Skandar Books

Read the five numbered novels in order, beginning with Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and ending with Skandar and the Spirit War. The school years, secrets, alliances, and central conflict form one continuous story.

Skandar and the Secret Element is a short, unnumbered World Book Day adventure featuring Albert and an early meeting with Skandar. The publisher says it works for newcomers as well as existing fans, so it can be sampled before book one or enjoyed later as a companion.

The First Unicorn Rider is an origin story set in Skandar's world, but its September 10, 2026 UK release is after this page's review date and is not yet included among published companions.

Sources: Simon & Schuster's official Skandar series, Simon & Schuster's Secret Element companion page, Simon & Schuster's forthcoming First Unicorn Rider page.

These unicorns are deliberately ferocious rather than gentle. The books include magical combat, aerial battles, dangerous training trials, bloodthirsty wild unicorns, injuries, executions in the world's history, and character deaths as the conflict escalates.

The series also explores exclusion, family loyalty, prejudice around forbidden magic, and the pressure to prove oneself. Its intensity and long, continuous plot make it a better fit for readers ready for substantial middle-grade fantasy.