HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The first book in the major new hit fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Amari and the Night Brothers. WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 '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. 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.' -Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun