The Hunters

The Hunters by John Flanagan

That ingenious author, John Flanagan, has done it again! He has captivated boys and men as well as the many female librarians who have begun to believe they were twelve-year-old boys in past lives. And despite the fact that it doesn’t FEEL written for the big screen in the least, (aka Heroes of Olympus by Riordan,) it is one series that could translate brilliantly into a movie. I want it to succeed, but without sensationalistic changes and “global domination.”

The best thing about this particular novel in the series, is that it completes the first small story arc. The first mission, from the first book, The Outcasts, is finally accomplished. Thankfully, I don’t think the series is complete. I am banking upon The Brotherband series following in the footsteps of its companion series, Ranger’s Apprentice. Ranger Will went on many adventures over the course of nine books and a collection of short stories. When one villain was defeated, another one would present itself. All the while, the characters were growing and developing into fine young men and women. I believe we will experience the same thing in with the boys and girl that form the Heron Brotherband.

At the end of The Invaders, Hal, the ship’s young skirl, has sacrificed his chance to capture the pirate Zavac and recover the Skandian jewel known as the Andomal. His sacrifice enabled him to save the Skandian ship, Wolfwind, and its crew. The sacrifice was also necessary because his famously strong though nearsighted crewman, Ingvar, had been seriously injured in the battle when Zavac escaped. Without Ingvar, Hal’s invention and secret weapon called the Mangler is rendered useless. It needs a strongman to load and set it. Without the Mangler, it will be beyond difficult to incapacitate Zavac’s ship, The Raven.

Hal and his band had captured a pirate, Rikard, and they are holding him captive on board the Heron until they can catch up with Zavac once again. Rikard has informed the Herons that Zavac will return to the pirate haven of Raguza. Once there, it will be nearly impossible to capture Zavac and gain justice. Hal realizes that it is necessary to find and confront Zavac before they reach Raguza. How will they reach them in time with Ingvar injured and fever ridden?

Hal opts to head for land to give Ingvar the chance to recover. Unfortunately this also gives Rikard the chance to escape. Here is an opportunity for Lydia to prove she is a “keeper” once again. Actually, the book gives Lydia multiple opportunities to show her worth to the Brotherband and earn her place as a qualified member on board. Despite the fact, that I always recommend this book to the boys, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for the girls to steer clear. Flanagan always provides strong, intelligent and capable girls to steal the boys’ hearts. The Love triangle alone guarantees future sequels!