Skandar and the Chaos Trials: Skandar, Book 3
By Carrie R. Wheadon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Friendship-focused exciting unicorn series gets darker.
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What's the Story?
In SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS: SKANDAR, BOOK 3, Fledgling year is beginning at the Eyrie for Skandar and his quartet -- Flo, Bobby, and Mitchell. Normally all the Fledgling class would have to worry about is rebellious unicorns and four trials throughout the year to determine whether they stay another year. But this year there's so much more to face. All the unicorn eggs have been stolen from the Hatchery and if they aren't found by the summer solstice, a generation of riders won't meet their destined unicorn. And then there's Skandar's sister, Kenna, who's bonded to a wild unicorn and desperately wants to stay at the Eyrie with Skandar. Only, it's never been done before, and for good reason. When Kenna sneaks her first ride, she gets a painful mutation from the magic -- vines and thorns bulging from her arm -- and her unicorn topples a giant tree.
Is It Any Good?
This fierce unicorn series stays exciting with more trials, more cool magic, more friend bonding, and way more dark family drama. The four tests Skandar's Fledgling class endure this year have an extra layer: riders can work together with their quartets or go it alone. Of course Skandar and his quartet choose teamwork, after all this diverse friend group is the beating heart of the series. Not only do they stick together, but they cheer each other up and on in heartwarming fashion -- even their dialog is witty and smile-inducing.
It's a stark contrast to Skandar's family life. His sister Kenna is isolated and depressed with her creepy wild unicorn and magic mutations which she blames Skandar for -- her short chapters are truly unsettling. Skandar weighs his responsibility toward his sister and her happiness vs. his responsibility to his quartet and the future riders who need him to succeed. And what does he want? Of course he can't make up his mind -- it's impossible to choose between fierce friends and family. Then, when Skandar meets the peace-loving nomadic Wanderers he imagines another path altogether. All this tension makes the last third of the story gripping, and dark. Thank goodness for his friends and his trusty unicorn to help him through it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about winning in Skandar and the Chaos Trials. A character named Elora says, "The Island has forgotten that there are more important things than winning. That sometimes the best people to lead us are the quieter ones -- with good hearts -- rather than those that battle to win at any cost." Do you agree? If so, who would be the best leader of the Island?
Skandar's quartet insists on using teamwork for all the Chaos Trials. What about the other competitors? And after all the trials, who of the Fledgling class remains friends?
Who is the enemy in this story? Is there more than one? Skandar feels conflicted because he feels empathy for his enemies. Is that a bad thing?
The Wanderers are nomads on the Island that shun all violence. If you were an islander, would you rather train to battle with your unicorn and have cool magic like Skandar and friends or be a peaceful Wanderer? Why?
Book Details
- Author: A. F. Steadman
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 7, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 528
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: May 20, 2024
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