The Outcasts cover art

The Outcasts

The Brotherband Chronicles, Book 1

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The Outcasts

By: John Flanagan
Narrated by: John Keating
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About this listen

In Skandia, there is only one way to become a warrior. Boys are chosen for teams called brotherbands and must endure three months of gruelling training in seamanship, weapons and battle tactics. It's brotherband against brotherband, fighting it out in a series of challenges. There can be only one winner. When Hal Mikkelson finds himself the unwilling leader of a brotherband made up of outcasts, he must step up to the challenge. The Heron brotherband might not have the strength and numbers of the other two teams, but with inventiveness, ingenuity and courage on their side, they might just surprise everyone.

©2011 John Flanagan (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Fantasy

Critic Reviews

"Having sold millions of his Ranger's Apprentice books all over the world, John Flanagan now has a new series on offer and it is just as swashbuckling and adventurous as his last. Brotherband is set in Skandia - a cold, Viking-inspired country that many of his Rangers' fans know well, but this time with new characters who are just as intriguing." (Deborah Abela, ABC Radio Canberra Drive Show with Louise Maher)
"Ranger fans will lap up this series. There are similarities between Will and Halt relationship and Hal’s connection with his mentor Thorn. No one does adventure like Flanagan, the non-stop action and tension of Brotherband will leave readers wanting more." ( Buzz Word Books)
All stars
Most relevant  
John Keating made the whole thing a bad experience even though it was a good story.

Get rid of Keating!

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

This story is a feel good adventure for the underdog. You really come to like the characters and although ultimately predictable, it's a great tale.

What did you like best about this story?

As a mum, I liked the lessons the boys learn along the way and the way they solve each problem that arises. I also liked the frequent humor that peppers the story.

What about John Keating’s performance did you like?

While some of the accents are a bit questionable, John maintains the characters consistently. He has an easy listening voice and takes you into the story so you forget it is being read to you.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Corny as it may be, it was the moment Hal makes his mum proud!

Any additional comments?

If you liked " the Ranger's Apprentice" or "How to train your Dragon" you will also like this book.

How to train a dragon minus the dragon

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John Flanagan once again gives us another thrilling story, however the narrative can be distracting at times. John Keating does a good job giving each character their individuality however he reads with so much attention to punctuation that it becomes distracting and at times stops were there is no punctuation. Because of this the story is lost a little.

Distracted

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Another excellent series by John Flanagan

And in response to a MrsVee on the second book, I completely disagree with your opinion on John Keating. He is the only good reader I’ve found that uses good range of voices and doesn’t sound mono tonal the whole time. He takes on the character, I think he’s brilliant. Halt took on a whole new level when I listened to the audiobooks, and I’ve READ the RA series at the very least 15 times.

I digress


John Flanagan might be my favourite Author of all time.! There’s a lot more it than just a ‘teen series’

Brilliant

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I liked this book. It had a good story line and the natrator suited this book

good

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love this author and his amazing writing style. so glad i can listen to it

awesome

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This Australian Author has grabbed a whole generation of youth, and their parents with his Rangers Apprentice books, and now with the Brotherband series ... BUT ... this reader, Keating, is a disaster. He reading has a Sing songey sound to it; his misplaced emphases make my jaws ache, and as for his pronunciations, which are like ——— ,(sorry, but I feel like swearing). The PARTICULAR word that has me boiling is “buoy”! Put ‘pronounce buoy’ in your google or safari or whatever and you will get “boy” as in “toy” ... not booie, as in gooie ... and that word comes up in the story many many times

Mr keating MUST GO!

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I read this text years ago.... Now I have the complete Brotherband Series as audio books - I recommend as great reads to people of all ages.

A great start to an Exceptional Series!

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An exciting and interesting story. It was the best book I've ever read and listened to. With a cliffhanger like that, im garenteed to get the next one.

A great story.

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Narrator was very clear, easy to understand.
Story line continues with book 2. Recommend for all ages.

Good series, Addictive

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