I was really excited about this book as it seemed a little different. It has evil, meat guzzling unicorns with blood dripping from their mouths, danger and Pokemon style magical elemental battles in the Grand National style races. The concept is compelling, the opening is great with an interesting family set up, fantastic sibling dynamic and a household in poverty and a dad struggling with depression. However, the middle of the book takes Skandar away from home into the unicorn island where it should become exciting but the pace and plot becomes very slow with some implausible elements, like kids breaking into a prison to talk to someone. There are some stabbing elements that would make my child uncomfortable. The magic, races and battling will look amazing on cinema screens and this book had a lot of imagination and potential, but the brutal opening is for older children aged 11 to 13 while the middle and ending are for a younger primary school readers. I am sure it will still be hugely successful.

Wow, the hype around this book is real! Totally devoured it and can't wait until publication to get it into the hands of children (and adults!). I feel like this could really be the next generations Harry Potter. Totally honestly, I wasn't sure this book was going to be for me and thought I'd read a few chapters to see if it intrigued...I finished it the next day. A brilliant range of characters and a excellent mystery woven through.

(Actual rating 3.5)

"Because once you see a wild unicorn, you're already dead...Because unicorns don't belong in fairy tales; they belong in nightmares."

First of all, yes this is another 'chosen one' story. Usually, I am not the biggest fan of this trope but I was pleasantly surprised. I also loved the descriptions of the island and the world building throughout.

"'That might be a bit dangerous for you yet,' Skandar said, laughing. The unicorn showed what he thought of that by lifting his head and squirting water out of his horn, right into Skandar's eyes."
Skandar's bond with his unicorn and their journey arc to become closer and understand each other better was lovely to read. I think overall there was a good balance of characters and they all fit together well.

I also really liked how this book explores parent mental health and depression as well. Skandar and Kenna look after their dad and themselves and the only day he is 'happy' is on the day of the Chaos Cup. At one point, they are both locked out of the house and mention that it isn't the first time this has happened. I think it is written accurately and makes Skandar and Kenna more understandable as characters.

This book is well paced and well written. The mystery throughout was nicely balanced with Skandar's exploration of him as both a person and a unicorn rider making a great coming of age story.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this more than I did but, unfortunately, it offers nothing new to the genre, instead recycling stale tropes and plot. Having said that, it was an enjoyable read for what it was.

I didn't want to believe the hype surrounding Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, but I am fully aboard the hype train! First and foremost, my utmost thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC - I've been dying to get my hands on a copy and read through it in two days.

Skandar is a thirteen year old boy who has dreamed his whole life of becoming a unicorn rider. But these aren't your regular, snow-white, sweet, and magical unicorns that poop rainbows. Oh no - these are bloodthirsty monsters that devour meat and carry murderous intent for just about everyone and everything. Skandar gets his chance to hatch his very own unicorn on the Island - and begins to train with his new friends and their unicorn companions in elemental magic and general mayhem. However, when an unknown threat known only as the Weaver steals the most powerful unicorn in the world and threatens Skandar's way of life on the Mainland, Skandar and his friends must work together to solve the mystery and restore balance to the Island - but at great risk to themselves.

This was a well put together adventure from debut author A.F. Steadman. The writing was a bit clunky in some areas, and a few of the unicorn names felt like they were pulled from lipstick or nail varnish names, but the world building is solid and will be certain to delight the under twelve crowd. I can absolutely see why it is getting the pre-publication hype with over 32 translations and film right options already sold before a single copy has publicly hit the shelves. The twist at the end was a bit predictable, but I will admit I am not the target audience and it will for sure be a great reveal for young readers. I enjoyed the themes in the book and believe it imparts some great lessons for children about finding and accepting yourself despite outside judgments or preconceived notions. As a bookseller, I will definitely be recommending this title and am excited for the next installment!

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. It was crammed full of adventure, battles, magic and rampaging unicorns that are deadly - I mean what isnt to love. It was well written with a great storyline and well developed and interesting charcaters that I think kids will love. I cannot wait for the next installment.