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Brotherband Chronicles #8
Return of the Temujai
The Herons take to the high seas in the action-packed eighth installment of the Brotherband Chronicles, Return of the Temujai from John Flanagan, author of the internationally bestselling Ranger's Apprentice series!
The Herons are home in Skandia, but the usually peaceful country is in danger. The Temujai--ruthless warriors from the Eastern Steppes--have never given up on their ambition to claim Skandia for their own...and now they're on the move. Hal and his crew will have to brave the treacherous icy river and rapids to stop them, no matter the cost.
Climb aboard with the Herons in Return of the Temujai the exciting eighth installment of the Brotherband Chronicles!
The Herons are home in Skandia, but the usually peaceful country is in danger. The Temujai--ruthless warriors from the Eastern Steppes--have never given up on their ambition to claim Skandia for their own...and now they're on the move. Hal and his crew will have to brave the treacherous icy river and rapids to stop them, no matter the cost.
Climb aboard with the Herons in Return of the Temujai the exciting eighth installment of the Brotherband Chronicles!
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
498 people are currently reading
3329 people want to read
About the author
John Flanagan
108 books9,133 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
December 24, 2019
I feel like by this point that the author is slowly running out of ideas. To be fair to him, he has published a huge amount of work, but over the last few years, from my point of view, there are slowly been a dip in quality in his books. This book reuses an old idea from two of his old books and while the plot if different, nothing really comes of at the end and there is very little pay off. Instead of being excited about what was going on, it felt a bit predictable and uninteresting in my opinion. Also, I found myself to be so BORED. I simply wanted things to hurry up and get a move on. We’ve all seen this ship travel and fighting and sneaking around in the other 7 Brotherband books already.
The thing with Ranger’s Apprentice and the Brotherband Chronicles is that it is meant to be a fantasy series. To me at this point, it feels more like historical fiction set in another world that is essentially a distorted version of western Europe that makes a lot less sense. All the countries in this world are all someway or another based off one in the real world. The Temujai are literally named after Temujin, the birth name of Genghis Khan. Scandia is based off Scandinavia and the norse countries. The famed Araluan archers are a rip off version of the English Longbow men, who, surprise surprise, where known for their skill.
Whereas there were some fantastical elements in the first few novels, there straight up isn’t any in these newer instalments. I’m aware that there are series like aSoIaF where the fantasy elements are not as prevalent, but there’s still something. Rich lore and history, Valyrian steel, the monstrous wall to the north, there is really none of that in here.
Now I understand that this series is targeted for a more middle grade audience, and not even talking about the ridiculous numbers in these books, there are some things that come out as inconsistent. In book 4, an army of 15000 invades Scandia but in this book, we are told that the entire nation is on the move yet there is like what, 10000 people max from the few thousand tents that we are told about? It just does not really add up.
Now talking about the dodgy numbers in these books, everyone is crazily scaled down to the point where it is impossible to believe. Like I said, I get that it is MG fantasy fiction like saying that an entire nation based off the Mongol Empire can move around in ‘thousands’ of tents even seem a bit far fetched for that. Yes tribal migrations happened but there are more than just soldiers, like if there are thousands of warriors, then where are the children and the small percentage of the elderly. For me, and again, it’s just my own opinion, but I like a bit more realism than that.
It by no means is a bad book but I simply feel compared the earlier books that he has published, there are been a decrease in quality in terms of his writing. The writing also seems quite dry and is simply telling a sequence of events more than anything. 4.5/10
The thing with Ranger’s Apprentice and the Brotherband Chronicles is that it is meant to be a fantasy series. To me at this point, it feels more like historical fiction set in another world that is essentially a distorted version of western Europe that makes a lot less sense. All the countries in this world are all someway or another based off one in the real world. The Temujai are literally named after Temujin, the birth name of Genghis Khan. Scandia is based off Scandinavia and the norse countries. The famed Araluan archers are a rip off version of the English Longbow men, who, surprise surprise, where known for their skill.
Whereas there were some fantastical elements in the first few novels, there straight up isn’t any in these newer instalments. I’m aware that there are series like aSoIaF where the fantasy elements are not as prevalent, but there’s still something. Rich lore and history, Valyrian steel, the monstrous wall to the north, there is really none of that in here.
Now I understand that this series is targeted for a more middle grade audience, and not even talking about the ridiculous numbers in these books, there are some things that come out as inconsistent. In book 4, an army of 15000 invades Scandia but in this book, we are told that the entire nation is on the move yet there is like what, 10000 people max from the few thousand tents that we are told about? It just does not really add up.
Now talking about the dodgy numbers in these books, everyone is crazily scaled down to the point where it is impossible to believe. Like I said, I get that it is MG fantasy fiction like saying that an entire nation based off the Mongol Empire can move around in ‘thousands’ of tents even seem a bit far fetched for that. Yes tribal migrations happened but there are more than just soldiers, like if there are thousands of warriors, then where are the children and the small percentage of the elderly. For me, and again, it’s just my own opinion, but I like a bit more realism than that.
It by no means is a bad book but I simply feel compared the earlier books that he has published, there are been a decrease in quality in terms of his writing. The writing also seems quite dry and is simply telling a sequence of events more than anything. 4.5/10
October 7, 2019
There are not enough stars on Goodreads to contain my love for this book. This is by far the best Brotherband or Ranger's Apprentice book to release in a long time, and this is coming from someone who likes the Royal Ranger books (the fandom is pretty heated on those).
After the last two Brotherband Chronicles books were somewhat disappointing, this book blew my expectations out of the water and then some. This book was everything that made those original Ranger's Apprentice books so beloved. It had heart-pounding action and heart-wrenching decisions. My heart was beating so hard during the last few chapters. I may have gotten choked up at one point. The stakes are real. There are consequences and, yes, even loss in this book.
All the way back in book 4 of the Ranger's Apprentice series many books and spin off series ago, it was set up that the Temujai would eventually return. The author makes good on that long ago foreshadowing in this book, and this doesn't disappoint.
I could keep going on and on, but it would probably devolve into incoherent fangirling.
The end of this book is so satisfying and bittersweet. In some ways, this would be the perfect ending to the Brotherband series. In other ways, I really, really, really, really hope this author continues this amazing series!
After the last two Brotherband Chronicles books were somewhat disappointing, this book blew my expectations out of the water and then some. This book was everything that made those original Ranger's Apprentice books so beloved. It had heart-pounding action and heart-wrenching decisions. My heart was beating so hard during the last few chapters. I may have gotten choked up at one point. The stakes are real. There are consequences and, yes, even loss in this book.
All the way back in book 4 of the Ranger's Apprentice series many books and spin off series ago, it was set up that the Temujai would eventually return. The author makes good on that long ago foreshadowing in this book, and this doesn't disappoint.
I could keep going on and on, but it would probably devolve into incoherent fangirling.
The end of this book is so satisfying and bittersweet. In some ways, this would be the perfect ending to the Brotherband series. In other ways, I really, really, really, really hope this author continues this amazing series!
November 25, 2019
Another exciting adventure for Hal and his brotherband. They are sent to investigate rumors that the imperialist Temujai, their warring neighbors, are seeking a way to the sea. Loyal readers of Flanagan may recall that the Skandians faced trouble with these disciplined warriors, with horseback riding, bow shooting, and curved sword wielding skills in the fourth Rangers Apprentice book, The Battle for Skandia. So, the Heron is chosen to sail upriver and portage up to a large lake to investigate. They find the entire Temujai nation on the move, and have to figure out a way to delay or stop them. As always, Hal devises a clever plan, and then executes it along with his team. Things go well until the massive numerical superiority of the Temujai takes its toll, threatening the lives and livelihood of the brotherband.
Does anyone else out there think that Lydia is a veritable clone of Maddie, the Royal Ranger?
Does anyone else out there think that Lydia is a veritable clone of Maddie, the Royal Ranger?
February 21, 2021
As usual John Flanagan brings back beloved characters, and an astonishing adventure for us to enjoy. I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, while the the adventure once again felt very safe with the sense of a routine mission. Personally, I miss the feeling that something is at stake - that our protagonists can indeed fail.
November 21, 2019
This book is not as great as some reviews would make it out to be. It is also not nearly as bad as others claim. Some old jokes are repeated, but the world is expanded. As usual, the details are foggy and the distances are ridiculous. But the story was fun if a bit unbelievable for a 20-year-old woman. Other than that I just want the author to bring back more of the real fantasy aspects. He had some in his very first books, but they haen't been back and I miss them.
May 3, 2020
The nostalgia of Flanagan’s storytelling is what brings me back each time he releases a new book. His ability to created enjoyable characters and character interactions remains one of my favorites of all time. I love the banter he is able to express in the dialogue of his characters. Overall his dialogue is superb, and perhaps is the most memorable aspect of his writing.
However, at the rate he has been releasing books (one a year for quite a while now), I’ve been afraid the day was quickly approaching when he would run out of ideas and his plots would begin to lack the depth and ingenuity of his older work. I believe that point has finally been reached with the released of Return of the Temujai.
While I think if Flanagan had the ability to extend the time between releases of his books he could construct more compelling plots, I recognize various factors that could be pushing him to release books quickly each year (publishing contracts being the key piece).
In any case, my enjoyment of his characters and writing will keep me reading his stories until he stops writing. I think anyone who has grown up reading his stories might feel the same way.
However, at the rate he has been releasing books (one a year for quite a while now), I’ve been afraid the day was quickly approaching when he would run out of ideas and his plots would begin to lack the depth and ingenuity of his older work. I believe that point has finally been reached with the released of Return of the Temujai.
While I think if Flanagan had the ability to extend the time between releases of his books he could construct more compelling plots, I recognize various factors that could be pushing him to release books quickly each year (publishing contracts being the key piece).
In any case, my enjoyment of his characters and writing will keep me reading his stories until he stops writing. I think anyone who has grown up reading his stories might feel the same way.
August 21, 2020
Eighth in the Brotherband Chronicles historical action-adventure series (a spin-off from Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series) for middle-grade readers revolving around the young Hal and his crew.
My Take
I do like the sailing terms Flanagan includes at the start. I also love that the Skandians are so practical about feeding the fort's garrison so well. It only makes sense. As does Hal and Stig learning to ride horses, lol.
Flanagan uses third person point-of-view, primarily from Hal's and Thorn's perspectives.
While Return of the Temujai has plenty of action, it's a bit dull for their usual adventures. The Heron's injuries are the most exciting, so to speak, of the story. Yes, yes, the brotherband's actions in hostage-taking and their escape across the steppe and down the river and its rapids are certainly exciting, as is the ensuing battle and Hal's escape. But...it doesn't feel the same.
Still, it is a must-read…if only for the ending.
The Story
The Temujai need to conquer and now they're coming east. To Skandia. They want the Skandian ships. And there might be another way the Temujai could invade.
Turns out, it's not a scouting party...
The Characters
Erak has come to rely on the Heron Brotherband for special missions.
Hal is the skirl, captain, of the Heron, a ship he designed and built in The Outcasts , 1. Stig is his second-in-command and best friend; Thorn is their battle master, who looks at ways problem could be overcome; Lydia is skillful with her atlatl and is an excellent tracker; Jesper is a former thief; Stefan is a brilliant mimic; Ingvar is a hulk of a lad with great strength and bad eyesight; Ulf and Wulf are twins and not too bright who like to riff off each other, driving the rest of the crew crazy with their nonsense; and, Edvin is their cook and medic who likes to knit. Edvin is considered the finest healer in Hallasholm. Kloof is their shaggy dog. Jake is Hal's horse; Barney is Stig's horse.
Erak is the Oberjarl, the ruler, of Skandia, and he's based in Hallasholm. Wolfwind is his ship with Svengal, Erak's best friend, as its skirl. Borsa is Erak's hilfmann (chief administrator). Gert-by-Sea is an elderly widow. Rollond is skirl of Wolfrunner, a contemporary of the Heron's crew. Torval is part of Wolfrunner's crew. Dean is an Araluen archer commander.
Fort Ragnak is...
...the primary defensive line at Serpent Pass, the junction of the Skandian, Teutlandt, and Temujai borders. Leks Longshanks is a fellow skirl and brotherband leader who is taking a turn, along with his crew, at Fort Ragnak. Villi Whitebeard of the Wolfpaw is due to relieve them. Damien is the commander of the fifteen Araluen archers on garrison duty, including Willis and Simon.
The Kingdom of Araluen is...
...featured in Ranger's Apprentice. They have a treaty with the Skandians.
I'm guessing Sonderland is another country?
The Temujai are...
...a warlike, nomadic race from beyond the mountains whose primary mission is conquest and domination — think Genghis Khan! Pa'tong is the Sha'shan , the ultimate leader of the Temujai. Lek'to is the Sha'shan's wife. En'tak was demoted from his position as an Ulan commander and now commands a 10-man patrol; Ka'zhak, his best friend, is the demoted deputy commander of that patrol. Ho'mat is one of Pa'tong's generals. Ga'tan is a senior Ulan commander. Mori is the Great Horse Spirit they worship.
Sontod is the Skandian demigod of dance and movement. Zavac was the pirate who stole a valuable artifact in The Hunters , 3. A Vallasvow is a powerful oath.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a fiery scene from Return of the Temujai. A rearing horse in the middle of a grass fire, its warrior rider waving a sword, arrows flying, and soldiers battling behind him. The cloudy gray skies have an orange cast, forming a background for the white of two lines of info blurbs at the top with the series information large beneath it in a gothic font in pale orange and white with shadows. Immediately beneath this, and above the horse, is the title in a pale yellow outlined in black. The author's name is at the very bottom in a gradient of orange to yellow and outlined in black.
The title reflects the Skandian fears of the Return of the Temujai.
My Take
I do like the sailing terms Flanagan includes at the start. I also love that the Skandians are so practical about feeding the fort's garrison so well. It only makes sense. As does Hal and Stig learning to ride horses, lol.
Flanagan uses third person point-of-view, primarily from Hal's and Thorn's perspectives.
While Return of the Temujai has plenty of action, it's a bit dull for their usual adventures. The Heron's injuries are the most exciting, so to speak, of the story. Yes, yes, the brotherband's actions in hostage-taking and their escape across the steppe and down the river and its rapids are certainly exciting, as is the ensuing battle and Hal's escape. But...it doesn't feel the same.
Still, it is a must-read…if only for the ending.
The Story
The Temujai need to conquer and now they're coming east. To Skandia. They want the Skandian ships. And there might be another way the Temujai could invade.
Turns out, it's not a scouting party...
The Characters
Erak has come to rely on the Heron Brotherband for special missions.
Hal is the skirl, captain, of the Heron, a ship he designed and built in The Outcasts , 1. Stig is his second-in-command and best friend; Thorn is their battle master, who looks at ways problem could be overcome; Lydia is skillful with her atlatl and is an excellent tracker; Jesper is a former thief; Stefan is a brilliant mimic; Ingvar is a hulk of a lad with great strength and bad eyesight; Ulf and Wulf are twins and not too bright who like to riff off each other, driving the rest of the crew crazy with their nonsense; and, Edvin is their cook and medic who likes to knit. Edvin is considered the finest healer in Hallasholm. Kloof is their shaggy dog. Jake is Hal's horse; Barney is Stig's horse.
Erak is the Oberjarl, the ruler, of Skandia, and he's based in Hallasholm. Wolfwind is his ship with Svengal, Erak's best friend, as its skirl. Borsa is Erak's hilfmann (chief administrator). Gert-by-Sea is an elderly widow. Rollond is skirl of Wolfrunner, a contemporary of the Heron's crew. Torval is part of Wolfrunner's crew. Dean is an Araluen archer commander.
Fort Ragnak is...
...the primary defensive line at Serpent Pass, the junction of the Skandian, Teutlandt, and Temujai borders. Leks Longshanks is a fellow skirl and brotherband leader who is taking a turn, along with his crew, at Fort Ragnak. Villi Whitebeard of the Wolfpaw is due to relieve them. Damien is the commander of the fifteen Araluen archers on garrison duty, including Willis and Simon.
The Kingdom of Araluen is...
...featured in Ranger's Apprentice. They have a treaty with the Skandians.
I'm guessing Sonderland is another country?
The Temujai are...
...a warlike, nomadic race from beyond the mountains whose primary mission is conquest and domination — think Genghis Khan! Pa'tong is the Sha'shan , the ultimate leader of the Temujai. Lek'to is the Sha'shan's wife. En'tak was demoted from his position as an Ulan commander and now commands a 10-man patrol; Ka'zhak, his best friend, is the demoted deputy commander of that patrol. Ho'mat is one of Pa'tong's generals. Ga'tan is a senior Ulan commander. Mori is the Great Horse Spirit they worship.
Sontod is the Skandian demigod of dance and movement. Zavac was the pirate who stole a valuable artifact in The Hunters , 3. A Vallasvow is a powerful oath.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a fiery scene from Return of the Temujai. A rearing horse in the middle of a grass fire, its warrior rider waving a sword, arrows flying, and soldiers battling behind him. The cloudy gray skies have an orange cast, forming a background for the white of two lines of info blurbs at the top with the series information large beneath it in a gothic font in pale orange and white with shadows. Immediately beneath this, and above the horse, is the title in a pale yellow outlined in black. The author's name is at the very bottom in a gradient of orange to yellow and outlined in black.
The title reflects the Skandian fears of the Return of the Temujai.
October 8, 2020
I love the Heron Brotherband - they started out misfits and runts, and they are the finest, quickest brother band in all of Skandia.
They couldn't manage it without Lydia, and Thorn. Me either - those two add so much to the Heron. And Hal faces a new challenge at the end . . . I'm confident he's up to it!
They couldn't manage it without Lydia, and Thorn. Me either - those two add so much to the Heron. And Hal faces a new challenge at the end . . . I'm confident he's up to it!
May 23, 2020
'Goed gedaan, Hal,' zei hij slechts. 'Ik weet hoeveel dit je heeft gekost.'
'Ze zullen terugkomen.'
Dat was de waarschuwing die Halt de Skandiërs meegaf, lang geleden, in De Dragers van het Eikenblad, Boek 4 van De Grijze Jager. De Temujai, zo wist Halt te zeggen, denken niet in jaren maar in tientallen jaren. Ze werken letterlijk met vijf-, tien- en twintigjarenplannen. Het was dus gewoon een kwestie van tijd - voor de lezers en voor de personages - voor die woeste krijgers uit de steppen van het Verre Oosten zouden terugkeren. Veertien jaar zijn er voorbijgegaan, en ze zijn inderdaad terug.
Ik vreesde dat dit boek dan ook redelijk weinig zou toevoegen aan Flanagans backlist. De hoofdpersonages kennen we natuurlijk al jaren, maar nu kennen we de tegenstanders ook al. Bij mij rees de vraag dus wel in hoeverre dit geen herhaling zou zijn van De Dragers van het Eikenblad. Gelukkig was daar maar nauwelijks sprake van. Een deel van de informatie die je krijgt - vooral van Erak en Hal - is hetzelfde als de praatjes die Halt hield. Voor mensen die de reeks dus al jaren volgen, is dat nogal overbodig. Maar ongetwijfeld heeft de schrijver hier ook rekening gehouden met het feit dat de jongere generatie lezers de oudere verhalen misschien niet meer gelezen heeft, en voor hen is dat natuurlijk wel allemaal cruciale informatie.
Bovendien zorgt het wel voor een extra inkijk in de personages. Erak - al komt hij maar een paar scènes in het verhaal voor - lijkt wel wat van Halt te hebben overgenomen. Hij is duidelijk slimmer geworden en denkt meer na dan vroeger. En de kennis van de Temujai wordt ook uitgebreid. Bovendien lijkt het verhaal in niets op DGJ Boek 4, er wordt (letterlijk en figuurlijk) een heel andere weg gevolgd.
Wat mij extra opviel, was dat het verhaal als het ware een reset krijgt. Het begint, zo tot bladzijde 90 ergens, en dan stopt het zo'n beetje en begint het eigenlijk opnieuw. Als lezer tuin je er eerst misschien wel in: de setting van het begin van het boek komt effectief overeen met een deel van de setting van DGJ Boek 4, maar daarna word je dan aangenaam verrast.
Ik heb het idee dat dit verhaal een pak serieuzer is dan we gewend zijn. Er wordt veel minder gelachen en lol en grappen gemaakt dan normaal, het duurt minder lang dan gewoonlijk voor alles in gang schiet, en net voor het einde van het boek gebeurt er toch iets... opvallends. Ik kan je geruststellen: het is geen cliffhanger. Maar dan nog. Het is wel opvallend.
Maar al bij al moet ik eerlijk toegeven dat het hele boek niet echt opvallend was. Het is wel spannend hoor - nu ja, niet de hele tijd natuurlijk, maar wel voldoende - maar het gaat allemaal nogal... rustig door, gewoon. Ik wil het zeker geen slecht boek noemen, het is meer zo'n soort tussendoorboekje dat net niet de kwaliteit lijkt te hebben van de omringende boeken. Zo'n boek waarbij je, als je een keer de hele reeks herleest, even kunt uitademen en kalmpjes, zonder al te veel zorgen, door kunt lezen en waarvan je eigenlijk nogal rap vergeet wát er nu juist in is gebeurd.
Dat gezegd zijnde, het is plezant dat Lydia hier een beetje een belangrijkere rol dan de rest van de Reigers krijgt, zo te merken. Zij en Hal - die sowieso belangrijk is natuurlijk - zijn toch wel mijn favorieten in de reeks.
Weer een goeie vertaling ook, van Wybrand Scheffer. Niks op aan te merken. Alles is duidelijk vertaald in de stijl van Flanagan, mooi werk. Op één plaats stond er ergens een aanhalingsteken niet, dus daar is de redactie eventjes te snel overheen gegaan, maar hey, één fout op 333 bladzijdes, laat me niet lachen, dat doet niemand je na.
7/10
'Ze zullen terugkomen.'
Dat was de waarschuwing die Halt de Skandiërs meegaf, lang geleden, in De Dragers van het Eikenblad, Boek 4 van De Grijze Jager. De Temujai, zo wist Halt te zeggen, denken niet in jaren maar in tientallen jaren. Ze werken letterlijk met vijf-, tien- en twintigjarenplannen. Het was dus gewoon een kwestie van tijd - voor de lezers en voor de personages - voor die woeste krijgers uit de steppen van het Verre Oosten zouden terugkeren. Veertien jaar zijn er voorbijgegaan, en ze zijn inderdaad terug.
Ik vreesde dat dit boek dan ook redelijk weinig zou toevoegen aan Flanagans backlist. De hoofdpersonages kennen we natuurlijk al jaren, maar nu kennen we de tegenstanders ook al. Bij mij rees de vraag dus wel in hoeverre dit geen herhaling zou zijn van De Dragers van het Eikenblad. Gelukkig was daar maar nauwelijks sprake van. Een deel van de informatie die je krijgt - vooral van Erak en Hal - is hetzelfde als de praatjes die Halt hield. Voor mensen die de reeks dus al jaren volgen, is dat nogal overbodig. Maar ongetwijfeld heeft de schrijver hier ook rekening gehouden met het feit dat de jongere generatie lezers de oudere verhalen misschien niet meer gelezen heeft, en voor hen is dat natuurlijk wel allemaal cruciale informatie.
Bovendien zorgt het wel voor een extra inkijk in de personages. Erak - al komt hij maar een paar scènes in het verhaal voor - lijkt wel wat van Halt te hebben overgenomen. Hij is duidelijk slimmer geworden en denkt meer na dan vroeger. En de kennis van de Temujai wordt ook uitgebreid. Bovendien lijkt het verhaal in niets op DGJ Boek 4, er wordt (letterlijk en figuurlijk) een heel andere weg gevolgd.
Wat mij extra opviel, was dat het verhaal als het ware een reset krijgt. Het begint, zo tot bladzijde 90 ergens, en dan stopt het zo'n beetje en begint het eigenlijk opnieuw. Als lezer tuin je er eerst misschien wel in: de setting van het begin van het boek komt effectief overeen met een deel van de setting van DGJ Boek 4, maar daarna word je dan aangenaam verrast.
Ik heb het idee dat dit verhaal een pak serieuzer is dan we gewend zijn. Er wordt veel minder gelachen en lol en grappen gemaakt dan normaal, het duurt minder lang dan gewoonlijk voor alles in gang schiet, en net voor het einde van het boek gebeurt er toch iets... opvallends. Ik kan je geruststellen: het is geen cliffhanger. Maar dan nog. Het is wel opvallend.
Maar al bij al moet ik eerlijk toegeven dat het hele boek niet echt opvallend was. Het is wel spannend hoor - nu ja, niet de hele tijd natuurlijk, maar wel voldoende - maar het gaat allemaal nogal... rustig door, gewoon. Ik wil het zeker geen slecht boek noemen, het is meer zo'n soort tussendoorboekje dat net niet de kwaliteit lijkt te hebben van de omringende boeken. Zo'n boek waarbij je, als je een keer de hele reeks herleest, even kunt uitademen en kalmpjes, zonder al te veel zorgen, door kunt lezen en waarvan je eigenlijk nogal rap vergeet wát er nu juist in is gebeurd.
Dat gezegd zijnde, het is plezant dat Lydia hier een beetje een belangrijkere rol dan de rest van de Reigers krijgt, zo te merken. Zij en Hal - die sowieso belangrijk is natuurlijk - zijn toch wel mijn favorieten in de reeks.
Weer een goeie vertaling ook, van Wybrand Scheffer. Niks op aan te merken. Alles is duidelijk vertaald in de stijl van Flanagan, mooi werk. Op één plaats stond er ergens een aanhalingsteken niet, dus daar is de redactie eventjes te snel overheen gegaan, maar hey, één fout op 333 bladzijdes, laat me niet lachen, dat doet niemand je na.
7/10
May 21, 2021
"What a brotherband! A thief, a touchy first mate, a shortsighted bear, a joker, two twins who can't tell each other apart, a bookworm, and a skirl who doesn't know the right shape for a ship's sail! I can't think of better qualities in a wolfship's crew." Erak, Oberjarl of Skandia, once said.
The crew of Heron, an inseparable brotherband, was the greatest and most effective fighting unit in the whole Skandian fleet. Skandians, a race regarded by others as barbarians, had such a formidable force that they proved every other nation wrong. No, Skandians are not savage, but ingenious and clever beings that can concur and collaborate, beings that would perish any enemy with the crew's diverse skills and intuitive minds.
Hal, a half-Skandian, along with his crew: Stig, Edvin, Stefan, Jesper, Ingvar, Ulf and Wulf, were the original eight members of the Heron brotherband. Unlike other brotherbands, Hal's team member count is only about one-third of the units compared to any other wolfship crew, yet not in the least less redoubtable. Over a decade, the Herons had grown from a band of tangled misfits to a company of well-respected prodigies. They have defeated greatly-feared pirates that had terrorized numerous and even saved nations from infectious cults.
John Flanagan's sequel series to the bestselling succession Ranger's Apprentice once again grabbed my attention. The rangers, Araluens, and their perspectives have always entertained me. A new sequence of novels from the view of Skandians was everything else I could ask for. Before I read the Brotherband Chronicles, I thought Skandians were just big, stocky barbarians that aren't too clever. Most of these judgements came to an end. Sure, Skadians are usually taller and bulkier than other races, but they aren't barbarians, and they are very sharp-witted. As Flanagan's readers may know, the World of John Flanagan (including Araluen, Gallica, Arrida, Skandia, et cetera) is a brief reflection of the world during the Middle Ages. Araluen corresponds to Medieval England, Gallica corresponds to Medieval France, Arrida corresponds to Fatimid Caliphate, Skandia corresponds to Medieval Scandinavia, and so on. Therefore, Skandians would be the contemplation of Vikings.
"Always expect something to go wrong. If you are right, you won't be disappointed. If you are wrong, you're ready for it." says Thorn, mentor and battlemaster of the Herons. This quote might have been one of the core reasons why the crew never failed at anything they did. I expect all of you to read this series as if you would never read another book.
The crew of Heron, an inseparable brotherband, was the greatest and most effective fighting unit in the whole Skandian fleet. Skandians, a race regarded by others as barbarians, had such a formidable force that they proved every other nation wrong. No, Skandians are not savage, but ingenious and clever beings that can concur and collaborate, beings that would perish any enemy with the crew's diverse skills and intuitive minds.
Hal, a half-Skandian, along with his crew: Stig, Edvin, Stefan, Jesper, Ingvar, Ulf and Wulf, were the original eight members of the Heron brotherband. Unlike other brotherbands, Hal's team member count is only about one-third of the units compared to any other wolfship crew, yet not in the least less redoubtable. Over a decade, the Herons had grown from a band of tangled misfits to a company of well-respected prodigies. They have defeated greatly-feared pirates that had terrorized numerous and even saved nations from infectious cults.
John Flanagan's sequel series to the bestselling succession Ranger's Apprentice once again grabbed my attention. The rangers, Araluens, and their perspectives have always entertained me. A new sequence of novels from the view of Skandians was everything else I could ask for. Before I read the Brotherband Chronicles, I thought Skandians were just big, stocky barbarians that aren't too clever. Most of these judgements came to an end. Sure, Skadians are usually taller and bulkier than other races, but they aren't barbarians, and they are very sharp-witted. As Flanagan's readers may know, the World of John Flanagan (including Araluen, Gallica, Arrida, Skandia, et cetera) is a brief reflection of the world during the Middle Ages. Araluen corresponds to Medieval England, Gallica corresponds to Medieval France, Arrida corresponds to Fatimid Caliphate, Skandia corresponds to Medieval Scandinavia, and so on. Therefore, Skandians would be the contemplation of Vikings.
"Always expect something to go wrong. If you are right, you won't be disappointed. If you are wrong, you're ready for it." says Thorn, mentor and battlemaster of the Herons. This quote might have been one of the core reasons why the crew never failed at anything they did. I expect all of you to read this series as if you would never read another book.
May 6, 2025
This was more like 3.5 than 4 stars. I think the stories are getting a little weaker as the series goes on. I love Thorn’s character and his strength and human carry a lot of these stories. Revisiting the Temujai was interesting. The ending seemed a little far fetched but it was alright. This has been a good series but I think I should have taken some breaks between books. The author gets super descriptive about the ship and the sailing and I think that is sometimes at the expense of fully developing the story. All that being said, I enjoyed the read.
October 8, 2019
I look forward to and enjoy reading the Brotherband Chronicles. Considering the wait for this book and the excitement of the previous volumes. This gets an “eh”. Not so much. I’ll look forward to the next one, if there is one. Maybe Flanagan has just run out of steam?
July 24, 2024
Moje serce pękło na pół 💔
August 5, 2024
A standard Brotherband book, very much in line with the others.
Content:
The language is clean. There is no real romance to date and no magic. They have a number of Norse-like gods, but religion doesn’t play much part in the story
Content:
The language is clean. There is no real romance to date and no magic. They have a number of Norse-like gods, but religion doesn’t play much part in the story
October 31, 2019
Not up to par
I LOVE the Brotherband and all of Flanagan’s book, but this one was a bit of a snoozer. Nothing new really happened (until the very end) and it seemed like a tired voyage. I missed all the humor of the past books (aside from the bear impression) and am a little shocked that it fell so flat.
I LOVE the Brotherband and all of Flanagan’s book, but this one was a bit of a snoozer. Nothing new really happened (until the very end) and it seemed like a tired voyage. I missed all the humor of the past books (aside from the bear impression) and am a little shocked that it fell so flat.
August 13, 2021
It was fun. :)
October 21, 2022
Another sturdy installment by John Flanagan. This was maybe one of my least favorites of the Brotherband series, but I still loved it because I love the characters so much. I can't get enough. When we finished (my son and I) and realized that we had to wait for the next book to even be released here in the U.S., we were at a loss for what to do with our time until then. It's hard to get into the story of any other characters, when all we want is to live with Hal and Thorn and Stig and the gang.
I appreciated the trajectory of this story, which I won't specify due to spoilers, but I will say that I liked that some new connections were formed.
I appreciated the trajectory of this story, which I won't specify due to spoilers, but I will say that I liked that some new connections were formed.
October 14, 2019
Thankfully was better than the last Brotherband. I think I may have mentioned it before, but Flanagan's books are getting worse and worse as they go on. It would be entirely possible to skip the last couple of books in the series before this one, as they're never mentioned or referenced in any way, and are pretty boring. I don't know whether it's just me growing out of the targeted age group for these books or just plain bad writing (I'm going to go with bad writing, since I can still read other books written for middle school aged children just fine, even enjoy them) but the flow of these new Flanagan books is non-existent - the sentences are jarring and start and stop in places that could've easily be joined together. It was very easy to get lost on a page just after blinking because the first 3/4 of the book was so boring that your eyes automatically wandered for something more interesting.
This book has one good thing - it was better than the last one, and it finally mentioned Ingvar's eyeglasses again, after ignoring them except for when they were convenient.
This book has one good thing - it was better than the last one, and it finally mentioned Ingvar's eyeglasses again, after ignoring them except for when they were convenient.
November 17, 2019
John Flanagan continues to excite, thrill and impress me with his descriptions, details, narrative and personalities in a world not so different from our own. A huge talent that I, for one, do not want to see give up the Brotherband and Ranger sagas.
I know I do not fall within the target age demographics, but I do enjoy an exciting tale of adventure, action and good people battling bad. Something John Flanagan does very well indeed.
The 'Return of the Temujal' continues the Saga -even if the crew didn't give their version of their activities when they returned home. This time Hal and the crew managed to overcome new and more dangerous foes in what can only be described as new and inventive ways.
However, John Flanagan did give the impression, that a new, and perhaps an advanced version, of Hal's and the Brotherbands vessel, might soon be a creation.
I look forward to reading more of the Brotherband and Ranger adventures.
Hurry, at 73 years of age, I can't way around for much longer...
I know I do not fall within the target age demographics, but I do enjoy an exciting tale of adventure, action and good people battling bad. Something John Flanagan does very well indeed.
The 'Return of the Temujal' continues the Saga -even if the crew didn't give their version of their activities when they returned home. This time Hal and the crew managed to overcome new and more dangerous foes in what can only be described as new and inventive ways.
However, John Flanagan did give the impression, that a new, and perhaps an advanced version, of Hal's and the Brotherbands vessel, might soon be a creation.
I look forward to reading more of the Brotherband and Ranger adventures.
Hurry, at 73 years of age, I can't way around for much longer...
October 20, 2019
Another fine outing from John Flanagan. As an adult, I keep craving something a shade or two darker than what the Brotherband Chronicles is about, and I have to keep reminding myself that's a middle-grades book, written for tweens. However, the lack of grimdark aside, the Brotherband's wholesome adventures are still fun to read.
November 4, 2019
I love that John Flanagan's books encourage 8 to 14 year olds to read! ....and that adults can enjoy them too. Please don't make them 'darker', as someone suggested. They are perfect for this targeted age group.
August 10, 2020
The book was okay. I liked how it involved stuff from Rangers Apprentice but it was not exciting and most of the book felt like it was taken up with sailing. I also felt like I'd read everything that was in it in the other books already. I did however like the ending because it was very meaningful.
December 29, 2019
Hal and the brotherband are tasked by Erak to help defend Skandia against the Temjuai, partly because of Hal's ability to think creatively.
February 17, 2020
It was a great ride, but I think it's time to stop, Mr. Flanagan.
August 20, 2021
O well, what can I say? I have a bias when it comes down to the John Flanagan books that dates almost ten years back in my bookloving life.
March 23, 2025
Can't say it's the best of the series, but pretty good nonetheless.
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