Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloodthirsty unicorn origin story worthy of Skandar series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE FIRST UNICORN RIDER, George can't wait to fish with his three older brothers for the first time on his 13th birthday. Only problem is, a neighbor predicts a coming storm that will ruin his big day. George goes out by himself at midnight anyway, the storm hits, and he wakes up on a strange island with a strange beast standing over him. It must be a unicorn, but it's not the beautiful creature of fairy tales. This one has rotten flesh on its body, smells like carrion, and looks fierce. But as the unicorn brings him water and helps him heal from a broken leg, a friendship is forged. When George finally meets the island's other unicorns, he realizes that he's the very first human on the island, and the first to ride a unicorn.
Is It Any Good?
This not-so-classic "boy meets decaying, bloodthirsty, magical, immortal unicorn" tale will excite series fans and capture new ones. Longtime readers will glean new insight about everything from the inception of the island's treehouses to the origins of the creatures sought in the quest at the end of Book 5. New fans will come for the gnarly-looking unicorns (that don't look nearly gnarly enough in the lovely black-and-white illustrations by Manuel Sumberac) and stay for the mysterious monster, the island full of wonders, and a primer in bonding with and wielding the elements with unicorns. They'll enjoy George, the main character, as well. His spirit of adventure and intense curiosity are palpable and it's clear his discoveries will be life-changing for people and unicorns alike. Though The First Unicorn Rider is a much simpler tale than the rest of the series, it's a solid origin story worthy of the fantastic Skandar series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about George's transformation in The First Unicorn Rider. Why does he fear Rebel Spirit at first? How does careful communication help, and how is communication made more difficult without sharing audible speech with his unicorn?
Readers of the main Skandar series can piece together what else George, the First Rider, was the first to do on the island and what the monster becomes. Do you wish you read this book first? Why do you think the author published it last? What other series have you read that include prequels?
Who would you be in this series: George the explorer, or the Cornish people he leaves behind? How about the rider of an immortal, decaying, wild unicorn that other unicorns revere or the rider of a gorgeous silver unicorn that doesn't smell like carrion?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Manuel Sumberac
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic , Monsters , Unicorns ) , Friendship , Pirates , Royalty ( Queens )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 11, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 18, 2025
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