What do you think?
Rate this book
Brotherband Chronicles #2
The Invaders
The adventure continues in the Ranger's Apprentice companion trilogy!
Hal and the Herons have done the impossible. This group of outsiders has beaten out the strongest, most skilled young warriors in all of Skandia to win the Brotherband competition. But their celebration comes to an abrupt end when the Skandians' most sacred artifact, the Andomal, is stolen--and the Herons are to blame.
To find redemption they must track down the thief Zavac and recover the Andomal. But that means traversing stormy seas, surviving a bitter winter, and battling a group of deadly pirates willing to protect their prize at all costs. Even Brotherband training and the help of Skandia's greatest warrior may not be enough to ensure that Hal and his friends return home with the Andomal--or their lives.
Hal and the Herons have done the impossible. This group of outsiders has beaten out the strongest, most skilled young warriors in all of Skandia to win the Brotherband competition. But their celebration comes to an abrupt end when the Skandians' most sacred artifact, the Andomal, is stolen--and the Herons are to blame.
To find redemption they must track down the thief Zavac and recover the Andomal. But that means traversing stormy seas, surviving a bitter winter, and battling a group of deadly pirates willing to protect their prize at all costs. Even Brotherband training and the help of Skandia's greatest warrior may not be enough to ensure that Hal and his friends return home with the Andomal--or their lives.
429 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
784 people are currently reading
6380 people want to read
About the author
John Flanagan
112 books9,137 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 760 reviews
September 25, 2012
As a YA novel The Invaders is intelligent, entertaining and top of its class. As a novel to recommend for anyone looking for a purely entertaining read it's very worthwhile. John Flanagan, author of the brilliant Rangers Apprentice series (see The Ruins of Gorlan one which both I, my mother and my sister - the readers in our house - love) continues the adventures of his young Skandian sailors as they set out to retrieve an artefact lost on their watch and hence their honour.
John Flanagan writes in a manner that is particularly appealing to me personally. I think it has something to do with the mixture of classier words and terms and his easy-going style: he certainly has got the laid-back Australian manner down in his writing. I suspect if I were to compare this to other average YA novels however that the lexicon would prove more advanced, that the language would prove more sophisticated in its elegant construction than those. In fact the wonder of this novel is that I know many younger children who can read these novels and still get plenty out of them. It's remarkable to think that the language in this is perhaps far more advanced than The Hunger Games. Likely only content at this point would separate a ten year old from reading The Hunger Games over this for its simplicity. Although that said The Invaders does feature pirates torturing a captive (although only the after effects are described) and far more deaths than The Hunger Games. Although of course the difference is that in this all the deaths are typically villainous pirates who deserve to die for their evil misdeeds.
On the whole this is a YA novel that appears unassuming but is a very entertaining read. In fact I'd rate John Flanagan's entire writing collection (Rangers Apprentice and Brotherband series combined) as some of the finest in YA and modern children's writing in general. If you have ten year-olds to 18 year-olds (particularly boys, but my sister proves that girls will like these) who are looking for a fun fantasy read that's humorous, less taxing than The Hobbit but in the same spirit of medieval style adventure then have a look at these books.
May 28, 2012
John Flanagan is a great author, but this book was SO weighed down with detail that I wanted to pull my hair out by the end. All of the nautical references and tidbits about how they turned the boat or changed the sails just annoyed me. Pages and pages of this stuff and I STILL didn't know what he was talking about! Perhaps it's just me. I've never been on any kind of sailboat and so I have nothing to reference it to. Thus, it becomes mumbo-jumbo to my brain.
I really loved the characters in the first book and I still love them in this one, but it's starting to feel more and more like "The Rangers Apprentice". Misfit boy shows amazing intelligence and skill beyond his years. Best friend is always by his side through everything. Snarky mentor makes everything as difficult as possible, but is really teaching them great life lessons. And the girl. Tall. Beautiful. Intelligent. It just felt like you could insert Will for Hal... or Horace for Stig... Halt for Thorn and Evanlyn or Alyss for Lydia. They could be interchangeable for the most part.
To top it off, this book felt a little unnecessary. The first 200 pages or so are pretty darn slow. The next 200 pick up fairly well, but in the end, the book didn't really go anywhere. It felt like filler. Frustratingly long, drawn out, pointless filler.
If I could give this 2.5 stars, I would. Since I can't, I'm rounding up and hoping that the book that's due out in October will be better!!
I really loved the characters in the first book and I still love them in this one, but it's starting to feel more and more like "The Rangers Apprentice". Misfit boy shows amazing intelligence and skill beyond his years. Best friend is always by his side through everything. Snarky mentor makes everything as difficult as possible, but is really teaching them great life lessons. And the girl. Tall. Beautiful. Intelligent. It just felt like you could insert Will for Hal... or Horace for Stig... Halt for Thorn and Evanlyn or Alyss for Lydia. They could be interchangeable for the most part.
To top it off, this book felt a little unnecessary. The first 200 pages or so are pretty darn slow. The next 200 pick up fairly well, but in the end, the book didn't really go anywhere. It felt like filler. Frustratingly long, drawn out, pointless filler.
If I could give this 2.5 stars, I would. Since I can't, I'm rounding up and hoping that the book that's due out in October will be better!!
September 13, 2021
After the first book ended with a great cliff hangar this one started very slow and took me awhile to get into it. Once I did it was very good and I was laughing many times throughout it. I was very disappointed that there was one bad word towards the beginning, that was unexpected.
February 9, 2014
3.5
Picking up immediately from the end of the first book, with the Herons in search of the Andomal, the beginning of the story was actually a bit slow to get started. See, they end up getting caught heading out during a bad time of year, and have to hole up for awhile to avoid the storms and while there's some character development happening and improvements to the ship, not much happened that felt like it was moving the story forward.
This take a marked turn, though, when the crew of the Heron rescues a boat at sea - a young woman who escaped the attack of her town by the same pirates they're hunting. From this point forward, things happen at a much better pace, and there's much action and adventure to be had - though, as Flanagan is rather fond of, the story arc doesn't wrap up in this book. It's not a cliffhanger, but the story is far from over.
Overall, I don't enjoy this series quite as much as Ranger's Apprentice, and I think a lot of that is I just don't have the same connection to the characters as I do in RA. But they are growing on me, especially Thorn, and I really enjoyed the addition of Lydia to the story. It's nice to see a strong female character added to the case - even if that means there's hints of romance and drama in the air.
I do look forward to getting to the next book, and I just hope it's not quite as sluggish in the beginning as this one was.
Picking up immediately from the end of the first book, with the Herons in search of the Andomal, the beginning of the story was actually a bit slow to get started. See, they end up getting caught heading out during a bad time of year, and have to hole up for awhile to avoid the storms and while there's some character development happening and improvements to the ship, not much happened that felt like it was moving the story forward.
This take a marked turn, though, when the crew of the Heron rescues a boat at sea - a young woman who escaped the attack of her town by the same pirates they're hunting. From this point forward, things happen at a much better pace, and there's much action and adventure to be had - though, as Flanagan is rather fond of, the story arc doesn't wrap up in this book. It's not a cliffhanger, but the story is far from over.
Overall, I don't enjoy this series quite as much as Ranger's Apprentice, and I think a lot of that is I just don't have the same connection to the characters as I do in RA. But they are growing on me, especially Thorn, and I really enjoyed the addition of Lydia to the story. It's nice to see a strong female character added to the case - even if that means there's hints of romance and drama in the air.
I do look forward to getting to the next book, and I just hope it's not quite as sluggish in the beginning as this one was.
December 20, 2014
This book keeps you guessing in classic John Flanagan fashion. I can never say anything bad about these books because it is just so well written. I feel like i've been to Limmat, watched as the fire bolts were shot, seen the friendships develop, experienced life on the Heron and I'm very in love with Hals character. (Although Will will be foremost in my heart.)
August 8, 2019
As much as I enjoyed the first book of this series, and the main series it spun from (Rangers Apprentice), this book just didn't really engage me. It felt quite long and meandering until the final few chapters of action. Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood for the story? I can't put my finger on it because I find Flanagan generally a pretty easy and enjoyable read.
I will try book 3, but perhaps not for a while.
I will try book 3, but perhaps not for a while.
March 10, 2020
That was pretty good. I really enjoy how John can write fights so bluntly but keep them from being overly gory. Over all I think this was a really great story and I can't wait to continue the series
November 1, 2018
💯 in love with this series and this book! Listened to the book twice back to back.
December 11, 2020
I loved this book! It was really good.
May 7, 2012
I'm not sure I liked this one better than the first book in the series, but it was still good. It was a little more slow-paced than I thought it would be, but it is actually kind of an in-between book with another cliff-hanger at the end. The slow parts in the beginning don't really take away from the story either, they just lend to strengthening the camaraderie between the Herons and it was fun to watch Thorn train them. I'm still not quite sure what I think about Lydia. I almost felt that she didn't really have to be necessary. "The Outcasts" did well enough without a lead female role, I think we could have done without one in this book too, but that's my opinion. I was also a little disappointed that Hal and Tursgud didn't get to meet again in this book and settle their problem once and for all, but I bet that will come later. Zavac on the other hand is seriously a great pirate and a worthy villain. He's cold and evil and yet he manages to not be cliche. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series, and I hope it's not too long before it comes out!
May 15, 2023
The next book is always better than the last there was great adventure and battles and many other things along the way. The characters are still so interesting loved reading about them as always Hal is my favorite he is a very well rounded character I also liked Lydia a strong female character with a lot to her that makes her interesting. The plot is great it picks up right where it left off with Hal and crew after the Raven and Zavac to get back what was stolen so they travel for days then stop there are issues and training is had with many new things being added the the ship. Other things happen a ways off a town is attacked by the pirates new character Lydia escapes eventually meets up with Hal and the others more Skandians show up to help so a plan is made so they do many things and a town is taken back from the pirates only the bad guy escapes with the Heron and Hal and crew after it adding Lydia to the mix looking forward to reading more.
January 12, 2017
Acht onervaren jongens en een ouwe zeerot gaan met hun schip op piratenjacht. Het verhaal leest vlot en is best aardig, maar haalt het wat mij betreft echt niet bij De Grijze Jager-boeken. Vooral Trek mis ik heel erg... :-(
May 23, 2017
Yes, it really took us almost 6 months to get through this book. We just weren't listening in the car for a while. I still don't like these as much as Ranger's Apprentice, but the action is picking up.
May 2, 2022
Lange inleiding (ong 150 blz), goede strijd tussendoor en een eind waardoor je door wilt met deel 3. Toch gebeurde er in het boek helemaal niet zo veel als je kijkt naar dit einde t.o.v. het begin. Jammer, maar hoe dan ook zin in het volgende deel!
October 11, 2023
Akcja początkowo rozwija się bardzo powoli, ale nie warto się przez to zniechęcać. Uwielbiam opisy bitew u Flanagana.
July 5, 2017
This was a solid sequel to "The Outcasts." The Herons are on their own now (with Thorn), and I loved seeing how they worked together as a team, anticipating Hal's commands and everyone willing to step in and do their part and cover whatever needs come around. Hal has some brilliant ideas to give them the upper hand in their battle.
The addition of Lydia was nice, she seems interesting enough (very much like Cassandra/Evanlyn-beautiful yet independent and courageous, and also skilled and resourceful with her weapon of choice). I can see the love triangle heating up, which looks to be a fun addition to the series. I do have a problem with how "stunningly beautiful" the leading ladies are in this and in Ranger's Apprentice. I appreciate that they are skilled and courageous, but must outward beauty also be dragged into each major female character? I feel like it is rather sexist(there's no mention of how good-looking Hal or Stig or Will or Halt or Horace are), and also reinforces the idea that girls NEED to be beautiful to be attractive or interesting to men, which is a terrible message to send to young women. They get enough of that from Hollywood and magazines. It also reinforces the idea that men are chiefly attracted by looks only...and maybe, sadly, that's true? I don't know, I'm not a man.
Also, I really enjoyed the character of Thorn-his backstory, his downfall, his recovery, his renewed purpose. In this book (compared to the first book), he's more his own personality, and less like a 're-invention of Halt, with a different backstory.'
The addition of Lydia was nice, she seems interesting enough (very much like Cassandra/Evanlyn-beautiful yet independent and courageous, and also skilled and resourceful with her weapon of choice). I can see the love triangle heating up, which looks to be a fun addition to the series. I do have a problem with how "stunningly beautiful" the leading ladies are in this and in Ranger's Apprentice. I appreciate that they are skilled and courageous, but must outward beauty also be dragged into each major female character? I feel like it is rather sexist(there's no mention of how good-looking Hal or Stig or Will or Halt or Horace are), and also reinforces the idea that girls NEED to be beautiful to be attractive or interesting to men, which is a terrible message to send to young women. They get enough of that from Hollywood and magazines. It also reinforces the idea that men are chiefly attracted by looks only...and maybe, sadly, that's true? I don't know, I'm not a man.
Also, I really enjoyed the character of Thorn-his backstory, his downfall, his recovery, his renewed purpose. In this book (compared to the first book), he's more his own personality, and less like a 're-invention of Halt, with a different backstory.'
January 29, 2024
(audio) It's possible that I already love this series more than Ranger's Apprentice. This was a great book with lots of schemes and plans. There was some danger for the characters and a couple of close calls. And who knew you could dislike someone more than Tursgud? Welcome Barat.
I never tire of putting on my headphones and listening to John Keating tell stories of adventure. I'm thrilled there is a whole series ahead of me. I'm sure the boys will find what they are looking for in book 3.
I never tire of putting on my headphones and listening to John Keating tell stories of adventure. I'm thrilled there is a whole series ahead of me. I'm sure the boys will find what they are looking for in book 3.
January 23, 2018
Although 'The Invaders' had a slower pace than the first book, the character development which takes place throughout the book makes up for it. Again I enjoyed reading about the dynamics between the Herons, and their interactions with the newly introduced characters.
A great in-between book and I'm looking forward to the conclusion of their first big adventure in the next book.
A great in-between book and I'm looking forward to the conclusion of their first big adventure in the next book.
June 11, 2019
Po dlhšej dobe som sa vrátila k tejto sérii, dala som si re-reading dvojky a bavila ma rovnako ako pri prvom čítaní. Akčné scény, sila priateľstva, dôkaz, že svaly nie vždy stačia a občas treba aj pohnúť rozumom, k tomu výborné postavy, skrátka John Flanagan píše pútavo a hoci už nespadám do cieľovej skupiny stále ma jeho knihy bavia.
January 4, 2024
Brilliant first book of the year.
We see the struggle of the Herons after they are expelled from Scandia and it truly brings a desperate and real atmosphere to the story. In 'The Outcasts' it was all a safe and more emotional journey. But now the young men have to get together and do what must be done. Altogether, it was enjoyable, and full of suspense and I laughed out loud for many times.
We see the struggle of the Herons after they are expelled from Scandia and it truly brings a desperate and real atmosphere to the story. In 'The Outcasts' it was all a safe and more emotional journey. But now the young men have to get together and do what must be done. Altogether, it was enjoyable, and full of suspense and I laughed out loud for many times.
June 20, 2024
A bit smoother than book 1, but still slow and not engaging. My mom wants to keep listening, so I plow on with the audio book… but I otherwise would not bother continuing with the series.
Content:
The language is clean. There is no romance 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 romance and no magic. They have a number of Norse-like gods, but religion doesn’t play much part in the story.
March 28, 2021
can't wait to finish this series ...
August 19, 2023
Boringggg
June 7, 2024
Great sequel with an ending I was not expecting. It is pleasant to be surprised with a book intended for teens lol. Entertaining and a quicker read than the first.
May 9, 2025
leuk maar ik voel me wel een nerd daarom -1
August 19, 2019
Teach someone a task then let them do it. Trust yourself. Don't let someone tell you can't do it because it's never been done before.
June 29, 2025
Good continuation of the story! Lydia is a delightful addition!
July 15, 2025
I love how this author writes. He has such a subtle sense of humor and I like how, though it's a kids book, the adults are not made out to be idiots and how they sit back and let the young learn, all the while knowing how things will turn out and having a plan in place. It's fun how the adventure keeps progressing and how their skills continue to improve and how some plans work and some don't.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 760 reviews