HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU&’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. 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. WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!'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 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.THE EPIC ADVENTURE CONTINUES . . . Skandar and the Phantom Rider is out now! And be one of the first to read the highly-anticipated third story, coming in April 2024. Pre-order now!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.&’ –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