked his friends, especially Flo and Bobby – they’re such a good team. I wish I could go to the Eyrie and ride a unicorn with them!
The story was really exciting from the start - battles, mysteries, secrets, and the Skeleton Curse was soooo creepy and cool at the same time.... Read Full Review
I could not put it down
It is an adventurous book and it is exciting. The new weaver makes up a curse and tries to harm the unicorns. Skandar is so brave and makes it into the chaos cup. Flo at the end of the book betrays Skandar. There is and exciting storyline which is great and I love it. There are loads of amazing adventures. Skandar is courageous and speaks against his sister Kenna. I really enjoyed reading it and found it impossible to stop reading. The story leaves you at a bit of a cliffhanger at the end and I really want to find out more and to keep reading because it's exciting and adventurous.... Read Full Review
Aralynne Monksummers
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish, I honestly didn't think they could get any better. Cannot wait for book number 5 .
This fourth book of the series is brilliant. I have loved reading every single page. I didn't think it could get any better and then out comes the flaming fireballs, I mean wow, flaming fireballs. I feel like I am a part of the story. The quartet is quickly growing up, there are now cursed unicorns and keen is completely out of control. It's time for skandar to face his fears.... Read Full Review
The epic adventure continues. 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.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Skandar and the Skeleton Curse and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-10 years old
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ 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 Skeleton Curse was written by A.F. Steadman and published by Simon & Schuster Children's an imprint of Simon & Schuster UK
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse has 416 pages
Yes it is part of Skandar series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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