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A F Steadman

(Annabel Steadman)

Annabel Steadman's debut Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, a magical middle grade series, was subject to major auctions for both book and film. In 2019, she was awarded a Distinction in a Creative Writing Masters from the University of Cambridge. Before focusing on writing, Annabel worked in both corporate and family law until she realised that there wasn’t nearly enough magic involved.

Genres: Children's Fiction

Series

Skandar
   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)
   Skandar and the Secret Element (2026)

World of Skandar
The First Unicorn Rider (2025)

Novels

TimeLess (2023)

Awards

2023 Indie Book Award for Children's Fiction : Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

Award nominations

	2026 British Book Award Children's Fiction Book of the Year (nominee) : Skandar and the Spirit War
	2025 British Book Award Author of the Year (nominee)
	2024 British Book Award Children's Fiction Book of the Year (nominee) : Skandar and the Phantom Rider
	2023 British Book Award Children's Fiction Book of the Year (nominee) : Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

A F Steadman recommends

A Snake Among Swans (2026)
(Wild Swans, book 1)
Hannah Kaner
"A razor sharp, beautifully written epic filled with political intrigue and perfectly imperfect characters that blaze off the page. Kaner delivers a flawless fantasy while simultaneously ensuring we interrogate our own history. I loved Godkiller, but I am truly obsessed with A Snake Among Swans."

The Rainshadow Orphans (2026)
(Rainshadow Orphans Trilogy, book 1)
Naomi Ishiguro
"The Rainshadow Orphans shimmers with wondrous worldbuilding and sublime writing. A luminous blend of folklore, sci-fi and aching humanity - I couldn't put it down."

The Last Dragon on Mars (2024)
(Dragonships, book 1)
Scott Reintgen
"Nail-biting action scenes, relatable characters, and a fantastic new take on dragons - readers are in for a thrilling ride!"

Turtle Moon (2024)
Hannah Gold
"Hannah Gold writes hope and heartbreak and healing with astonishing perfection. Not only will it make readers want to fight bravely for a better world, but it encourages them to be kinder to themselves, too. Turtle Moon is, without a doubt, her best yet."

The Age of Enchantment (2024)
(Chronicles of Whetherwhy, book 1)
Anna James
"A triumph of imagination and storytelling, bound together with magical characters who stay with you long after the final page."

Dead Happy (2024)
(HappyHead, book 2)
Josh Silver
"Compelling and SO GOOD."

The Clockwork Conspiracy (2024)
(Isaac Turner Investigates, book 1)
Sam Sedgman
"An ingenious mystery full of fascinating facts. Sedgman has cracked the code for an absolute triumph of a book."

The Christmas Club (2023)
(Christmas Carrolls, book 3)
Mel Taylor-Bessent
"Full of fun, friendship and the importance of kindness. Guaranteed to lift your spirits!."

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans (2023)
(Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans, book 1)
Isi Hendrix
"An immersive, funny, clever fantasy with real emotional depth. I couldn't put it down!"

Arkspire (2023)
(Arkspire, book 1)
Jamie Littler
"Arkspire is a triumph - Mortal Engines meets Lockwood & Co. An endlessly imaginative world, explored through perfectly drawn heroines I adored. The magic is mesmerising, the humour masterful and the adventure magnificent. Jamie, you absolute genius!"

Until the Road Ends (2023)
Phil Earle
"A truly brilliant book. Phil Earle is the kind of writer who shines a light on what it is to be human, what it is to be loved, and how an adventure can help us find ourselves, whether that be on the page or off of it."

The Magic Hour (2023)
(Magic Hour, book 1)
David Wolstencroft
"I really couldn't put The Magic Hour down. The concept is genius, the characters are unforgettable, and the adventure is thrilling. A book I'll be recommending to everyone!"

Greenwild (2023)
(Greenwild, book 1)
Pari Thomson
"Phenomenal . . . If you don't believe in magic, you will after you've read Greenwild."

The Kingdom Over the Sea (2023)
(Kingdom Over the Sea, book 1)
Zohra Nabi
"Enchanting, immersive and beautifully imagined. Once I'd finished, I couldn't stop dreaming of this magnificent magical world."

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun (2022)
(Onyeka, book 1)
Tọlá Okogwu
"Fast-paced, action-packed and empowering. Tola Okogwu's storytelling shines so bright you'll want the next instalment immediately."

A Flash of Fireflies (2022)
Aisha Bushby
"Spellbinding, beautiful and eerie in equal measure . . . a phenomenally good book!"

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup (2022)
(Yesterday Crumb, book 1)
Andy Sagar
"Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup is endlessly enchanting. The world building is so fresh and inventive, the characters so charming and individual (I especially loved Pascal the teapot-turtle and Pepperprew the dragon librarian) that I can't wait for my next visit to Dwimmerly End!"

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