An exciting work of fiction. I love how the unicorns were portrayed in the story, which in turn made a very refreshing and unique set of characters.

Though the flow of the book is slow-moving, the author did a great job making every end of chapter thrilling so that readers can jump right to the next one. Plot is a little bumpy during the first few chapters, which will raise a lot of questions from readers, but it will all make sense as the story goes by.

Characters are relatable and fun. And I would love to point out my favorite part -- the author’s neutrality towards characters, especially towards the antagonists and not-so-good ones.

I also admire how the book shows the story behind why the characters do what they do. It just goes to show that we all carry something inside that makes us do stupid and probably bad things; that is why we should be less judgmental to others.

The book is also filled with magic that will get your creative juices flowing. And it is action-packed at the climax, very fitting for young readers. Twists and turns are to be expected throughout the story. Overall, this book is highly recommended if you are seeking a different kind of fantasy and adventure.

If you are looking for a worthy addition to the if-you-liked-Percy-Jackson titles, look no further. Also one of the top 10 books for kids at Indigo in 2022. Can’t wait for the sequel.

This book was such a magical and fun adventure through and through! It’s a trope as old as time - the young boy finds he has special magical abilities and needs to save the world from an evil - but what is unique about this story is that Steadman has created a world where unicorns aren’t as fluffy and sparkly as we all think; they are destined to be hatched by their bonded human and battle it out with elemental magic wielded by both unicorn and rider. I loved the imagery of the elemental dens, the treehouses, the wild unicorns, and the entire hatching ceremony. The world building was phenomenal and imaginative! I had a really hard time putting this book down and will definitely be recommending it to both middle-grade kids and adults alike!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
By A.F. Steadman

What fantasy-loving reader wouldn’t be attracted to a book cover with sparks of magic and flying unicorns? It sinched it for me. I was drawn into the story quickly. It does follow a similar structure to other fantasies where proving oneself worthy, making friends and making magic is paramount, but it is still engaging and fun. Add the fact that we’re talking about unicorns here. What I appreciate is that the stakes got higher and higher every step of the way propelling me through the book. Skandar and his group of odd-ball friends were likeable and cheer-worthy. This is a wonderful middle-school book for those who enjoy fantasy, adventures, magic, and unicorns.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Books and Net Galley for providing an ARC in exchange for honest feedback on the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early reader copy. I am an employee of Indigo Books and Music Inc., This review contains my personal thoughts and comments

I’d like to start by saying how many amazing middle grade books there are out there now, I’m extremely jealous that I can’t read this as a kid.

Skandar Smith loves unicorns, he dreams about becoming a unicorn rider and competing in the annual chaos cup to make his family proud. But Skandar isn’t destined to follow the usual path of other 13 years old from the mainland or the island. He isn’t allowed to take the hatchery exam with everyone else to discover if he has what it takes to be a unicorn rider. Instead he is taken in the dead of night to the island by a stranger on a unicorn who tells him he is special and destined to be a rider. If that wasn’t unusual enough, Skandar soon discovers that the element he and his unicorn have an affinity with is banned for being too dangerous and he must keep it secret if he is to stay and learn to wield magic and train his unicorn.

A fantastic middle grade novel about magic and friendship which reframes unicorns as temperamental, destructive, and downright disgusting creatures, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a joy to read and I think it is soon to be a readers favourite. I hope the author plans on making this into a series. For fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

Others have already said it better. SKANDAR is simultaneously buckets of fun and a stack of overhyped tropes in a trench coat.

Is it going to be a success? Totally. Because that's what happens when you throw millions of dollars + film deal at a book, then add a sprinkle of farting, bloodthirsty unicorns for good measure. And it does have that easy, classic MG voice that 100% feels evocative of JKR; Steadman definitely deserves those Percy Jackson/Potter comparisons.

The problem is that SKANDAR brings absolutely nothing new to the game. It's going to work because books like this always work. But below the super shiny veneer of unicorns (awesome) and secret schools (awesome), SKANDAR is also built on far flimsier worldbuilding than its predecessors. It's hard to call anything out without spoilers, but oh, man ... the CONVENIENCE of so many plot points. If you start to unpick, the whole thing unravels.

But I shan't unpick, because I have to keep the cynic chained up, and you know what? The kids will love it anyway.