Skandar and the Chaos Trials (Skandar 3) by A.F. Steadman

What worked:

The author creates uncertainty between the unicorns and their riders. Skandar and his friends are now Fledglings, third-year students at the Eyrie, but their unicorns have reached a rebellious age. They don’t always obey their riders even though they’ve become more connected during the past two years. The unicorn might decide to chase a rabbit, shoot lightning from its horns, or release sparkles from its butt. Readers should expect the unexpected. Skandar’s older sister has a forged bond with a wild unicorn and is connected to all five elements; most riders have one special element. The Weaver forges Kenna’s bond, so everyone is leery and frightened of what Kenna might do.

Skandar and the other Fledglings must pass four Chaos Trials by collecting spirit stones from each of the elements: air, fire, water, and earth. These trials break the book into separate milestones while the longer stories of helping Kenna and locating missing unicorn eggs are going on. Each trial presents different rules and challenges that might result in death or injury. In the first trial, the Fledglings must climb to the top of a mountain that seems to have a mind of its own and doesn’t want to be climbed. The Weaver adds to the danger as Skandar and Flo spot her during two of the trials. Why is she risking being seen, and does she truly want to kill Skandar, her son?

Several subplots are equally interesting. Skandar is afraid of what the forced bond with a wild unicorn might be doing to his sister, especially when he sees what her magic can do. He has an idea of how to fix the bond, but Kenna’s reaction to it is unpredictable. The missing unicorn eggs mean there won’t be any new rider ceremony for the next decade, but Bobby is expecting her younger sister to come this year. Readers don’t see much of the Weaver for most of the book, but the characters can’t figure out what she’s up to. They assume she’s behind the missing eggs, but they don’t know why she might want them. Rex Manning is now in charge of the Silver Circle, and there are concerns that he wants more power. He’s been helping Flo navigate her problems this year, which worries Skandar.

The final verdict:

This book seems to mark a pivotal moment in the series. Two important events occur as the book nears its climax that will surely have a dramatic effect on the future. I highly recommend you read this book, but you’ll enjoy it more if you start the series from the beginning.