Skandar and the Phantom Rider
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Skandar and the Phantom Rider
Skandar and the Phantom Rider is the second installment in a captivating middle-grade fantasy series, continuing the adventures of Skandar Smith in a world where unicorns are formidable, bloodthirsty creatures with elemental powers. This book delves deeper into the challenges faced by Skandar as he enters his second year at the Eyrie, the training ground for unicorn riders. The plot revolves around a new threat where supposedly immortal wild unicorns are being mysteriously killed, a dire prophecy looms, and the Island experiences severe elemental destruction. Skandar's journey is further complicated by his sister Kenna's desire to join him and the pervasive prejudice he faces as a spirit wielder. Targeted primarily at readers aged 8 to 12, the book offers an action-packed narrative filled with themes of friendship, family bonds, prejudice, and the struggle for self-acceptance. It features intense magical battles, compelling character development, and heightened stakes, making it a thrilling read for fans of epic fantasy. The series continues to explore the complex relationship between humans and their powerful unicorn companions, alongside the broader conflict against dark forces threatening their world.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book features significant violence, escalating from the first installment. It includes descriptions of immortal wild unicorns being killed, intense battle scenes, and graphic descriptions of decaying unicorns. Skandar's mother, the Weaver, is portrayed as an evil magic-user who performs ghastly, violent attacks.
A reviewer described feeling "physically ill" reading a passage detailing unicorns killing wild unicorns in an arena, indicating the intensity of the violence. The text includes descriptions of wild unicorns that are decaying and gruesome in appearance, such as a wild unicorn with a transparent horn and a red, unseeing eye, alongside a pervasive smell of decay and bloody water. Skandar's mother, the Weaver, is characterized as having "no reservations about performing ghastly, violent attacks" as an evil spirit wielder.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains numerous scary and intense elements, including the concept of immortal unicorns being killed, widespread elemental destruction, and a heightened sense of peril. The emotional stakes are high, and characters face significant prejudice and psychological distress, such as Kenna's spiraling mental health.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 10-12. While some sources suggest 8-12, the content, particularly the darker themes, violence, and intense situations, including descriptions of dying unicorns and significant peril, make it more suitable for the older end of the middle-grade spectrum. Younger readers may find some scenes disturbing.
Good to Know
The 'Skandar' series, including 'Skandar and the Phantom Rider,' increases in intensity and darkness with each subsequent book. Parents should be aware that while the core themes are positive (friendship, courage, fighting injustice), the violence and scary content, especially concerning the nature of the unicorns and the antagonist's actions, become more pronounced. Discussions about prejudice and mental health are also woven into the narrative, offering opportunities for parental guidance on these topics.
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