First published 2014
Hal and his Brotherband crew the Herons have just defeated their rival Tursgud when King Duncan summons them to Castle Araluen. The young seafarers find themselves in unfamiliar territory, far from their ships and the open water they know best. Queen Evanlyn faces a deadly threat from the mysterious Scorpion Cult, and rumors suggest that Iqbal, who once tried to kill her at her wedding to Horace, may strike again. The Herons refuse to wait for danger to find the queen. They team up with Gilan and his fellow Rangers to hunt down the assassins before they can complete their mission. This alliance brings together two different fighting forces: the sea-trained Brotherband warriors and the forest-wise Rangers. As they track their enemies, old friendships strengthen and new challenges test their combined skills. The story weaves together the established worlds of both the Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband series, creating a crossover adventure that expands the scope of both storylines.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-allies
Setting: Castle Araluen, Scorpion Mountain
Period: Medieval
480 pages · Hardcover · Philomel Books