The Caldera by John Flanagan

Hal, Stig, Thorn and the rest of the Herons have returned, and this time they face their most difficult, and perhaps most unexpected challenge yet.

After the huge success of his Ranger’s Apprentice books, John Flanagan has returned with the companion Brotherband series set also in Skandia. Those who, like many, adore the detailed and ethereal world that Flanagan has created may now relish in this new addition to his collection.

For avid readers of Flanagan’s Brotherband series, the seventh instalment The Caldera is no disappointment. For those who are new to the books or Flanagan’s writing, the novel’s plot stands on its own and can be read as such, meaning that even the very few who are unfamiliar with the series may delight in the tale.

Whilst in the Skandian capital, Hallasholm, Stig is amongst those competing in the annual Maktig contest, in which they fight to determine Skandia’s most grand warrior. Out of thin air appears none other than his long estranged father, Olaf! He arrives with a mission that the Heron brotherband cannot refuse – the son of the Empress of Byzantos has gone missing, and Stig’s own father is being held responsible. This calls the boys to action, in the name of Olaf’s reputation, and their own thirst for adventure.

Pirates fortresses, volcanoes… In The Caldera, the Brotherband is faced with seemingly impenetrable challenges and continuous dead-ends. As the fate of an entire empire rests on their shoulders, it will take a great deal of cooperation and determination for these young sailors to defeat their pirate enemies and restore the heir to his home, culminating in a battle for survival on the seas.

Towering cliffs and a deep, dark caldera challenge the imagination of those aged 9+, for whom the book will delight and mystify. Flanagan captures the plights and triumphs of tween friendships in this book in a setting which is endlessly enchanting. Quirky nautical language is weaved seamlessly throughout the plot to provide readers with a sailing lesson they’ll not soon forget. Flanagan’s writing is seriously unique, and the intricacies of The Caldera allow his distinct style to paint a wondrous picture of Skandia for readers to immerse themselves in.

About the Author:

John Flanagan’s bestselling Ranger’s Apprentice adventure series originally comprised twenty short stories, which John wrote to encourage his twelve-year-old son, Michael, to enjoy reading. The series has come a long way since then.

Now sold to more than twenty countries, the series regularly appears on the New York Times Bestseller List and has been shortlisted in children’s book awards in Australia and overseas. John, a former television and advertising writer, lives with his wife, Leonie, in the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly. He is currently writing further titles in the Ranger’s Apprentice series.

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