A.F. Steadman Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

If you are jumping into the elemental, high-flying world of the Island, the best way to read A.F. Steadman's books is in publication order. Because the main narrative of the series is heavily serialized, following a continuous character arc for Skandar Smith and his friends, reading the books out of order will lead to major spoilers and confusion. While there is a prequel novella that takes place 1,000 years before the main events, it is best enjoyed after you have familiarized yourself with the world's magic system and lore.

The Primary Reading Path

1. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (2022)
2. Skandar and the Phantom Rider (2023)
3. Skandar and the Chaos Trials (2024)
4. Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (2024)
5. Skandar and the Spirit War (2025)

Where to Insert the Prequel and Companion Stories

• The First Unicorn Rider (2025): Read this prequel novella either after finishing Book 4 (The Skeleton Curse) or after completing the main series with Book 5 (The Spirit War). Although it is chronologically first, it features deeper world-building that is much easier to appreciate once you already understand the rules of bonding and elemental magic.
• Skandar and the Secret Element (2026): This special World Book Day release is a shorter companion adventure. We recommend reading it after completing the main series to enjoy a quick, fun return to the Island.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For readers who love exploring fictional universes chronologically, the timeline looks slightly different from the release schedule. Below, we compare both orders so you can choose the approach that fits your reading style.

Chronological Timeline

• The First Unicorn Rider (Nov 2025) — Prequel novella set approximately 1,000 years in the past, detailing the origins of the very first rider, George Penhaligon.
• Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (May 2022) — Book 1. Skandar Smith turns thirteen, takes the Hatchery exam, and discovers his elemental destiny.
• Skandar and the Phantom Rider (May 2023) — Book 2. Skandar returns to the Island for his second year as a rider, only for a mysterious enemy to begin attacking wild unicorns.
• Skandar and the Chaos Trials (April/May 2024) — Book 3. The stakes rise as third-year trials bring fierce competition, dangerous secrets, and elemental trials.
• Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (October 2024) — Book 4. As Skandar and his friends enter their fourth year, a terrifying curse threatens the very fabric of the Island.
• Skandar and the Secret Element (February 2026) — A companion story released for World Book Day, taking place late in the timeline, following a new character named Albert who meets Skandar.
• Skandar and the Spirit War (August/September 2025) — Book 5. The epic conclusion to the main five-book series, wrapping up the struggle to save the Island.

Publication Timeline

If you prefer to experience the world exactly as it was revealed to readers, stick to the publication order. This keeps the mystery of the Island intact and builds the suspense naturally:

1. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (May 2022)
2. Skandar and the Phantom Rider (May 2023)
3. Skandar and the Chaos Trials (April 2024)
4. Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (October 2024)
5. Skandar and the Spirit War (August 2025)
6. The First Unicorn Rider (November 2025)
7. Skandar and the Secret Element (February 2026)

Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown

1. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief (2022)

This is where the adventure begins. Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. In this world, unicorns are not peaceful creatures; they are bloodthirsty, winged beasts that must be bonded to a human rider to keep their wild, destructive instincts in check. When Skandar is barred from taking the Hatchery exam, he is forced to take a daring risk, eventually finding himself bonded to a unicorn named Scoundrel's Luck. However, just as his dream comes true, a shadowy figure known as the Weaver steals the Island's most powerful unicorn, forcing Skandar and his new friends to take to the skies to stop them.

2. Skandar and the Phantom Rider (2023)

Now in his second year at the Eyrie, Skandar is trying to find his place among the other riders. But danger is never far behind. Someone is targeting wild unicorns, committing a crime that strips them of their elemental magic and wings, leaving them as hollow ghosts of their former selves. As accusations fly and the Island borders grow increasingly unstable, Skandar must uncover who is behind the attacks before the delicate balance between riders and unicorns is broken forever.

3. Skandar and the Chaos Trials (2024)

Third year at the Eyrie brings the Chaos Trials, a series of incredibly difficult, element-based tasks designed to test the limits of every rider and unicorn pair. Tensions run high within Skandar's wing, and a series of shocking secrets about the Island's history begin to surface. With the threat of the Weaver still looming large, Skandar must decide who he can trust as alliances are tested and old friendships begin to fracture under the pressure.

4. Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (2024)

Entering their fourth year, Skandar and his friends face their darkest challenges yet. An ancient and terrifying curse is unleashed upon the Island, threatening to destroy the bond between humans and unicorns. With time running out, Skandar must delve deep into the darkest corners of the Island's past to find a cure, even if it means confronting secrets that his mentors have spent centuries trying to hide.

5. Skandar and the Spirit War (2025)

The fifth book serves as the grand finale to the main Skandar Smith story arc. The conflict that has been brewing since the first book reaches its boiling point in a full-scale war. Skandar, his sister Kenna, and their friends must unite the riders and stand against the forces threatening to consume their home. It is a thrilling, emotional conclusion that resolves the core mysteries of the elemental magic system and the fate of the Island.

Prequel: The First Unicorn Rider (2025)

This beautifully illustrated standalone novella shifts focus away from Skandar to tell the legend of George Penhaligon, the historical figure who discovered the Island and became the first human ever to bond with a unicorn. Set 1,000 years in the past, it offers essential lore on how the Hatchery, the Eyrie, and the elemental bond itself were established.

Companion: Skandar and the Secret Element (2026)

Released as part of World Book Day 2026, this short book introduces a young boy named Albert, who unexpectedly finds himself transported to the Island. There, he crosses paths with Skandar and is introduced to the wonders of elemental bonding. It is a lighthearted, quick read that is perfect for younger fans looking for a bit of extra magic.

What to Know Before You Start

A.F. Steadman's series is highly praised for its rich, immersive world-building and its unique spin on classic tropes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you start reading:

• The Magic System: The magic of the Island is built around five elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and the rare, forbidden element of Spirit. Every rider and unicorn pair is bonded to a specific element, which dictates the types of magic they can perform together.
• Tone and Themes: While the series is aimed at middle-grade readers (ages 9 and up), it deals with mature themes like grief, family separation, loyalty, and the corrupting nature of power. The unicorns themselves can be quite scary and violent, adding a gritty edge that appeals to older readers as well.
• Upcoming Projects: While the main Skandar series concluded with The Spirit War, A.F. Steadman has hinted at future stories set in the same universe. Additionally, she is working on a new adult fantasy series titled TimeLess, which features dark academia themes.