A F Steadman

A. F. Steadman is the pen name of Annabel Steadman, a British fantasy author best known for the internationally bestselling Skandar series. Born in 1992, she was educated at The King’s School in Canterbury and later studied law at University of Cambridge, where she also earned a master’s degree in creative writing. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in the legal profession.

Steadman achieved remarkable success with her debut novel, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, which introduced readers to a thrilling world of fierce, bloodthirsty unicorns and young riders. In 2020, the manuscript secured a record-breaking seven-figure publishing deal, believed to be one of the largest advances ever paid to a debut children’s author. Film rights were also acquired by Sony Pictures. Her acclaimed Skandar series includes: Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Skandar and the Phantom Rider, Skandar and the Chaos Trials, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse, Skandar and the Spirit War.

Today, Steadman is recognised as one of the leading voices in contemporary children’s fantasy. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages, attracted a global readership, and helped redefine the unicorn fantasy genre for a new generation of readers. She is also expanding into adult fantasy with her forthcoming TimeLess series.