If you are a
frequent guest to my book blog, you might have noticed that I have a certain
disdain for books in series. I am always impressed when a story can be told
start to finish within the covers of a single book (effectively.) Stories that have to be told over the course
of several years in multiple books have a chance of losing their cohesiveness
and focus. Successes like Harry Potter are few and far between. I’m
still amazed at the perfection that J. K. Rowling achieved.
However, as a
mother, I can certainly understand a parent’s wish, even need, to find a series
that will capture the imagination of their child. It makes life a trifle easier
if you know that there is a volume 2… 3… 4… 10… Hallelujah! That can hold your
kid’s interest just a bit longer before you have to go pick the librarian’s
brain again. So many reference questions begin with, “My child just finished Series
of Unfortunate Events (13 books!). Can you suggest another series that is
similar?” I get it. Why ask for a single book that might last a week, when you
can get a series that might last all summer depending upon the child.
But there is
a series that I wish would never end – The Ranger’s Apprentice by John
Flanagan. Unfortunately, it did end. It ended after nine successful sequels and
an additional volume of short stories. I couldn’t get enough! And then Mr.
Flanagan surprised me and published a companion series, Brotherband
Chronicles, beginning with The Outcasts and following with this, book 2, The Invaders. And it does not
disappoint. Mr. Flanagan’s novels are consistently satisfying.
When The
Outcasts concluded, the Heron Brotherband, a band of misfits that no one
wanted, had actually won the Brotherband Championship. After a celebratory
feast, the Herons are given the privilege to guard the Andomal, Skandia’s most
prized treasure, for the night. This post is an honorary position and more for
looks than security, but this night, a band of pirates sneaks in and steals it
out from under the noses of the sleeping boys. The boys go from misfits, to
heroes, to outcasts overnight.
Hal and his
brotherband realize that their position in Skandia has fallen far below where
it began before the Brotherband Training. None of them are willing to remain in
Skandia disgraced. Instead, they decide to leave Skandia in the hopes of
recovering the Andomal. They set off immediately in the hopes to overtake the
pirate ship. But then what?
When The
Invaders begin, Hal has begun to form a plan in his mind. The Herons are
greatly outnumbered by the pirates. In order to fight and defeat the pirates,
the Herons are going to have to discover their strengths and play upon them,
improve and increase them. It would look like time is against them, but Mother
Nature is on their side as a major storm system blows into the area and all
ships must seek shelter.
While the
Herons wait out the storm, they discover that Brotherband Training is only a
beginning. The boys only know the basics. It is time to train harder and
develop their skills. Fortunately, Thorn, Hal’s Godfather, has come along for
the ride! He becomes their Battle Commander. The storm also impedes Erak,
Skandia’s Oberjarl. He wants to send out is precious ship, Wolfwind, to
bring the outcasts home. The weather
does not prevent the pirates from wreaking havoc. They find a port town to
ransack and hold captive. The Herons are going to have the opportunity to test
out their new skills, weapons and ship against the pirates very soon.
I will say it
again, if you haven’t read these books yet, it is time to start – young and
old!
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