Bloodthirsty unicorns with flaming farts, valiant unicorn riders, defiant and loyal friends – OKS Annabel Steadman's (MR 2005-10) magical coming-of-age series of Skandar has come to a soaring end this August in Skandar and the Spirit War.

The fifth and final book, Skandar and the Spirit War, sees Skandar and the quartet of friends on the cusp of turning 18 in their final year on the island school. In a lightning flash, the reader is taken to a world of soaring battles, villains, dark forces, ancient secrets and rituals that must be discovered, elemental magic like never before as other mythical creatures and fault lines appear across the UK. Skandar leads the world of unicorns into a spirit war to try and save all that this precious world stands for. 

Annabel says: 

I am beyond excited for readers to get their hands on Skandar and the Spirit War and I can’t quite believe it’s so soon! It seems like only yesterday that Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was publishing, and I was dreaming of writing the ending I had imagined for the big-hearted boy and his bloodthirsty unicorn. I know I should be nervous, but after meeting so many wonderful Skandar fans around the world who are counting down to publication day, I am just delighted that in only a few months this final story will belong to them. Because at the end of the day, I owe my readers everything, and writing this series has brought me nothing but joy.

The Skandar series has seen huge success since the first book's publication in 2022, which was the biggest children's fiction debut for 20 years. 

Steadman is fiercely loyal to her fans and has included several of them, as regular characters in the books. Real life, Ukrainian refugee twins Nika and Kira (now 13 years old), have become true swooping heroes on their unicorns fighting for freedom in Skandar and the Spirit War – which is hugely poignant for the family. Steadman first met the refugee family, when they travelled with their father from their new home in Swindon, especially to meet her at a London book signing, as they were so loving reading Skandar in English. Dad bought the Ukrainian translations, as he too wanted to understand both of his girls’ happiness, their inspired love of reading and speaking fluent English so quickly. 

The series also references towns, cities and locations that have been key throughout Annabel's life, including The King's School Canterbury. Though the series has come to an end, a prequel The First Unicorn Rider has just been announced for publication in November. 

Skandar and the Spirit War is out now. You can order your copy via Annabel's website, Amazon or at your local bookstore.