A smooth, enjoyable upper middle-grade adventure in a land of carnivorous unicorns and elemental magic.

When Skandar discovers he excels in a strain of magic that’s been outlawed, he has to hide his gift or face death. Trouble is, his unicorn longs to use this core power and refuses to obey his rider. While Skandar struggles to control his unicorn and thwart local bullies, an enemy strikes the Island: rustling unicorns and snatching people.

Not only must Skandar fight for his life, but for his identity, friends, and way of life too.

As the first in a middle grade fantasty series, Skandar the the Unicorn Thief has a lot of open doors for subsequent books. I look forward to seeing what A.F. Steadman has in store for Skandar’s sister and the blacksmith.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud