Brotherband – Return of the Temujai

Brotherband: Return of the Temujai by John Flanagan (Penguin Random House)

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

John Flanagan’s Brotherband books are a spin-off from his exciting and successful Ranger’s Apprentice series. Return of the Temujai is the eighth instalment in Brotherband series.

The Heron Brotherband are on a mission to check on the defences at Fort Ragnak, the one pass through the mountains between the Eastern Steppes and Skandia. The fearsome Temujai Warriors from the steppes have never given up on their ambition to conquer Skandia and they are on the move again. The border fort is secured, but if the fearsome Temujai can find another way down to the coast, all will be lost. Hal and his small crew are then sent by Erak, the Scandian leader, to investigate and do whatever it takes to stop their most formidable enemy from invading the coast.

I have read most of the Ranger’s Apprentice books, but this is the first of the Brotherband series that I have looked at. Even though, Return of the Temujai is the eighth book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I found that it was easy to follow. The characters were well developed, and I slipped into their interactions without any of the usual confusion when picking up a series midway through. The book is full of action, clever plotting and plenty of humour.

This is an excellent book that would suit readers 8-12 years old. I would highly recommend it, particularly for reluctant boy readers who need books with loads of action and adventure. I am definitely going to catch up on the earlier books in the series and look forward to Flanagan’s next instalment.

The Royal Ranger - The Red Fox Clan

The Royal Ranger - The Red Fox Clan by John Flanagan (Random House Australia) PB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9780143785903

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Maddie is a secret Ranger's Apprentice under the guidance of the legendary Will Treaty. However, for one month each year she must return home and resume her identity as Princess Madelyn. At the best of times Maddie finds castle life dull but to make matters worse, she will be stuck there while her father, Horace, and Gilan, the Commandant of the Ranger Corps, are taking half the garrison of Castle Araluen to put a stop to a group called the Red Fox Clan, which wants to restore the old law of male rulers for the kingdom.

This year's visit to the castle is anything but dull. Maddie uncovers long-kept secrets and a devastating plot against the crown. She must discover the identity of the man in the red fox mask or the peace her family have worked for could be in terrible danger.

Having read John Flanagan's original Ranger's Apprentice books some years ago, I found returning to the world of Araluen comfortable and familiar. It is good to see a new generation of Rangers’ books appearing to entertain a new generation of readers.

Maddie is confident, yet still has moments of vulnerability and self-doubt that make her character more likable. The book is full of adventure, treachery and action. It has a wonderful cast of interesting characters and the pace of the action and easy flow of the writing keep the reader turning the pages. I did find some parts of the book a little predictable. It may have been a lucky guess, but I picked the leader of the Red Fox Clan as soon as he was introduced into the story. The book was a thoroughly enjoyably read with a satisfying ending and leaves the way open for book three in the series which is coming later in 2018.

The Royal Ranger - The Red Fox Clan is the second book in the Royal Ranger series of middle grade fiction. It would suit readers 8-12 years old or readers who enjoy stories of fantasy and adventure with a confident young female hero. If you haven't already, readers are encouraged to read The Royal Ranger (Book 1) although this book can be read as a stand-alone story.

Brotherband 3:The Hunters

Brotherband 3:The Hunters by John Flanagan (Random House)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9781742750620
Also available as an ebook
ISBN 9781742750637
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

After immersing myself in John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, with its fast-paced, adventurous storylines, I’ve joined the throng of landlubbers to sail with the Heron Brotherband in Flanagan’s latest Skandian saga of longboats, pirate hunting, and a matadorial sea duel to retrieve the stolen artefact, the amber Andomal.

If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Flanagan’s style is so sleek, that the reader effortlessly slips into the saga. With the opening double page sketch of the Skandians’ longboat, the Heron, and the handy glossary, the reader is well primed for adventure.

The book is written in two parts: The Hunt and The Duel. Hal and the Brotherband are on the hunt for the pirate, Zavac, aboard the Raven as its crew plunders its way to the safety of their lair in Raguza. On board the Heron, the injured Ingvar is near death from an arrow wound. He needs to rest and recover so the Skandians beach their longboat. They are carrying a pirate prisoner who escapes and it’s here that we see the prowess of Lydia, the only female on board.

Excellent descriptions are given of the crew as each takes his or her part in the action; humour and courage interweave even in times most dire. There’s the shy Edvin, who knits watch caps for the crew, the quarrelsome twins Ulf and Wulf and the ‘shabby old warrior’ Thorn, who, if he ‘hadn’t lost that hand in an accident on board ship he would have been the greatest warrior in the history of Skandia.’

One of my favourite characters is Lydia. She is a fine role model. Not only is she an expert tracker, she is a crack shot with the atlatl (a dart thrower) with its ‘great, sharp iron warhead.’ She’s resourceful, clever and cluey as she executes the breakout of the Brotherband from prison, but ‘after years spent hunting alone in the woods, Lydia’s manners and social graces left something to be desired.’

It’s hold-your-breath action as the crew jumps from one impossible situation to another, whether it’s flume riding their longboat down the Wildwater Rift or the sea duel between the Raven and the Heron.

With its sophisticated level of language and layered storytelling, Brotherband 3: The Hunters will enthral teenage readers and transport them into the Middle Ages and a saga akin to the Vikings. Flanagan is a cracking storyteller.

Brotherband: The Outcasts

Brotherband: The Outcasts by John Flanagan (Random House)

HB RRP $17.95

ISBN 978-1-7416-6449-2

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Is Brotherband a Rangers Apprentice spin-off? Yes and no. It’s set in the same world as the beloved Rangers and there’s a reference to them in this book. But you don’t need to know anything before coming to this new series for younger readers. 

Brotherband takes place in Skandia, where Vikings rule the land and seas. Brotherband is a rite of passage for boys to become warriors. Teenagers form groups and compete in a series of challenges and training exercises. This is where lifelong friends and enemies are made.

Hal Mikkelson is a capable guy who ends up leading his own brotherband, the Herons. They’re made up of boys who were rejects. No one gives these outcasts any hope of competing with the two other brotherbands. But Hal has other ideas. The Herons might be outnumbered and out-muscled in most tasks but they’ve got enough ingenuity and courage to surprise everybody.

Flanagan has fun exploring the rituals of brotherband, explained through the narrative and characters’ thoughts. It’s full of the tactual insights that made Rangers so enjoyable. Readers will love the fighting and mateship that happens within brotherbands. Flanagan has happily included a glossary of shipping terms which adds extra flair to the climax.

Ranger fans will lap up this series. There are similarities between Will and Halt relationship and Hal’s connection with his mentor Thorn.  No one does adventure like Flanagan, the non-stop action and tension of Brotherband will leave readers wanting more. It’s a perfect introduction to another thrilling series and is highly recommended for ages 10 and up.  

Rangers Apprentice: The Lost Stories

Rangers Apprentice: The Lost Stories by John Flanagan (Random House)

PB RRP $17.95

ISBN 978-1-8647-1818-8

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Rangers Apprentice has been a phenomenon with no signs of slowing down. Flanagan has received many letters from fans around the world and he’s responded with a different kind of book. The Lost Stories is a collection of tales that go back and forth in Halt and Will’s lives.

Flanagan explains how Will really met Halt and the event behind Halt’s decision to join the rangers. There are also a few stories that follow after Book 10 such as the long awaited wedding between Cassandra and Horace.

It’s nice to see the supporting cast get their own little stories. Gilan and Jenny have some amusing adventures. My favourite story is about Will and his relationship with Tug, his loyal horse. The inspiration behind the story was a fan that raised a very interesting point. Flanagan admits that there are a few gaps in his Rangers’ universe that slip through the cracks. I’m glad that he has the chance to settle the score on a few matters.

The short story format is a refreshing change. Each story is broken up into mini chapters just like in the other Rangers’ books. Flanagan shows his trademark narrative, full of action and suspense. The Ranger’s aura is as legendary as ever, I love seeing others react to Rangers, friends and enemies alike. As always, the animals get their fair share of jokes when they share banter with their owners.

Fans will get the most of this book and it’s a nice pit stop before the next thrilling instalment. The Lost Stories is recommended for ages 10 and up.