Skandar Series by A.F. Steadman 6 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Skandar and the Phantom Rider
Skandar and the Chaos Trials
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
Skandar and the Spirit War
World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider

Format: Paperback (Skandar and the Unicorn Thief; Skandar and the Phantom Rider; Skandar and the Chaos Trials; Skandar and the Skeleton Curse; Skandar and the Spirit War) — World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider is Hardback
ISBN: 9781398540552

Overview:
Embark on a sprawling, high-stakes fantasy voyage with the Skandar series collection by A.F. Steadman. This six-book set gathers five thrilling adventures in paperback and one immersive origin tale in hardcover, all set within the vivid world where unicorns hold power, mystery, and danger. Readers will follow Skandar Smith, a determined teen who yearns to bond with a unicorn, train as a rider, and navigate a treacherous island filled with rivalries, prophecies, and peril. The collection starts with a bold origin-story arc and evolves through political intrigue, elemental trials, and a widening war that tests loyalty, courage, and friendship. Ideal for middle-grade and YA fantasy fans, the set balances fast-paced action with character-driven moments, making it a compelling gateway to immersive world-building and sprawling adventure. This is a complete, gift-worthy collection designed for readers who crave epic quests, magical creatures, and page-turning twists. The World of Skandar hardcover adds a collectible contrast to the paperback run, enriching any library or shelf display.

What This Collection Covers:
Across these six titles, the collection builds a cohesive fantasy universe centered on unicorns, courage, and rivalry. The main arc follows Skandar through training, dangerous missions, and tests of personal loyalty as factions vie for control of the Island and its mythical creatures. Themes include destiny versus choice, friendship under pressure, and the moral complexity of leadership in a world where magic can both protect and imperil. Readers will experience world-building that expands from classroom-style apprenticeships to large-scale conflicts, with each book deepening the politics, geography, and magic systems of the Skandar world. The origin title, World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider, invites younger readers into the mythic roots of the saga, offering a standalone entry point that still resonates with ongoing readers of the series. Overall, the collection supports immersive reading and confident progression through a richly imagined fantasy landscape that invites multiple rereads and discussions with peers or book clubs.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
In this opening adventure, a thirteen-year-old boy named Skandar discovers his longing to become a unicorn rider. The story introduces a world where bonding with a unicorn is everything, and racing for glory becomes a test of character as much as speed. Skandar must navigate friendship, rivalries, and the beginnings of destiny, all while learning what it means to be brave when the odds are stacked against him. The tone blends fast-paced action with heartfelt moments, creating a character-driven quest that hooks readers from the first page and sets the stage for an expansive series future.

Skandar and the Phantom Rider
As Skandar trains during a perilous second year, a dark threat surfaces that tests the limits of loyalty and trust. The Island’s shadows lengthen as rival forces and mysterious prophecies press in, forcing Skandar and his friends to question who they can rely on. The stakes rise with each twist, pushing the crew toward a confrontation that could change the fate of their world. This installment tightens the series’ momentum, delivering high-energy battles, clever twists, and deeper character bonds that propel readers into the next chapter of Skandar’s saga.

Skandar and the Chaos Trials
Skandar and his sister Kenna enter a third year marked by escalating dangers and a sequence of daunting trials across elemental zones. The narrative expands the mythos with new settings and a broader cast, challenging the protagonists to adapt their skills and trust their instincts. As trials grow increasingly treacherous, the story explores resilience, teamwork, and the costs of ambition. Readers will find a roller-coaster of action, strategic thinking, and heart-stopping moments as the Island’s fate hangs in the balance.

Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
The fourth year brings a brutal curse that threatens the Island’s unicorns and upends longstanding bonds. Skandar and his friends must race against time to unravel ancient secrets while confronting personal fears and difficult choices. The tone deepens emotionally, balancing pulse-pounding sequences with moments of introspection about leadership, loyalty, and the responsibilities that come with power. The world-building expands to reveal the deeper history of unicorns and their magical impact on the Island’s future.

Skandar and the Spirit War
After a game-changing revelation, Skandar hides as Rex Manning advances toward a mainland invasion. Trust becomes a fragile currency as factions vie for advantage, and the battle lines blur between friend and foe. This installment amps up the political intrigue and war drama while preserving the series’ core emphasis on friendship, courage, and personal growth. Readers are treated to suspenseful set pieces, strategic confrontations, and a deeper sense of what it means to stand up for those you care about when the stakes are existentially high.

World of Skandar: The First Unicorn Rider
This origin tale introduces George Penhaligon, a boy cast ashore on a mysterious island where unicorns are real—and deadly. Rich with dark wonder, this standalone prequel offers younger readers a gateway into the broader Skandar universe, while strengthening the series’ mythos for returning fans. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, the book mixes adventure with a darker atmosphere that foreshadows the epic journeys to come. It’s a perfect entry point for new readers and a complementary companion for those who want to explore the roots of Skandar’s world before diving into the main arc.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Young readers who crave fast-paced fantasy with stakes that feel real will find this six-book collection irresistible. It’s ideal for fans of mythical creatures, daring quests, and character-led adventures, spanning late elementary to early teen ages. The mix of paperback titles and a hardcover origin story makes it a versatile gift set for birthdays, holidays, and school libraries. Gift buyers will appreciate the collectible aesthetic and the way the books encourage immersive reading, discussions about choices and heroism, and sharing a shared fantasy world with friends or book clubs. It also serves as a strong bridge for readers moving from standalone adventures into interconnected series arcs, offering a clear pathway for building reading confidence and a lifelong love of fantasy literature.

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive six-book collection spanning a complete fantasy arc
• Mix of paperback and a hardcover origin title adds collectible appeal
• Engaging, character-driven narrative with high-stakes action
• Ideal for gifting, classroom reading, and library collections
• Strong reading progression from adventure-driven chapters to deeper themes
• Rich world-building with unicorns, magic, and island lore

About the Author:
A.F. Steadman is a globally bestselling author renowned for the Skandar series, which has captivated readers across numerous languages and markets. Her work is celebrated for immersive world-building, fast-paced storytelling, and a knack for balancing thrilling action with heartfelt moments. Steadman’s Skandar books have drawn comparisons to beloved fantasy epics while carving out a distinctive voice that appeals to both younger readers and older fans of magical adventures. The author’s ongoing contribution to the Skandar universe, along with new projects and collaborations, underscores her commitment to expansive, character-rich fantasy that invites readers to believe in impossible creatures and heroic journeys. The World of Skandar origin title adds further depth to her growing fantasy landscape, showcasing her ability to craft layered myths that reward attentive readers.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This six-book collection invites readers to lose themselves in a sprawling, magical world built on courage, friendship, and daring quests. Owning both the core paperback titles and the hardcover origin story offers a dynamic reading experience and a satisfying display presence on any shelf. Whether you’re building a classroom unit on fantasy literature, stocking a library, or searching for an epic, multi-book gift for a young fantasy enthusiast, this set delivers breadth, depth, and a compelling reading journey from cover to cover. Its organized progression across six adventures gives readers the satisfaction of binge-reading a cohesive universe without waiting for cliffhanger sequels, while the origin tale provides a charming entry point for newcomers and a valuable companion for fans who want to explore Skandar’s world from its roots.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.