Book Review - Slaves of Socorro by John Flanagan, Brotherband Chronicles book 4

I usually enjoy it when authors give us different views of the same world and characters they've introduced us to in previous books. The Brotherband Chronicles are just that. They are books that take place in the world the John Flanagan created with the Ranger's Apprentice series, but we are seeing it through the eyes of a different culture and different characters. We've met a couple of the ones we see, Eric the Oberjarl being the most often seen. But he remains a supporting character, much as he was when we first met him. The other thing I like about Brotherband is that, just like Ranger's Apprentice, we are introduced to a cast of characters and then proceed to go on a series of adventures with them. It is not one long story that spans several years, but rather a collection of the more interesting events that occur over the course of ten or twelve years. At least, we are into the first couple of years of our current set of characters. The first three books, The Outcasts, The Invaders, and The Hunters, introduce us to the crew of the Heron and detail their rise, fall, and restoration to honor. Flanagan has does a great job of giving the Herons a couple years of respite before throwing them into their next major life event. He does so with the usual humor, action, and suspense that we've come to expect from him. He's also given us a chance to reunite with other beloved characters we met in Ranger's Apprentice. What I particularly enjoy about how he's done this is our new main cast has been able to mature in our minds so there should be no difficulty maintaining their identity while we renew acquaintances with old friends. I'll be honest, I thought that Brotherband was well served as a trilogy but now I am very excited that is will go beyond that.

Plot: We pick up the story two years after Hal, as the young captain of the Heron, and his crew of former outcasts have reclaimed Skandia's prized artifact and returned it home. In that time Hal and the Herons have had regular duties as young men, patrolling the local waters and helping the country maintain his international role as maritime peace keepers. As part of their treaty with Araluen Skandia provides a duty ship for use by the Araluen king. Chosen to fulfill this duty for the next nine months, the herons set off with high spirits and happy hearts. However, they soon learn that one of their old acquaintances, rather, a formal rival, has gone rouge and they are the ones in the best position to deal with the delinquent. What else can they do when the scumbag has stolen people from the very country they are there to help to sell into slavery. It is useful that they have some help for the trip and that this help carries a longbow and mottled cloak.

My personal favorites: The characters remain wonderful. Whether it's Hal and Stig's long friendship, Invgar's quiet loyalty, or even the twin's sibling bickering. I also enjoy the accuracy of the sailing terms and conditions. Flanagan provides a nice glossary at the beginning of the book for those who are new to sailing. I also think the pacing is well done.

Considerations: Like Royal Ranger there is nothing that would cause me to keep this book from anyone. It is a great middle grade book, but may be fore appealing for young adult as the characters are late teens early twenties.

My sister brought this book up when she stayed with us and I had it finished in short order. And I enjoyed it immensely. The total length was 462 pages.