Exclusive Cover Reveal: A Magical Middle-Grade Adventure Continues In Skandar and the Chaos Trials

What fantasy lover hasn’t dreamed at some point that they could see—even tame—a unicorn? But those of us who grew up with the works of Peter Beagle might be surprised by the creatures that populate A.F. Steadman’s bestselling (and beloved) series of middle grade novels about a school for unicorn riders. These creatures aren’t glossy and virginal, they’re violent, fiery, and definitely not for the faint of heart. 

Steadman’s Skandar series has become a middle grade phenomenon. The first book, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was published to near-universal acclaim and has now been translated into over 40 languages. The book was a New York Times bestseller for over 20 weeks and was shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year. Sony Pictures is developing a film version of the story, and Steadman’s work regularly draws comparisons to that of J.K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, and Rick Riordan. 

Now the story is set to continue in 2024 with the series’ third installment: Skandar and the Chaos Trials, which will see Skandar and his friends tackle another adventure in a unique fantasy world. 

Described as perfect for fans of Eragon and Percy Jackson, the series follows the story of young Skandar Smith, who dreams of bonding with a unicorn—a perfect escape from the bullies at his school, his grieving father at home, and his own complex feelings about his mother’s death. The Skandar series features many elements that will be familiar to fantasy fans, from elemental magic to training academies for students with specific skills and abilities. The bloodthirsty, battle-ready unicorns are a unique—and honestly fantastic—touch, but the fierce creatures are nothing when compared to the fierce friendships that form between those who are chosen to ride them.

Second installment Skandar and the Phantom Rider saw our titular young hero and his companions grow closer even as they worked to save the Island’s population of wild unicorns, stop the Island from self-destructing, and deal with the fallout from the revelation that the infamous Weaver is Skandar’s estranged mother. What adventures can possibly await them in the series’ third book? 

Here’s how the publisher describes the story. 

Heroes and unicorns as you’ve never seen them before. The epic adventure continues…

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!

Skandar and the Chaos Trials won’t hit shelves until next spring, but we’re thrilled to bring you a first look at its cover right now. 

Skandar and the Chaos Trials will be released on May 7, 2024, and you can pre-order it right now. 

Lacy Baugher Milas is the Books Editor at Paste Magazine, but loves nerding out about all sorts of pop culture. You can find her on Twitter @LacyMB