A. F. Steadman’s Skandar series has quickly become one of the most talked-about middle-grade fantasy sagas of recent years. Bursting with action, danger, and elemental magic, it’s a must-read for fans of epic adventures. At its heart is Skandar Smith, an unlikely hero who discovers a hidden world of unicorns unlike anything you might imagine. Fierce, powerful, and deadly, these are not the gentle creatures of fairy tales but beasts bonded to riders in a struggle for control, freedom, and destiny.

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief - Book One

Skandar Smith has always dreamed of becoming a unicorn rider. When the opportunity finally comes, he is whisked away to the secretive Island where unicorns are trained. But not all is as it seems: an evil force has stolen one of the most powerful unicorns ever born, threatening the balance of the four elements that govern the land. Thrust into danger and discovery, Skandar must uncover hidden truths about himself and his family, as well as the extraordinary bond he shares with his unicorn.

Skandar and the Phantom Rider - Book Two

Now fully training as a rider, Skandar faces new challenges on the Island. Dark magic stalks the land, and rumours swirl about a mysterious Phantom Rider whose power could undo everything the unicorn riders stand for. With loyalties tested and secrets bubbling to the surface, Skandar and his friends must confront fears both personal and magical. But as Skandar’s elemental powers grow, so too does the weight of expectation, and the danger of being consumed by forces beyond his control.

Skandar and the Chaos Trials - Book Three

The Island is on the brink of upheaval. Dangerous elemental storms, unleashed by unknown forces, threaten riders and unicorns alike. To restore order, the Council declares a series of brutal Chaos Trials, where riders must compete for survival and supremacy. Skandar finds himself in the thick of the competition, facing rivals old and new, while uncovering disturbing revelations about the true source of the chaos. As his destiny unfolds, Skandar must decide how far he is willing to go to protect those he loves, and whether his growing power will save the Island or destroy it.

Skandar and the Skeleton Curse - Book Four

A deadly curse sweeps across the Island, striking unicorns and threatening to upend everything Skandar and his friends have fought for. With the Commodore intent on destroying the spirit element and Skandar’s sister driven by revenge, danger lurks at every turn. As time runs out and more unicorns succumb to the curse, Skandar and his quartet must uncover ancient secrets and face perilous battles in the sky. The fate of the Island hangs in the balance. Will they find a way to break the curse before it is too late?

Skandar and the Spirit War - Book Five

With themes of leadership, betrayal, reconciliation, and the ultimate test of friendship and courage, Skandar and the Spirit War is the epic conclusion to the Skandar series. In the aftermath of the Chaos Cup, Skandar is forced into hiding after Rex Manning’s devastating revelation. With Rex preparing to invade the Mainland and trust crumbling among the Islanders, old loyalties fracture.  To stand a chance, Skandar must forge new alliances, including a fragile truce with Kenna, and look deep into the Island’s origins to unlock the true potential of elemental magic. As the final battle looms, Skandar must rise as the leader he was destined to be to save both the Mainland and the Island itself.

Our expert reviewer Andrea Reece said, "The sheer unputdownability of A. F. Steadman’s writing is just one of the reasons her series has become such a huge success, the others being her skill at worldbuilding and the strength and appeal of her characters." Read Andrea's glowing review in full over on the book page.

Why We Love This Series

  • A completely fresh take on unicorns: wild, fierce, and bound by elemental power.
  • A central hero who grows braver and more complex with every challenge.
  • The perfect mix of magic, action, friendship, and high-stakes drama.

LoveReading4Kids Free-to-enter Competition

For your chance to win signed copies of the five books in the Skandar series, head over to our competition page.

Even More From the World of Skandar

Can't get enough of the Island and its magical creatures? Look out for the upcoming release of The First Unicorn Rider, a thrilling original adventure novella set in the world of Skandar that takes us back to where it all began.

@annabelwriter | #Skandar