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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
I may be an adult now, but sometimes you need an Irish narrator to read you a children’s book to get through a slow work week or commute. Fun underdogs story. I recommend
The Outcasts is the first book in the Brotherband Chronicles, a new series by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed his Ranger's Apprentice series and was interested to try his new series.
So far, the new series is not as good as Ranger's Apprentice. The character of Halt was an anchor for that series, and there is no character who plays the same role here. There is a lot of introductory narrative in this book, so it's possible I will enjoy future books more.
Boys of a certain age in the land of Skandia go through Brotherband training. They split into teams and compete against each other in many different skill areas. The team we are most interested in is made of up of the outcasts - the boys who were not picked by the other teams. Each has one or more quirks or unusual life circumstances. They are not perfect, but they make mistakes and learn from them as they compete against the other teams. A nice camaraderie is built between the boys as they develop their teamwork skills.
The villains in this book are a group of pirates. The good guys, on the other hand, are raiders. I don't see a lot of distinction between those two professions, which caused me a little trouble while reading this book.
Like the Ranger's Apprentice series, this is a good book for reluctant male readers and for anyone who feels like the kid who always gets picked last. I will give at least the next book in the series a chance to hook me more thoroughly than this one did.
So far, the new series is not as good as Ranger's Apprentice. The character of Halt was an anchor for that series, and there is no character who plays the same role here. There is a lot of introductory narrative in this book, so it's possible I will enjoy future books more.
Boys of a certain age in the land of Skandia go through Brotherband training. They split into teams and compete against each other in many different skill areas. The team we are most interested in is made of up of the outcasts - the boys who were not picked by the other teams. Each has one or more quirks or unusual life circumstances. They are not perfect, but they make mistakes and learn from them as they compete against the other teams. A nice camaraderie is built between the boys as they develop their teamwork skills.
The villains in this book are a group of pirates. The good guys, on the other hand, are raiders. I don't see a lot of distinction between those two professions, which caused me a little trouble while reading this book.
Like the Ranger's Apprentice series, this is a good book for reluctant male readers and for anyone who feels like the kid who always gets picked last. I will give at least the next book in the series a chance to hook me more thoroughly than this one did.
I've seen many reviews bash the Brotherband series saying that it's disappointing compared to the Ranger's Apprentice series, but honestly, in my opinion, this series is just as good as Ranger's Apprentice. And this book in particular was a great start to the series; it really set the atmosphere and the relationship and dynamics between the characters, particularly those of the Heron brotherband.
A good middle-grade / younger end of young adult read. I am not the target audience for this book, but I did enjoy the read. The characters are great, and I liked reading about their time training to become vikings (or something similar to vikings). I did think that the plot was lacking, but again, I am not the target demographic. A good read for anyone looking for a book with Norse themes and a character driven plot.
I really liked the book, therefore 4 stars. I was very young when I read the Rangers apprentice series and this book made me feel that glee of being a teen reading this at night before school.
That said,
I have to criticise the lack of female characters. I understand that the theme of the book doesn't allow a lot of female characters. BUT it really feels like a "boys only" club no-girls-allowed.
The only female addition are to serve as the love interests (yikes). Also a little hetero normative if you ask me.
The love interests I cant even remember the name of. Flanagan, as good as he is writing action and worldbuilding he's just so bad at romance. Hopefully he'll just stick with his strengths and doesn't add a half baked sour tasting romance just because he feels he has to.
That said,
I have to criticise the lack of female characters. I understand that the theme of the book doesn't allow a lot of female characters. BUT it really feels like a "boys only" club no-girls-allowed.
The only female addition are to serve as the love interests (yikes). Also a little hetero normative if you ask me.
The love interests I cant even remember the name of. Flanagan, as good as he is writing action and worldbuilding he's just so bad at romance. Hopefully he'll just stick with his strengths and doesn't add a half baked sour tasting romance just because he feels he has to.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a fantastic book that I’ve loved since I was a child - the world building, the comradery and the pure underdog energy is so inspiring. The trope of a band of misfits coming together under another misfit who just understands them enough to make them a good team is always a favourite. Little sarcastic quips from the hilarious characters really makes you giggle, and the half blind warrior who is as much a danger to his foes as his friends is joked about in arguably a healthy way - not a demeaning one. It’s these little (relatable) moments that make the book so loveable to me.
It is aimed at young adults/children, and the way that hard topics like racism, bullying and addiction are navigated is beautiful. I remember as a kid and to this day seeing especially the alcohol addiction that Thorn battles throughout the book and just feeling it so deep in my soul, as it is so so accurate.
It is aimed at young adults/children, and the way that hard topics like racism, bullying and addiction are navigated is beautiful. I remember as a kid and to this day seeing especially the alcohol addiction that Thorn battles throughout the book and just feeling it so deep in my soul, as it is so so accurate.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Racism
adventurous
fast-paced
Not very good. Lots of confusing loops in the story. Hard to follow.
A very good tie-in to the world of Ranger's Apprentice & strong start to the Brotherband series. I didn't super relate to the male bonding, rigorous physical tests or ships & sailing, so it took a bit of getting used to. The star off is no fault of the author, it's just my preferences.
By the second book, I was more invested and comfortable with the characters & nautical elements (plus the addition of a female protagonist), and now I enjoy this series almost as much as the Ranger's Apprentice books. A must read for fans of John Flanagan.
By the second book, I was more invested and comfortable with the characters & nautical elements (plus the addition of a female protagonist), and now I enjoy this series almost as much as the Ranger's Apprentice books. A must read for fans of John Flanagan.