As we left The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles Book #1, Hal and his crew aboard The Heron won the Brotherband Competition. As part of the honor, Oberjarl Erak Starfollower, gave the crew the prestigious duty of guarding Skandia's most treasured artifact, The Andomal. Whether it was complacency, carelessness, or naivety, the treasure was stolen under their watch. Now, they must get it back from bloodthirsty pirate Zavac and his crew on The Raven and they must do it to save face and be honored once again.

In the still of the dark night, Hal, Stig, and Thorn and the other crew members set out after Zavac. The Heron is up to the task, but not without much fighting and danger. Along the way, much to their surprise, they find help from Svengal and his crew aboard The Wolfwind, Erak's prized ship. Together, the two ships find Zavac ravaging the seemingly helpless town of Limmat, which is rich with precious emeralds. They befriend Lydia, a Limmatan a girl who is as fearless as she is beautiful.

Hal, Svengal, and Lydia succeed in eliminating most of the pirates from the town, but somehow, someway, Zavac escapes aboard The Raven with the Andomal and emeralds in tow. Hal is determined to get it back and avenge this diastrous turn of events. Who is with him? All his loyal crewmembers, plus one very beautiful newcomer, rise to the challenge.

I cannot wait for book #3. These Brotherband Chronicles are beautifully written, full of excitement, sit-on-the-edge of your seat danger, and expertly crafted characters. Boys will love these books, but girls will love the brave men, the journey, and the hint of romance.