Zeno and the Dragon Riders

From the imagination of A.F Steadman, the no.1 bestselling* author of the Skandar series, comes an epic new series for readers aged 8+. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Eragon, Harry Potter, and of course, Skandar!

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CLAIM YOUR DRAGON. CHANGE YOUR DESTINY.

Zeno Smith has always dreamed of becoming a hero – just like his famous dad. But a different fate awaits him. Far away in the Burning City, home to powerful and mysterious dragons, Zeno faces a choice that will change everything.

Meanwhile, Raven Rizzo chose her path long ago. She knows which dragon type she hopes for, and has a plan to reach the Burning City – even if her family disapproves.

Zeno and Raven must take part in the famous Dragon Trials – a series of deadly tasks, broadcast live around the world, that tests the bond between young riders and their new dragons.

With the whole world watching, do Zeno and Raven have what it takes to become a different kind of hero?

WELCOME TO A NEW ERA, WHERE DRAGONS RULE THE SKIES.

The first book in an extraordinary new series from international bestselling and award-winning* author, A.F. Steadman.

Praise for the Skandar series:

‘The most popular fantasy hero since Harry Potter’ Telegraph

‘Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm’ The Times Children's Book of the Week

‘Deft, dazzling and breathlessly exciting – it’s a joy to enter Skandar’s world’ Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood and Co. Series

*A.F. Steadman was named Author of the Year at the 2026 British Book Awards.

*Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was Waterstones Children's Book of the Year 2022 and winner of the Indie Book Awards 2023.

*Skandar and the Chaos Trials was the Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan chart, 27th April 2024

*Skandar and the Spirit War was the Children’s Number 1 bestseller in the UK Nielsen Bookscan Chart 30th August 2025