#legit that opening sold me like. Murder Unicorns is the vibe apparently

[locke-writes]

(Doubly prefacing this by admitting both that you hadn’t probably been looking for more book recs and this IS a children’s adventure novel listed for ages 8-12 so if that isn’t your bag, feel free to ignore. Otherwise, allow me to set up my presentation.)

So one of the perks of my job is that sometimes a publisher will send us a single advanced copy of a book set to come out and, if you want it, it’s yours for free. We rarely get books for readers younger than, like, 20-something so the book spine surprised me. The plot sounded admittedly standard for the most part, but there was something rather minute but interesting about it so I decided to skim the first few pages:

This is the prologue to book one of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.

In relatively recent history (like, fifteen years), a teensy spec of an island between the mainland of Britain and Ireland has made itself known to the world. This (simply called “The Island”) is where unicorns come from: They’re massive, they’re carnivorous, they can be deadly both with themselves and with the elements they can control and they’re just not the pretty rainbow beings the world thought they were.

They are also everyone’s dream come true.

Everyone wants to be a unicorn-rider, to get the prestige that comes with it, to get the unicorn they were destined to have based on a link they share. Skandar Smith is no different, especially since becoming a rider would mean being able to have money sent to his family while he lives on the Island to train. But just when his lifelong dream seems to have been brutally dashed, an opportunity arrives in the form of a stranger and their unicorn — and Skandar wouldn’t dare to miss his second chance.

That being said, Skandar’s experience isn’t met with sunshine and rainbows: Not when the presence of a local Island bogeyman lurks around every corner; not when one of his peers doesn’t trust him; and not when Skandar learns there’s bigger things for him to be afraid of than a massive, unpredictable beast — like himself.

Honestly, my biggest critique is that it’s kinda heavy with the exposition. But you kinda have to expect that since there’s a LOT of world-building that has to happen. I personally just wish the author had used other methods to do it besides people talking. But this is her debut novel so I’ll cut her some slack. There’s also arguably a bit of predictability but, once again, it’s the first book. And even beyond that, she still managed to make to for it by hitting me hard with, like, two Wham Lines. Which may not sound like a lot but they are to me.

But otherwise, it’s a cute, fun little romp that my overthinking brain decided to think way too hard about in some areas that are predominantly spoilerific so I can’t go too into it but let’s just say that the author, A.F. Steadman, opened up some avenues for potential further exploration in future installments.

That, and I’m choosing to believe that she accidentally included the message that adults are fallible and selfish beings and will inevitably let you down, so don’t put them on pedestals and learn to do things your own way. 🙂

There’s definitely some traits of the lore and overall structure that are reminiscent of classics like Harry Potter, Eragon, and maybe even Avatar: The Last Airbender, and higher ups at BN even argue that it could be the next big kid’s series. Only time will tell how true that may be but for now, I leave you with this book blurb blob. It just officially came out today (May 3rd) so even if you are intrigued but aren’t really ready to seek it out any time soon, there’s plenty of time.

Anywho, thanks for letting me into your abode, you have a lovely home, just gonna shove some fruit into my pockets, and I’m out. Peace!

Listen I’m always up for book blurb rambles so feel free to stop by the inbox at any time. Also, this sounds absolutely brutal and I’m here for it, does give me Eragon vibes but then I have a massive love for that series so…

I’m fucking down for this. Take some lemons 🍋 on your way out as payment for the cool book recommendations!