'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.' -T?lá 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
| ISBN: | 9781398524705 |
| Publication date: | 8th May 2025 |
| Author: | A F Steadman |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster Children's an imprint of Simon & Schuster UK |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 416 pages |
| Series: | Skandar |
| Genres: |
Children’s / Teenage fiction: Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy Stories about Family and Friends Animal Stories Adventure Stories |
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
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