The Outcasts

<p><b><i>The Outcasts</i></b> is the first book in the <b>Brotherband</b> series, from the author of the internationally bestselling <b>Ranger's Apprentice</b>.<br> <br> There is only one way to become a warrior.<br> <br> Boys are chosen for teams called Brotherbands and must endure months of gruelling battles in the treacherous sea. Hal finds himself the unwilling leader of a band of outcasts, the boys that no one wants. They are small and wiry but what they lack in size, they make up with skill and courage. Now they must battle against the other bands in the ultimate race where there can only be one winner.<br> <br> The icy waters make the sea a dangerous playing field. Especially when - for some - this is <i>anything</i> but a game . . .<br> <br> Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's <i>Lord of the Rings</i>, T.H. White's <i>The Sword in the Stone</i>, Christopher Paolini's <i>Eragon</i> series and Rick Riordan's <i>Percy Jackson</i> series.</p>