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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
I read the first two titles in Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series a few years back when they were new, and have been enthusiastically recommending them ever since, glad to see they've become quite popular. I haven't made the time to keep up with the series (up to twelve books now), but when I saw this companion series had come out I thought I'd give its first book a try. That was a good decision, because I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was reminded why I've been recommending Flanagan's books. Now if only this wasn't another series I'll be likely leaving unfinished . . .
Though I didn't get to the Ranger's Apprentice books set in Skandia and am sure I missed some crossover references and characters, this book stands alone quite nicely. The Skandians are Flanagan's version of Vikings, and the story is about a young man coming of age in that culture. Hal's warrior father died when he was an infant and his mom is a non-Skandian former slave, so he's always felt like an outcast. The closest connection he has to the warrior culture to which he aspires is Thorn, his late father's best friend who lost his hand and became the village drunk. Thorn has reformed himself as Hal has grown, but is still largely an outcast himself. Nevertheless, Hal is extremely smart, a gifted builder and inventor, and aspires to fit in. So he begins his brotherband training--a bit like school, a lot like military boot camp--with both fear and hope, then finds himself in the unlikely position of leader of the team of misfits.
I couldn't help but identify with and root for Hal and the underdog outcasts, and I found myself quite caught up in their adventures. This is another one I'll be frequently recommending.
Though I didn't get to the Ranger's Apprentice books set in Skandia and am sure I missed some crossover references and characters, this book stands alone quite nicely. The Skandians are Flanagan's version of Vikings, and the story is about a young man coming of age in that culture. Hal's warrior father died when he was an infant and his mom is a non-Skandian former slave, so he's always felt like an outcast. The closest connection he has to the warrior culture to which he aspires is Thorn, his late father's best friend who lost his hand and became the village drunk. Thorn has reformed himself as Hal has grown, but is still largely an outcast himself. Nevertheless, Hal is extremely smart, a gifted builder and inventor, and aspires to fit in. So he begins his brotherband training--a bit like school, a lot like military boot camp--with both fear and hope, then finds himself in the unlikely position of leader of the team of misfits.
I couldn't help but identify with and root for Hal and the underdog outcasts, and I found myself quite caught up in their adventures. This is another one I'll be frequently recommending.
Another great adventure series by Flannagan. Hal, of mixed Arulean and Skandian parentage, is a very sympathetic character. The story follows his Brotherband training and how he becomes the leader of the band of misfit boys.
Ahhh, a cliff hanger. John Flanagan brings every character to life, flaws and all.
I remember liking this (as a whole series) more than the Ranger books (also as a whole). Especially the sailing parts, and the Gilan cameos.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reading this book reminded me of going to scout camp. I can see we have another guy series to enjoy. Thank you John Flanagan.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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:
Complicated
i know i discovered this super late but i'm so glad i have found new john flanagan material to read so i can finally stop complaining about how the ranger's apprentice series is finished :D