If my vocation did not involve reading; if my lifestyle did not allow time for much reading; if I had to choose just a few authors to read devotedly; I would undoubtedly choose John Flanagan.
His books are a manageable size.
His language is very readable – natural, not forced.
Despite his fantasy setting, the books could easily be historical in nature only alternate universe.
His characters are so well-developed; they are easily recognizable as the people we interact with every day.
Despite a lack of magic, they are magical.
Even though Flanagan’s current series are identified as juvenile fiction, adult characters abound – worthy role models and mentors. (oh, there are villains and bullies aplenty)
Being strong is good, a gift, but not all important. Intelligence is a strength, but not the only virtue. Being sneaky has its more honorable counterpart – stealth. Every character has talents, but not all of them. Main characters are socially inept or clumsy or slow on the uptake. And they all get a chance in battle. They all have an opportunity to lead. They all have a chance to present viable options. They all have occasions to grow. (I’m reminded of Worf, the Klingon, who is always wrong. He is one thing and one thing only – the Klingon)
So perhaps you can see why I might have been, definitely was, disappointed when the Ranger’s Apprentice series concluded. Will grew up. He was no longer the slight orphan who dreamed of being a knight despite how unlikely the possibility was. He became a mythical Ranger and a legend in his own right. He earned his rank and a name for himself. The end.
And you can see why I’m ecstatic to discover Flanagan has a new companion series! – Brotherband Chronicles. He has created a new unlikely hero – Hal. He has surrounded his protagonist with a cast of misfits to replace the cast of orphans. And he has set the stage in a well-known Flanagan country – Skandia (think VIKINGS). Skandia is under the leadership of the well-known Ranger’s Apprentice Uberjarl – Erak. And Araluen is NOT forgotten!
Hal is the son of a Skandian warrior and an Araluen slave. He will never be accepted by the Skandians. He is an outcast. They won’t even recognize his Skandian heritage because he more closely resembles the Araluens. He is more likely to think than to go berserk.
Hal is an inventor. He has designed a new boat with a new system of sails that he hopes will revolutionize the Skandian method of travel. Sound familiar to anyone else? Do we think that Will and Hal will perchance meet? I can only hope!
I was only slightly worried that this new book wouldn’t compare to the previous series. I should have known better. Flanagan is an incredible storyteller!
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