Unicorns are real, but they are not what you think. They are mean and vicious and only able to be tamed by a bonded rider. Even then, they are still wild and deadly. Skandar has always wanted to be bonded to a unicorn, but on testing day, his dreams are shattered. But a mysterious woman gives him a second chance, and after a bit of illegal actions, Skandar is soon bonded with Scoundrel, a sleek black unicorn filled with fury. Skandar and Scoundrel are not bonded by the four known elements though there is a fifth, spirit that is only known within a rider or unicorn that has been jailed or killed.

Book one of this amazing new series, that now I have the pleasure of what is going to feel like forever, waiting for the second book! Why?! Why do I do this to myself! Absolutely perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. This book introduces you to this amazing world filled with adventure and all out chaos. This book is perfect for middle grade readers who want to immerse themselves into a fantasy world and be extremely mind blown and on their feet the whole time. And also perfect for adults who want to feel like a kid again and enjoy a light read full of challenging trials and magic.

Thank you the publisher and author for approving this earc for me. All opinions are my own. I love the idea of killer unicorns where individuals are chosen as riders. This book is definitely a breath of fresh air. I can see this being very much a new Percy Jackson novel depending on where this next book in the series goes. It did break my heart with the sister brother dynamic and had quite a few plot twists. The friendship dynamic is very strong and it is a one day binge book imo. 4/5 solid plot have quite a few questions like will this be a series and other questions but I won't spoil the book

All Skandar has ever wanted was to be a unicorn rider, but on the day of his test he is turned away without even taking it and he feels his chance is gone forever. Until a woman comes at midnight to collect him to try to open the hatchery door, if he can open it he will be given a egg to hatch. He is confused since he didn't take the test but his desire to ride a unicorn wins and he goes with the woman. This is when everything he even knew about the unicorn riders changes and he is fear for his unicorn for he is different than all the rest and it is a secret that is harder to keep as time goes on.

This was a awesome book with non stop action and twists and turns from start to finish, this author will keep you on your toes. I loved all of the character especially Red the unicorn with his special trick. I
can not wait to read more about Skandar and his friends.

This review will appear on my blog on May 3rd

Skandar and the Unicorn thief is the perfect middle grade read. Adventurous, magical, mystical fantasy land.

Full of unicorns and magic it’s got a recipe for success.

But, the over done chosen one storyline may leave readers feeling like this is just another knock off of, Percy Jackson or Harry Potter.

The characters are likable though the MC is confused with his much more likable sister.

This book could use a few doses more humor and as I can see a series on the horizon I hope that is found along the way.

Overall I think younger middle grade readers will enjoy this book and it is mostly worth the time to read it.

This is a perfect book for young teenagers. if you were trying to devise a formula for writing a perfect book for this age group, you could not have done much better than this. The plot is fun and predictable, the humor is cute and silly, and the twists probably won't shock anyone who isn't in the book's intended age range, but none of those things take away from the fact that this was a really solid start to the series.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy, and especially any younger teens or preteens who want something fun to read.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If your middle grade readers have finished devouring Harry Potter, Kate O'Hearn and Rick Riordan's offerings, here is a great new novel to keep them returning to the library. Combining fantasy, friendship, family relations and a mystery, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief will keep readers turning the pages. In a land where wild unicorns are vicious animals who run in packs on the Island and are out to destroy the Mainland, a group of four young riders must use their talents and their wits to figure out who is behind the disappearance of the bonded unicorns. Who is the Executioner and who is building an army of forever dying yet deadly wild unicorns? Can the four friends stick together, train with their bonded unicorns, pass the final exam and save the Island and the Mainland from destruction? Give this to those readers who want to immerse themselves in a fantasy world where unicorns are not made of cotton candy and rainbows, but are instead deadly creatures.

This action filled story is about Skandar, who wants to be a unicorn rider and his dream sort of comes true, when he's invited to the unicorn riders academy but is told not to tell anyone how he got there. In Skandar's world, unicorns are fearsome beasts that can be tamed only if they bond with riders that are preordained for them (so if you miss it, you've lost your chance forever). It turns out that there is an evil rider out there making riders and unicorns disappear. This is a really fun mystery full of adventure and unicorns!

So, first off, winged AND horned horses are alicorns. Any brony and pegasister, and my ten year old will be very annoyed that these unicorns have wings. Honestly it did nag at me the whole time too.

Otherwise, good midlevel fantasy read.