What do you think?
Rate this book
Brotherband Chronicles #7
The Caldera
The Herons take to the high seas to fend off pirates and rescue the heir to an empire in the newest adventure from John Flanagan, author of the worldwide bestselling Ranger's Apprentice!
Includes BONUS content--a brand-new Ranger's Apprentice short story featuring fan-favorites Will and Maddie!
In Hallasholm, Stig is contesting the annual Maktig competition to decide Skandia's greatest warrior. But a late-night knock on the door brings someone Stig never expected to see again, along with a request the Herons are hard-pressed to refuse: a rescue mission of epic proportions.
Across the ocean, the southern city-state of Byzantos is plagued by a crew of pirates who've kidnapped the son of Empress Justina. Slipping out of Hallasholm under the cover of darkness, the brotherband sets sail to recover the boy from his kidnappers, heading south to the island of Santorillos where a near-impenetrable fortress stands atop a cliff, surrounded by a lagoon--a caldera--formed by the crater of a volcano.
In this explosive seventh book in the action-packed Brotherband Chronicles, the Herons battle pirates amid stormy seas as the fate of an empire rests on their shoulders.
Includes BONUS content--a brand-new Ranger's Apprentice short story featuring fan-favorites Will and Maddie!
In Hallasholm, Stig is contesting the annual Maktig competition to decide Skandia's greatest warrior. But a late-night knock on the door brings someone Stig never expected to see again, along with a request the Herons are hard-pressed to refuse: a rescue mission of epic proportions.
Across the ocean, the southern city-state of Byzantos is plagued by a crew of pirates who've kidnapped the son of Empress Justina. Slipping out of Hallasholm under the cover of darkness, the brotherband sets sail to recover the boy from his kidnappers, heading south to the island of Santorillos where a near-impenetrable fortress stands atop a cliff, surrounded by a lagoon--a caldera--formed by the crater of a volcano.
In this explosive seventh book in the action-packed Brotherband Chronicles, the Herons battle pirates amid stormy seas as the fate of an empire rests on their shoulders.
12 pages, Audio CD
First published November 21, 2017
674 people are currently reading
4,048 people want to read
About the author
John Flanagan
116books9,031followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. .
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 332 reviews
November 23, 2017
I saw “Captain America: Winter Soldier� by myself in the theater, as I do many movies. With work schedules and the kid’s various clubs and events in the way, it’s easier for me to carve out a solo window of time and sneak off to see the comic book movies that I love so much. “Winter Soldier� is still the best of the Marvel films, to me. I remember vividly that when that movie ended, I was hit with the biggest wave of depression. The Germans call it “weltschmerz”—the depression that comes from seeing how the world is, and knowing how it should be. Chris Evans was so good as Captain America, that I wanted Captain America to be real, and I wanted Chris Evans to be that guy. I wanted someone to be that positive, that good, that pure. I felt like America—no, the world needs beacons of positivity and goodness like that. Too often, we get dragged down into the darkness and cynicism, so we need things that will give us that uplift our souls so desperately crave, even if they are fictional. This is why I always look forward to the next John Flanagan book.
I discovered THE RANGER’S APPRENTICE series a few years ago when I was trying to find books for the kid to read. I brought home the first in that series and gave it to her. She was uninterested (she is a reluctant reader, which breaks my heart—but what can you do?). So, I read it myself. In the stories of Will and Halt, I found that same sort of goodness that I got from “Winter Soldier.� When I discovered the RA series, eleven books were out. The twelfth, and final book, was on the way. I tore through the whole series in a week. I couldn’t put them down. Sure, Will was a big Mary Sue. Sure, I knew that things were going to work out in the end for the main characters. I still enjoyed them.
John Flanagan started a spin-off series from the RA series after he completed Will and Halt’s adventures. THE BROTHERBAND CHRONICLES were the stories of a group of Scandian (Vikings) sailors. Forged by the trials of their community’s coming-of-age rituals, the boys become a brotherband—a sailing unit. Hal, their leader, has a small, but crafty wolfship, THE HERON, and they sail it to various adventures. Seven books deep into this series, and I actually enjoy it more than I did the Ranger’s Apprentice series.
Sure, Hal is a big Mary Sue. Sure, Lydia is too cool for her own good. Sure, Stefan, Jesper, and Edvin are underused characters. Sure, Ingvar is cool, but he's become one-dimensional. Same with Stig. And Ulf and Wulf. And Thorn. (How about a little more conflict within your characters, John?) But, the books are good and pure. They’re clever. The relationship of the brotherband is wholesome, and every time I finish reading one of these books, I’m struck with that same wave of depression I got after “Winter Soldier.� --I want this to be real, and I want to be one of them. To me, that’s the highest compliment I can give any book.
The books are written for kids (4th-8th grade). They’re not difficult reads. I tore through this one in a few hours. They get a little formulaic at times, but I don’t mind that. Flanagan always finds a way to give them a new twist that keeps them from being the same as the last one. (Take a note, Dan Brown�) These books are not going to change the world, but whenever I read one, the world is a better place in my own head, at least for a little while.
I can’t wait until the next one comes out.
I discovered THE RANGER’S APPRENTICE series a few years ago when I was trying to find books for the kid to read. I brought home the first in that series and gave it to her. She was uninterested (she is a reluctant reader, which breaks my heart—but what can you do?). So, I read it myself. In the stories of Will and Halt, I found that same sort of goodness that I got from “Winter Soldier.� When I discovered the RA series, eleven books were out. The twelfth, and final book, was on the way. I tore through the whole series in a week. I couldn’t put them down. Sure, Will was a big Mary Sue. Sure, I knew that things were going to work out in the end for the main characters. I still enjoyed them.
John Flanagan started a spin-off series from the RA series after he completed Will and Halt’s adventures. THE BROTHERBAND CHRONICLES were the stories of a group of Scandian (Vikings) sailors. Forged by the trials of their community’s coming-of-age rituals, the boys become a brotherband—a sailing unit. Hal, their leader, has a small, but crafty wolfship, THE HERON, and they sail it to various adventures. Seven books deep into this series, and I actually enjoy it more than I did the Ranger’s Apprentice series.
Sure, Hal is a big Mary Sue. Sure, Lydia is too cool for her own good. Sure, Stefan, Jesper, and Edvin are underused characters. Sure, Ingvar is cool, but he's become one-dimensional. Same with Stig. And Ulf and Wulf. And Thorn. (How about a little more conflict within your characters, John?) But, the books are good and pure. They’re clever. The relationship of the brotherband is wholesome, and every time I finish reading one of these books, I’m struck with that same wave of depression I got after “Winter Soldier.� --I want this to be real, and I want to be one of them. To me, that’s the highest compliment I can give any book.
The books are written for kids (4th-8th grade). They’re not difficult reads. I tore through this one in a few hours. They get a little formulaic at times, but I don’t mind that. Flanagan always finds a way to give them a new twist that keeps them from being the same as the last one. (Take a note, Dan Brown�) These books are not going to change the world, but whenever I read one, the world is a better place in my own head, at least for a little while.
I can’t wait until the next one comes out.
October 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this instalment in the Brotherband Chronicles! I found the story to be thin in a few areas but still enjoyed it and found myself remembering what I liked about the adventures of the Heron and the individual character, unfortunately the only person I felt this book built the character was Stig but that was a nominal. Still enjoyable and with enough action and flair to make you want to read! 3.75 Stars!
Read
November 29, 2017I really wanted to like this book. I LOVE the Brotherband Chronicles, but the last book was such a disappointment. Compared to that book, this one was better, but that wasn't a high hurdle to get over.
Things I liked about this book:
- seeing more of the world
- seeing a few old friends from past books
- the first few chapters with the Maktig contest were probably the best part of the whole book
Things the book could have done better:
- It was too rushed. The villain wasn't really developed, so I didn't really care all that much when he got defeated. Would've possibly have been better as a two-parter where the stakes could've been raised more.
- The ending was okay. I'm not really sure how I feel about it. The villain was defeated by a force of nature more than the characters actually doing anything.
- the banter seemed to be missing, especially the banter between Thorn and Lydia. Most of the time, the characters were just there.
The reasons I think this book suffered is that 1). the main plot seemed to more revolve around Stig and a certain personal issue than anything else. The real conclusion of the book was when Stig confronts a certain person. Because this was the true driving thing in the plot (not the villain), the villain kind of ended up immaterial. 2). This book forgot to make it personal. What I mean by that, is that the stakes have to be personal to the Heron Brotherband themselves. Yes, the plot was caused by something that was very personal to Stig. Stig has to help someone from his past, but that someone isn't nice nor is the person they have to rescue all that nice. The characters could have failed in their quest and honestly it wouldn't have bothered me all that much in some ways.
Still, I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of the previous books.
Review of the Will and Maddie Short Story included at the end:
The overall story was good, but it should have been promoted as a Maddie story. Will is only in it for a few paragraphs at the beginning and end (which are there just to send him away). So while I enjoyed the story overall, I was a little disappointed because I had been looking forward to seeing them in action TOGETHER.
But, wow, Maddie has a lot of guts. And courage. That part of the story was cool.
Things I liked about this book:
- seeing more of the world
- seeing a few old friends from past books
- the first few chapters with the Maktig contest were probably the best part of the whole book
Things the book could have done better:
- It was too rushed. The villain wasn't really developed, so I didn't really care all that much when he got defeated. Would've possibly have been better as a two-parter where the stakes could've been raised more.
- The ending was okay. I'm not really sure how I feel about it. The villain was defeated by a force of nature more than the characters actually doing anything.
- the banter seemed to be missing, especially the banter between Thorn and Lydia. Most of the time, the characters were just there.
The reasons I think this book suffered is that 1). the main plot seemed to more revolve around Stig and a certain personal issue than anything else. The real conclusion of the book was when Stig confronts a certain person. Because this was the true driving thing in the plot (not the villain), the villain kind of ended up immaterial. 2). This book forgot to make it personal. What I mean by that, is that the stakes have to be personal to the Heron Brotherband themselves. Yes, the plot was caused by something that was very personal to Stig. Stig has to help someone from his past, but that someone isn't nice nor is the person they have to rescue all that nice. The characters could have failed in their quest and honestly it wouldn't have bothered me all that much in some ways.
Still, I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of the previous books.
Review of the Will and Maddie Short Story included at the end:
The overall story was good, but it should have been promoted as a Maddie story. Will is only in it for a few paragraphs at the beginning and end (which are there just to send him away). So while I enjoyed the story overall, I was a little disappointed because I had been looking forward to seeing them in action TOGETHER.
But, wow, Maddie has a lot of guts. And courage. That part of the story was cool.
November 13, 2018
Unpopular opinion below
Ever since the first few books, (Basically since Lydia appeared) Flanagan has stopped using his characters to their full potentional.
In this book specifically, he has not used them at all. They are mere plot fillers. For example, how often was Stefan's name even mentioned? 3 times?
Then, giving Jesper's skills to the twins, great idea. Now he is useless (or should I say unused?)
And that's not even mentioning the fact that this was a great opportunity to flesh out Stig. But no.
The side characters, other than Lydia and Lydia, and of course, Lydia, are not used at all.
As has been the case with previous books.
My biggest problem with this 7th book, is a character.
I'm of course, talking aboutMary Sue I mean, Lydia.
Lydia "I am not like other girls"
Lydia "I have all the traits my teammates have, rendering them all useless, outshining all"
Lydia "I am totally not a Will/Gilan #2"
and of course,
Lydia "I have no flaws whatsoever"
and not to forget
Lydia "I have a grave wound but I can kill everyone, without problems"
Flanagan has potentional to write good female characters, but I think somewhere, as time went on, he has this idea that unless the female character is perfect, flawless, and highly irritating he's not doing it right?
I stand by my opinion that there should not have been a female character in this entire series. It was supposed to be a boys group, with a boys dynamic, and each character- mismatched and flawed as they are, to creatively solve the problems they face.
Not "Let's use this female character to outshine everyone and make this series boring."
Ever since the first few books, (Basically since Lydia appeared) Flanagan has stopped using his characters to their full potentional.
In this book specifically, he has not used them at all. They are mere plot fillers. For example, how often was Stefan's name even mentioned? 3 times?
Then, giving Jesper's skills to the twins, great idea. Now he is useless (or should I say unused?)
And that's not even mentioning the fact that this was a great opportunity to flesh out Stig. But no.
The side characters, other than Lydia and Lydia, and of course, Lydia, are not used at all.
As has been the case with previous books.
My biggest problem with this 7th book, is a character.
I'm of course, talking about
Lydia "I am not like other girls"
Lydia "I have all the traits my teammates have, rendering them all useless, outshining all"
Lydia "I am totally not a Will/Gilan #2"
and of course,
Lydia "I have no flaws whatsoever"
and not to forget
Lydia "I have a grave wound but I can kill everyone, without problems"
Flanagan has potentional to write good female characters, but I think somewhere, as time went on, he has this idea that unless the female character is perfect, flawless, and highly irritating he's not doing it right?
I stand by my opinion that there should not have been a female character in this entire series. It was supposed to be a boys group, with a boys dynamic, and each character- mismatched and flawed as they are, to creatively solve the problems they face.
Not "Let's use this female character to outshine everyone and make this series boring."
January 20, 2018
Another solid effort by Flanagan. Stig's deadbeat father, Olaf, returns to Hallashom to ask for help rescuing Constantus, the 10-year old emperor of Byzantos, who was kidnapped by the pirate Myrgos while under Olaf's care as chief of security. On the way to Byzantos and finding Myrgos' lair, Hal, Thorn and the gang help some old friends along the way. The daring rescue is exciting, especially when things go awry. Then, Constantus returns to Byzantos, where his Regent mother has seized power, and there are more challenges for Olaf and the Heron crew.
October 16, 2017
Even though you could argue that there is a certain amount of predictability in these books, they are still so satisfying and enjoyable that it makes up for anything else.
When Stig's comes back home he is need of a favor- to help rescue the kidnapped son of a regent. The crew of the Heron of course are the only ones who perform the task.
When Stig's comes back home he is need of a favor- to help rescue the kidnapped son of a regent. The crew of the Heron of course are the only ones who perform the task.
May 19, 2023
As always these books are amazingly good reads it is unique I can think of very few books like it there is great characters and an amazingly well written story. The characters as always are great there are a few changes from previous books for one Hal is a little angrier but still in a more calm way. The new character added Olaf whom is Stig's father that abandoned him and his mother after stealing from his own brotherband he is selfish in many ways Stig just had to find this out for himself. The plot was interesting it starts with the competition for Maktig that Stig is competing in it then goes to Olaf Stig's father showing up with a quest to save a young Emperor they agree to this because Stig wants to get to know his father so they go on the quest save the boy and Stig finds out just the kind of man his father is they then leave to go back looking forward to reading more soon.
April 16, 2024
Minder spannend dan ik me herinner, maar misschien ben ik hier gewoon wat te oud voor geworden 🥹🥲
November 18, 2022
Amazing. John Flanagan never disappoints.
December 27, 2017
A short story, 12.5, in The Ranger’s Apprentice adventure fantasy for middle-grade readers series with this story revolving around Maddie. It’s been almost two years since
The Royal Ranger
, 12. If you're interested, there is a of The Ranger’s Apprentice books on my website.
NOTE: I did read this at the back of Flanagan's The Caldera .
My Take
While The Ranger's Apprentice is aimed at young readers, I love Flanagan's writing and his stories, and this one is a blend of compassion, knowledge, and ignorance with a woman at the heart. One who may resent the attitude of others, but does take her culture and time into account. Unfortunately, it’s an ignorant attitude on her world’s part…much like our own.
In this short story, Flanagan uses third person simple subjective point-of-view (a practical choice for this short) which has Maddie as a good role model for girls to look up to and for boys to understand that girls are just as good as the boys. “The Beast From Another Time" will also appeal to those who encourage the protection of animals to those who mourn their extinction.
And I’m sure this won’t be the first time young Maddie will have to prove her competence. And it turns into such a sweet � after the terrifying � tale with a touch of the eerie.
The Story
Naturally, a couple comes to Will for help, complaining about a mysterious beast that's stealing their sheep. Only, Will has left home for a few weeks, leaving Maddie in charge, trusting her to pick her battles. After all, she's only been an apprentice for a few years!
But, but, Maddie is a girl! Everyone knows that girls aren't Rangers!
But this is what Maddie is training for, to help people. And she knows enough to do her research and make a plan. A plan that is not completely without dangers...
The Characters
Maddie, a.k.a., Princess Madelyn and heir to the throne of Araluen, has been Will’s apprentice for almost two years, and she’s deadly with a sling and a bow. Bumper is Maddie’s horse. Princess Cassandra and Sir Horace Altman are her parents.
Will Treaty is all grown up now and mentoring Maddie as an apprentice. Tug is his horse, and Sable is still his dog. Trained as a scribe at the same time as Will trained as a Ranger apprentice, George is now head librarian and historian at Castle Redmont.
Hector and Gert Farrows live alone on a small farm in the Spiny Mountains.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a deep range of blues and green from the night sky to the deeper green of a thickly wooded forest partially hiding a full moon to the mist rising up from the ground on which a small farm and its buildings are tucked in the distance. It's Maddie out front on the left with her long hair flowing, wearing a Ranger uniform, and carrying her kit. The author's name is small and white near the top on the left while the title is larger and below it in a soft yellow. The series information is at the bottom right in white.
The title is “The Beast From Another Time�, one thought to be a myth.
NOTE: I did read this at the back of Flanagan's The Caldera .
My Take
While The Ranger's Apprentice is aimed at young readers, I love Flanagan's writing and his stories, and this one is a blend of compassion, knowledge, and ignorance with a woman at the heart. One who may resent the attitude of others, but does take her culture and time into account. Unfortunately, it’s an ignorant attitude on her world’s part…much like our own.
In this short story, Flanagan uses third person simple subjective point-of-view (a practical choice for this short) which has Maddie as a good role model for girls to look up to and for boys to understand that girls are just as good as the boys. “The Beast From Another Time" will also appeal to those who encourage the protection of animals to those who mourn their extinction.
And I’m sure this won’t be the first time young Maddie will have to prove her competence. And it turns into such a sweet � after the terrifying � tale with a touch of the eerie.
The Story
Naturally, a couple comes to Will for help, complaining about a mysterious beast that's stealing their sheep. Only, Will has left home for a few weeks, leaving Maddie in charge, trusting her to pick her battles. After all, she's only been an apprentice for a few years!
But, but, Maddie is a girl! Everyone knows that girls aren't Rangers!
But this is what Maddie is training for, to help people. And she knows enough to do her research and make a plan. A plan that is not completely without dangers...
The Characters
Maddie, a.k.a., Princess Madelyn and heir to the throne of Araluen, has been Will’s apprentice for almost two years, and she’s deadly with a sling and a bow. Bumper is Maddie’s horse. Princess Cassandra and Sir Horace Altman are her parents.
Will Treaty is all grown up now and mentoring Maddie as an apprentice. Tug is his horse, and Sable is still his dog. Trained as a scribe at the same time as Will trained as a Ranger apprentice, George is now head librarian and historian at Castle Redmont.
Hector and Gert Farrows live alone on a small farm in the Spiny Mountains.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a deep range of blues and green from the night sky to the deeper green of a thickly wooded forest partially hiding a full moon to the mist rising up from the ground on which a small farm and its buildings are tucked in the distance. It's Maddie out front on the left with her long hair flowing, wearing a Ranger uniform, and carrying her kit. The author's name is small and white near the top on the left while the title is larger and below it in a soft yellow. The series information is at the bottom right in white.
The title is “The Beast From Another Time�, one thought to be a myth.
July 25, 2024
3.5 stars.
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
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
January 17, 2018
For complete review check out my blog at
December 28, 2017
Seventh in the The Brotherband Chronicles alternative history adventure series revolving around the very young men who make up the crew of the Heron.
My Take
I hadn't realized The Caldera was not a short story until I noticed the ending page number. Yeah, well, I was turning those pages as fast as I could, wanting to know what happened next. I guess I missed how long it actually took.
I swear, I thought it was a short story. Well, okay, two stories…using multiple third-person points-of-view, for we hop from one person's head to the next, with each having his own scene. Story-wise, the most obvious is the adventurous rescue of the young emperor including the excitement of the Heron’s journey to and from. The underlying story is Stig’s dad. Come back to his family, desperate for help. The conflict is in why his dad ran off, and Stig hoping to kindle a relationship with a father.
Obviously, I thought it was good, even if it is less exciting than previous stories in the series. It’s taking Hal’s abilities for granted, showing off how well-practiced are the crew. But it does demonstrate that Hal isn’t always perfect, but very willing to think again.
Not to worry, for Hal is still amazing. Wait’ll you read about the pirate chase and the Heron “surfing� that wave. I did wish I could have been aboard then!
I do enjoy the competence of the boys and their acceptance of Lydia as a full-fledged member of the crew, appreciating the skills that each person brings. And of course, I love how they get the best of any bad guys, lol.
It’s a few terrifying chases at sea, Hal wracking his brain to figure out how to save the Heron, her crew, and everyone else. More nerve-wracking is their plans to use Myrgos� elevator. Less nerve-wracking is Thorn’s Titanic moment, lol.
What it comes down to…is loyalty.
The Story
The boys are bored being aground as they wait for the results of the Maktig. Then Stig’s outlaw father shows up, begging for help.
A young boy has been kidnapped and at the mercy of dread pirates. It’s also an opportunity for Stig to meet, to get to know, his father, and the Brotherband supports each other. It’s no contest that they’ll follow Stig in whatever he decides.
The Characters
Hal Mikkelson is the skirl of this Brotherband with a quick, inventive mind, and an expert navigator for all his young years. Karina is his mother, a former Araluen slave freed by Mikkel Fastblade. Kloof is Hal’s dog ( Slaves of Socorro , 4).
Stig Olafson, best friends with Hal, is the his first mate and Thorn's battle lieutenant; the one-handed Thorn is a valuable member of the crew, the battle-master, and a former Maktig winner three years in a row; Edvin is their medic and chef; Jesper is the former thief; Stefan is the bow lookout; Ingvar is their "mountain" who is close friends with Lydia (he's also the only one who can cock and load the Mangler � kinda makes up for his nearsightedness); Ulf and Wulf are the arguing twins brilliant at trimming the sails; and, Lydia Demarek, who is brilliant with an atlatl and is an excellent tracker (, 2), make up the crew of the Heron.
Hannah Olafson is a good cook who survives by taking in laundry; she’s also Stig’s abandoned mother. Olaf Attelson is the stinkin� selfish jerk of a father who stole from his crewmates and ran off years ago. Now he’s the commander of the emperor’s palace guard in Byzantos.
Hallasholm is the town where�
…the leader of Skandia, Oberjarl Erak Starfollower, lives. The Wolfwind is his ship, and Svengal is his first mate. He also oversees the six-member Navigators Guild executive committee that includes Gerdt Smolensson, Paavo Nilsson, Keldt Horgasson, Seb Peckson, and Holger Brayson who all fear Hal’s rising influence.
Oren had been a contender for the prize. Arndt is a trawlerman. Anders owns a shipyard. Gordy is one of the boys who worship Hal.
Sigurd Breathblaster lives in Baskenholm and needs a wake-up call. Aspenholm is a small fishing port. Krall is a prosperous river town that charges a toll of every ship that passes (). Bayrath is even bigger than Krall. Captain Zigmund commands one of Bayrath’s boom ships.
Amalon is the port Mannoc works out of as captain of the Seahawk , gathering ships, including the Foxhound , to escort merchant ships. This time, there are six ships he’ll be guarding, one of which is the Southwind .
Drogha is the next town, followed by Raguza, a pirate stronghold (, 3).
The Maktig (Mighty One) is an annual contest to honor the winner of a series of physical contests. The judges include Woten, Per, and Luda. Berg-blad-trasa is also known (by us) as rock-paper-scissors. Thalga is the Skandian goddess of sailors and travellers. Ragnak was Oberjarl when Olaf ran off.
Toscana is�
…an old and corrupt empire from which Byzantos broke off of which Constantus was its founding emperor. Empress Regent Justinia is the mother of the real emperor, the fourteen-year-old Constantus. Lacrimus is Olaf’s personal orderly. Corporal Junius Dall is commander of the watch-house garrison. Aristide is one of the Gallicans.
Cypra is�
…an island where the crew meets Kostas, a fisherman. Fergil Drommond is commander of the island’s Citizens� Vigilance Committee.
Santorillos is�
…the secret pirate stronghold of Myrgos, the captain of the Vulture. Demos is his first mate.
The Mawagansett is a tribe who befriended Hal and his crew in The Ghostfaces , 6.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of deep royal blues representing the hills, the sky, and the swirling waters, a bit of purple in the shadows, and the pinkish oranges of rock and fire. It’s an end of events with the devastating whirlpool encircled by steep hillsides below the hilltop fortress, flaming rocks falling seaward even as fissures erupt on the land. The text starts at the top with a note that this is a subseries of Ranger’s Apprentice in gold with this series� name, Brotherband, writ large in a gothic font, also in gold, stretching upwards at the start and the end to embrace the text above. The title is tiny beneath the series name in more of a yellow font outlined in gold. At the bottom of the cover is the author’s name…in gold.
The title is both destruction and salvation, The Caldera, the actions of which are so well timed.
My Take
I hadn't realized The Caldera was not a short story until I noticed the ending page number. Yeah, well, I was turning those pages as fast as I could, wanting to know what happened next. I guess I missed how long it actually took.
I swear, I thought it was a short story. Well, okay, two stories…using multiple third-person points-of-view, for we hop from one person's head to the next, with each having his own scene. Story-wise, the most obvious is the adventurous rescue of the young emperor including the excitement of the Heron’s journey to and from. The underlying story is Stig’s dad. Come back to his family, desperate for help. The conflict is in why his dad ran off, and Stig hoping to kindle a relationship with a father.
Obviously, I thought it was good, even if it is less exciting than previous stories in the series. It’s taking Hal’s abilities for granted, showing off how well-practiced are the crew. But it does demonstrate that Hal isn’t always perfect, but very willing to think again.
Not to worry, for Hal is still amazing. Wait’ll you read about the pirate chase and the Heron “surfing� that wave. I did wish I could have been aboard then!
I do enjoy the competence of the boys and their acceptance of Lydia as a full-fledged member of the crew, appreciating the skills that each person brings. And of course, I love how they get the best of any bad guys, lol.
It’s a few terrifying chases at sea, Hal wracking his brain to figure out how to save the Heron, her crew, and everyone else. More nerve-wracking is their plans to use Myrgos� elevator. Less nerve-wracking is Thorn’s Titanic moment, lol.
What it comes down to…is loyalty.
The Story
The boys are bored being aground as they wait for the results of the Maktig. Then Stig’s outlaw father shows up, begging for help.
A young boy has been kidnapped and at the mercy of dread pirates. It’s also an opportunity for Stig to meet, to get to know, his father, and the Brotherband supports each other. It’s no contest that they’ll follow Stig in whatever he decides.
The Characters
Hal Mikkelson is the skirl of this Brotherband with a quick, inventive mind, and an expert navigator for all his young years. Karina is his mother, a former Araluen slave freed by Mikkel Fastblade. Kloof is Hal’s dog ( Slaves of Socorro , 4).
Stig Olafson, best friends with Hal, is the his first mate and Thorn's battle lieutenant; the one-handed Thorn is a valuable member of the crew, the battle-master, and a former Maktig winner three years in a row; Edvin is their medic and chef; Jesper is the former thief; Stefan is the bow lookout; Ingvar is their "mountain" who is close friends with Lydia (he's also the only one who can cock and load the Mangler � kinda makes up for his nearsightedness); Ulf and Wulf are the arguing twins brilliant at trimming the sails; and, Lydia Demarek, who is brilliant with an atlatl and is an excellent tracker (, 2), make up the crew of the Heron.
Hannah Olafson is a good cook who survives by taking in laundry; she’s also Stig’s abandoned mother. Olaf Attelson is the stinkin� selfish jerk of a father who stole from his crewmates and ran off years ago. Now he’s the commander of the emperor’s palace guard in Byzantos.
Hallasholm is the town where�
…the leader of Skandia, Oberjarl Erak Starfollower, lives. The Wolfwind is his ship, and Svengal is his first mate. He also oversees the six-member Navigators Guild executive committee that includes Gerdt Smolensson, Paavo Nilsson, Keldt Horgasson, Seb Peckson, and Holger Brayson who all fear Hal’s rising influence.
Oren had been a contender for the prize. Arndt is a trawlerman. Anders owns a shipyard. Gordy is one of the boys who worship Hal.
Sigurd Breathblaster lives in Baskenholm and needs a wake-up call. Aspenholm is a small fishing port. Krall is a prosperous river town that charges a toll of every ship that passes (). Bayrath is even bigger than Krall. Captain Zigmund commands one of Bayrath’s boom ships.
Amalon is the port Mannoc works out of as captain of the Seahawk , gathering ships, including the Foxhound , to escort merchant ships. This time, there are six ships he’ll be guarding, one of which is the Southwind .
Drogha is the next town, followed by Raguza, a pirate stronghold (, 3).
The Maktig (Mighty One) is an annual contest to honor the winner of a series of physical contests. The judges include Woten, Per, and Luda. Berg-blad-trasa is also known (by us) as rock-paper-scissors. Thalga is the Skandian goddess of sailors and travellers. Ragnak was Oberjarl when Olaf ran off.
Toscana is�
…an old and corrupt empire from which Byzantos broke off of which Constantus was its founding emperor. Empress Regent Justinia is the mother of the real emperor, the fourteen-year-old Constantus. Lacrimus is Olaf’s personal orderly. Corporal Junius Dall is commander of the watch-house garrison. Aristide is one of the Gallicans.
Cypra is�
…an island where the crew meets Kostas, a fisherman. Fergil Drommond is commander of the island’s Citizens� Vigilance Committee.
Santorillos is�
…the secret pirate stronghold of Myrgos, the captain of the Vulture. Demos is his first mate.
The Mawagansett is a tribe who befriended Hal and his crew in The Ghostfaces , 6.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of deep royal blues representing the hills, the sky, and the swirling waters, a bit of purple in the shadows, and the pinkish oranges of rock and fire. It’s an end of events with the devastating whirlpool encircled by steep hillsides below the hilltop fortress, flaming rocks falling seaward even as fissures erupt on the land. The text starts at the top with a note that this is a subseries of Ranger’s Apprentice in gold with this series� name, Brotherband, writ large in a gothic font, also in gold, stretching upwards at the start and the end to embrace the text above. The title is tiny beneath the series name in more of a yellow font outlined in gold. At the bottom of the cover is the author’s name…in gold.
The title is both destruction and salvation, The Caldera, the actions of which are so well timed.
April 6, 2024
4,4� "Rodziców zsyła nam los, ale za to przyjaciół możemy sobie wybrać sobie sami."
I tymi słowami udowadniam, dlaczego uwielbiam twórczość Flanagana 💙
I tymi słowami udowadniam, dlaczego uwielbiam twórczość Flanagana 💙
March 1, 2018
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I had desperate hopes that The Ghostfaces was just a slightly-less-good book but the rest would be back to 'normal.' Unfortunately that wasn't the case.
The characters weren't great to start with. Yes, I love Hal and Stig and the rest of the herons, but when the writing and story is bland, there's no way to really connect with the characters or enjoy them. Even the humour felt stilted and forced. And even with all the different characters there was absolutely no character development.
Olaf, as a character, was heartless, infuriating, and never really that realistic. I spent the entire book wanting to throw him overboard, off a cliff, or into a crack of a volcano. Or overboard again. He was so heartless to the point that it wasn't even realistic anymore, and yet at random times he seemed to be portrayed in a 'good' light.
The plot started off interesting, with some laughs and humour (thanks to the twins mostly), but when the actual plotline kicked in, it shifted to being predictable and repetitive. A lot of it was simply deja vu from previous books and also previous sections of this same book.
I feel like John Flanagan's prose is rapidly going downhill. It's not captivating, there's a lot of basic writing mistakes and faults (telling, head hopping, more telling, etc.) and I simply can't connect with the story or enjoy it at all.
Without going into any more detail, I can just say that I was sadly disappointed by this book. The first five Brotherband books were great and I definitely recommend them, but these latest two, I honestly didn't enjoy at all.
I'm not hating on this book, or this author. I'm simply giving my honest review.
The characters weren't great to start with. Yes, I love Hal and Stig and the rest of the herons, but when the writing and story is bland, there's no way to really connect with the characters or enjoy them. Even the humour felt stilted and forced. And even with all the different characters there was absolutely no character development.
Olaf, as a character, was heartless, infuriating, and never really that realistic. I spent the entire book wanting to throw him overboard, off a cliff, or into a crack of a volcano. Or overboard again. He was so heartless to the point that it wasn't even realistic anymore, and yet at random times he seemed to be portrayed in a 'good' light.
The plot started off interesting, with some laughs and humour (thanks to the twins mostly), but when the actual plotline kicked in, it shifted to being predictable and repetitive. A lot of it was simply deja vu from previous books and also previous sections of this same book.
I feel like John Flanagan's prose is rapidly going downhill. It's not captivating, there's a lot of basic writing mistakes and faults (telling, head hopping, more telling, etc.) and I simply can't connect with the story or enjoy it at all.
Without going into any more detail, I can just say that I was sadly disappointed by this book. The first five Brotherband books were great and I definitely recommend them, but these latest two, I honestly didn't enjoy at all.
I'm not hating on this book, or this author. I'm simply giving my honest review.
February 13, 2018
Look--I love this series. I love Hal and the crew and the adventures. Like the other books in the series, there are great moments of dialogue and amazing ship maneuvers. I also really enjoyed seeing Ulf and Wulf separate their personalities to some (small) extent.
But I had a few complaints with this one. It's still getting 4 stars becuase these books are so darn enjoyable, but that doesn't mean I think each one is perfect.
First, the crew doesn't leave for their latest adventure until about 75 pages in...which felt like too many pages of set-up and filler. We also see very little of some of the crew--we hardly see Stefan and Edvin at all, and Jesper and Ingvar very little. Then--once things got exciting--it was over...because the last 50 pages are actually a Ranger's Apprentice short story. *grrr* I hate thinking you've got plenty of pages left to enjoy and then BAM. Done.
Finally, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more closure at the end--generally these books end on a mostly-complete note and the next book starts a new adventure (except for when the Andomal was stolen). But Hal and the crew I just want the Herons happy, okay?
But I had a few complaints with this one. It's still getting 4 stars becuase these books are so darn enjoyable, but that doesn't mean I think each one is perfect.
First, the crew doesn't leave for their latest adventure until about 75 pages in...which felt like too many pages of set-up and filler. We also see very little of some of the crew--we hardly see Stefan and Edvin at all, and Jesper and Ingvar very little. Then--once things got exciting--it was over...because the last 50 pages are actually a Ranger's Apprentice short story. *grrr* I hate thinking you've got plenty of pages left to enjoy and then BAM. Done.
Finally, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more closure at the end--generally these books end on a mostly-complete note and the next book starts a new adventure (except for when the Andomal was stolen). But Hal and the crew I just want the Herons happy, okay?
March 1, 2018
I loved the Rangers Apprentice series and the first few Brotherband books but they have really gone down hill now. I even re-read some rangers apprentice to check it wasn't just that I was older. The quality of everything has gone down, and in this book drastically. The first chapter or so was quite good, and there was one other unexpected thing that happened at the end-ish (involving waves and Thorn) even though it was a tad anticlimactic.
Everything was predictable. I spent the while book wanting to throw half the characters overboard, because I was sick of them. There were inconsistencies. Inconsistencies within characters and the story itself. Action scenes were like like the worst version of Déjà vu like the worst version of Déjà vu you can imagine. Not only because they said everything in the way John Flanagan has said it before but even repeating things like the worst version of Déjà vu from within the same scene or a chapter ago.
Character development did not exist either. The ending went splat with about the worst last line imaginable. I didn't want to dislike this book, but I can't find anything to like about it except for the first scene with the twins and the Maktig contest. It was also disappointing that the book never got back to that. What has happened to hilarious stories of cool characters?
Everything was predictable. I spent the while book wanting to throw half the characters overboard, because I was sick of them. There were inconsistencies. Inconsistencies within characters and the story itself. Action scenes were like like the worst version of Déjà vu like the worst version of Déjà vu you can imagine. Not only because they said everything in the way John Flanagan has said it before but even repeating things like the worst version of Déjà vu from within the same scene or a chapter ago.
Character development did not exist either. The ending went splat with about the worst last line imaginable. I didn't want to dislike this book, but I can't find anything to like about it except for the first scene with the twins and the Maktig contest. It was also disappointing that the book never got back to that. What has happened to hilarious stories of cool characters?
Read
November 1, 2018Ok what I am going to tell is you my honest opinions on this book it is the seventh book in the brotherband series. The book starts off as all of the other books but there is a twist the competition to be claimed as the strongest fighter is going on and the twins and stig are competing in it. The twins are evenly matched in everything so the judges try and decide a winner by rock paper scissors but again they are evenly tied. Stig at this time is competing in a wrestling match with a man much bigger and stronger he is but he still wins in the end.after all this is over they go to eat dinner at stigs house and after they finish eating stigs dad showed up at the door. A little background on stigs dad quite a few years ago he stole from his crew and ran off and left his wife and child behind to endure the harsh treatment of being related to a thief. Stigs dad wants the herrons help to help catch a pirate who kidnapped the son of a empress. After a bunch of arguing they finally agree to do it because of the family bond and nothing else. Because stigs father is a wanted criminal they have to leave late at night to avoid being seen with him. Now this next part is pretty boring lots of sailing they finally arrive at the empire but the empress has a warrant out for stigs dad so he gets caught and then they break out of jail and finally set off to rescue the son of the empress.
February 13, 2021
The only thing Stig knew about his father was that he abandoned Stig and his mother after stealing treasure from his own brotherband. Stig and his mother were left behind to pay for his sins. Now Olaf is back to seek help from Hal in the rescue of a kidnapped boy Emporer. Olaf was his bodyguard, so when the pirates took the boy Olaf's life became forfeit. He is desperate and the Heron crew knows it, but they set out on another rescue adventure for Stig's sake with one additional untrustworthy passager.
After six books in this series, I have grown fond of this brotherband and all its members. I like to read their continued adventures and maturity into adults. It never disappoints with exciting action, evil pirates, nautical terms, and ship sailing tatics. I enjoyed this installment as well.
After six books in this series, I have grown fond of this brotherband and all its members. I like to read their continued adventures and maturity into adults. It never disappoints with exciting action, evil pirates, nautical terms, and ship sailing tatics. I enjoyed this installment as well.
February 15, 2018
I love this book so much. John Flanagan is definitely one of my favorite authors of all time. I wish I saw more of Ingvar in this book. The climax of this book is one of the best written climaxes I've EVER EVER read! It was SO INTENSE. Seriously, I'm trying not to freak out just thinking about it. Okay, I really really need a love interest for Hal because I love him so much. And I know *SPOILER ALERT*** Ingvar likes Lydia, and maybe vice versa too, but I REALLY REALLY ship Hal and Lydia. Anyways GREAT book and I NEED another in the series.
November 20, 2024
I FINALLY FINISHED THE SERIES!!!!! ✨✨�
(Shhh I know there are more books, but this is the last one I own. Fight me.)
LYDIA DIDNT CALL THORN “OLD MAN!!!!!�
OLAF WAS REALLY ANNOYING!!!!!
EVEN THOUGH I KNEW IT WOULD END WELL THIS BOOK STRESSED ME OUT!!!!
It was a decent read, exactly what you’d expect from the series.
(Shhh I know there are more books, but this is the last one I own. Fight me.)
LYDIA DIDNT CALL THORN “OLD MAN!!!!!�
OLAF WAS REALLY ANNOYING!!!!!
EVEN THOUGH I KNEW IT WOULD END WELL THIS BOOK STRESSED ME OUT!!!!
It was a decent read, exactly what you’d expect from the series.
March 21, 2025
Just finished this up, and it will probably be my last dip in the Brotherband series. I really enjoyed it when I was younger, but now that I'm older it just doesn't hit the same as it used to. I'm glad I got to enjoy the series how I did and would recommend it do almost anyone.
(also, it's weird I couldn't find the actual book but only the audio CD, I read the book though)
(also, it's weird I couldn't find the actual book but only the audio CD, I read the book though)
April 3, 2021
I was hopping if there is more to this series...
March 30, 2022
3,5, ale bohužel nejslabší díl
January 31, 2025
This is my favorite book in the brother band series.
December 17, 2018
More pirates! Awesome book. This is a great continuation of the series, with interesting scenery and characters!
July 23, 2019
2,5 ⭐maar dat gaat niet. Ik vond dit de minste van de hele serie. Het plot was gewoon niet interessant. En de nieuwe personages ook niet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.