Skandar and the Unicorn Thief Volume 1
Hardback Published on: 28/04/2022
Price: £12.99
Bookseller Reviews
View all
A new favourite
I'm a bit tired of fantasy tales about 'the chosen one' -- a boy (and it's usually a boy) destined to save the world because he's special or unique in some... READ MORE
Magical. Emotional. Daring. True.
I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy of Skandar after hearing about the hype surrounding its release.
IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
This is one of tho... READ MORE
Which Elemental allegiance will you have? No fluffy glittery Unicorns here, only a special bond between a Unicorn and its Rider…
Skandar has always dreamed of being a Unicorn Rider but his chances of passing the Hatchery exam seem slim. He is being brought up by his Dad (his Mum is d... READ MORE
A loveable cast of characters and insane plot twists
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, one of my most anticipated releases of 2022! I’m so happy to say that it did not dis... READ MORE
Get ready for kids to be obsessed!
It was difficult not to be excited about reading Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, given the hype and praise it received from publishers post-auction. There w... READ MORE
Unicorns don't belong in fairy tales; they belong in nightmares.
Unicorns are real, and they're vicious. Only those bonded with riders can be tamed, and even then they remain partially wild and very deadly. Of course, al... READ MORE
Simply Delightful
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a brilliant fantasy novel that explores themes such as friendships, familial issues, and metal health through a school bas... READ MORE
I want a unicorn too!
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy to review.
I was hooked on this book from the first page. I thought I'd just read a chapter before bed...a... READ MORE
Unicorns but not as we know them
I was very lucky to receive an advanced copy of this fantastic book - thank you!
I loved the way this started. No spoilers here but to be thrown a very ... READ MORE
Epic, original, heart-string-pulling, edge-of -your-seat fantasy… when is number 2 out?!
I LOVED THIS! For a few hours I was totally transported to the Island with it’s magical residents and their elemental powers. These are unicorns as you hav... READ MORE
The Next Big Thing
I just know that this book is going to be a big deal, I mean how could it not? Murderous, magical elemental power-wielding unicorns that can form lifelong ... READ MORE
Skandar will soar straight into your bookshelves
In a world where it is imperative for children to bound magical Unicorns – lest they go wild and are too dangerous to humankind – we follow thirteen-year-o... READ MORE
A Magical Adventure
If you like Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and/ or How To Train Your Dragon then this is the story for you. I was hooked from page one and I really enjoyed di... READ MORE
Bloodthirsty Unicorns!
A fantasy adventure about kids chosen to go to a magical island of wild unicorns in order to to hatch their own and bond with it and become a rider in the ... READ MORE
"I thought unicorns were more...fluffy"
Anyone who has read a Discworld novel knows that there is a darker side to Unicorns; in Skandar, Steadman takes that idea and runs with it, conjuring a ter... READ MORE
An amazing welcome to the eyrie
Mystery, magic and killer unicorns. What a wonderful addition to the children’s fantasy world. A remarkable introduction into the world of the eyrie and I... READ MORE
Skandar can take Potter any day!
Ok just like for Storyland its time for another of Rob’s Realtalks. I might be a bit late to the party but I have to say I adore this. The comparison wit... READ MORE
Bloodthirsty Unicorns!
I'm really just echoing all the other reviews at this point, but this book is AMAZING!
I love the new take on unicorns (forget fluffiness and rainbows, th... READ MORE
Get ready to soar into a new obsession with Skandar!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending me a gorgeous proof copy of Skandar in exchange for an honest review.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a new a... READ MORE
A breath-takingly exciting adventure!
Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Pokemon, or Percy Jackson. Skandar starts with a simple premise: What if unicorns weren't soppy? What if they were wild, ... READ MORE
Believe the hype!
A perfect magical adventure story that begs to be read in a single sitting. Fantastic worldbuilding, incredible characters and a plot that twists and turns... READ MORE
Believe the hype
Right from the very beginning, Skandar is pure good fun, simply bursting with imagination. Destined to be a classic series. And those unicorns; never in my... READ MORE
My favourite children’s book of 2021
Blood thirsty unicorns. Unicorn riders. Friendship, danger, crime and magic. Yes please!! I was over the moon when I received a proof of this book.I loved... READ MORE
Exhilarating, Charming and who doesn't love meat-eating Unicorns
I was lucky enough to get a proof of this book and I couldn't put it down after I started. All the hype is well deserved.
The story is full of fun and fri... READ MORE
Epic, fun, fantasy for readers 7+
Skandar is a normal boy from the Mainland who, like everyone else, dreams of becoming a Unicorn rider. Each child, on their 13th birthday, is asked to take... READ MORE
Punchy, exciting and utterly addictive
I could not stop reading this book from the moment I turned the first page. Steadman so cleverly so subverts every expectation you have when you hear ‘adve... READ MORE
Unicorns - not at all sparkly!
Skandar Smith is 13, and quite desperately wants to become a unicorn rider. This is the story of how he achieves that aim, and the battles along the way. ... READ MORE
The first in an incredible new middle grade series!
Full of adventure and heart, this book had me hooked from start to finish!
In a world where unicorns are dangerous and bloodthirsty, the only way to keep ... READ MORE
Take Flight with Skandar!
I didn't want to believe the hype surrounding Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, but I am fully aboard the hype train! First and foremost, my utmost thanks to ... READ MORE
Unicorn Fierceness For The Win
Touted as the next Harry Potter, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief has a lot to live up to. Fortunately it delivers.
Skandar lives in Margate with his depres... READ MORE
An adventurous journey that will hook you from the first page!
Thank you to the publishers, Simon and Schuster, for sending me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is one I’ve been ... READ MORE
An engaging, magical middle grade fantasy.
I read this with my nine year old at bedtimes. Although he found the wild unicorns scary at first, he became enthralled with the island, the Eyrie and the ... READ MORE
Really good book! (review by 8 year old reader)
The story was about a boy who hatched a unicorn even though he wasn't meant to.
Genre - Action/ drama
I think the title is mysterious.
The main charact... READ MORE
Action packed and brimming with magic!
Filled with magic, adventure, and bloodthirsty unicorns, Skandar And The Unicorn Thief is going to be your new favourite series! Action packed and brimming... READ MORE
A stunning start to a new magical series!
After this became Waterstones Children’s book of the year 2022 and January 2023 book of the month I just had to see what all the hype was about. And it did... READ MORE
Magical and Thrilling
I fully enjoyed reading every moment of this! It brought me right back to my childhood! It’s fun, exciting and full of magic! Very excited for book two.
Thrilling from start to finish.
For all lovers of Harry Potter, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is the first in a brilliant new magical adventure series. There are treehouses, hidden librar... READ MORE
Brilliant start to a series
I got sent a reading copy of this book and kept putting it off in favour of other books but now I wonder why I waited so long to read it! I loved that unic... READ MORE
Amazing- You will never see unicorns in the same light gain!
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is sure to be wildly popular, it is a great book for people who love mythical adventure with breath-taking moments.
It is ... READ MORE
It's Unicorn Time!
A fantastic fantasy about kids who go to an island of wild unicorns to hatch their own and bond with it in order to become a rider in the Chaos Cup. Elemen... READ MORE
A new hero arrives
Skandar unbeknownst to him is a special child from the mainland who dreams of being a unicorn rider. But these aren't your usual unicorns, they're fierce, ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Soar into a breathtaking world of heroes and ferocious unicorns in this first book in the hotly anticipated fantasy adventure series for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers.
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.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
- ISBN: 9781398502710
- Number of pages: 400
- Dimensions: 234 x 153 x 32 mm
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allNo idea why this book has such great reviews
I feel completely duped and taken in by the massive promotion push this book received.. I expected a well written action fest.. but instead it’s just a pre... READ MORE
Very enjoyable, smooth read.
I was hesitant to read this for a while in case it didn’t meet the hype, but I really enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it. It was a smooth read wi... READ MORE
My son adored this!
My son absolutely loved this book. Stayed up late reading it in bed and got up early to tear through the next chapter. He said it’s his favourite book and ... READ MORE
Wonderful
Wonderful series, awesome read.
Magically magnificent
Thank you, to the wonderful powers that be at Simon & Shuster, for allowing me the pure honour of an early release proof of a truly epic book.
I haven't... READ MORE
Page Turner
I read this book after borrowing it from the Kent Libraries and enjoyed it so much, that I suggested it to my 9 year old son, who might enjoy it too. He is... READ MORE
Incredible
When I read the book I thought it was just a every day medium read but as soon a I turned the pages it was great filled with mystery excitement empathy (an... READ MORE
The Best Fantasy Book of All Time
This debut is different to anything that I have ever read before, putting unicorns in a totally different light than before. It is extremely adventurous, f... READ MORE
Enjoyable 1st Book in Series
Skandar Smith has very little happening in his dreary life in the Kent town of Margate where his sister, Kenna, is his only friend. He is a constant target... READ MORE
A World of Unicorns unlike any other!
Get ready folks for Skandar to come soaring into your lives in officially 9 days time! April 28th! You'll want to read this!
Think Percy Jackson meets ... READ MORE
Doesn't live up to the Hype
Every year Skandar and his family tune in to watch the chase cup, where the fastest unicorn racers compete for absolute elemental supremacy. That is until ... READ MORE
Can't wait for the next book
The onlyvreason this did not get 5 stars is I originally bought it for my 16 year old granddaughter but she wont read it as she says they're Alicorns not u... READ MORE
Battling Unicorns meets Pokemon and The Grand National
I was really excited about this book as it seemed a little different. It has evil, meat guzzling unicorns with blood dripping from their mouths, danger and... READ MORE
Skandar reading enjoyment for all ages
I devoured this book having very soon been drawn in to Skandar’s world. This is one of those rare books that can be enjoyed by readers no matter their a... READ MORE
How incredibly great Steadman is creating this book !!!!!!!
What’s your elemental magic ? What’s your unicorns name ? Who is in your quartet?
Right from the start Steadmans book has drawn me in even from the fir... READ MORE
Skandar And The Unicorn Thief
This was a 100000000000000000000000/10 for me! It is such a good book, my parents bought it for me at Christmas (I am a keen reader) and it took me about 3... READ MORE
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it definitely did not disappoint, because it’s such an epic fantasy tale. It follows a boy na... READ MORE
Enchanting
I read Skandar and the Unicorn Thief with my daughter of eight, and we both loved it!
The story had so many interesting ideas and unique characters. There... READ MORE
Great concept, well executed
This book is gripping from the first page to the last. Puts a great spin on unicorns and how the world sees them. Would recommend.
A great fun unicorn adventure!
Such a fun adventure, with bad ass unicorns, there’s not a single piece of pink fluff in sight. These unicorns can have red eyes, and mean business! Great... READ MORE
Brilliant!
My 10 year old grandson could not put this book down!! He says it was the best book ever and cant wait for more!!!
Age 12 son
Quote “This is now my new favourite book.” So lovely that he wants to tell me what is happening in the book each day. Cannot wait for her new book in April... READ MORE
Fantastic read
Well worth getting, as everybody else keeps saying!
A Brilliant read
I was a bit skeptic about reading this (being 50yrs old) I thought it would be too young for me, but I loved it!! I couldn't put it down, my 13yr old daugh... READ MORE
Believe the Hype!
Waterstones Children's Book of the Year 2022!
Before reading this book I had heard nothing but excellent reviews from other booksellers, authors, children... READ MORE
Top 5 Books of all time to me!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This book shows a new perspective to Unicorns, 100% read for majority of ages!
Excellent story
A really good story and well written. The biggest problem? I couldn’t stop thinking about how very, very similar the storyline is to Harry Potter and that ... READ MORE
This was the best book I ever read
This book was filled with everything a book could want Friends , Magic & Mystery !
From the first Page Steadman created this magical world that you could... READ MORE
Best book
IT’S AMAZING!
book of the year for me in 2022
for starters, i just loved this book! It was great fun, had compelling characters, a fantastic new take on unicorns (though i'd call them Alicorns, since t... READ MORE
The G.O.A.T book
The Best book I have ever read, I didn’t see the final twist coming. For a first book amazing just amazing
A Thrilling Adventure
Why I saved Skandar and the Unicorn Thief for so long, I don't know! Once I started reading it I was totally hooked!!
All his life Skandar Smith has wan... READ MORE
Not your average unicorn story!
This was the best book I have ever read. And believe me, I don’t say that lightly, I’ve read many books!
It was full of action, fun, and excitement. There ... READ MORE
Utterly brilliant
Couldn’t put it down, one of the best books I’ve ever read and equal to Harry Potter in brilliance!!!
A Magical Adventure into the World of Fantasy
I bought this book for my Grandson and when he saw it he said "how cool is this" and that was just the cover. When he began to read it he was hooked and j... READ MORE
Incredible
This book series is like no other. Even though this is for children, I read this and loved this as a teenager. This is a fantasy book for all, and I will e... READ MORE