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Brotherband Chronicles #6
The Ghostfaces
When the Herons are caught in a massive storm at sea, they're blown far off course - so far that they wash up on the shores of a land to the west that Hal can't recognise from his maps. They sense they're being watched but don't encounter the locals until they have to rescue two children from a marauding bear.
This action earns them the gratitude of the Mawagansett tribe and the two groups finally meet. But the peace is short-lived. The ruthless, warmongering Ghostfaces are heading their way, and the Herons will have to help their new friends repel an invasion.
Among the heart-stopping action and nail-biting battles, one Heron will find love, the twins finally receive payback for their identity swapping, and a homesick Skandian will discover that home is where the heart is.
This action earns them the gratitude of the Mawagansett tribe and the two groups finally meet. But the peace is short-lived. The ruthless, warmongering Ghostfaces are heading their way, and the Herons will have to help their new friends repel an invasion.
Among the heart-stopping action and nail-biting battles, one Heron will find love, the twins finally receive payback for their identity swapping, and a homesick Skandian will discover that home is where the heart is.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
454 people are currently reading
4923 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
July 23, 2016
OMG! I love this series!
Hal and his brotherband crew are forced to flee from a huge storm. They are blown for weeks into the endless sea with water in short supply, they begin to fear they might be blown off the edge of the world! Then when it seems all hope is lost, they see land.
First off, I love these characters! Right from the first book in the series I fell in love with all of them. That relationship has continued to grow through each book in the series and continues in this the sixth book in the series. The story is fast-paced and entertaining. The plot builds to a satisfying climax and a touching conclusion. As I think every book in this series as done, this one made me both laugh and cry.
Very much looking forward to book seven!
October 11, 2021
This was very different to the others in the Brotherband series and I believed added more depth to the characters and to the story as a whole. Its like the series grew up. The story itself was meaningful, engaging and full of adventure, hitting a new element every chapter or so. Entertaining and meaningful in more way than you expect.
September 13, 2017
3.75 stars. Good story, but too many chapters on the storm. And what happened to the dog? She almost disappeared from the narrative after the bear scene. Then she showed up again once or twice. Then nothing. Did she die?
This is Book 6 featuring the Skandian (Scandinavian) Brotherband of eight young men, plus Lydia the huntress and old Thorn the warrior maktig. And the dog Kloof. Their amazing sailing sloop "The Heron" sets out for home but is blown off course by the storm of the century. Instead of sailing northeast, the Brotherband is heading southwest across The Endless Sea, enduring lightning and monstrous waves by the luck of Loki and their skirl's (skipper's) amazing seamanship. Finally, half-dead from dehydration, they spot a floating tree. Land! It's a new land, unknown, uncharted, and brimming with wildlife. Including hostile natives.
It's pre-colonial America, but not. It's Tecumseh, but not. It's history, but not.
Enjoyable, no complaints, but not the best in this series.
Ps:
Some possible historical connections to Norse explorers:
Leif Ericson (970-1020), the son of Eric the Red (c.950-1003), who had discovered Greenland, entered the history books for his sighting of Vinland (Nova Scotia/Canada) in about 1000. One saga from 1387 states that a certain Bjarni, Son of Herjulf, had beaten Leif to Vinland, having been blown off course and sighted land there as early as 985-6. But no further support for the Bjarni claim has turned up.
http://www.historytoday.com/s-frederi...
This is Book 6 featuring the Skandian (Scandinavian) Brotherband of eight young men, plus Lydia the huntress and old Thorn the warrior maktig. And the dog Kloof. Their amazing sailing sloop "The Heron" sets out for home but is blown off course by the storm of the century. Instead of sailing northeast, the Brotherband is heading southwest across The Endless Sea, enduring lightning and monstrous waves by the luck of Loki and their skirl's (skipper's) amazing seamanship. Finally, half-dead from dehydration, they spot a floating tree. Land! It's a new land, unknown, uncharted, and brimming with wildlife. Including hostile natives.
It's pre-colonial America, but not. It's Tecumseh, but not. It's history, but not.
Enjoyable, no complaints, but not the best in this series.
Ps:
Some possible historical connections to Norse explorers:
Leif Ericson (970-1020), the son of Eric the Red (c.950-1003), who had discovered Greenland, entered the history books for his sighting of Vinland (Nova Scotia/Canada) in about 1000. One saga from 1387 states that a certain Bjarni, Son of Herjulf, had beaten Leif to Vinland, having been blown off course and sighted land there as early as 985-6. But no further support for the Bjarni claim has turned up.
http://www.historytoday.com/s-frederi...
June 3, 2022
This book was beautiful. It was super emotional (I cried...) and it really showed the depth and strength of the friendship between the whole Brotherband. I loved every moment.
February 25, 2018
A very good story......but he killed someone I liked again. *pouts*
July 14, 2016
I am actually a bit tired of this series and I only picked this book up because it was a free audio book.
If you're enjoying the series then my review is probably invalid to you anyway. My recommendation is just to not get the audio version, the narrator is rather irritating.
The good side:
-Edvin was a far more interesting and developed character
-Lydia was also a more interesting character and she finally stopped saying 'old man' to Thorne
-Jesper actually was given a good part to play
The bad side:
-Kloof, the crew of the Heron were in a ferocious storm, no mention. They were dying of thirst in an empty ocean, no mention of Kloof, who would certainly drink a lot. This wouldn't have been a problem had she been left behind, however, she turned up suddenly when they needed her and immediately disappeared again.
-The Ghostfaces themselves were pathetic and only turned up in the last few chapters. Not exactly a villain to actually interest a reader.
-It seems kinda racist for the native tribe to be helpless against the Ghostfaces, (I'm sure they would have had at least one person in the 5 different tribes who could come up with a solution) and have to be rescued by the European crew of 8. Plus, why would a group of people spontaneously start singing to welcome their sudden visitors.
If you're enjoying the series then my review is probably invalid to you anyway. My recommendation is just to not get the audio version, the narrator is rather irritating.
The good side:
-Edvin was a far more interesting and developed character
-Lydia was also a more interesting character and she finally stopped saying 'old man' to Thorne
-Jesper actually was given a good part to play
The bad side:
-Kloof, the crew of the Heron were in a ferocious storm, no mention. They were dying of thirst in an empty ocean, no mention of Kloof, who would certainly drink a lot. This wouldn't have been a problem had she been left behind, however, she turned up suddenly when they needed her and immediately disappeared again.
-The Ghostfaces themselves were pathetic and only turned up in the last few chapters. Not exactly a villain to actually interest a reader.
-It seems kinda racist for the native tribe to be helpless against the Ghostfaces, (I'm sure they would have had at least one person in the 5 different tribes who could come up with a solution) and have to be rescued by the European crew of 8. Plus, why would a group of people spontaneously start singing to welcome their sudden visitors.
September 25, 2016
John Flanagan does not fail to thrill in this latest instalment of the Brotherband Chronicles!
Fresh from their latest adventure, the Heron Brotherband is thrown into an even more thrilling adventure. Lost in a freak storm, they are driven far over the Endless Sea to a land now too dissimilar to the New World. They make new friends, fall in love, interact with a unique culture and forge a bond with the people of the land by helping them fight and defeat their enemies, the Ghostfaces.
Once again, Hal shows his quick thinking and wonderful sailing ability, Thorn displays his usual courage and discipline, Stig falls on love, Jesper reminds us of his...ahem...'unique' skills, Lydia, Ulf, Wulf, Ingvar and Stefan do what they know how to do best.
It's a fast paced story, no boring bits. The author cuts straight to the point without unnecessary embellishment. The characters are well fleshed out, unique and have original personalities. These unique personalities interact in an exciting way, that leaves you wanting to know about their latest adventure.
I'm still enjoying John Flanagan's Brotherband Chronicles, despite being out of my teens. I couldn't have enjoyed it more even if the books came out when I was younger.
I eagerly await the next book in the series. 5 out of 5 stars for me!
Fresh from their latest adventure, the Heron Brotherband is thrown into an even more thrilling adventure. Lost in a freak storm, they are driven far over the Endless Sea to a land now too dissimilar to the New World. They make new friends, fall in love, interact with a unique culture and forge a bond with the people of the land by helping them fight and defeat their enemies, the Ghostfaces.
Once again, Hal shows his quick thinking and wonderful sailing ability, Thorn displays his usual courage and discipline, Stig falls on love, Jesper reminds us of his...ahem...'unique' skills, Lydia, Ulf, Wulf, Ingvar and Stefan do what they know how to do best.
It's a fast paced story, no boring bits. The author cuts straight to the point without unnecessary embellishment. The characters are well fleshed out, unique and have original personalities. These unique personalities interact in an exciting way, that leaves you wanting to know about their latest adventure.
I'm still enjoying John Flanagan's Brotherband Chronicles, despite being out of my teens. I couldn't have enjoyed it more even if the books came out when I was younger.
I eagerly await the next book in the series. 5 out of 5 stars for me!
February 8, 2017
4.5 STARS....Only because of the Stig storyline. I was so upset with that. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. But, I still love this series and all of the Brotherband boys. The Brotherband are always lending a hand to anyone that needs it. Their enemies always underestimate them and I love how they always come out on top. This is what a team is all about!!! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 4, 2018
I was quite disappointed in this book:( I have been looking forward to it for so long... Compared to the previous books in the series, this book was quite uneventful, the action did not really begin until more than half-way through the book. The villains were really one-dimensional, and the story was fairly predictable.
(Major Spoilers below!!!!!!!!)
/////
I also thought the author used something I call "Convenient Dying", in which the author causes a character to die in order to resolve an otherwise difficult dilemma. In the book, Hal was devastated when Stig wanted to stay with his beloved Tecumsa in the village. It was a difficult choice to make: going back with his closest companions, or staying with his love, but leaving his hometown forever. At that moment, I was hoping Hal and Stig could resolve this through communication and figure out what's best for all of them, yet Tecumsa "simply stopped breathing", and the problem was conveniently resolved (a bit too convenient). Of course this might not have been the author's intention, but I felt like he did the same thing again with Orvik (the only Skandian who survived the shipwreck years ago). Like Stig, Orvik was also torn between going back to Skandia at last or staying with the Mawags, with whom he had developed a special bond. Coincidentally, he also died during the battle with the Ghost Faces. I realised these were the only two major characters who died in the book, and they all faced difficult decisions, and both dilemmas were simply resolved through their deaths.
But I still gave this book two stars, because as always, the friendship of the Brotherband was still very touching. Especially in the end, when everyone was just there for Stig. I think regarding the theme of friendships, Flanagan is a pro.
(Major Spoilers below!!!!!!!!)
/////
I also thought the author used something I call "Convenient Dying", in which the author causes a character to die in order to resolve an otherwise difficult dilemma. In the book, Hal was devastated when Stig wanted to stay with his beloved Tecumsa in the village. It was a difficult choice to make: going back with his closest companions, or staying with his love, but leaving his hometown forever. At that moment, I was hoping Hal and Stig could resolve this through communication and figure out what's best for all of them, yet Tecumsa "simply stopped breathing", and the problem was conveniently resolved (a bit too convenient). Of course this might not have been the author's intention, but I felt like he did the same thing again with Orvik (the only Skandian who survived the shipwreck years ago). Like Stig, Orvik was also torn between going back to Skandia at last or staying with the Mawags, with whom he had developed a special bond. Coincidentally, he also died during the battle with the Ghost Faces. I realised these were the only two major characters who died in the book, and they all faced difficult decisions, and both dilemmas were simply resolved through their deaths.
But I still gave this book two stars, because as always, the friendship of the Brotherband was still very touching. Especially in the end, when everyone was just there for Stig. I think regarding the theme of friendships, Flanagan is a pro.
January 20, 2024
Viskas knygoje išgalvota,bet ir tuo pačiu labai tikroviškai aprašyta.Nuotykiai,baimė,draugystė ir netgi meilė labai gražiai aprašyta knygoje.Labai patiko.
April 12, 2024
After I closed the book, I couldn’t say anything and I just lay in my bed, thinking about the ending.
Thank you John Flanagan for making amazing books like this one.
Thank you John Flanagan for making amazing books like this one.
June 21, 2016
My name is Stig, and I am first mate aboard the Heron. I don't know how we survived weeks in that massive storm on the Endless Ocean, but Hal's smartness always amazes me. The land we've found has plenty of food and shelter, so we'll wait until the winds change before trying to find our way back to Skandia. Lydia and Thorn found claw marks on tree from a bear that's three meters tall! There's also evidence of people spying on us. We have no idea if they're friendly or dangerous, so we're on guard at all times. I've just been awakened from my sleep, because Hal needs me at the palisade. It seems an old man and two armed warriors have just shown up outside our defenses.
This book captured the magic of the acclaimed Ranger's Apprentice and the other books in the Brotherband series, but it lacked a little of the adventure and intrigue. The beginning of the book had the adventure of surviving a massive storm on the ocean, but I found myself losing interest. It's hard to keep things interesting when the characters, setting, and problem don't change, which is what happened when the characters were battling Mother Nature. Once they found land, they needed to survive for weeks, but a significant problem wasn't presented until a huge bear showed up. The threat of the Ghostfaces was hinted at mid-book, but they weren't an actual problem until later on. The action built up to final battle, but even that wasn't much of a contest. I found this plot lacking when compared to other outstanding books by Flanagan.
This book captured the magic of the acclaimed Ranger's Apprentice and the other books in the Brotherband series, but it lacked a little of the adventure and intrigue. The beginning of the book had the adventure of surviving a massive storm on the ocean, but I found myself losing interest. It's hard to keep things interesting when the characters, setting, and problem don't change, which is what happened when the characters were battling Mother Nature. Once they found land, they needed to survive for weeks, but a significant problem wasn't presented until a huge bear showed up. The threat of the Ghostfaces was hinted at mid-book, but they weren't an actual problem until later on. The action built up to final battle, but even that wasn't much of a contest. I found this plot lacking when compared to other outstanding books by Flanagan.
December 24, 2018
Oof. I mean it wasn't awful. The idea is sound since it is based on our own history. But it's always iffy when someone attempts to write Native Americans. Especially people not from America--which is many cases is hardly better. It ends up with... well, something like this. Which with this author I'm especially surprised since he so often does his research.
The tribe is primitive, in need of outside help to solve their problems, don't know basic things about protecting themselves or using their own land. The story is never negative towards them outright, but all the implied circumstances are just too much.
Besides this there is a very under developed love story. It's not my thing, but for the later impact to at all be emotional we needed the build up of the romance. It really just felt like a way to bulk up the story since there was really no point to it.
Again character development is over with. And I honestly am done with the 'can't tell twins apart' thing. Like that's just... twins aren't absolutely the same and I think throwing in a girl set really just did me in there.
Also where is the editing? Information is being repeated only pages apart for no reason. It feels more like a first draft.
Going into this I had reservations about the topic annddd turned out this was one of the few I really didn't like.
The tribe is primitive, in need of outside help to solve their problems, don't know basic things about protecting themselves or using their own land. The story is never negative towards them outright, but all the implied circumstances are just too much.
Besides this there is a very under developed love story. It's not my thing, but for the later impact to at all be emotional we needed the build up of the romance. It really just felt like a way to bulk up the story since there was really no point to it.
Again character development is over with. And I honestly am done with the 'can't tell twins apart' thing. Like that's just... twins aren't absolutely the same and I think throwing in a girl set really just did me in there.
Also where is the editing? Information is being repeated only pages apart for no reason. It feels more like a first draft.
Going into this I had reservations about the topic annddd turned out this was one of the few I really didn't like.
April 29, 2019
3.5 STARS
In an era of Kirkus Reviews beating me senseless about microaggressions and miniature slights towards marginalized groups that even I, a bleeding-heart liberal, think are ridiculous (a brown-furred animal is bad but then, upon losing its fur and revealing pink skin becomes good, is "unfortunate" because it's racist? SERIOUSLY?!?!), I'm a lot more attuned to potentially problematic content and books, and this one would have made any Kirkus reviewer worth their salt have an absolute conniption: white savior syndrome, the Nordic visitors having physical/technological/emotional/strategic superiority over the indigenous peoples (who are obvious analogues to Native Americans), you name it. There is an author's note at the end emphasizing the fantastical, imagined aspects of the book and making clear that no offense was meant, and it's a nice step, but yeah, I don't think Kirkus would look too kindly on this one.
That said, the book itself was enjoyable despite , and is a tale demonstrating what Flanagan does best: fun, funny, exciting, well-realized male adventure stories with only a microscopic handful of relevant female characters and plenty of animal suffering.
In an era of Kirkus Reviews beating me senseless about microaggressions and miniature slights towards marginalized groups that even I, a bleeding-heart liberal, think are ridiculous (a brown-furred animal is bad but then, upon losing its fur and revealing pink skin becomes good, is "unfortunate" because it's racist? SERIOUSLY?!?!), I'm a lot more attuned to potentially problematic content and books, and this one would have made any Kirkus reviewer worth their salt have an absolute conniption: white savior syndrome, the Nordic visitors having physical/technological/emotional/strategic superiority over the indigenous peoples (who are obvious analogues to Native Americans), you name it. There is an author's note at the end emphasizing the fantastical, imagined aspects of the book and making clear that no offense was meant, and it's a nice step, but yeah, I don't think Kirkus would look too kindly on this one.
That said, the book itself was enjoyable despite , and is a tale demonstrating what Flanagan does best: fun, funny, exciting, well-realized male adventure stories with only a microscopic handful of relevant female characters and plenty of animal suffering.
June 9, 2024
3.5⭐️
This book lacks any depth/meaning or better more developed Ghostfaces villains like every other fighting gang featured in these books - they are used to destroying defenseless villagers. Still, when they come across a trained group of child soldiers, they underestimate them and then pay for it with their lives.
Fighting the Ghostfaces, which is arguably the main plot, lacks real stakes. There’s no real reason the Herons need to fight the Ghostfaces, and their superior training and weapons mean it’s not much of a fight when they clash.
Stig falling in love with Tecumsa is so dumb. It’s a threadbare attempt at creating conflict that obviously isn’t going to stick since there’s no way Stig actually leaves the Herons.
That’s not to say it was a terrible book. I enjoyed seeing another corner of the Ranger’s Apprentice world, and it’s always fun to hang with Hal and the Herons for a couple hundred pages.
This book lacks any depth/meaning or better more developed Ghostfaces villains like every other fighting gang featured in these books - they are used to destroying defenseless villagers. Still, when they come across a trained group of child soldiers, they underestimate them and then pay for it with their lives.
Fighting the Ghostfaces, which is arguably the main plot, lacks real stakes. There’s no real reason the Herons need to fight the Ghostfaces, and their superior training and weapons mean it’s not much of a fight when they clash.
Stig falling in love with Tecumsa is so dumb. It’s a threadbare attempt at creating conflict that obviously isn’t going to stick since there’s no way Stig actually leaves the Herons.
That’s not to say it was a terrible book. I enjoyed seeing another corner of the Ranger’s Apprentice world, and it’s always fun to hang with Hal and the Herons for a couple hundred pages.
October 17, 2016
Another great installment to the series. This one feels more grown up--which makes sense, since Hal and the Heron crew are also growing up. There's still a lot of action and adventure, but there's a surprising amount of emotion, as well.
This adventure finds the crew blown out to sea in the Endless Ocean, unsure if they'll find land or not. Like the other books in the series, we get to experience new lands and new characters while still enjoying watching our favorite Herons in their element.
If I have one complaint, its that there isn't as much Hal as I would like. I love seeing things through the eyes of the other characters, but I felt like I was missing Hal in this one. There isn't as much of his scheming and inventing until the end, and that's one of my favorite parts of this series.
This adventure finds the crew blown out to sea in the Endless Ocean, unsure if they'll find land or not. Like the other books in the series, we get to experience new lands and new characters while still enjoying watching our favorite Herons in their element.
If I have one complaint, its that there isn't as much Hal as I would like. I love seeing things through the eyes of the other characters, but I felt like I was missing Hal in this one. There isn't as much of his scheming and inventing until the end, and that's one of my favorite parts of this series.
December 5, 2017
Holy White Savior trope, Batman.
In some ways, I’ve actually enjoyed the Brotherband books more than the Rangers Apprentice series. But this particular book was weak. Not only was the character development flat, the plot was devoted to the incredibly racist white savior trope.
Will and the Herons get lost in a storm and end up on the shores of a new land (North America). They end up making friends with a particular tribe of natives. But then the tribe hears that the dreaded Ghostfaces are on their way to attack and plunder. But because this is the white savior trope, it’s the Herons who come up with a way to fight back and defeat the Ghostfaces while the native tribe is helpless. So, yeah, this book is very problematic.
In some ways, I’ve actually enjoyed the Brotherband books more than the Rangers Apprentice series. But this particular book was weak. Not only was the character development flat, the plot was devoted to the incredibly racist white savior trope.
Will and the Herons get lost in a storm and end up on the shores of a new land (North America). They end up making friends with a particular tribe of natives. But then the tribe hears that the dreaded Ghostfaces are on their way to attack and plunder. But because this is the white savior trope, it’s the Herons who come up with a way to fight back and defeat the Ghostfaces while the native tribe is helpless. So, yeah, this book is very problematic.
August 10, 2016
Must be a 3.5 stars since I changed my rating back and forth between 3 and 4 more than once. Hal and his crew try to make it home, and get caught in a horrible storm, that blows them into uncharted seas. Just as their water supply runs out, they find a small island, where they come ashore, finding themselves facing a large predator. Rescuing some native children, Jesper shows his mettle and the crew is welcomed with open arms for their bravery. As the Heron crew waits for a favorable change in the winds, a warring tribe (the Ghostfaces) begin their periodic ravaging, and despite daunting odds, tactics and inventiveness triumph, but not without cost.
August 18, 2020
I liked the book as a whole but I did not like the ending.
What was the point of that?
There wasn't even an explanation! A graze? Really? A GRAZE?
Not even a it was coated in poison? I can accept that but NO explanation at all? Seriously?!
He just wanted her to die didn't he? It was the easiest way to solve the problem. If you're looking for an easy way out just don't start it to begin with 🤦 I hated that ending for him. Absolutely hated it
What was the point of that?
There wasn't even an explanation! A graze? Really? A GRAZE?
Not even a it was coated in poison? I can accept that but NO explanation at all? Seriously?!
He just wanted her to die didn't he? It was the easiest way to solve the problem. If you're looking for an easy way out just don't start it to begin with 🤦 I hated that ending for him. Absolutely hated it
October 31, 2019
I'm really sick of Flanagan killing off female characters because they're love interests. It seems to be the only reason he includes most of them in the first place (that or to be the Token Strong Independent Female Character), and then they die for male character development. As soon as Stig said he wanted to stay, it was obvious Tecumsa was going to die because it was a neat solution to keep Stig in the brotherband, and apparently female characters don't matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
The solution to a dilemma with advantages and disadvantages to either side is not to make the dilemma null and void.
Authorial diktat. Everything is so predestined.
Circumstances do change in life. People do make hard decisions. Don't kill them off just so things can stay the same. You give them no opportunity to grow otherwise.
Authorial diktat. Everything is so predestined.
Circumstances do change in life. People do make hard decisions. Don't kill them off just so things can stay the same. You give them no opportunity to grow otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2017
In true Brotherband form, this story is about a crew knocked off course during a bad storm. At their wit's end with no water left, they finally come across land in an unknown location. After making contact with the locals, they must decide whether or not to rise to the occasion to help them out.
September 26, 2022
Met een titel als deze verwacht je dat de 'Spookgezichten' een belangrijke rol spelen in dit boek. Zij komen pas op ruim 75% van het boek aan bod en worden vrij simpel verslagen door Hal en zijn groep Reigers
August 8, 2016
I'm sorry, Mr. Flanagan, but I can't pretend it deserves more than one.
January 1, 2017
I am going to have to come back to this review. I am disappointed and upset by this book. The depiction of Native peoples is embarrassing. I need time to process what I read.
November 3, 2020
This is another series by John Flanagan that I would definitely recommend, as it’s a very good read. It’s also not too hard to read, so almost everyone is able to read it! A character in this book that I like is Lydia, as she’s the only girl in a ship’s crew of boys, but is able to stand up for herself all the same.
A quote from this book that I like is when Lydia and one of the crew, Thorn, are about to go hunting.
“‘I’m ready,” she said. “Are you going to wash first?’
He wrinkled his nose, rubbed his hand over his face and shook his head.
‘Naah. Washing is for them that’s dirty,’ he said.”
I find this amusing as a little further along in the book, Thorn repeats this line and then realises that “...he was less than dainty.”, with his shipmate showing a gesture of disgust when smelling him.
One thing I thought about when reading this book is how you don’t always have to be in the ‘popular’ group to have fun, be happy or succeed in life. Everyone in this crew were outcasts, and together they achieved great things. Not everyone has to like you for you to be happy
A quote from this book that I like is when Lydia and one of the crew, Thorn, are about to go hunting.
“‘I’m ready,” she said. “Are you going to wash first?’
He wrinkled his nose, rubbed his hand over his face and shook his head.
‘Naah. Washing is for them that’s dirty,’ he said.”
I find this amusing as a little further along in the book, Thorn repeats this line and then realises that “...he was less than dainty.”, with his shipmate showing a gesture of disgust when smelling him.
One thing I thought about when reading this book is how you don’t always have to be in the ‘popular’ group to have fun, be happy or succeed in life. Everyone in this crew were outcasts, and together they achieved great things. Not everyone has to like you for you to be happy
March 28, 2022
Several pros and cons:
Pros:
The book deals with some more mature topics than have been covered in the past, with one of the more touching endings.
It expands the world a bit, giving introductions to other civilizations
Strong focus on the good character of Skandians
Cons:
The villains (the titular Ghostfaces) are almost entirely unnecessary, and feel like they were added just to have a more bombastic ending. They could've been removed, the ending tweaked a little, and it would have been basically the same book. But fine - I'm not going to complain too much about action sequences.
This goes a little hand-in-hand with the previous paragraph, but the Ghostfaces felt the same as just about any other warring band that is presented in these books - they're used to destroying helpless villagers, but once they come across a trained group of child soldiers, they underestimate them and then pay with their lives.
So - nothing too exceptional in this book except for some of the deeper emotional bonds that are made - it's just that the book takes way too long to get there.
Pros:
The book deals with some more mature topics than have been covered in the past, with one of the more touching endings.
It expands the world a bit, giving introductions to other civilizations
Strong focus on the good character of Skandians
Cons:
The villains (the titular Ghostfaces) are almost entirely unnecessary, and feel like they were added just to have a more bombastic ending. They could've been removed, the ending tweaked a little, and it would have been basically the same book. But fine - I'm not going to complain too much about action sequences.
This goes a little hand-in-hand with the previous paragraph, but the Ghostfaces felt the same as just about any other warring band that is presented in these books - they're used to destroying helpless villagers, but once they come across a trained group of child soldiers, they underestimate them and then pay with their lives.
So - nothing too exceptional in this book except for some of the deeper emotional bonds that are made - it's just that the book takes way too long to get there.
July 19, 2024
Actually, for most of this book I would have given it 4 stars, as I liked the overall plot and story of this adventure… But wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more underdeveloped and unrealistic romantic relationship. They knew each other for like 2 weeks! There were too many components of this book which felt contrived and forced, especially during the last 10-20%
Of course, my mother was already asking if I’d downloaded the next book as the music faded out, so I’m pretty sure her rating would be higher than my own.
Content:
The language is clean. The “romance” was clean, and there is no magic. They have a number of Norse-like gods, but religion doesn’t play much part in the story
Of course, my mother was already asking if I’d downloaded the next book as the music faded out, so I’m pretty sure her rating would be higher than my own.
Content:
The language is clean. The “romance” was clean, and there is no magic. They have a number of Norse-like gods, but religion doesn’t play much part in the story
May 1, 2025
It is interesting how the author has different names for countries in his books that are based on places from our current day. This little jaunt across the pond was really exciting and interesting, There were however some sad parts. I struggle with any sad parts in books so almost knocked my rating down a star but I liked so much about the rest of the book. Ingvar is fast becoming one of my favorite characters, The dog was also better in this book than the last one. My real favorite continues to be Thorn. He is one of a kind.
September 2, 2017
I never know if I should review just the book or if I should review the series as a whole. As a whole I love the Brotherband Chronicles. I thought that this particular book was a little slow in the beginning but picked up about half way through. Overall, I enjoyed this next book in the series and will continue to read as many books as John Flanagan will write!
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