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Skandar #4
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
As Skandar and his friends begin their fourth year at the Eyrie, the Island’s unicorns are struck by a terrible curse that threatens to change everything. Between a Commodore determined to eliminate the spirit element for good and a sister hellbent on revenge, nowhere is safe for Skandar.
As more unicorns are affected by the curse, the clock is ticking for Skandar and his quartet, who find themselves racing for their lives. Can they stop the curse in its tracks before the Island is lost forever?
As more unicorns are affected by the curse, the clock is ticking for Skandar and his quartet, who find themselves racing for their lives. Can they stop the curse in its tracks before the Island is lost forever?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
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July 2, 2024GIVE AGATHA EVERHEART A GUN
October 5, 2024
I was extremely lucky to secure a copy of this so early (perks of being a bookseller) and, oh boy, I am so impressed with the direction that this series is headed. Initially I was concerned that it would be rushed, given that Chaos Trials only released 6 months or so ago, but A.F. Steadman has gone above and beyond my expectations with this masterpiece fourth instalment to the series. It was extremely entertaining, fast-paced, and unpredictable, and I was on the edge of my seat with it from the moment it kicked off.
Every page of this book felt intentional, a clear move to lay out all the necessary pieces to build a finale to be remembered.
Point is, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse was fantastic! Definitely Steadman's best work yet. It's clear that inspiration has been drawn from other popular middle-grade series' (Percy Jackson in particular), but Skandar manages to be utterly unique in the genre. I have a good feeling that, in the next few years, we'll all be hearing Skandar's name alongside many of the beloved protagonists that came before.
Five Stars, but only because I couldn't rate it higher.
Every page of this book felt intentional, a clear move to lay out all the necessary pieces to build a finale to be remembered.
Point is, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse was fantastic! Definitely Steadman's best work yet. It's clear that inspiration has been drawn from other popular middle-grade series' (Percy Jackson in particular), but Skandar manages to be utterly unique in the genre. I have a good feeling that, in the next few years, we'll all be hearing Skandar's name alongside many of the beloved protagonists that came before.
Five Stars, but only because I couldn't rate it higher.
July 4, 2025
Fun, but like the previous books, doesn't meet its potential.
The fourth outing of Skandar Smith and co. find themselves caught in the crossfire when a terrible curse that severs the bonds between unicorn and rider sweeps across the Island – and Skandar's sister Kenna is to blame. SKANDAR AND THE SKELETON CURSE follows almost directly on the heels of its predecessor – in both senses, as this book comes out only six months after CHAOS TRIALS.
And in my opinion, it shows.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be: contrived. As the penultimate book in a massive fantasy-adventure middle grade series, I was expecting to be blown away (or at least as close to possible as a series as middling as this can be), but unfortunately SKELETON CURSE fails to surpass CHAOS TRIALS in almost every way, even sometimes being worse. This isn't to say it's risible – what it does well it does great – but when I felt more engaged at the ending of CHAOS TRIALS something is wrong.
Very briefly I'll touch upon the writing which (frankly unsurprisingly) hasn't improved much, so be prepared to have your hand held with every line of thinking or bodily movement or dialogue tag. One day Steadman will trust her audience to know how someone is feeling without having to repeat it in narration (although this far into the series, anyone expecting anything better than 'gets the story across' is kidding themselves).
I have to give kudos where kudos is due and say, I ate this up pretty quickly. These stories continue to be very more-ish and accessible, and will easily grab even the most reluctant reader willing to give it a try. I didn't hate Skandar in this one either, which, huzzah! Steadman has clearly settled a little more into writing his voice so that he's not reflecting on every unbearably obnoxious thought in his head, and although featured less due to story reasons, Bobby, Mitchell and Flo continue to balance Skandar's neuroticism and buoy the book with their natural charm and fun.
I did find it funny Skandar lamented he 'couldn't stop thinking about Flo' when his narration absolutely did not reflect that lol. Their slow-burn, will-they-won't-they romance is very sweet, if, like last book, clumsily implemented, but again it doesn't detract from the reading experience and enriched some of the relationship issues.
The story itself, however, is where I took most issues with the story. It doesn't feel as cohesive and organic as the previous three books, and the story beats don't flow as well together. This thing needs to happen when convenient, and then this thing can happen, and then this thing can happen. It's rote, by-the-numbers and forced. Sometimes it felt like there were no consequences to things (cough, Agatha losing her unicorn).
Kenna is the primary antagonist this time around, and although she's much less annoying than in CHAOS TRIALS, she doesn't feel particularly threatening as a villain either. Her plans seemed absurd yet always worked because of an unbelievable level of incompetency I struggled to suspend my disbelief for. Were the authorities doing anything?? In the matter of a few... days? Weeks?... she suddenly amasses a huge army of riders of 'Originals' whose sole purpose is to bond with their now-wild unicorns and turn every unicorn on the Island wild as well. How did she get the word out without alerting anyone? Why did these people choose to follow her when she was the one who broke their bonds in the first place? Did no one think to search the Everhart Treehouse for her, since the preceding Weaver was an Everhart??
In equal footing, Commodore Rex Manning follows the path of his father towards evil, including evoking the typical cackling puppeteer type of villain. You're telling me he spends the entire year ignoring the Skeleton Curse to set himself up to win the Chaos Cup? Did not a single one of the Islanders stop and go, 'hey, nothing's been done about the thing that's essentially killing all the bonded unicorns' and think to, you know, follow up on that? What were the Council doing? The rest of the Silver Circle? It just seems extremely bizarre in that, if he succeeded, there wouldn't be any unicorns on the Island IN WHICH TO RULE OVER. Like, what was his grand plan after that meant to be? Lmfao.
I know he probably wagged his power of Commodore and Silver Circle Leader, but I struggle to believe there would be no one to oppose him, and it really reinforces how absurd it is that the Island's political and leadership decisions are given to whoever wins a silly race.
My only positive is that the twist at the end is excellent and I wouldn't have thought this book had the guts to do something as bold as that, but I do think CHAOS TRIALS had a better ending because it felt like more was at stake and there were more consequences to what happened.
I touched upon this in my previous review, but I had an inkling we wouldn't get any nuanced take on the idea of fate vs choice, and it's especially needed in this book. Because, imo, the bonds are unnatural and are fated, and despite her dubious methods, both Kenna and the Weaver are right to seek a way to upend that, but the book continues to write them as wrong and dangerous. Do Islanders not have, like, dogs or cats they don't have a magical bond with? Once the Skeleton Curse is reversed, all the broken-bonded unicorns revert as well. It's a very strange stance to take, ethically, although I have hope the last book (maybe in vain, lol) will at least open the main characters to questioning it, now that certain characters have had a change in heart.
A lot of my criticisms of this series can be boiled down to Steadman having the ambition but not the ability to pull off an idea, which is not necessarily a bad thing but doesn't make for an easy reading experience. SKELETON CURSE is fun and charming in the Skandar way, but its mired by its own lost potential – and I really hope the fifth book pulls it out of the bag.
WILL I READ ON? Duh.
LAST REVIEW
1: SKANDAR THE THE UNICORN THIEF ★★★☆☆
2: SKANDAR AND THE PHANTOM RIDER ★★★☆☆
3: SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS ★★★☆☆
5: SKANDAR AND THE SPIRIT WAR
—
A few theories/ predictions for Skandar #5:
- Flo obviously betrayed Skandar for a reason. They'll get together in the end.
- Someone close to Skandar has gotta die. The quartet are safe, so the next best option is Agatha, possibly Amber as well.
- I truly don't believe the whole Weaver thing is done. They will find a way to allow people to safely bond with wild unicorns.
—
4th July 2024:
Some predictions/ theories for Skandar #4:
- Nina's death was swept under a rug REAL fast, so I assume Rex Manning offed her.
- Kenna will become good again (if not at the end of #4, then certainly by the end of #5), and will either bond to her destined unicorn, OR will find a way to make bonding with wild unicorns safe.
- Speaking of, the dapple-grey? Not actually her unicorn. Skandar will attempt to Mend their bond and it will fail.
- With Agatha's unicorn dead, Agatha will surely follow.
- Bit of a wild shot, but Skandar will be in a love triangle between Flo and Amber.
The fourth outing of Skandar Smith and co. find themselves caught in the crossfire when a terrible curse that severs the bonds between unicorn and rider sweeps across the Island – and Skandar's sister Kenna is to blame. SKANDAR AND THE SKELETON CURSE follows almost directly on the heels of its predecessor – in both senses, as this book comes out only six months after CHAOS TRIALS.
And in my opinion, it shows.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be: contrived. As the penultimate book in a massive fantasy-adventure middle grade series, I was expecting to be blown away (or at least as close to possible as a series as middling as this can be), but unfortunately SKELETON CURSE fails to surpass CHAOS TRIALS in almost every way, even sometimes being worse. This isn't to say it's risible – what it does well it does great – but when I felt more engaged at the ending of CHAOS TRIALS something is wrong.
Very briefly I'll touch upon the writing which (frankly unsurprisingly) hasn't improved much, so be prepared to have your hand held with every line of thinking or bodily movement or dialogue tag. One day Steadman will trust her audience to know how someone is feeling without having to repeat it in narration (although this far into the series, anyone expecting anything better than 'gets the story across' is kidding themselves).
I have to give kudos where kudos is due and say, I ate this up pretty quickly. These stories continue to be very more-ish and accessible, and will easily grab even the most reluctant reader willing to give it a try. I didn't hate Skandar in this one either, which, huzzah! Steadman has clearly settled a little more into writing his voice so that he's not reflecting on every unbearably obnoxious thought in his head, and although featured less due to story reasons, Bobby, Mitchell and Flo continue to balance Skandar's neuroticism and buoy the book with their natural charm and fun.
I did find it funny Skandar lamented he 'couldn't stop thinking about Flo' when his narration absolutely did not reflect that lol. Their slow-burn, will-they-won't-they romance is very sweet, if, like last book, clumsily implemented, but again it doesn't detract from the reading experience and enriched some of the relationship issues.
The story itself, however, is where I took most issues with the story. It doesn't feel as cohesive and organic as the previous three books, and the story beats don't flow as well together. This thing needs to happen when convenient, and then this thing can happen, and then this thing can happen. It's rote, by-the-numbers and forced. Sometimes it felt like there were no consequences to things (cough, Agatha losing her unicorn).
Kenna is the primary antagonist this time around, and although she's much less annoying than in CHAOS TRIALS, she doesn't feel particularly threatening as a villain either. Her plans seemed absurd yet always worked because of an unbelievable level of incompetency I struggled to suspend my disbelief for. Were the authorities doing anything?? In the matter of a few... days? Weeks?... she suddenly amasses a huge army of riders of 'Originals' whose sole purpose is to bond with their now-wild unicorns and turn every unicorn on the Island wild as well. How did she get the word out without alerting anyone? Why did these people choose to follow her when she was the one who broke their bonds in the first place? Did no one think to search the Everhart Treehouse for her, since the preceding Weaver was an Everhart??
In equal footing, Commodore Rex Manning follows the path of his father towards evil, including evoking the typical cackling puppeteer type of villain. You're telling me he spends the entire year ignoring the Skeleton Curse to set himself up to win the Chaos Cup? Did not a single one of the Islanders stop and go, 'hey, nothing's been done about the thing that's essentially killing all the bonded unicorns' and think to, you know, follow up on that? What were the Council doing? The rest of the Silver Circle? It just seems extremely bizarre in that, if he succeeded, there wouldn't be any unicorns on the Island IN WHICH TO RULE OVER. Like, what was his grand plan after that meant to be? Lmfao.
I know he probably wagged his power of Commodore and Silver Circle Leader, but I struggle to believe there would be no one to oppose him, and it really reinforces how absurd it is that the Island's political and leadership decisions are given to whoever wins a silly race.
My only positive is that the twist at the end is excellent and I wouldn't have thought this book had the guts to do something as bold as that, but I do think CHAOS TRIALS had a better ending because it felt like more was at stake and there were more consequences to what happened.
I touched upon this in my previous review, but I had an inkling we wouldn't get any nuanced take on the idea of fate vs choice, and it's especially needed in this book. Because, imo, the bonds are unnatural and are fated, and despite her dubious methods, both Kenna and the Weaver are right to seek a way to upend that, but the book continues to write them as wrong and dangerous. Do Islanders not have, like, dogs or cats they don't have a magical bond with? Once the Skeleton Curse is reversed, all the broken-bonded unicorns revert as well. It's a very strange stance to take, ethically, although I have hope the last book (maybe in vain, lol) will at least open the main characters to questioning it, now that certain characters have had a change in heart.
A lot of my criticisms of this series can be boiled down to Steadman having the ambition but not the ability to pull off an idea, which is not necessarily a bad thing but doesn't make for an easy reading experience. SKELETON CURSE is fun and charming in the Skandar way, but its mired by its own lost potential – and I really hope the fifth book pulls it out of the bag.
WILL I READ ON? Duh.
LAST REVIEW
1: SKANDAR THE THE UNICORN THIEF ★★★☆☆
2: SKANDAR AND THE PHANTOM RIDER ★★★☆☆
3: SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS ★★★☆☆
5: SKANDAR AND THE SPIRIT WAR
—
A few theories/ predictions for Skandar #5:
- Flo obviously betrayed Skandar for a reason. They'll get together in the end.
- Someone close to Skandar has gotta die. The quartet are safe, so the next best option is Agatha, possibly Amber as well.
- I truly don't believe the whole Weaver thing is done. They will find a way to allow people to safely bond with wild unicorns.
—
4th July 2024:
Some predictions/ theories for Skandar #4:
- Nina's death was swept under a rug REAL fast, so I assume Rex Manning offed her.
- Kenna will become good again (if not at the end of #4, then certainly by the end of #5), and will either bond to her destined unicorn, OR will find a way to make bonding with wild unicorns safe.
- Speaking of, the dapple-grey? Not actually her unicorn. Skandar will attempt to Mend their bond and it will fail.
- With Agatha's unicorn dead, Agatha will surely follow.
- Bit of a wild shot, but Skandar will be in a love triangle between Flo and Amber.
February 14, 2025
i have no words…
someone get me book 5 RIGHT NOW
someone get me book 5 RIGHT NOW
November 3, 2024
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, EVER! I can say no more. I am blown away! I am crying, actually crying. AMAZING!
August 17, 2025
hey uhh hey dude what hey what huh hey uhhh book 5 pls
October 6, 2024
Devoured in under 24 hours. I don’t know whether to cry or cheer now I’m at the end of it.
October 17, 2024
So damn good yet also so damn anger inducing. Fantastic series, cannot wait for the next book
October 22, 2024
In my opinion this book needed more time before it came out. Getting through this book took considerable effort and honestly I just buckled down because I felt like if I didn’t finish it quickly I never would. I think the plot points in this book were very underdeveloped and didn’t completely make sense. I hated having to read from Kennas point of view because I’m sorry she killed unicorns how the hell is she suddenly going to be one of the good guys and helping Skandar. I don’t care if she was lonely that doesn’t justify anything. Rex felt like a textbook villain even though I could tell the author was trying to make him more deep than he actually came across.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
As before, is this a book for 10 year olds? Yes
How old am I? 32
Did I give this book 5 stars? Yes
The fourth Skandar book is the best one in the series for me. Yes, the writing is a bit simplistic sometimes but the themes of the book are so engaging and gripping that I had to give it five stars. Just because it’s a children’s book doesn’t mean it can’t be thoughtful and heartwarming and then rip your heart out at the twist at the end.
And now we have to wait until August to find out what happens next because seriously, WTF at that ending.
How old am I? 32
Did I give this book 5 stars? Yes
The fourth Skandar book is the best one in the series for me. Yes, the writing is a bit simplistic sometimes but the themes of the book are so engaging and gripping that I had to give it five stars. Just because it’s a children’s book doesn’t mean it can’t be thoughtful and heartwarming and then rip your heart out at the twist at the end.
And now we have to wait until August to find out what happens next because seriously, WTF at that ending.
October 18, 2024
Ok, so generally, I loved this book! I appreciate that this book was a lot of setting up for the next one, but I still enjoyed it, and it just strengthened my opinions of all the characters. Well... almost all of them. I'll get to that in a minute.
I feel like this book has three main "components", if you will, so I'll go one by one. This part contains spoilers, so be warned!
- One of the antagonists, and the one from the previous book was Kenna. She was great for tying the plots of the previous three books into this new one, and honestly, girl, I feel you 😭😭😭. I like her so much that I felt a wave of relief when she accepted Skandar forgiving her, and she helped him?? This goes into S tier plot twists, I'm so here for it. I also loved the plot to do with the wild unicorns, it certainly raised the stakes. Is this the end of Goshawk???? Who knows.
- The other main antagonist is Rex Manning, who somehow is Commodore and head of the Silver Circle, and who knows how that was allowed to happen. Of course that gives him loads of power to do crazy things, including invading the Mainland (which is the plot of the next book it seems), which had me shocked when I first heard that. He's just the perfect villain, and it's crazy how for the final book the villain is gonna be someone in power rather than any variation of the Weaver.
- But the part about Flo? You cannot convince me that she would betray Skandar. I know she's being controlled and probably threatened by Rex, but she's been rebellious before, I don't know why she would stop now. I did ship Skandar and Flo until this, but now I don't know how to feel 😭 I hope my guy Skandar sorts his love life out, and saves Flo from being brainwashed :")
Overall, this book gets 4 stars! If you made it this far, I would seriously advise you to read it if you haven't, or recommend it to others if you have.
Oh, and seriously, give Agatha a gun, she deserves it at this point.
I feel like this book has three main "components", if you will, so I'll go one by one. This part contains spoilers, so be warned!
- One of the antagonists, and the one from the previous book was Kenna. She was great for tying the plots of the previous three books into this new one, and honestly, girl, I feel you 😭😭😭. I like her so much that I felt a wave of relief when she accepted Skandar forgiving her, and she helped him?? This goes into S tier plot twists, I'm so here for it. I also loved the plot to do with the wild unicorns, it certainly raised the stakes. Is this the end of Goshawk???? Who knows.
- The other main antagonist is Rex Manning, who somehow is Commodore and head of the Silver Circle, and who knows how that was allowed to happen. Of course that gives him loads of power to do crazy things, including invading the Mainland (which is the plot of the next book it seems), which had me shocked when I first heard that. He's just the perfect villain, and it's crazy how for the final book the villain is gonna be someone in power rather than any variation of the Weaver.
- But the part about Flo? You cannot convince me that she would betray Skandar. I know she's being controlled and probably threatened by Rex, but she's been rebellious before, I don't know why she would stop now. I did ship Skandar and Flo until this, but now I don't know how to feel 😭 I hope my guy Skandar sorts his love life out, and saves Flo from being brainwashed :")
Overall, this book gets 4 stars! If you made it this far, I would seriously advise you to read it if you haven't, or recommend it to others if you have.
Oh, and seriously, give Agatha a gun, she deserves it at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
I Love it!! Also don't start hating on Kenna too much but also FLO???? HOW DARE YOU! i shall never forgive her for what she did. what did she do? read to find out
January 19, 2025
This book was plot twisting and suspenseful! I got emotional at some parts , then angry at other parts. And now time for the spoilers!!!
Flo is a traitor!! And I thought she was a good person!
When Skandar became the commodore, I was so excited!
And then Flo turns around and is a traitor! And he loved her! He loved her! And she’s a TRAITOR! I feel very betrayed!
Skandar getting arrested! I cried! Seriosly!
When I found out Skandar was a double elemental I was thinking” it’s over for him.”
Then at the end, Kenna is going to bust him out of prison! What a sister/traitor!
Then Random Meerkat ( Rex Manning) is going to take over he mainlands! I can’t. I just can’t.
When Rex thought it felt good to be back as commodore, I was thinki “sure. Yeah. Everyone thinks you’re a star.”
I don’t know if I can survive till September second for the fifth book. (Let’s hope the release date dose not change!)📚
Well anyways, this book is probably my favorite book ever! Probably my favorite series too!
Flo is a traitor!! And I thought she was a good person!
When Skandar became the commodore, I was so excited!
And then Flo turns around and is a traitor! And he loved her! He loved her! And she’s a TRAITOR! I feel very betrayed!
Skandar getting arrested! I cried! Seriosly!
When I found out Skandar was a double elemental I was thinking” it’s over for him.”
Then at the end, Kenna is going to bust him out of prison! What a sister/traitor!
Then Random Meerkat ( Rex Manning) is going to take over he mainlands! I can’t. I just can’t.
When Rex thought it felt good to be back as commodore, I was thinki “sure. Yeah. Everyone thinks you’re a star.”
I don’t know if I can survive till September second for the fifth book. (Let’s hope the release date dose not change!)📚
Well anyways, this book is probably my favorite book ever! Probably my favorite series too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
Wow. Book Hangover alert! What a great book. The ending was so shocking. I literally started shouting at the character who caused said shock for about 10 minutes. I won't say who or what happened but just know Skandar came off the worse for it! The story was addictive and so enjoyable. I know I say this a fair bit with this series but the world is so immersive and imaginative. It is perfect for kids and adults. I read these just for me and I'm happy to tell that from the roof tops! The book as always is written beautifully and is very descriptive. The story is written in third person. Mostly from Skandar's point of view. We have our interludes with Kenna again from her perspective. The characters were all wonderful as always. I do love Agatha. I think it's also safe to say that Rex Manning is more despicable than his father Dorian! I'm really excited for Skandar 5 when it drops!
December 27, 2024
The audacity once again.
Do not sleep on this series. If you are looking for magical escapism with forged friendships, twists, turns, emotional turmoil and thrilling action - dive in, and be distraught with the rest of us.
Do not sleep on this series. If you are looking for magical escapism with forged friendships, twists, turns, emotional turmoil and thrilling action - dive in, and be distraught with the rest of us.
didn-t-read-because-reasons
January 30, 2025Unicorns hatch from eggs. I bet you didn’t know that.
June 29, 2025
OMG 😲 😱 !!!!!!
This book deserves a 5-star review. A.F. Steadman's imagination is incredible!
Now I am waiting till September to get her 5th book : Skandar and the Spirit War. The cover looks fantastic . I can't wait to read it 😍 :)
This book deserves a 5-star review. A.F. Steadman's imagination is incredible!
Now I am waiting till September to get her 5th book : Skandar and the Spirit War. The cover looks fantastic . I can't wait to read it 😍 :)
November 14, 2024
”But Skandar was not afraid. He was furious. And he was done. This was not the Eyrie he loved. This was not the Island he had dreamed of. It didn’t exist any more – perhaps it never had. Hoping for change was no longer enough; Skandar would have to bring the change. Because he didn’t want others to suffer the way he had, to be forced to hide themselves away."
4,5/5!
Still reeling from the loss of his mother and finding out his sister has chosen to go down a path of darkness, Skandar simply tries to get by and navigate the Island which is becoming more and more hostile towards spirit-wielders. When a strange curse hits the Island, targeting one elemental group at a time, the Commodore Rex Manning begins to tighten his grip. Can Skandar and his friends fight back? What is Rex planning, and why is Kenna targeting unicorns?
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse was wonderful, just like every book in this series. It was not quite as incredible as books two and three, but I still had a blast from page one. I don't have anything big to complain about, I just think I preferred the more tight-knit plots of the first books. This story is a lot bigger and goes in some wild directions, which was great for the world-building and character development, but made me miss the school-centred narratives. I think this book is a real turning point in this series and was absolutely necessary for the last book to hit as hard as possible, so I am in no way blaming Steadman for going this route. The difference, this time, between a 4,5 and 5 is minuscule but I wanted to differentiate my faves in this series somehow. Steadman's world continues to be whimsical and magical, full of loveable characters, intense battles and flight sequences, wholesome friendships and some really solid commentary that might help young readers think about big real-life stuff like politics, prejudice, oppression and so on in a way that is easy and appropriate for them. Steadman has something to say with her books and I think she nails it, perfectly balancing between the fun and the serious, the dark and the adventurous. We also get a ton of new fun lore, especially regarding the Spirit element and the Bards (I thought they were just slightly hippie-esque weirdos but oh boy was I wrong), and the central mystery of the Skeleton Curse was just the right amount of creepy. As someone who adores unicorns, I was devastated to see them targeted and hurt.
The main four kids - Skandar, Bobby, Flo and Mitchell - continue to develop beautifully. I love them all with my whole heart, and I loved how each of them showed, in this book, in their own ways how much they have grown and how being friends has shaped them. Mitchell is more confident than ever, no longer hung up on his dad's opinions, while Bobby (though still as ambitious and angry as ever) tries her best to be a better sister (Isa was such a delightful angry gremlin of a lil girl), a better friend and is ready to sacrifice her biggest goals to do the right thing, and Flo, who has always been a people-pleaser and someone who sticks by the rules, shows some real rebellious spirit. It was also intriguing, and a bit heartbreaking, to see how they have all began to lose their innocence and their naivety. They are forced to admit to themselves that the Eyrie is not what it used to be, that perhaps it never was anything like the dream they all shared, and that the world is a cruel, toxic place. I'd say in this book the kids grow up a lot, become teenagers and young adults, children no longer. They've been put through a lot, especially Skandar, who had to witness not just the death of his mother and the violence of his sister, but who is also constantly targeted by anti-Spirit sentiment. I loved how The relationships between the kids and their unicorns - and the whole idea of unicorn-rider bonds – continues to be wonderfully done and something that tugs at my heartstrings.
The friendship between these four also continues to be so beautifully written. It's lovely how they stick up for one another, protect each other, tease and make fun of each other and accept each other's mistakes and flaws. I loved this quote from Mitchell: ”What we have to remember – no matter what they say or do – is that we’ll always be a quartet. We chose each other. And we keep choosing each other. They can’t take that away from us." The ones whose bond shone, for me, the brightest in this book was that between Bobby and Skandar. When she said "If being friends with you is a crime, then I’m very comfortable being a criminal", I smiled so much. I also have to point just how delightful is to read a book where the boys have such close, emotional relationships. Mitchell and Skandar talk about everything - fears, worries, first kisses - and they cry openly in front of each other and the rest of their friends, and no one makes them feel silly or weak, but approaches their emotions with empathy and care. There's no toxic masculinity to be found among this group of pals and it gives me life. On the romance side, I really love how cute and sweet Mitchell and Jamie are, and how Jamie still remains his own independent character outside of Mitchell. Flo and Skandar have some interesting development in the book which left me quite impatient for the last book. Also, am I insane or is there something going on between Amber and Bobby?! I'd die for a sapphic rivals-to-lovers storyline for them.
The side characters also develop well. It was so sad seeing Agatha again cause even though she tries her best to be strong for Skandar, she is broken and hollowed out by the loss of her unicorn. Her and Skandar's aunt-nephew bond was fun to read about, as always. Amber's redemption arc from a mean girl bully to a girl who is still annoying and a bit mean but firmly one of the good guys has been a delight to follow. Kenna is going through it and a really good example of a villain who is both scary and someone we feel empathy for, because while she does horrible things, we know how horribly she herself has been treated and we can understand why she is spiralling. Steadman is not pretending what she does is okay just because she is a victim too: instead, she lets Kenna be complex and difficult, horrible and broken. The end of Kenna's arc in this book was so good, and I cannot Rex Manning is a really fun villain (more on why I think he is a great villain for kids to read about later) and I like how there are these hints about why he might've become this cruel and manipulative. There is a reason behind his actions, but whatever it is, it is also not there, just like with Kenna, to excuse his actions. Every scene he was in made my skin crawl because he feels like such a realistic villain while also being appropriately dramatic and #evil for a kids' fantasy book.
As is the case for pretty much every middle grade or low YA series, the Skandar books have also gotten darker with every book. The Skeleton Curse deals with similar themes as the previous three, but goes even deeper with them than before. As Rex tightens his rule, the treatment of the spirit element and those who wield it becomes more and more hostile, and through Skandar's eyes, the reader is forced to see how people in power can slowly but surely erode the rights of people they deem as less than human, less valuable, somehow dangerous. I think Rex is a great villain for kids to read about because there are so many people like him in the world, charismatic leaders who use their powers of speech and their beauty and talent to manipulate people, feed their hatred and fan the flames of their prejudice. I hope this book and series can make kids think about how easy it is for people to fall for lies and propaganda, how quickly we can turn on each other in times of crisis and how the real villains are often the ones who do not look the part but the ones who present themselves as morally upstanding saviours. As O'Sullivan (an absolute icon) says to Skandar: ”In my experience, sometimes the most dangerous men are the ones who style themselves as our saviours.” Reading this book after the US presidential election of 2024 made the events hit so hard, as reading about the Island falling into a cesspool of prejudice, hatred, lies and legalised oppression hit way too close to home. This quote from Skandar made me sigh with frustration at not just the world of the book, but the world I live in: ”And some ember of hope he’d been fighting to keep alive… died. Deep down he’d believed that the Island and its people would choose peace over war, good over evil. But they were letting fear and prejudice and hatred rule them, and the crushing disappointment of it made it hard for Skandar to breathe.”
But on the flip side, I also like what this book has to say about resistance and what it might teach the kids who read the book. Skandar has, thus far, been trying to heal the Eyrie from within, but in this book he is forced to decide whether that is worth it or even possible. I think it's a great lesson for young readers. You cannot always take the high road, be the bigger person and change something from within, because sometimes a system is too broken to be fixed in that way. Resistance also comes in many forms, just like its dark flip-side, oppression. Sometimes rebelling is turning your back on an institution and declaring you are no longer a part of it, voicing your anger publicly, while sometimes resistance is covertly breaking the rules, helping someone continue their fight, offering shelter to those targeted or simply standing by someone's side. One of the most integral messages of the book, for me, is that sometimes disobedience is the best thing we can do, the one thing we all must do. No one deserves respect and reverence just because of their political status: respect is earned and if someone in a position of power is actively treating you or the people around you poorly and hurting you, you are under no compulsion to revere them or listen to them. As someone who really enjoys stories about resistance movements and rebellions, all of this was so much fun for me. I also appreciated what the book had to say about the harm that internalised shame and self-hatred causes, and of the value of someone seeing you as you are and accepting you, as, even if you accept yourself, the other side of true belonging is others giving you space to be yourself. I think these moments will be comforting for many a queer young reader or other people who feel ostracised or left out. I loved how, on the side of the good guys, we have queer kids, disabled kids and kids of color. Not everyone has a big role, but one thing is clear: the heroes accept everyone, the heroes embrace diversity and the villains want to tamp it down.
I pray that the final book in this series comes out next year. I cannot wait to see how all the storylines are wrapped up and what Steadman has in store for Skandar and his friends. I will also be devastated to say goodbye to them, as this series is truly one of my all-time favourites and these characters have become a part of me, forever stored in my heart.
4,5/5!
Still reeling from the loss of his mother and finding out his sister has chosen to go down a path of darkness, Skandar simply tries to get by and navigate the Island which is becoming more and more hostile towards spirit-wielders. When a strange curse hits the Island, targeting one elemental group at a time, the Commodore Rex Manning begins to tighten his grip. Can Skandar and his friends fight back? What is Rex planning, and why is Kenna targeting unicorns?
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse was wonderful, just like every book in this series. It was not quite as incredible as books two and three, but I still had a blast from page one. I don't have anything big to complain about, I just think I preferred the more tight-knit plots of the first books. This story is a lot bigger and goes in some wild directions, which was great for the world-building and character development, but made me miss the school-centred narratives. I think this book is a real turning point in this series and was absolutely necessary for the last book to hit as hard as possible, so I am in no way blaming Steadman for going this route. The difference, this time, between a 4,5 and 5 is minuscule but I wanted to differentiate my faves in this series somehow. Steadman's world continues to be whimsical and magical, full of loveable characters, intense battles and flight sequences, wholesome friendships and some really solid commentary that might help young readers think about big real-life stuff like politics, prejudice, oppression and so on in a way that is easy and appropriate for them. Steadman has something to say with her books and I think she nails it, perfectly balancing between the fun and the serious, the dark and the adventurous. We also get a ton of new fun lore, especially regarding the Spirit element and the Bards (I thought they were just slightly hippie-esque weirdos but oh boy was I wrong), and the central mystery of the Skeleton Curse was just the right amount of creepy. As someone who adores unicorns, I was devastated to see them targeted and hurt.
The main four kids - Skandar, Bobby, Flo and Mitchell - continue to develop beautifully. I love them all with my whole heart, and I loved how each of them showed, in this book, in their own ways how much they have grown and how being friends has shaped them. Mitchell is more confident than ever, no longer hung up on his dad's opinions, while Bobby (though still as ambitious and angry as ever) tries her best to be a better sister (Isa was such a delightful angry gremlin of a lil girl), a better friend and is ready to sacrifice her biggest goals to do the right thing, and Flo, who has always been a people-pleaser and someone who sticks by the rules, shows some real rebellious spirit. It was also intriguing, and a bit heartbreaking, to see how they have all began to lose their innocence and their naivety. They are forced to admit to themselves that the Eyrie is not what it used to be, that perhaps it never was anything like the dream they all shared, and that the world is a cruel, toxic place. I'd say in this book the kids grow up a lot, become teenagers and young adults, children no longer. They've been put through a lot, especially Skandar, who had to witness not just the death of his mother and the violence of his sister, but who is also constantly targeted by anti-Spirit sentiment. I loved how The relationships between the kids and their unicorns - and the whole idea of unicorn-rider bonds – continues to be wonderfully done and something that tugs at my heartstrings.
The friendship between these four also continues to be so beautifully written. It's lovely how they stick up for one another, protect each other, tease and make fun of each other and accept each other's mistakes and flaws. I loved this quote from Mitchell: ”What we have to remember – no matter what they say or do – is that we’ll always be a quartet. We chose each other. And we keep choosing each other. They can’t take that away from us." The ones whose bond shone, for me, the brightest in this book was that between Bobby and Skandar. When she said "If being friends with you is a crime, then I’m very comfortable being a criminal", I smiled so much. I also have to point just how delightful is to read a book where the boys have such close, emotional relationships. Mitchell and Skandar talk about everything - fears, worries, first kisses - and they cry openly in front of each other and the rest of their friends, and no one makes them feel silly or weak, but approaches their emotions with empathy and care. There's no toxic masculinity to be found among this group of pals and it gives me life. On the romance side, I really love how cute and sweet Mitchell and Jamie are, and how Jamie still remains his own independent character outside of Mitchell. Flo and Skandar have some interesting development in the book which left me quite impatient for the last book. Also, am I insane or is there something going on between Amber and Bobby?! I'd die for a sapphic rivals-to-lovers storyline for them.
The side characters also develop well. It was so sad seeing Agatha again cause even though she tries her best to be strong for Skandar, she is broken and hollowed out by the loss of her unicorn. Her and Skandar's aunt-nephew bond was fun to read about, as always. Amber's redemption arc from a mean girl bully to a girl who is still annoying and a bit mean but firmly one of the good guys has been a delight to follow. Kenna is going through it and a really good example of a villain who is both scary and someone we feel empathy for, because while she does horrible things, we know how horribly she herself has been treated and we can understand why she is spiralling. Steadman is not pretending what she does is okay just because she is a victim too: instead, she lets Kenna be complex and difficult, horrible and broken. The end of Kenna's arc in this book was so good, and I cannot Rex Manning is a really fun villain (more on why I think he is a great villain for kids to read about later) and I like how there are these hints about why he might've become this cruel and manipulative. There is a reason behind his actions, but whatever it is, it is also not there, just like with Kenna, to excuse his actions. Every scene he was in made my skin crawl because he feels like such a realistic villain while also being appropriately dramatic and #evil for a kids' fantasy book.
As is the case for pretty much every middle grade or low YA series, the Skandar books have also gotten darker with every book. The Skeleton Curse deals with similar themes as the previous three, but goes even deeper with them than before. As Rex tightens his rule, the treatment of the spirit element and those who wield it becomes more and more hostile, and through Skandar's eyes, the reader is forced to see how people in power can slowly but surely erode the rights of people they deem as less than human, less valuable, somehow dangerous. I think Rex is a great villain for kids to read about because there are so many people like him in the world, charismatic leaders who use their powers of speech and their beauty and talent to manipulate people, feed their hatred and fan the flames of their prejudice. I hope this book and series can make kids think about how easy it is for people to fall for lies and propaganda, how quickly we can turn on each other in times of crisis and how the real villains are often the ones who do not look the part but the ones who present themselves as morally upstanding saviours. As O'Sullivan (an absolute icon) says to Skandar: ”In my experience, sometimes the most dangerous men are the ones who style themselves as our saviours.” Reading this book after the US presidential election of 2024 made the events hit so hard, as reading about the Island falling into a cesspool of prejudice, hatred, lies and legalised oppression hit way too close to home. This quote from Skandar made me sigh with frustration at not just the world of the book, but the world I live in: ”And some ember of hope he’d been fighting to keep alive… died. Deep down he’d believed that the Island and its people would choose peace over war, good over evil. But they were letting fear and prejudice and hatred rule them, and the crushing disappointment of it made it hard for Skandar to breathe.”
But on the flip side, I also like what this book has to say about resistance and what it might teach the kids who read the book. Skandar has, thus far, been trying to heal the Eyrie from within, but in this book he is forced to decide whether that is worth it or even possible. I think it's a great lesson for young readers. You cannot always take the high road, be the bigger person and change something from within, because sometimes a system is too broken to be fixed in that way. Resistance also comes in many forms, just like its dark flip-side, oppression. Sometimes rebelling is turning your back on an institution and declaring you are no longer a part of it, voicing your anger publicly, while sometimes resistance is covertly breaking the rules, helping someone continue their fight, offering shelter to those targeted or simply standing by someone's side. One of the most integral messages of the book, for me, is that sometimes disobedience is the best thing we can do, the one thing we all must do. No one deserves respect and reverence just because of their political status: respect is earned and if someone in a position of power is actively treating you or the people around you poorly and hurting you, you are under no compulsion to revere them or listen to them. As someone who really enjoys stories about resistance movements and rebellions, all of this was so much fun for me. I also appreciated what the book had to say about the harm that internalised shame and self-hatred causes, and of the value of someone seeing you as you are and accepting you, as, even if you accept yourself, the other side of true belonging is others giving you space to be yourself. I think these moments will be comforting for many a queer young reader or other people who feel ostracised or left out. I loved how, on the side of the good guys, we have queer kids, disabled kids and kids of color. Not everyone has a big role, but one thing is clear: the heroes accept everyone, the heroes embrace diversity and the villains want to tamp it down.
I pray that the final book in this series comes out next year. I cannot wait to see how all the storylines are wrapped up and what Steadman has in store for Skandar and his friends. I will also be devastated to say goodbye to them, as this series is truly one of my all-time favourites and these characters have become a part of me, forever stored in my heart.
December 6, 2024
Echt zo'n geweldig boek en serie!!!!! Echt ook een enorme plottwist met een cliffhanger aan het eind!!!! Hopelijk komt het volgende deel snel
October 27, 2024
With just as much heart, action and tension as the previous books in the series, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse was, once again, impossible to put down and heaps of fun. I’m already desperately in need of book five because that ending was incredibly intense!
October 14, 2024
This has got to be, without a doubt, one of the most disappointing series of books I’ve ever read. The potential being thrown away from book to book is astounding.
Characters are just repeated descriptions of their mutations. There are so many awkwardly named unicorns that they merge into nothing. No character seems distinct and none behave in realistic ways.
The ending is pure drivel at best, with revelations of this alleged invasion of the mainland, like modern technology couldn’t hold back some fucking unicorns. And Margate? MARGATE? As the start of a UK invasion, we’re going to some shitty seaside town? What’s Rex going to wear, a kiss me quick hat?
Honestly, the world building in this series is so bad. How long does it take to traverse this island? Days? Minutes? Everything is just messy and unfocused. Nothing ever seems to happen ever. Most of the world is flat and only serves to further Skandar who is also completely personality free.
I rue even starting this series.
Characters are just repeated descriptions of their mutations. There are so many awkwardly named unicorns that they merge into nothing. No character seems distinct and none behave in realistic ways.
The ending is pure drivel at best, with revelations of this alleged invasion of the mainland, like modern technology couldn’t hold back some fucking unicorns. And Margate? MARGATE? As the start of a UK invasion, we’re going to some shitty seaside town? What’s Rex going to wear, a kiss me quick hat?
Honestly, the world building in this series is so bad. How long does it take to traverse this island? Days? Minutes? Everything is just messy and unfocused. Nothing ever seems to happen ever. Most of the world is flat and only serves to further Skandar who is also completely personality free.
I rue even starting this series.
January 7, 2025
This was the best one yet! Excellent fast pace, jaw dropping twists, heart wrenching & also warming! A applaud you Steadman & I will struggle waiting for the final book!
April 2, 2025
It was amazing and perfectly crafted, just like the others.
June 9, 2025
Es vienkārši nevaru. Šī ir vislabākā grāmata pasaulē❗️❗️❗️❗️
Katrā nodaļā mans ķermenis kņudēja satraukumā un vēlmē uzzināt, kas notiks tālāk! Arī kad nelasīju "Skandars un skeleta lāsts" neizgāja no mana prāta un bija vēlme turpināt!
Man galvā pēc šī meistardarba pabeigšanas vispār viss ir putrā, bet mēģināšu uzrakstīt saprotami.
1) Kā Flo tā varēja?!??!?!?!??! Kā viņa varēja Skandaru nodot?????? Un kāpēc? Es viņai nekad nepiedošu par šo gājienu!
2) Žēl to vienradžu, kas pārvērtās, bet vēl vairāk žēl to cilvēku, KURU vienradži pārvērtās! Viņi nav to pelnījuši!
3) Kā pie varas var pielaist tādu cilvēku kā Rekss Mānings? Viņiem galvās viss ir kārtībā?
4) Ko viņiem ir nodarījusi Vidiene? Kāpēc viņiem ir jādodas karā pret pilnīgi nevainīgiem cilvēkiem?
5) Man ir patiesībā ❤️🔥MILZĪGS❤️🔥 prieks par Kennu! Frāze "es tev piedodu" izteica visu. Tā kā tiešām visu!! Un pēdējie Kennas vārdi "Mēs dosimies karā" izteica vēl vairāk un apstiprināja, ka viņa patiesībā nav ļauna, vienīgi salauzta iekšienē. Un man ir viņas žēl.
6) Es apbrīnoju Skandara sabiedrotos! Kā viņi tik ilgi varēja noturēties un viņu atbalstīt? Un nepadoties? Tas ir kaut kas ārpus šīs pasaules!
Zinu, ka vairāk man ir jautājumu nekā atbilžu tāpēc lūdzu MAN VAJAG PIEKTO GRĀMATU!!!!! Man to izmisīgi vajag!🫨🫨🫨
Un tā kā piedalos lasīšanas stafetē ar šo grāmatu uzrakstīšu arī "kurā tēlā tu vēlētos iejusties", jo liekas, ka tas ir nepieciešams. Tātad:
Es vēlētos būt Florence, jo kopumā jau viņa ir ļoooti jauka un uzticaam meitene! Tikai viņa nodeva Skandaru un ar to es NEKAD nesadzīvošu, jo Skandars viņu mīl💔 Es gribētu būt viņa, jo vēlos vairāk noskaidrot par Sudraba Citadeli un Flo iemeslus nodošanai. Tas brīdismani salauza! Es nespēju samierināties ar šo nodevību! Ceru, ka nākamajā un pēdēja grāmatā ar viņiem notiks kaut kas no šī -
1) Flo ir labs izskaidrojums un Skandars viņai piedod
Vai arī
2) Skandars noslēdzas no viņas un nerunā, jo Flo ir nostājusies pretējā pusē
Vai arī
3) Kāds kas nav Skandars vienkārši atbrīvojas no Flo
Visi, manuprāt, būtu vienlīdz labi, kaut gan ceru uz 1. variantu es spētu samierināties arī ar pārējiem, jo nespēju piedot Flo.
Lietas, ko būtu mainījusi:
1) Agatu nebūtu notvēruši
2) Instruktore O'Salivana tik tiešām pievienotos Skandaram
3) Skandars tiktu atzīts par komodoru, bet viņš būtu komodors, kas iebāzts cietumā.
Šīs ir manas domas par sižeta mainīšanu un es piebildīšu tikai vienu lietu... MAN VAJAG NĀKAMO GRĀMATUUUUUUUUU
Katrā nodaļā mans ķermenis kņudēja satraukumā un vēlmē uzzināt, kas notiks tālāk! Arī kad nelasīju "Skandars un skeleta lāsts" neizgāja no mana prāta un bija vēlme turpināt!
Man galvā pēc šī meistardarba pabeigšanas vispār viss ir putrā, bet mēģināšu uzrakstīt saprotami.
1) Kā Flo tā varēja?!??!?!?!??! Kā viņa varēja Skandaru nodot?????? Un kāpēc? Es viņai nekad nepiedošu par šo gājienu!
2) Žēl to vienradžu, kas pārvērtās, bet vēl vairāk žēl to cilvēku, KURU vienradži pārvērtās! Viņi nav to pelnījuši!
3) Kā pie varas var pielaist tādu cilvēku kā Rekss Mānings? Viņiem galvās viss ir kārtībā?
4) Ko viņiem ir nodarījusi Vidiene? Kāpēc viņiem ir jādodas karā pret pilnīgi nevainīgiem cilvēkiem?
5) Man ir patiesībā ❤️🔥MILZĪGS❤️🔥 prieks par Kennu! Frāze "es tev piedodu" izteica visu. Tā kā tiešām visu!! Un pēdējie Kennas vārdi "Mēs dosimies karā" izteica vēl vairāk un apstiprināja, ka viņa patiesībā nav ļauna, vienīgi salauzta iekšienē. Un man ir viņas žēl.
6) Es apbrīnoju Skandara sabiedrotos! Kā viņi tik ilgi varēja noturēties un viņu atbalstīt? Un nepadoties? Tas ir kaut kas ārpus šīs pasaules!
Zinu, ka vairāk man ir jautājumu nekā atbilžu tāpēc lūdzu MAN VAJAG PIEKTO GRĀMATU!!!!! Man to izmisīgi vajag!🫨🫨🫨
Un tā kā piedalos lasīšanas stafetē ar šo grāmatu uzrakstīšu arī "kurā tēlā tu vēlētos iejusties", jo liekas, ka tas ir nepieciešams. Tātad:
Es vēlētos būt Florence, jo kopumā jau viņa ir ļoooti jauka un uzticaam meitene! Tikai viņa nodeva Skandaru un ar to es NEKAD nesadzīvošu, jo Skandars viņu mīl💔 Es gribētu būt viņa, jo vēlos vairāk noskaidrot par Sudraba Citadeli un Flo iemeslus nodošanai. Tas brīdismani salauza! Es nespēju samierināties ar šo nodevību! Ceru, ka nākamajā un pēdēja grāmatā ar viņiem notiks kaut kas no šī -
1) Flo ir labs izskaidrojums un Skandars viņai piedod
Vai arī
2) Skandars noslēdzas no viņas un nerunā, jo Flo ir nostājusies pretējā pusē
Vai arī
3) Kāds kas nav Skandars vienkārši atbrīvojas no Flo
Visi, manuprāt, būtu vienlīdz labi, kaut gan ceru uz 1. variantu es spētu samierināties arī ar pārējiem, jo nespēju piedot Flo.
Lietas, ko būtu mainījusi:
1) Agatu nebūtu notvēruši
2) Instruktore O'Salivana tik tiešām pievienotos Skandaram
3) Skandars tiktu atzīts par komodoru, bet viņš būtu komodors, kas iebāzts cietumā.
Šīs ir manas domas par sižeta mainīšanu un es piebildīšu tikai vienu lietu... MAN VAJAG NĀKAMO GRĀMATUUUUUUUUU
October 25, 2024
This book never left me unsatisfied in any way possible because of how much A.F Steadman brings the characters to life and gives them each different abilities and personalities, making them perfect for skandar
For starters Rex is the perfect antagonist that you just love to hate, and he just keeps getting better and better, shoeing his true colors, by locking Skandar up at the end, and making it a crime to assist him in anyway, and don't even get me started on how AMAZING the epilough was.. perfect
Another thing I want to point out is how well A.F Steadman is designing Agatha, and how well we get to see how she is doing in the ups and downs after losing swan, I just love her overall she is a great character ☺
At the end you truly get to see how much of a bond family can have, with how Skandar calls for parley, and how Kenna gets herself caught and thrown in jail to save skandar, and closes love over immortality
One thing that made me mad, but makes perfect sense was how Flo betrayed Skandar and chose to help Rex... what made me sad was that they both were starting to show feelings for each other, and then it was ruined, because of how much Flo wanted to belive Rex wasn't a bad guy 😔
I also didn't really like how Alfred didn't really have an opinion, he just wanted to be with Kenna even if it ment his unicorn would be taken along with the entire islands...
But yeah that's my review 😉
For starters Rex is the perfect antagonist that you just love to hate, and he just keeps getting better and better, shoeing his true colors, by locking Skandar up at the end, and making it a crime to assist him in anyway, and don't even get me started on how AMAZING the epilough was.. perfect
Another thing I want to point out is how well A.F Steadman is designing Agatha, and how well we get to see how she is doing in the ups and downs after losing swan, I just love her overall she is a great character ☺
At the end you truly get to see how much of a bond family can have, with how Skandar calls for parley, and how Kenna gets herself caught and thrown in jail to save skandar, and closes love over immortality
One thing that made me mad, but makes perfect sense was how Flo betrayed Skandar and chose to help Rex... what made me sad was that they both were starting to show feelings for each other, and then it was ruined, because of how much Flo wanted to belive Rex wasn't a bad guy 😔
I also didn't really like how Alfred didn't really have an opinion, he just wanted to be with Kenna even if it ment his unicorn would be taken along with the entire islands...
But yeah that's my review 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
The pacing is fantastic, with non-stop momentum and just enough breathing room for character growth. Flo’s arc especially stood out, her moment of betrayal and redemption added complexity and heartbreak. Kenna continues to be a powerhouse, and the final reveal about the traitor had me gasping.
By the end, I felt satisfied, surprised, and even more invested in what’s to come. The Eyrie may have changed, but so has Skandar, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
By the end, I felt satisfied, surprised, and even more invested in what’s to come. The Eyrie may have changed, but so has Skandar, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
August 10, 2025
This was by FAR my favourite installment of this series. The stakes were sooo high and the tension was just so well done and I genuinely was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this book. Like I was cheering scared emotional and angry. Like imagine Umbridge level angry.
September 4, 2025
4.5/5
This was great however did not expect a tournament section, and I actually felt like that pulled away from the threat. That being said I wish I'd read this as a kid as I'd have been obsessed.
Also I love that this book shows how easy it is for fascism to rise, feeling extra poignant now.
This was great however did not expect a tournament section, and I actually felt like that pulled away from the threat. That being said I wish I'd read this as a kid as I'd have been obsessed.
Also I love that this book shows how easy it is for fascism to rise, feeling extra poignant now.
January 31, 2025
Is this actually a five star book? Nope.
Was I screaming, gasping etc at the end? Yes. Therefore five stars.
Was I screaming, gasping etc at the end? Yes. Therefore five stars.
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