Picture a British storyteller who turned unicorns from sparkly fairy-tale creatures into fierce, bloodthirsty beasts—meet A.F. Steadman! Born Annabel Steadman in 1993, this debut author skyrocketed to fame with her middle-grade fantasy series, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, which nabbed a record-breaking seven-figure advance. Her vivid imagination and knack for crafting thrilling worlds have captivated young readers and critics alike, making her a rising star in children’s literature.
Steadman’s stories aren’t just about magical creatures; they’re packed with heart, adventure, and elemental magic that keep you glued to the page. Let’s dive into her journey, from a law student with a unicorn vision to a literary sensation redefining fantasy for a new generation.
The Making of A.F. Steadman
Growing up in the Kent countryside, Annabel Steadman was always lost in fantasy worlds, scribbling stories in notebooks. Educated at The King’s School, Canterbury, on music and academic scholarships, she later studied languages and law at Selwyn College, Cambridge, followed by a master’s in creative writing. While commuting as a trainee solicitor, a vivid image of a boy riding a ferocious unicorn sparked the idea for her debut series. In 2017, she left law behind, realizing it lacked the magic she craved, and pursued writing full-time, a decision that would change children’s fantasy forever.
A.F. Steadman’s Unforgettable Stories
Steadman’s debut, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (2022), introduces Skandar Smith, a 13-year-old dreaming of becoming a unicorn rider in a world where unicorns are deadly and bonded to riders through elemental magic. The book’s fast-paced plot, sky battles, and twists earned it the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2022 and Indie Book Awards 2023, with critics praising its “propulsive, page-turning storytelling.”
The series continues with Skandar and the Phantom Rider (2023), diving deeper into the Island’s secrets and Skandar’s battle against a shadowy villain, the Weaver. Skandar and the Chaos Trials (2024) ramps up the stakes with nail-biting races and fierce unicorns, while Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (2024) promises more epic adventures. Steadman’s cinematic style, rich world-building, and themes of grief, friendship, and destiny resonate with readers aged 9 and up, drawing comparisons to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Her unique twist on unicorns—transforming them into “rancid, rotting” creatures of nightmares—sets her apart. Steadman weaves elemental magic (fire, water, earth, air, spirit) into thrilling battles, creating a fresh, immersive world that feels both familiar and wildly original.
Why A.F. Steadman Matters
A.F. Steadman’s impact on middle-grade fantasy is undeniable. Her series has sold in 23 languages across 36 territories, and Sony Pictures snapped up film rights in a seven-figure deal, with a screenplay in development. By reimagining unicorns as dangerous yet captivating, she’s shattered stereotypes, offering young readers a gritty, thrilling alternative to traditional fantasy tropes. Her emotionally compelling characters, like Skandar grappling with loss, connect deeply with tweens navigating their own challenges.
Steadman’s record-breaking advance and rapid rise signal a hunger for bold, imaginative stories in children’s literature. Her work inspires young readers to embrace courage and creativity, cementing her as a trailblazer whose legacy is just beginning to unfold.
- Born: 1993, Kent, England
- Key Works: Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Skandar and the Phantom Rider, Skandar and the Chaos Trials, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
- Awards: Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2022, Indie Book Awards 2023
Ready for a wild ride? Snag Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and soar into A.F. Steadman’s thrilling fantasy world!