SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS sees Skandar try to find a way for his sister to join the riders properly all while competing in dangerous trials that could eliminate him from the riders altogether.

The chaos trials are the most dangerous so far, with a much higher rate of failure. If you can't pass all four - or can't make enough allies to give you the token you're missing after a failure - you're out. Skandar's quartet really come together as a team in this book, fierce and loving. After the bumps in the road of the last book, it was really nice to see them pull together as a unit.

More flaws of the world are exposed as Skandar continues to fight against the prejudices against spirit wielders, a "guilty until proven innocent" stance. This book begins to ask whether those who have been excluded for so long would be willing to wait on a slim non-violent hope - one actively being fought against - when a more immediate, violent option to gain power rather than simply regain a lesser seat at the table.

The story takes a turn for the worse at the end, shifting the book towards the second half of the series. There is a new regime that is only slightly hiding its intent, all while Skandar faces a new betrayal and a new threat.

This book also starts aging up the series a bit as romantic relationships start to come into play. It's a very minor part of the story, but these kids gain a book each year and are now in the teenager range - and will only continue to age with the coming books. It's an inescapable, interesting part of big series with long time periods covered per book, balancing the age range as original readers age up but new ones continue to find it.

BOOK REVIEW - SKANDAR AND THE CHAOS TRIALS by A.F. Steadman

Firstly, I’d like to express my immense gratitude to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster UK Children's, and A.F. Steadman for granting my NetGalley WISH! to review Skandar and the Chaos Trials. It was an amazing opportunity for me to dive into the world of Skandar and his companions.

As a newly minted avid fan eagerly awaiting (for a whole 24 hours) the next chapter in the Skandar series, I was thrilled to finally get my hands on "Skandar and the Chaos Trials" – and guess what? It exceeded all my expectations!

A.F. Steadman has once again masterfully crafted a spellbinding tale that drew me deeper into the enchanting world of Skandar and his companions. The story was so captivating that I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire journey.

This time around, Skandar and his friends face a series of daunting trials across the Island’s elemental zones, testing their skills and their bonds of friendship and loyalty. As tensions rise and dark forces gather, Skandar must confront his own doubts and fears, making heart-wrenching decisions that will shape the fate of the Eyrie and the Island itself.

This book truly establishes the series, developing its rich cast of characters, each with their own motivations and complexities. Delving deeper into their personalities and relationships added layers of depth to the story, making me feel even more invested in their journey. It also opens up the universe beyond the Eyrie to showcase some serious world-building.

Of course, no Skandar adventure would be complete without thrilling races, epic battles, and the awe-inspiring magic of the island. Steadman's vivid descriptions brought these scenes to life, immersing me in a world of wonder and excitement.

But beyond the action and adventure, Skandar and the Chaos Trials also explores deeper themes of friendship, resilience, and the courage to face one's fears. Watching Skandar grow and evolve throughout the story was truly inspiring, reminding me of the power of determination and perseverance.

In conclusion, Skandar and the Chaos Trials is a captivating addition to a beloved series. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Skandar, this book is sure to delight and enchant readers of all ages. I eagerly await the next chapter in Skandar's journey and can't wait to see where his adventures take him next! I really don't know what I am going to do now that I have to wait for the next book