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The Outcasts

Book 1 in the series:Brotherband Chronicles

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'The Outcasts' in the 'Brotherband Chronicles' series by John Flanagan follows the story of Hal Mikkelson, a young Skandian boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and leadership through Brotherband training. Despite being an outsider due to his mixed heritage, Hal forms a team of misfits called The Herons and faces challenges, bullies, and unexpected twists as they strive to prove themselves in the competitive world of Skandian warriors. The plot is filled with action, teamwork, loyalty, and character growth, all set in a Viking-inspired world crafted by John Flanagan's engaging writing style.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, featuring a mix of misfits who each bring unique strengths, particularly focusing on Hal as a leader.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, utilizing an omniscient third-person perspective that provides insights into multiple characters while maintaining action-driven prose.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Hal Mikkelson as he tackles the challenges of brotherband training, leading a group of underdogs known as the Heron brotherband through trials and tribulations.

Setting:

The setting is a fictional, Viking-inspired realm named Skandia, rich in sailing and cultural traditions.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow but accelerates through exciting training challenges, keeping readers engaged.
With her sail furled and the yardarm lowered to the deck, and propelled by only four of her oars, the wolfship glided slowly toward the beach. The four rowers wielded their oars carefully, raising the...

Notes:

The Outcasts is the first book in the Brotherband Chronicles series by John Flanagan.
The story is set in a fictional place called Skandia, reminiscent of Viking culture.
The main character, Hal Mikkelson, is half Skandian and half Araluen, which makes him feel like an outsider.
Hal and his friends form a team called the Heron Brotherband, made up of other social misfits.
The Herons compete in Brotherband training, a rite of passage for young Skandians.
Hal is depicted as a natural leader and inventor, often relying on his friends for support.
The novel is narrated in an omniscient third person point of view, providing insights into all characters' thoughts.
The story emphasizes themes of teamwork, loyalty, and overcoming bullying.
Hal's mentor, Thorn, has a poignant backstory, having lost a hand and struggled with alcoholism before finding purpose again.
The book includes plenty of action and humor, keeping readers engaged with surprising plot twists.
The author, John Flanagan, is also known for his Ranger's Apprentice series, which shares the same universe.
The narrative includes detailed descriptions of sailing and martial arts, suggesting Flanagan's knowledge in those areas.
The book encourages young readers, particularly reluctant ones, to appreciate adventure and character-driven stories.

From The Publisher:

From the author of the global phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice!

They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing. John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books.

Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini's Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Ratings (24)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (47):

Read It (28)
Want To Read (12)
Not Interested (7)

About the Author:

John Flanagan (www.WorldofJohnFlanagan.com) grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be an author, and after a successful career in advertising and television, he began writing a series of short stories for his son, Michael, in order to encourage him to…

 
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