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Skandar and the Phantom Rider

By A.F. Steadman

Book 2 of 6 in the Skandar series

Immortal unicorns are dying, and Skandar must uncover why before elemental chaos consumes the Island.

thrilling imaginative captivating

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.94

From 16 readers

What do our readers think of Skandar and the Phantom Rider? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

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What does the Pageticker team say about Skandar and the Phantom Rider?

Skandar and the Phantom Rider is a thrilling second adventure that follows on from the Unicorn Rider, expanding its unicorn-riding world with elemental magic, family secrets and some genuinely wild twists. A.F. Steadman keeps the pace galloping, while Skandar and Kenna’s complicated sibling bond gives the story plenty of heart beneath the hooves and mayhem. It is best suited to confident fantasy readers who enjoy darker peril, tense action and a story that assumes they have read the first book.

Genres

Fantasy Adventure Friendship/Family

What is Skandar and the Phantom Rider about?

Skandar Smith returns to the Eyrie for his second year of unicorn rider training, only to face a new peril: immortal wild unicorns are being mysteriously slain, and a prophecy foretells impending disaster. As elemental forces wreak havoc on the Island, Skandar is determined to help his sister, Kenna, join him. Together, they must uncover the truth and prevent the Island from descending into chaos before it's too late.

About the author

A. F. Steadman is a British author best known for writing the exciting fantasy series Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. She loves creating magical worlds filled with adventure and unusual creatures. When she isn’t writing, A. F. Steadman enjoys reading stories and spending time outdoors, always looking for new ideas for her next book.

Discussion ideas around Skandar and the Phantom Rider

Courage and fear: Skandar faces danger even when he is frightened or unsure. What makes his choices courageous, and how might courage look different for Kenna or his friends?

Family loyalty: How do Skandar and Kenna’s feelings for each other affect the decisions they make, and when might helping someone you love become complicated?

Wild unicorns: The story raises questions about how people treat powerful wild creatures. What responsibilities should humans have towards animals they do not fully understand?

Power and prejudice: Some characters are judged because of their connection to spirit magic. Why do people fear what is unfamiliar, and what could help them become more open-minded?

Friendship and teamwork: Which qualities make Skandar’s group work well together, and what problems can arise when friends disagree about the best way to act?

Pages

397 pages

Reading age

Junior (8-13)

This edition

2024

First published

2023

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