Skandar and the Phantom Rider (book 2) (PB)

By Author / Illustrator

A.F. Steadman

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Children's Books

ISBN

9781398502925

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-02-2024

Synopsis

Heroes and unicorns as you've never seen them before....The epic adventure continues! Don't miss this sequel to Waterstones Children's Book of the Year 2022, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Skandar and the Phantom Rider is the second book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, an unmissable adventure for listeners age 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn.

The Island shall have its revenge . . . Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider.
But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island.

Meanwhile, Skandar's sister, Kenna, longs to join him - and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart - before it's too late for them all?

'Epic, unforgettable and endlessly exciting, Steadman's masterful sequel soars even higher than her debut.' - Aisling Fowler, author of the Fireborn series. Praise for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, the first book in the SKANDAR series: '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. 'Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.' - Louie Stowell, author of Loki and Otherland. 'Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey. 'Perfect for those who have consumed the Harry Potter books and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and are looking for their next fictional feast.' - The Sunday Times

Reviews

Sue

Having achieved his dream to become a unicorn rider, Skandar Smith is now in his second year at the Eyrie. However, tensions mount as wild unicorns - immortal creatures - are being killed and the words of a truesong, sung at the Saddle Ceremony, seems to cast suspicious eyes in Skandar's direction. Meanwhile, his sister, Kenna, longs to join him as a unicorn rider and Skandar is determined to help her in any way he can. As the pressure increases, can Skandar save the Island from destruction?

Skandar and the Phantom Rider is a wonderfully pacey and action-packed story with much to recommend it to fans of fantasy stories. Although back-details are given, it helps to have read book one, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, to really appreciate the story from its starting point in book two.

Each member of Skandar's quartet face personal challenges as the story progresses, which cause tension and discord in the group as their relationships become more complex. Bobby is determined to emerge from what she perceives as Skander's shadow, whilst Mitchell is under pressure from his demanding father. Flo's membership of the elite Silver Circle and their mission to get rid of spirit weavers is another source of tension and Skandar is focused on helping his sister.

Friendship issues, insecurities and self-acceptance are all explored as the plot develops. The world building is brilliant with great attention to detail which adds greatly to the enjoyment of the story as Skandar and his fellows face new perils and challenges whilst trying to solve the unfolding mystery. To say too much would be to spoil the plot for anyone who has not read it, but there's plenty to enjoy and plenty to look forward to in future books!

432 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher