Book Review: The Hunters

From Goodreads: Hal and his brotherband crew are hot on the trail of the pirate Zavac and they have one thing only on their minds: Stopping the bloodthirsty thief before he can do more damage. Of course, they also know Zavac has the Andomal, the priceless Skandian artifact stolen when the brotherband let down their guard. The chase leads down mighty rivers, terrifying rapids, to the lawless fortress of Ragusa. If Hal is to succeed, he will need to go beyond his brotherband training. He will need to challenge the pirate one-on-one, knowing only one of them will survive.

Thoughts: The Hunters picks up where The Invaders left off. Zavac the pirate escaped with the Andomal and the Heron Brotherband, lead by Hal are in hot pursuit.

One of the things I love about John Flanagan is his female characters. None of your wishy washy damsels in distress here. Flanagan's female characters in the Ranger's Apprentice Series were strong, capable and diverse. The Invaders saw the first major female character in the Brotherband series and Lydia returns in this instalment. And just like her Ranger's Apprentice counterparts she is more than capable of taking care of herself. What is sad is that is worth mentioning in a review.

As always Flanagan has written a fast paced, exciting adventure story that would appeal to a wide audience. A highly recommended series for any teen.

 

Book Review: The Invaders

 

From Goodreads: Hal and the Heron brotherband are on the trail of Zavac and his precious cargo. Will they be able to find the pirates when the weather clears? And when they do, how can they possibly beat the mighty Raven and its crew of vicious cut-throats and killers?
A chance discovery will lead them to their prey, but the pirates have a well-fortified position. The Herons must drive out the invaders - and to succeed, Hal will need to devise a foolproof plan. In the icy waters of the Stormwhite, the smallest mistake could prove fatal.

Thoughts: I'm a long time fan of John Flanagan. Loved his Ranger's Apprentice series and raved about the first in the Brotherband series - The Outcasts - a couple of years ago. His books are full of adventure, fast paced and exciting. They show young boys in a positive light. I'm a bit behind in the Brotherband chronicles. So far there are five books in the series and if it's anything like Ranger's Apprentice chances are it will just keep getting better and better. 

Flanagan pulls very few punches in his books. The world he writes about is tough and hard to survive. People die, people kill - including the good guys. Things are not necessarily solved with diplomacy but frequently with swords and arrows. The adventure aspect of these books would appeal to boys. I've often thought Flanagan a  perfect author for reluctant male readers. Brotherband is definitely aimed more at the young adult audience than Ranger's Apprentice if for no other reason than the deaths I've already mentioned. The characters in Brotherband are a little older and have less hand holding than Will does in Ranger's. It's a good follow on series where the author has managed to maintain the magic.

Book Review: The Royal Ranger

From Goodreads: After a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path.
It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse.
Training a rebellious, unwilling apprentice is hard enough. But when a routine mission uncovers a shocking web of crime, Will must decide where his priorities lie - finishing his quest for revenge, or saving innocent lives?

Thoughts: John Flanagan is lucky to be such a talented writer or he may have suffered from pushing a series one book too far. In fact each book in the 12 book series can stand on it's own merits. Each story is different and while there are reoccuring characters, the constant introduction of new characters I think helped keep the series fresh and interesting.
The Royal Ranger is touted as "the final book of the Ranger's Apprentice series" and I hope it is. While room was left at the end to move on a different tangent, I hope this is the last book in which Will is a leading character. I think the biggest risk Flanagan took in this was making Will's apprentice the first female ranger. This could have become very twee and condescending, but Flanagan managed it well. Maybe by choosing to make it comment worthy but not trouble making he avoided wandering into dangerous territory.
This series is a wonderful one and one I recommend at every possible opportunity. Well written, fast paced and entertaining - it's been a great journey.
 

Book Review: The Lost Stories

From Goodreads: Will, there's something you should know. Something I should have told you long ago...There are stories about the Rangers that have never been heard before and it's time for you to hear them; stories about your parents and how you came to be an orphan; about how a Ranger's life was saved; and, about what happens next for you and your loyal friends. Are you ready to hear the truth?

Thoughts: I was a bit concerned when I first found out about this book. I always thought book 10 was the last, but then this came out. Happily I will report it didn't seem to suffer from being a tag on book.
In this, John Flanagan shares 9 stories that fill in some gaps from the series. You get to discover how Will became a ward, how Halt became a Ranger, a little more about Gilan and even a marriage or two!
One of the things I love about this series is how easy it is to read. The stories flow, there is humour and above all their is an emphasis on the importance of friendship.
A quick search of Flanagan's website shows a 12th book. The Random House site says it's the last book in the series. I've just placed it on hold at the library so stay tuned, I will be reviewing it!

Book Review: The Emperor of Nihon-Ja

The Emperor of Nihon-Ja - John Flanagan

From Goodreads: The adventure continues in the tenth installment of the bestselling series. When Horace travels to the exotic land of Nihon- Ja, it isn't long before he finds himself pulled into a battle that is not his - but one he knows in his heart he must wage. A kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos when the Nihon-Ja emperor, a defender of the common man, is forcibly overthrown, and only Horace, Will, and his Araluen companions can restore the emperor to the throne. Victory lies in the hands of an inexperienced group of fighters, and it's anybody's guess who will make the journey home to Araluen.

What I Thought: Book 10 in the series and I am still enthralled. Simply cannot recommend this series highly enough to anyone with 9 -10 year olds who enjoy a good quality story line and excellent writing.

Challenges: Aussie Author Challenge 

Six Sentence Sunday

As frequently happens when I haven't blogged for awhile, I get a little overwhelmed with what needs to be reviewed.

I'm not sure where 6 Sentence Sunday comes from but I've seen it around. Basically it means you review your book in 6 sentences or less. I have four to catch up on, so lets get started!

Russian Winter - Daphne Kalotay

In the hope of closing the curtain on painful memories, Nina Revskya, a Russian ballet dancer who defected to America, is selling her extensive jewelery collection and donating the proceeds to the Boston ballet. Griogori Solodin is a professor in Russian who believes he has a link to the famous ballerina. Kalotay writes a beautiful story of a woman living in very dangerous times and a man desperate to know the truth. Jumping back and forth from present day Boston and Stalinist Russia, the story exposes piece by piece the mystery behind Revskya and Solodin's past. Russian Winter is a beautifully written history lesson, love story and mystery all rolled into one - highly recommended.

The Lacuna - Barbara Kingsolver

 This was our first Book Group selection for the year but due to my 10 year old breaking his leg I was unable to get to the meeting. The Lacuna traces the life of Harrison William Shephard, a half Mexican, half American raised in Mexico but moving back to America as an adult. I don't find Kingsolver easy to read and this was no exception. I spent much of the novel waiting for something to happen, and with our main character encountering real life people such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and  Trotsky, you expected something to happen! In the end the prose kept me going, it is beautifully written. Just don't pick it up expecting a great page turner.

Challenges: Ebook Challenge

Paper Towns - John Green

 I'd heard the John Green around the blogosphere a lot but had never picked up one of his books until Paper Towns - and wow - I now get the hype. Recently I have come to the realisation that a lot of YA fiction no longer does it for me - most probably because I am way past being a YA myself. But every now and then you discover something that works and for me this was it. I loved the characters, the story line, the adventure, the puzzle, everything. I'll be looking for more of Mr Green's work!

Halt's Peril - John Flanagan

Oh but it was good to be back with Halt, Will and Horace as they search for Tennyson and his band of followers. One of the things I love about this series is the characters actually change and grow as the books progress. This is the ninth book in the series and Horace and Will have obviously become very competent young men, well past their apprenticeships. Flanagan continues to produce quality writing that is a wonderful introduction into the fantasy genre for younger readers.

Challenges: Aussie Author Challenge

So there I am caught up, thanks to Six Sentence Sunday!

The Kings of Clonmel

Title: The Kings of Clonmel
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fiction
Series: Ranger's Apprentice
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

From Goodreads: Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?

What I thought: Really?? December since I last read one of these books?? Hmmm, not sure I am happy about that!
This series goes from strength to strength. Will, I feel, really comes into his own in the book, making his own decisions, following his own path. Horace too is starting to flesh out as a character rather than playing a supporting role. As I have mentioned before, I think this is one of the best fantasy fiction series for younger readers. My ten year old boy has started reading them and is rocketing through them! I need to read the last 3 before he catches up to me!

Storm Peak

Title: Storm Peak
Author: John A Flanagan
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Adult
Format: Book - library

From Goodreads: Jesse Parker, ex-Denver police detective, has returned to his hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to spend the winter working the ski patrol and taking it easy. But he is reluctantly dragged back into a world of violence and murder when a serial killer begins a killing spree in the sleepy ski town. The town's popular sheriff, Lee Torrens, asks Jesse to help her out with the investigation as the killer continues to stalk the town, leaving little clue as to his motive. Are the murders random acts of a psychopath, or a cold, calculated escalation of terror? As the two friends work together, the embers of an old union reignite, but the growing notoriety of the Silver Bullet Killer brings complications that will shake the foundations of the small town. No-one is safe.
 
What I thought: I borrowed this from the library when I was looking on the catalogue for other John Flanagan books in the Ranger's Apprentice series. Anyone who has read this blog for more than 5 minutes will know how much I love the Ranger's Apprentice series so I thought I would check out one of his adult books.
Storm Peak was OK. It kept me reading, but didn't set anything on fire. For me it was a pretty stock standard mystery book. There was nothing in it that I wasn't expecting, the characters were nothing new. What the book did have over many mysteries I have read was good writing. Nothing jarred, stood out like a sore thumb. Flanagan obviously knows his stuff in term of skiing and used that to keep the scenarios in the book believable (mostly!) Would I read another of his adult books? Not in  a hurry, but I wouldn't turn one down either.

Challenges: Library Challenge, Aussie Author Challenge, What's in a Name Challenge

The Outcasts

Title: The Outcasts
Author: John Flanagan
Series: Brotherband
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Children
Format: Book - library

From Goodreads: In Skandia, there is only one way to become a warrior. Boys are chosen for teams called brotherbands and must endure three months of gruelling training in seamanship, weapons and battle tactics. It's brotherband against brotherband, fighting it out in a series of challenges. There can be only one winner.
When Hal Mikkelson finds himself the unwilling leader of a brotherband made up of outcasts, he must step up to the challenge. The Heron brotherband might not have the strength and numbers of the other two teams, but with inventiveness, ingenuity and courage on their side, they might just surprise everyone.

What I thought: This is the fourth book from the The Children's Book Council of Australia Younger Reader's Short list. And like Crow Country,  it's on the teenage shelves at work. Also like Crow Country, I feel it's just as at home as a children's (albeit older children) or young adult book. Again, as a teacher librarian in an primary school, I would have bought it for the upper classes, especially boys.
John Flanagan is the well known author of The Ranger's Apprentice series of which I have raved about at various times, including here, here and here.
Brotherband is his new series, set in Skandia, a country introduced to readers during The Ranger's Apprentice series. And once again, I will rave!
Flanagan writes such good quality young adult/children's fantasy fiction. His characters are strong, believable, flawed and find themselves in situations where they need to use their skills to survive. The world they live in is not easy and they are given responsibility at a young age - and expected to shoulder it. (This is something I don't think we do enough for our children these days) The story is exciting and fast paced, encouraging the reader to turn that next page...just one more chapter...
I have just bought my ten year old the first in the Ranger's Apprentice series and he has taken to it with gusto. You simply cannot beat well written, intelligent books. Well done John Flanagan for producing yet another excellent book! Can't wait to read the second in the series!

Challenges: Library Challenge

Erak's Ransom

Title: Erak's Ransom
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fiction
Series: Ranger's Apprentice
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

From Goodreads: There is one adventure from Will's time as a Ranger's Apprentice that is yet to be told... When Erak, the Skandian Oberjarl, is taken hostage during a raid on the desert lands to the south of the Constant Sea, his second-in-command, Svengal, is sent to bring back a ransom for Erak's release. Halt and Will must go with Svengal to deliver the ransom and secure Erak's freedom, but a royal presence is needed too. The Princess Cassandra - or Evanlyn, as Will knows her - persuades her father to let her go with them. Horace and the Ranger Gilan round out the group to make sure that Evanlyn is well protected. But will violent sandstorms, warring tribes and danger at every turn keep them from reaching Erak in time. The seventh book takes us back to the final year of Will's apprenticeship, before the events related in Books 5 and 6.

What I thought: Once again, I ended up borrowing this from the library as I had forgotten to take my book with me. And it is with great sadness that I realise I only have three more in this series. You can imagine then how happy I was to discover John Flanagan has started another series called The Outcasts. It it is half as good as Ranger's, it should do well.

I keep waiting for Flanagan to drop the ball with this series. I have never read a series that has stayed consistently good for this long, with the possible exception of Harry Potter. If you have a 11, 12, 13 or even 14 year old in your life, particularly a boy, who likes to read, get them into this. The won't be disappointed!

Recommended for: those who want a quality YA fantasy series.


Challenges: 100+ Challenge, For the love of YA Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

The Siege of Macindaw

Title: The Siege of Macindaw
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fiction
Series: Ranger's Apprentice
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: In an isolated area in the north, Will needs to find some fighting men to help him recaputure the castle taken by Sir Keren who plans to hand the castle over to the Scotti, giving them easy access to the rest of Arulen. And then there is the rescue of Alyss that needs to happen too. Can Will find the help he needs and recaputure the castle before it's too late.

What I thought: Yet another excellent book in this series. Really, if you have a boy aged 10 or above who likes a good story, this is an excellent series to direct them to. As with a lot of these types of series, the situations are getting a little more dangerous, the concepts a little more complex. Like Harry Potter, it's a series that grows with the reader and is well worth the read.

Recommended for: those who want a quality YA fantasy series.


Challenges: 100+ Challenge, For the love of YA Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

The Sorcerer in the North

Title: The Sorcerer in The North

Author: John Flanagan

Genre: Fiction

Series: Ranger’s Apprentice  
Audience: Young Adult
 Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Five years have passed since Will, Halt and Horace helped the Skandian’s defeat the Temujai. Will has finished his training and is on his way to his first Ranger posting at Seacliff. But he is soon sent on a special mission to the North to sort out strange happenings. Is it a sorcerer or is there a more reasonable explanation?

What I thought: My pattern with these books seems to involve me finishing a book and not having a back up in my handbag. So I head to the library and borrow the next in the series. The thing is, I’m always glad when I do! This proved to be yet another excellent book in this series. The storylines are interesting and engaging and I love seeing characters such as Will, Alyss and Horace grow and change. There are another 5 books in the series and I look forward to each of them.

Recommended for: those who want a quality YA fantasy series.

Challenges: 100+ Challenge,  Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love YA Challenge

Oakleaf Bearers

Title: Oakleaf Bearers
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Series: Ranger's Apprentice
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Having escaped the Skardians, Will and Evelyn face a new threat when Evelyn is taken by a mysterious horseman. Rejoining Will, Halt and Horace set off to rescue her, but the question is what are the Temujai doing  in Skandia? And will the Skandian's accept Halt's offer of help to try and stop the invaders.

What I thought: Seriously this series just keeps getting better! Flanagan again writes an exceptional young adult fantasy book that keeps the reader engaged and interested. Will's character continues to develop and grow and while the ending is not totally happy, it is believable and does not buy into the "happy ever after" myth so many young adult  (and lets face it, adult fantasy fiction) fantasy novels do.

Recommended for: those who enjoy good quality fantasy.!
,
100+ Challenge, A-Z Challenge, For the Love of YA challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

Icebound Land

Title: Icebound Land
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fiction
Series: Ranger's Apprentice Book 3
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Having escaped Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn have been kidnapped by the Skandians. Halt, Will's master has promised to rescue him, but  needs to take drastic action in order to be released from his Ranger duties. Joined by Horace - knight in training and Will's friend, they set off for the icy land of Skandia to save Will. Having been sold into slavery, Will and Evanlyn know their only chance of survial is escape. But how will they do so and will they survive the frozen landscape? In the meantime, will Halt and Horace be able to help, or have they found themselves in hot water of their own?

What I thought: I've said before how much I am enjoying this series. Once again Flanagan has produced a quality piece of work - rarely found in the field of children's fantasy fiction. The story is meaty and meaningful. While I am only three books into this series, I have yet to find a book that comes across as simply a "filler." Book four promises to continue in this vein, making this series one I will recommend again and again for 10 - 15 year olds.

Recommended for: those who have enjoyed the first two books.

Challenges:  100+ Challenge, A-Z Challenge,  For the Love of YA Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

The Burning Bridge

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

I love holidays! Lots and lots of reading!!

This is the second book in the Ranger's Apprentice series. I reviewed the first one, Ruins of Gorlan here.

My biggest disappointment with this book is that I didn't think to borrow number 3 before the library closed for the week between Christmas and new year!

Burning Bridge see's Will set off Gilan and Horace on a mission to Celtica. As Araluen prepares for war against Morgarath, they are tasked with seeking the support of King Swyddned of the Celts. However the villages in Celtica have been deserted and a meeting with a starving girl called Evanlyn lets them know that Morgarath have been enslaving the Celts. As the party discovers Morgarath's true plans, it may be up to them to turn the tide before it's too late.

Once again I was highly impressed with Flanagan's writing. Too often I find fantasy books aimed at young adults/ older children simplistic and disappointing. Flanagan manages to walk the fine line of not making it too complicated while not having the characters solve what appears to be difficult and dangerous problems with ease. Each book is finished, there is a resolution to the main problem in the book (in this case the impending invasion from Morgarath) but there is a clear path to the next book. I look forward to when my son is old enough to read this, I think he will really enjoy it. I would recommend it for a confident 10 year old reader, or a 12+.

Ranger's Apprentice 1: The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan - John Flanagan

I've known about this series for awhile, but have only just decided to read it. And how glad I am that I did!

After his parents died, Will became a ward of Baron Arald. As one of five wards to turn 15,  he will be part of the Choosing where the Craftmasters choose their apprentices. More than anything,  he wants to go to BattleSchool, convinced his father was a great warrior. When Baron Arald's Ranger, Halt, attends the choosing, Will thinks little of it. The Rangers are a mysterious bunch, whose ability to move silently and seemingly appear out of nowhere have given them a reputation of being magical to the superstitious villagers. When the Battlemaster rejects Will due to his small size, he is surprised and a little concerned to find himself apprenticed to Halt. But as will is to discover, maybe being a Ranger isn't as bad as he thinks.

I often find Fantasy Fiction aimed at children to be over simplistic, with very little substance. I often feel that the writer rushes to the end, with problems that seemed completely unsolvable suddenly having a solution. It is almost like they have an idea for a series, but are unsure if they will be given the green light to write more, so end abruptly or simplistically, just in case. With The Ruins of Gorlan, I found none of this.

Flanagan seems to have realised he was in this for the long haul. There would be more than one book, and he would tell his story properly. In an area of fiction where people are more than happy to jump on the band wagon and put out any rubbish to catch the current trend, Flanagan's book stand out as being well written, well thought out with substantial characters and a world that I am looking forward to exploring further.