Slaves of Socorro
Australian cover of The Outcasts
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| Author | John Flanagan |
|---|---|
| Country |
 Australia
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| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure |
| Publisher |
Random House (AUS & NZ) Philomel (US) |
| Published | 1 November 2011– |
| Media type | Print Paperback & Hardcover E-book |
Brotherband is a series of fantasy novels written by Australian author John Flanagan. The first book titled The Outcasts was released in Australia and the United States on 1 November 2011 and in New Zealand on 4 November 2011. The series is a spin-off from Flanagan's other highly popular series, Ranger's Apprentice, but it focuses on new Skandian characters.
12 years ago Mikkel, Hal's father, died on a raiding trip. Before his death he had his best friend, Thorn, promise that he would help Hal. Thorn promises but loses his right arm on the voyage back. Once in Skandia he becomes a drunk, however Hal's mother Karina reminds Thorn of his promise and starts to employ him in her inn.
12 years after his father died Hal Mikkelson has become a boy who builds whatever he thinks of with the help of his best friends, Stig, and Thorn. At the same time he works with Anders, the local shipbuilder. During this time Hal buys a ship which he names the Heron after the unique sail design he employed on the ship to sail into the wind. After sailing the Heron Hal beaches the ship and gets ready for Brotherband training. During Brotherband training boys who are 16 in Skandia are taught the basics of fighting and ship navigation. For each brotherband a leader must be chosen - this year there are a total of 28 boys divided into 3 brotherbands: The Sharks, The Wolves, and The Herons. With Hal finding himself the unwilling leader of the Herons, made up of outcasts, he must step up to the challenge. Every Brotherband must participate in team and individual activities to earn points at the end of the Brotherband training the points are totaled up.
While Brotherband training continues, a Skandian trading fleet is attacked and the leader of the pirates, Zavac, demands to know about the secret treasure of Skandia. The leader of the trading fleet vows not to tell until he sees that one of the pirates had grabbed his nephew. Knowing that his nephew shouldn’t die for his mistakes the head of the trading fleet begins to tell about the treasure, the Andomal, knowing that it is well guarded. As he talks he remembers that one night every year it is not so well protected.
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