{"title":"A.F. Steadman","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the enchanting world of \u003cstrong\u003eA.F. Steadman\u003c\/strong\u003e — author of the beloved \u003cem\u003eSkandar\u003c\/em\u003e series, a thrilling fantasy adventure featuring wild unicorns, elemental magic, and a young hero's journey to become a Unicorn Rider.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpic fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich world-building with mythical creatures and elemental powers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for fans of \u003cem\u003eHarry Potter\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHis Dark Materials\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"skandar-and-the-skeleton-curse","title":"Skandar and the Skeleton Curse","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘The most popular fantasy hero since Harry Potter’ Telegraph BLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A DEADLY CURSE. The epic adventure continues. Don’t miss the unputdownable new book in number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023. As Skandar and his friends begin their fourth year at the Eyrie, the Island’s unicorns are struck by a terrible curse that threatens to change everything. Between a Commodore determined to eliminate the spirit element for good, and a sister hellbent on revenge, nowhere is safe for Skandar. As more and more unicorns are affected by the curse, the clock is ticking for Skandar and his quartet, who find themselves literally racing for their lives. Can they stop the curse in its tracks before the Island is lost for ever? Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for 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 ‘Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.’ – Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn ‘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 Starfell ‘Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Rainbow Grey ‘A. F. Steadman has created a stunning new world that feels both familiar and f\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46036918239289,"sku":"9781398524705","price":539.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/81_Iwptb9CL._SL1500.jpg?v=1782817298"},{"product_id":"skandar-and-the-spirit-war","title":"Skandar and the Spirit War","description":"\u003cp\u003eBLOODTHIRSTY UNICORNS. UNLIKELY HEROES. A MORTAL ENEMY.Don’t miss this epic final adventure in the number 1 bestselling SKANDAR series, for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.Skandar is in hiding after the Chaos Cup where Rex Manning revealed a game-changing secret. But as Rex prepares to invade the Mainland, the Islanders are not sure who to trust.With one of Skandar’s closest friends now fighting for the enemy, Skandar must build new alliances – including an uneasy truce with Kenna. To defeat Rex, Skandar and his friends will need to look back to the origins of the Island, and harness the full power of their elemental magic.Can Skandar become the leader he needs to be – to save the Mainland and the heart of the Island itself?Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out!Praise for the SKANDAR series:‘The most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter’ – Telegraph‘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‘Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting – it’s a joy to enter Skandar’s World.’ – Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. seriesSkandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023.*Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27 April 2024\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":46037116878905,"sku":"9781398524743","price":809.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/81l2HjNVcDL._SL1500_9250898f-ee4c-4084-8908-42e0141c0647.jpg?v=1782819396"},{"product_id":"skandar-and-the-unicorn-thief","title":"Skandar and the Unicorn Thief","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoar into a breathtaking world of heroes and unicorns as you’ve never seen them before, in this first book in the hotly anticipated fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers. ‘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 Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero. But just as Skandar’s dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island’s most powerful unicorn – and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever . . . Get ready for unlikely HEROES, elemental MAGIC, sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and FEROCIOUS UNICORNS, in this EPIC ADVENTURE series that will have your heart soaring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":46037495283769,"sku":"9781398502710","price":629.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/81ZdsdajrgL._SL1500.jpg?v=1782819976"},{"product_id":"untitled-pa","title":"Skandar and the Phantom Rider","description":"\u003cp\u003eHEROES 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? THE EPIC ADVENTURE CONTINUES... PRE-ORDER SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS, THE UNMISSABLE BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE SERIES, 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 Praise for the SKANDAR series:‘Skandar Smith’s adventures at the Eyrie, a training school for unicorn riders, have made him the most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter.’ - The Daily Telegraph'Epic, unforgettable and endlessly exciting, Steadman’s masterful sequel soars even higher than her debut.' – Aisling Fowler, author of the Fireborn 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\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":46039593058361,"sku":"9781398502925","price":449.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/81ranSJM_oL._SL1500_5a564c67-45cf-45cf-bac9-44425b3886ce.jpg?v=1782826512"},{"product_id":"skandar-and-the-chaos-trials","title":"Skandar And The Chaos Trials","description":"\u003cp\u003eHEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The epic adventure continues . . . Don’t miss the unputdownable new book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023 The Island always wins… Skandar and his sister Kenna are finally both at the Eyrie, but tensions are high. To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island’s elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit – only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile Kenna’s forged bond to a wild unicorn has left her alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction . . . As dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide how far is he willing to go – for Kenna, and for the Eyrie. Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series: ‘Skandar Smith’s adventures at the Eyrie, a training school for unicorn riders, have made him the most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter.’- The Daily Telegraph'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 ‘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. 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Unicorns are real – and they’re bloodthirsty.Slowly, George gains one unicorn’s trust and together they explore the island’s magical secrets. But there is a dark presence lurking in his new home, more deadly than any unicorn.Can George fulfil his destiny and free the island from a terrible fate? Discover the incredible World of Skandar with this thrilling origin adventure with black and white illustrations throughout by Manuel Šumberac. The perfect gift for fans and for newcomers to the series alike! Praise for the SKANDAR series:‘The most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter’ – Telegraph ‘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 ‘Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting – it’s a joy to enter Skandar’s World.’ – Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. series\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dusky's Shrine","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":46039767285817,"sku":"9781398540552","price":809.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/3367\/0457\/files\/811FvQ0M_SL._SL1500_6e7d9c34-6c64-428d-ab63-c85ce2bddd2a.jpg?v=1782833922"},{"product_id":"skandar-and-the-unicorn-thief-2","title":"Skandar and the Unicorn Thief","description":"\u003cp\u003eHEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The first book in the award-winning, international hit fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn. Give the gift of adventure this Christmas!WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!‘The most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter’ – The Daily Telegraph Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero. But just as Skandar’s dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island’s most powerful unicorn – and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever . . . Get ready for unlikely HEROES, elemental MAGIC, sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and FEROCIOUS UNICORNS, in this EPIC ADVENTURE series that will have your heart soaring.THE EPIC ADVENTURE CONTINUES . . .PRE-ORDER SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS, THE UNMISSABLE BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE SERIES, NOW!Praise for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief: '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. 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The epic adventure continues . . . Don’t miss the unputdownable new book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023 The Island always wins… Skandar and his sister Kenna are finally both at the Eyrie, but tensions are high. To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island’s elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit – only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile Kenna’s forged bond to a wild unicorn has left her alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction . . . As dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide how far is he willing to go – for Kenna, and for the Eyrie. Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Praise for the SKANDAR series: ‘Skandar Smith’s adventures at the Eyrie, a training school for unicorn riders, have made him the most popular children’s fantasy hero since Harry Potter.’- The Daily Telegraph'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 ‘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. 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