Skandar and the Secret Element: World Book Day 2026

Skandar

by A.F. Steadman

TAKE FLIGHT ON THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME. A thrilling special adventure for World Book Day, from the no.1 bestselling author of the Skandar series. 

Albert never thought he would become a unicorn rider. But then he is whisked away to a mysterious island to bond with a warrior unicorn, and to train in elemental magic. There, Albert meets a boy called Skandar, who is hiding a dangerous secret. 

When an encounter with a terrifying wild unicorn throws Albert and Skandar together, will the adventure help them become the heroes they are destined to be? 

Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental battles, dangerous secrets and bloodthirsty unicorns. 

This gripping story is perfect for newcomers to the Skandar series as well as superfans, and comes with bonus content and activities. 

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[Reixma]

[Review and star rating pending]

[HannaJane · Rating 1 out of 5]

What was the point in this book, just to be of topic for world book day??? I don’t know, it’s literally a different pov as Albert from the first book written in the series……but for what purpose as it’s not even a full book it’s a sample. Waste of time, shame as the first 2 books in this series had me hooked from the get go originally.

[Rebecca Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a great small story of the world of skandar, but from someone else's story with going to the island. to learn there is another group on the island that don't use there power for battle was very interesting.

[Kate Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A.F. Steadman has kindly contributed to World Book Day 2026 with their flash fiction, Skandar and the Secret Element. Here we’re introduced to the mythological world where students are sent to Hogwarts Eyrie to train the magical elements, fire, water, air and earth. We learn there is a fifth element which has been shunned because of its dangerous power, spirit. Each pupil is matched to a Unicorn/Pegasus which are apparently blood thirsty creatures (I think they’ve been misconstrued and misunderstood).
Our POV is from Albert, a young lad who doesn’t believe he belongs in Eyrie. I guessed while reading (and have confirmed through other reviews) that this short story is simply a retelling of the beginning chapters of Steadman’s first novel, through a different perspective. Hopefully it’ll encourage new fans to pick up the series but for committed Steadman readers, I fear they will be gravely disappointed as instead of receiving new content, they get a recycled POV of a story they already know.
This is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson or the Beast of Olympus, but maybe not Steadman fans who have already read the first novel as this will provide no more context or storyline to the original. Thank you to Steadman for his kind contribution!

[Snarhooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a great introduction to the Skandar series for new readers. I would have preferred a little more worldbuilding as we aren't told much about what the unicorn riders do once trained (apart from take part in the Chaos Cup). But this is only a short story so I can make allowances.

What the story does do is introduce a world of bloodthirsty unicorns and people who can bond with them, utilising the power of the four elements.

From reading other reviews, it seems like this story is a retelling of part of the original from a different POV so casual fans might wish to choose another WBD book. Although it seems like the Wanderers could be something new. Also on the plus side, there are is a bonus personality test and a quiz included in the book.

[Orls hehehe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a 3.5 for me because I mean younger children might be able to read it and everything but it should be in the same writing style as the other 5 books but I’m happy that AF Steadman contributed to world book day: I love the original series! Bit short but can’t complain. 😃 No reference of emergency sandwiches makes me abit sad though… I didn’t have the heart to rate it a 3 after the other series so it’s 4 take away .5

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little addition to the Skandar series and a wonderful release for World Book Day.

It was lovely to get to experience the very start of a Skandars journey through the eyes of another character, with his own experiences and perspective too. We know Albert from the main series and in this one, we get to learn more about his early upbringing and his journey to the Eyrie and getting his unicorn, Eagles Dawn. A great book and a must for any fans of Skandar.

[STEVEN J RUDAINI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground-breaking

What a book! Who would have guessed the unimaginable twist revealed within the pages? A.F. Sherman's outdone herself yet again. Can't wait to see if there is another book!

[Michaela Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE Skandar! This book tells the story of mainlander Albert and how he wants to be a rider but doesn’t feel that he can be brave enough. Along with his unicorn Eagle Dawn they discover what the spirit element is and find themselves among the Wanderers.

[BookishLena🎀📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I wanted a prequel to Skandar series since I have the first book on my physical TBR so I picked up the World Book Day story and loved it! Can’t wait to start the Skandar series 🐉🔥

[Laura Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging writing will hook the reader into the rest of the series. It was nice to see how Albert started out ❤️

[~Pumpkin_Latté~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Low-key more wholesome than the actual books.

[Philip Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro to the characters - I will definitely be introducing the series to my nephew!