Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts (Book 1) by John Flanagan

Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts (Book 1) by John Flanagan is the first book in a new series by the author of the Ranger's Apprentice Series.  While set in the same world as Ranger's Apprentice, the Brotherband Chronicles takes place in Skandia and follows a group of boys as they train for adulthood.  Hal is a boy who is being raised by a single mother after his father died in battle.  Hal's father was Skandian, but his mother is Araluen, which causes a lot of problems for Hal fitting in with the other boys his age.  When the time comes for all the boys in their village to group together in their brotherbands and begin training, eight boys are left out of the choosing.  These eight boys become their own "misfit" brotherband, electing Hal as their leader.  Each boy has a special talent which adds to the success of a group that seems doomed to fail from the start.  One boy is extremely strong, but so nearsighted he can't see clearly even a meter in front of his face, one boy is an expert at mimicking any sound, one boy has mastered the art of thievery (just for fun, not because he wants what he steals), and there are even twins who are so good at deceiving people with their appearance they even fool their own mother (they also fight with one another incessantly!).  Hal is the glue that holds this group together.  As an expert navigator and sailor, he is the obvious choice as leader and skirl (ship captain).  Using their unique skills and special bond, this misfit band of boys works hard in their attempts to defeat the other two brotherbands in the tasks issued to them.  The only problem is, the other two groups are much stronger and just as determined to win... at almost any cost.

I absolutely loved this book.  It was full of action, adventure, mystery and suspense!  There is a twist at the end I wasn't expecting that perfectly set the stage for book two.  I can't wait to find out what happens to the Herons (Hal's brotherband) in Brotherband Chronicles: The Invaders (Book 2)!