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lermonysnickers's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVE UNICORNS
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
A new Harry? Unicorns are the new wizard.
If you look carefully, there are tons of similarities to the world of Hogwarts and Potter. Skandar is a misfit in his own town, with family issues (a dead mum and a depressed dad). He just wants to make his dad proud and win a place at a certain 'school', to train as a Unicorn Rider.
Unicorns you say? No, not gently prancing rainbow-pooping sweet creatures. In Skandar's world, if a unicorn is born without its rider nearby, it turns wild and is lethal. Even those that are bonded to their riders are dangerous, and their energy must be tamed as much as possible with races and battles. Hence the riding school.
But Skandar is not allowed to take his entrance test for the school. Yet the plot has him arrive by other means, and we watch, Sorting-Hat-like as he must find his house, or equivalent, make friends and enemies, find his destined unicorn and begin his training for the end of year event that will see some trainees removed from the magical world if they fail to live up to the standard.
And all the while, the Weaver is nearby, stealing unicorns, killing guards, and a general menace and threat to Skandar and his cohort.
The stage is set for a long-running series, with allegiances and family stories to come in again during later episodes, with regular battles and races to look forward to, lessons and rituals to follow. Yes, definite similarities, but a refreshing 'unicorns aren't lovely' policy does give this a good edge separating it from other fantasy series.
I may or may not read the next in the series. I'll be seeing if my almost 12-year-old likes the first.
Well-enough read as an audiobook, though as often happens, one voice doesn't easily convey both male and female adolescents.
For ages 9-13.
If you look carefully, there are tons of similarities to the world of Hogwarts and Potter. Skandar is a misfit in his own town, with family issues (a dead mum and a depressed dad). He just wants to make his dad proud and win a place at a certain 'school', to train as a Unicorn Rider.
Unicorns you say? No, not gently prancing rainbow-pooping sweet creatures. In Skandar's world, if a unicorn is born without its rider nearby, it turns wild and is lethal. Even those that are bonded to their riders are dangerous, and their energy must be tamed as much as possible with races and battles. Hence the riding school.
But Skandar is not allowed to take his entrance test for the school. Yet the plot has him arrive by other means, and we watch, Sorting-Hat-like as he must find his house, or equivalent, make friends and enemies, find his destined unicorn and begin his training for the end of year event that will see some trainees removed from the magical world if they fail to live up to the standard.
And all the while, the Weaver is nearby, stealing unicorns, killing guards, and a general menace and threat to Skandar and his cohort.
The stage is set for a long-running series, with allegiances and family stories to come in again during later episodes, with regular battles and races to look forward to, lessons and rituals to follow. Yes, definite similarities, but a refreshing 'unicorns aren't lovely' policy does give this a good edge separating it from other fantasy series.
I may or may not read the next in the series. I'll be seeing if my almost 12-year-old likes the first.
Well-enough read as an audiobook, though as often happens, one voice doesn't easily convey both male and female adolescents.
For ages 9-13.
sarahlove909's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
llcoffj's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
piperkitty's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aa184899's review against another edition
2.0
This book disappointed me. (Warning: This might have a few spoilers)
I was promised bloodthirsty, violent, magical, intelligent unicorns, and instead I got carnivorous magic
flying horses. Not nearly as interesting or as deep as it could have been. The whole elemental system was kind of boring and wasn't explored nearly as much as it should have been.
And the characters... Just, ugh. The main character was pretty flat and not that interesting, then the characters I thought were interesting like Flo and Bobby never really fleshed out, and I didn't get what was going on with Mitchell. I mean, he just suddenly does this whole about face for a not very big reason and it's just not believable. And has this author ever met a teenager!? Seriously, the dialogue and the actions were so young, and flat, and not realistic at all. It would probably be ok if they were younger but there is no way teenagers would act this way.
The world building wasn't bad, but what happened didn't make sense. Why does the weaver want to take over the mainland so badly? And why did she leave Skandar and his family when she had supposedly been so happy? Also, some of it was way too easy, like with Joby telling Skandar absolutely do not ever do that or go there but I'm going to tell you where it is.
I gave this book 2 stars because the concept was interesting, and the world building wasn't the worst I've read, but there aren't really any other redeeming qualities
Finally, I know this has been said a lot, but it still needs to be mentioned, the trope was so generic, and the plot was way too similar to Amari and the Night Brothers. This book just isn't worth it. I would have rather reread Amari.*
*If you have a different opinion, that's fine. I'll respect your opinion, and all I ask is you respect mine, even if you disagree.**
** In other words; I'm 12 don't cuss me out or I will report you, I've seen it happen way too often.***
***And no, being 12 does not affect the valid points I've written above, and if you read them and consider them I hope you'll see that.
I was promised bloodthirsty, violent, magical, intelligent unicorns, and instead I got carnivorous magic
flying horses. Not nearly as interesting or as deep as it could have been. The whole elemental system was kind of boring and wasn't explored nearly as much as it should have been.
And the characters... Just, ugh. The main character was pretty flat and not that interesting, then the characters I thought were interesting like Flo and Bobby never really fleshed out, and I didn't get what was going on with Mitchell. I mean, he just suddenly does this whole about face for a not very big reason and it's just not believable. And has this author ever met a teenager!? Seriously, the dialogue and the actions were so young, and flat, and not realistic at all. It would probably be ok if they were younger but there is no way teenagers would act this way.
The world building wasn't bad, but what happened didn't make sense. Why does the weaver want to take over the mainland so badly? And why did she leave Skandar and his family when she had supposedly been so happy? Also, some of it was way too easy, like with Joby telling Skandar absolutely do not ever do that or go there but I'm going to tell you where it is.
I gave this book 2 stars because the concept was interesting, and the world building wasn't the worst I've read, but there aren't really any other redeeming qualities
Finally, I know this has been said a lot, but it still needs to be mentioned, the trope was so generic, and the plot was way too similar to Amari and the Night Brothers. This book just isn't worth it. I would have rather reread Amari.*
*If you have a different opinion, that's fine. I'll respect your opinion, and all I ask is you respect mine, even if you disagree.**
** In other words; I'm 12 don't cuss me out or I will report you, I've seen it happen way too often.***
***And no, being 12 does not affect the valid points I've written above, and if you read them and consider them I hope you'll see that.
raquelescrevecoisas's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ibookowl's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me by surprise. I could not believe how much this book gripped my heart by surprise! I love this book! I cannot wait to see what other adventures skandar has along with his friends in the next installment! If your thinking about picking up this book I do recommend it ! Think hogwarts but with vicious meat eating unicorns, I freaking love this book so much it’s my favorite book I’ve read all year ♥️
spaanhede's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
culturespy's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Not your everyday unicorns. This story is about some serious horsemanship, just with more magic! Good debate about what Skandar's personal responsiblities should be - to his friends/family, his personal goals, or the truth. See you in the Eyrie!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Outing
Minor: Death and Violence