*Special Independent bookshop edition* Skandar and the Phantom Rider by A.F. Steadman

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The epic adventure continues . .

. Don’t miss this sequel to Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2022 Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Skandar and the Phantom Rider is the second book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, an unmissable adventure for listeners age 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn.

The Island shall have its revenge . . .

Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider. But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island.

Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, longs to join him – and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart – before it’s too late for them all? Get ready for more action, unforgettable characters, and mesmerizing world building. And be one of the first to listen to the third thrilling adventure: Skandar 3 coming in April 2024 – pre-order NOW!ONE OF THE THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF WAS THE WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023’Epic, unforgettable and endlessly exciting, Steadman’s masterful sequel soars even higher than her debut.’ – Aisling Fowler, author of the Fireborn series Praise for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, the first book in the SKANDAR series:’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’Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.’ – Louie Stowell, author of Loki and Otherland ‘A dazzling feat of imagination.

I loved every breathless moment of it!’ – Cat Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper’s Island and co-author of Twin Crowns’The best book I’ve ever read.’ – Patrick, age 10’My book of the year. Not since Harry Potter have I felt this excited about a series. Readers are sure to be clamouring for the next book.

You’ll never look at unicorns the same way again, nor will you want to!’ – Dominique Valente, author of the Starfell series’Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey’A magnificent book. I raced through it – at turns enthralled, delighted, amazed. It’s everything I could have wanted and more.

No doubt this book is going to fly.’ – Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear’Skandar and the Unicorn Thief brims with wild adventure, fierce sky battles, elemental magic, ferocious unicorns and a terrifying enemy. Steadman’s cinematic writing draws you in from the very first page, creating a hugely compelling, unforgettable read. Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.’ – Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn’A.

F. Steadman has created a stunning new world that feels both familiar and fresh, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.’ -Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun’SKANDAR soars with magic, adventure, and pulse-pounding fun – the book equivalent of riding a rollercoaster while eating cake with fireworks exploding overhead!’ – Andy Sagar, author of the Yesterday Crumb series’Perfect for those who have consumed the Harry Potter books and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy and are looking for their next fictional feast.’ – The Sunday Times