In this groundbreaking novel, Ursula K. Le Guin delves into the society of Gethen, a planet where the inhabitants are androgynous and only enter a state of sexual arousal once a month. The story follows Genly Ai, an envoy from the Ekumen, as he navigates the complexities of Gethenian culture and politics. The novel is a profound exploration of gender, identity, and the human condition, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.
In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court. Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home. However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world. The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy[2][4][5].
The Skandar series follows the adventures of Skandar on a magical island where he tames a unicorn and battles the mysterious Weaver. The series explores themes of friendship, courage, and overcoming challenges. Each book introduces new magical creatures and expands the world's lore. The books are praised for their imaginative world-building and engaging characters. The series has gained immense popularity among young readers, becoming a significant phenomenon in children's literature.
Skandar Smith dreams of leaving the Mainland to become a unicorn rider on the secretive Island. After a mysterious figure intervenes, Skandar is thrust into a world of danger and magic, where he must navigate his new role and confront a shadowy villain threatening the Island. Alongside his unicorn, Scoundrel's Luck, Skandar uncovers secrets that could change everything.
This week we chat to A.F Steadman, the bestselling author behind the phenomenal 'Skandar series'. The fantasy saga has taken the literary world by storm, was reported to have sold for a seven-figure deal, and was believed to be the biggest advance ever given to a debut childrens author. The series is praised as the biggest children's fantasy since Harry Potter.
In this episode, we dive into her journey from practicing law to becoming a celebrated writer, explore the inspirations behind her imaginative world of bloodthirsty unicorns, and look inside her working day.
The first, 'Skandar and the Unicorn Thief', was selected as the Waterstones Children's Book of Year 2022, and won an Indie Book Award in 2023. The 3rd, 'Skandar and the Chaos Trials' is out in paperback right now, and the 5th and final book is released in August 2025.
You can hear why it was inspired by a train journey listening to James Blunt, and why she sat on it for years simply drawing ideas before finally getting the first book out in a frantic rush. We discuss her busy 5 years, sometimes working on 3 books at the same time, in a rush to get these stories published. Annabel runs through why big screens don't work for her, how she knows she's good in the morning... but struggles to get up and make the most of it, and whether she's found her voice yet.
You can get a copy of the books here - https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutine
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Writer's Routine 
