The Invaders by John Flanagan 429

John Flanagan can sure write a swashbuckling tale. This is book 2 in the Brotherband Chronicles. Yes, this is a book that you can judge by its cover(with swords, shield and a Viking-ish boat in the background -- you can almost here the grunts of the two fighters and taste the salt from the foam of the seamist). Young Hal and his mates "lost" the artifact that they had been charged with safekeeping. Not willing to accept failure, they steel away in search of the robber / pirate who stole it. They are young and somewhat foolhardy, so it is a good thing that they have Thorn along. Thorn may only have one hand, but he is a fierce warrior with an amazing reputation. His advice is sage and Hal is a good listener and an even better leader. Hal is also inventive and has created major improvements that will make their vessel fast. But it is not all guys. Lydia, handy with arrows, escapes from her village before it is plundered by the pirates. She meets Hal and Stig and there is a bit of the old love triangle, or attraction, I should say. Can't wait for the next installment by this author well known for his Ranger's Apprentice series.