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What I Read: Skandar and The Unicorn Thief (Skandar #1) by A.F. Steadman

What I Read: Skandar and The Unicorn Thief (Skandar #1) by A.F. Steadman“Because unicorns don’t belong in fairy tales; they belong in nightmares.”

The captivating world of Skandar and The Unicorn Thief is a fantastical one in which unicorns are anything but the docile and graceful creatures we usually associate them with being.

Skandar Smith, the protagonist, is a young man of thirteen who longs to join the elite group that guards the Island, the mysterious location where unicorns live, as a rider. Unfortunately, his intentions are derailed when he fails to pass the Hatchery exam, which is required to become a unicorn rider. However, fate has other plans for Skandar, and he receives a mystery invitation to the Island, where he learns that he shares a where he discovers that he has a special bond with the unicorns and a crucial role to play in saving them from a sinister threat.

What I Read: Skandar and The Unicorn Thief (Skandar #1) by A.F. SteadmanThe novel is packed with action, adventure, and magic as Skandar and his new allies try to foil the plans of the enigmatic villain, who is snatching unicorns and using them for his own evil aims. Rich descriptions, intriguing stories, and fascinating creatures help the author create a universe that is immediately captivating. Each character has an own personality, history, and driving force, and they are all believable and easy to connect with. Skandar is a sympathetic and courageous main character who develops as he discovers more about himself, his family history, and his ultimate fate. His friendship with his unicorn partner and the other riders proves to be invaluable to him.

“He felt the least ordinary he’d ever felt in his life. He was a superhero. A wizard. No, better than that – a unicorn rider.”

What I Read: Skandar and The Unicorn Thief (Skandar #1) by A.F. Steadman Roelia ReadsIs it wholly original – the chosen one, magic tournaments, a mystic school? Maybe not. Was it enjoyable? Totally.

Readers of middle grade novels and those who enjoy fantasy series like Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Eragon will enjoy this book. It’s the first of a series, and it ends on a cliffhanger that makes me eager to read the next one. As an adult, I throughly enjoyed this book as well, I realised only now that middle grade fantasy is absolutely the pure and effortless escapism I was looking for. I do feel for Kenna though, I hope that she will get her chance in future books as well.

If you’re looking for a fantastical journey with heroes and unicorns in a new light, this book is for you.

This is the first book in the series, with “Skandar and the Phantom Rider”, the second book released earlier this year. Book number three is planned for 2024!

What I liked:

• Magic school
• Fantasy adventure
• Friendship and grit
• Loveable characters
• Elemental magic

I read this book as part of a readalong hosted by Jonathan Ball Publishers / Jonathan Ball Kids. Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed it! #JBPReadalong

About this book:

Simon & Schuster: Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (jonathanball.co.za)

About the author:

A. F. Steadman – Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (afsteadman.com)