Brotherband #8: Return of the Temujai by John Flanagan

My name is Hal, and my Heron brotherband has become Erak's most trusted crew. The Temujai have been trying to find a way into Skandia, so they can conquer the surrounding lands. We've already helped to strengthen a key Skandian outpost and quelled a raid, but Erak fears the Temujai may discover another way into our country. It's unlikely they'll try crossing the icy, perilous rivers to the north, but we're not sure what secrets might be found in those barren lands. We've sailed up the river, portaged the rapids and are exploring the area around the lake. We've noticed a few Temujai patrols moving along the shore, so we need to discover where they go at night. A few of them aren't a problem, but a huge army of warriors would be disastrous. 

I always enjoy books written by John Flanagan, and this book was no exception. The Skandians are comparable to your image of Vikings, but most of this book takes place on land. The most enjoyable part of this series is Hal's inventiveness and imagination. The Heron ship epitomizes his ingenuity with its creative design and devastating Mangler weapon. Hal's uncanny knack for foreseeing enemy options allows him to develop remarkable battle strategies. Unlike some of the books in the series, most of this book involves fighting, strategizing, or preparing for battle. It doesn't include as much nautical vocabulary as usual, although those descriptions are still present. I don't mind, but some readers might let it bother them. The pages before Chapter One define all of the sailing terms you'll need to know. Flanagan develops an exciting adventure that builds to a suspenseful climax. The survival of the Heron is actually in peril, and it's unclear if it will withstand the dangers. Overall, I loved the book and recommend you give it a shot.