The First Unicorn Rider

🦄🏝️⚡🔥

A F Steadman

★★★★★

At a glance

✍🏼  Author:  A F Steadman

🎨Illustrator: Manuel Šumberac

📅 Release Date: 6th November 2025

📚 Book type: Chapter, 288 pages

🌟 Reader level: Confident, 8+

Blurb

George Penhaligon has only ever wanted adventure.

But when he finds himself shipwrecked and alone on a mysterious island, he makes an incredible discovery. 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?

Review by Jacob

I read this book after being enthralled by the Skandar series with the world of the Island calling me back for more unicorn adventures. 

I loved reading a book containing magic, adventures and lots of mystery. This book was a page-turner, calling me back as soon as I put it down to investigate the origins of the Island and its unicorn riders. 

I loved how the riders befriend each other and bond to their destined unicorns (even a silver!).

The thing that stood out to me the most was how A F Steadman managed to weave the ideas of the plot with the world of Skandar. I also love the intricate black and white illustrations and how she made George from Cornwall in St Austell where A F Steadman is the St Austell Festival of Children's Literature patron. 

I recommend this book to Year 5 and 6 readers who love the Skandar series, want to learn more about the island and who love mystery and suspense. 

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