Reviews

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman

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aa184899's review against another edition

2.0

This book disappointed me. (Warning: This might have a few spoilers)

I was promised bloodthirsty, violent, magical, intelligent unicorns, and instead I got carnivorous magic
flying horses. Not nearly as interesting or as deep as it could have been. The whole elemental system was kind of boring and wasn't explored nearly as much as it should have been.

And the characters... Just, ugh. The main character was pretty flat and not that interesting, then the characters I thought were interesting like Flo and Bobby never really fleshed out, and I didn't get what was going on with Mitchell. I mean, he just suddenly does this whole about face for a not very big reason and it's just not believable. And has this author ever met a teenager!? Seriously, the dialogue and the actions were so young, and flat, and not realistic at all. It would probably be ok if they were younger but there is no way teenagers would act this way.

The world building wasn't bad, but what happened didn't make sense. Why does the weaver want to take over the mainland so badly? And why did she leave Skandar and his family when she had supposedly been so happy? Also, some of it was way too easy, like with Joby telling Skandar absolutely do not ever do that or go there but I'm going to tell you where it is.

I gave this book 2 stars because the concept was interesting, and the world building wasn't the worst I've read, but there aren't really any other redeeming qualities

Finally, I know this has been said a lot, but it still needs to be mentioned, the trope was so generic, and the plot was way too similar to Amari and the Night Brothers. This book just isn't worth it. I would have rather reread Amari.*

*If you have a different opinion, that's fine. I'll respect your opinion, and all I ask is you respect mine, even if you disagree.**
** In other words; I'm 12 don't cuss me out or I will report you, I've seen it happen way too often.***
***And no, being 12 does not affect the valid points I've written above, and if you read them and consider them I hope you'll see that.

raquelescrevecoisas's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ibookowl's review against another edition

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5.0

This book took me by surprise. I could not believe how much this book gripped my heart by surprise! I love this book! I cannot wait to see what other adventures skandar has along with his friends in the next installment! If your thinking about picking up this book I do recommend it ! Think hogwarts but with vicious meat eating unicorns, I freaking love this book so much it’s my favorite book I’ve read all year ♥️

spaanhede's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

culturespy's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Not your everyday unicorns. This story is about some serious horsemanship, just with more magic! Good debate about what Skandar's personal responsiblities should be - to his friends/family, his personal goals, or the truth. See you in the Eyrie!

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