Parents' Guide to Skandar and the Phantom Rider: Skandar, Book 2

As if an island full of bloodthirsty unicorns isn't exciting enough, this bracing sequel has dangerous secret societies, dire prophecies, and jousting in the sky with magic weapons. Life is a little bit better for Skandar, at first, but every time something goes wrong on the island, fingers always point at him. And things go very wrong: dead wild unicorns, ominous prophecies, not-so-natural disasters, and students being possessed by their unicorns' murderous impulses. With the help of his friend Flo, Skandar tries to uncover what's really happening. Stakes are high, and there are a bunch of nail-biting scenes and terrible revelations that make this book an absorbing read.

Skandar and the Phantom Rider has other intriguing storylines, too. Kenna's mysterious and late call to the island by a rider who abhors all spirit wielders is a fascinating subplot that could have been developed more, especially when Kenna finally meets her mum, the dreaded Weaver. Skandar finds thrills and comfort when he joins a secret society of daredevil unicorns after his friend Bobby ditches him; it's just the support and release he desperately needs. While the climactic action feels a bit rushed, it's a real team effort, save-the-island page-turner. Once the magic dust settles, the third book's conflict emerges -- and it's a doozy. Here's to an exciting, savage ride for the whole series.