World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider

By Author / Illustrator

AF Steadman, illus Manuel Šumberac

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Children's Books

ISBN

9781398561632

Format

Paperback

Published

10-09-2026

Synopsis

A boy with a destiny. A mysterious island. A world of magical creatures . . . George Penhaligon has only ever wanted adventure. But when he finds himself shipwrecked and alone on a mysterious island, he makes an incredible discovery. Unicorns are real - and they're bloodthirsty.

Slowly, George gains one unicorn's trust and together they explore the island's magical secrets. But there is a dark presence lurking in his new home, more deadly than any unicorn. Can George fulfil his destiny and free the island from a terrible fate? Discover the incredible World of Skandar with this thrilling origin adventure, with black and white illustrations throughout by Manuel Šumberac.

An unmissable new magical adventure set in the incredible World of Skandar, the perfect gift for fans and for newcomers to the series alike. From international bestselling author A.F. Steadman, with stunning illustrations throughout. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Impossible Creatures, Eragon and Greenwild.

Praise for the SKANDAR series: 'Will thrill and delight Skandar fans,' Katherine Rundell, author of Impossible Creatures. 'The most popular children's fantasy hero since Harry Potter' - Telegraph. '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. 'Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting - it's a joy to enter Skandar's World.' - Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series.

*Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024 *Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children's Number 1 besteller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025

Reviews

Jacqueline

George has always wanted adventure and then he gets a lot more than he bargained for. Shipwrecked on a magical island teaming with bloodthirsty unicorns, he has to survive by gaining a unicorn's trust. Exploring the island, he then finds that there is a lot more to worry about than some unicorns!

World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider is the back story to the Skandar series and I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, because I liked that series and felt a book without Skandar might not be as good. This turns out to be an enjoyable sequel with lots of things about the island in Skandar's time explained in the story.

George is a likeable character and the unicorns are almost as interesting as the first unicorns Skandar encountered. Once again, there is a wonderful cover by Manuel Sumberac, but it is the amazing internal illustrations that will really stay with me.

I already have a queue of children waiting to read this and I'm certain that the next adventures set on the island will be just as well received.

288 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher