The Invaders

Brotherband Chronicles, Book 2

By: John Flanagan

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2012 John A. Flanagan (P)2012 Penguin

The Invaders

Would you recommend The Invaders to your friends? Why or why not?

I enjoyed this book but... It did not measure up to Book 1; THE OUTCASTS. This book had the feel of an incomplete series of short and shorter stories. My listening wasn't good since I had to listen over too many times. I felt like I kept missing something and tried figuring out and where it was. The characters didn't measure to book one. New characters seemed to 'just appear' from nowhere. I will wait and check out the next book (if any) before recommending this book.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narration was what saved the book. He did a good job reading.

Just when the Herons thought they had become heroes everything went wrong

When Hal and his crew find the Andomal- Skandia's most prized artifact taken under the Herons watch they know they only have one choice, to get it back even if that means defying the overjarl and traveling miles from home. Will a crew of nine teenagers have what it takes to fight Zavak's 100 men?

Great Family Story!

If you could sum up The Invaders in three words, what would they be?

Exciting! Adventure! Humor!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Invaders?

Any arguments between Wulf and Vulf.

What about John Keating’s performance did you like?

He has a great accent that draws the reader in and contributes greatly to the creation of the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely!

Any additional comments?

Engrossed a family with the youngest child of 8 and the adults (whose age I dare not put up here). We sit around listening to it as a family and everyone is laughing and sitting on the edge of their seats. No one wants to turn it off and when my mother says "Time's Up!" Everyone regards her as the most evil creature in the world.

Note:
I am the oldest of 5 girls. This book, typically considered a "boys story" is great for all ages, all genders.

If you like this story, try John Flanagan's "Ranger's Apprentice" series.

Do not try listening to this without first listening to Book 1. This picks up where Book 1 left off.

Great Book

The only thing that annoys me is that its Viking based and they keep saying Pirates but I feel that vikings would have might have a better word for their time. I keep thinking of british 'golden age' pirates vs Vikings back when Britain was run by saxons. Dons't much matter, this is a great story and I love it.

I love the main character and all his companions. True that nothing truly bad ever happens, but you don't have to worry about falling in love with a character and having them die on you.

Invaders

I really like this audio book. I also have read a lot of John Flanagan’s books.

To all the MORONS IT is the whole book

What made the experience of listening to The Invaders the most enjoyable?

I highly enjoyed listening to both the parts each 6 hours each. OMG 12 hours. It's really an enjoyable continuation of the series, and an honor to the Rangers Series.

Which scene was your favorite?

I actually enjoyed the lighthearted scenes in the training camp before the persuit was started a new.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I don't have 12 hours available in the day.

Adventures on the high seas!

This time we get a bit more glimpse into the characters that surround Hal. It is nice hearing that he does not have to solve everything.

He does it again...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great story for young and old. The reader is excellent, and the writing is good.

Great performance, sorry improving

I really want to like this series. However, I feel like it's rushed. The character development is weak, the conflict contrived, but the pace is fun and light and ultimately entertaining.

Flanagan keeps improving

These books are thoroughly entertaining. There is some confusion about lateen rigging but history is of no help to clear it up. But as written it can’t be done on only one mast.