Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a fantasy adventure by the global bestseller, A.F.Steadman. This chapter book belongs to a series with one other book, Skandar and the Phantom Rider. However, it is a new series with Skandar and the Phantom Rider only coming out this year.
Skandar, a 13-year-old boy, has always wanted to be a unicorn rider, but during the Chaos Cup the mysterious Weaver steals the winner’s unicorn. A few days later, Skandar meets his unicorn, Scoundrel’s Luck, and his future teammates: Bobby, Flo and Mitchell. Skandar learns how to use elemental magic and the fifth element. As people start to disappear, Skandar is told that only a spirit wielder can defeat the Weaver. Does Skandar have what it takes?
My favourite characters are the two main protagonists, Skandar and Scoundrel’s Luck. This is because they have a powerful bond and prove that not all spirit wielders are evil. While both are the same age, Skandar is in charge and is responsible for Scoundrel’s actions. While Scoundrel can sense his rider’s emotions and will attempt to comfort him, they both have different views of their illegal element. Skandar tries to not use the spirit element, but Scoundrel’s opinion is the complete opposite.
In the chapter, Sky Battles, Skandar gets angry and can only feel the spirit element in his bond with Scoundrel’s Luck. At this, Scoundrel communicates with Skandar through thought saying“‘Give in. Give in. This is the element you’re destined for.’” In this chapter, Skandar also accidently uses the spirit element, exciting Scoundrel.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a classic tale of good versus evil. While Skandar wants to use the spirit element for good and prove that not all spirit wielders are evil, the Weaver uses it to get revenge on the world for the death of her unicorn, Blood-Moon’s Equinox.
This book’s view on unicorns is very unique: they are carnivorous, going after the scent of blood. Also, they are giants and have wings. Usually, unicorns are thought to be magical and gentle horses.
I would recommend this novel to 9-year-olds and older, who aren’t sensitive to blood or violence, and like magic and adventure.
