The Hunters: Brotherband Chronicles, Book 3

The Heron boys battle with pirates, at sea as ships face off and on land when they're cornered and outnumbered. The fighting sequences focus on action and strategy far above gore, but there are some pirate casualties from battle and drowning. The boys get a few cuts, are imprisoned and almost tried and hanged, and one almost dies from fever from a battle injury incurred in Book 2. Hal gets beat up by a river town official's thugs for withholding information. The Heron goes through a series of rapids that almost destroy the ship.

Lydia is aware that both Hal and Stig like her, but the jealousy is kept to a minimum in this book.

Lots of "shut up" -- especially Lydia saying, "Shut up, old man!" to Thorn for teasing her. And there's the usual creative curses involving Skandian gods, such as, "Orlog's toenails!"

Skandians like to celebrate with a bit of drinking mixed in -- only older adults see to liberally partake, however.

Parents need to know that The Hunters is the third book in Brotherband Chronicles, the companion series to the popular Ranger's Apprentice series. The teen shipmates of the Heron are still at sea and facing pirates, so expect some battle scenes, but the focus is more on action and strategy than gory detail. That's even the case when young Hal, the admirable, brave, and incredibly bright ship captain, gets beat up by a town leader's thugs. There are some pirate casualties from battle and drowning. The boys get a few cuts, are imprisoned and almost tried and hanged, and one almost dies from fever from a battle injury incurred in Book 2. The Heron goes through a series of rapids that almost destroy the ship. As always, Hal's shipmates make a great team and will face any danger with him. A girl shipmate, Lydia -- introduced in Book 2, The Invaders -- becomes a powerful force to reckon with here, saving the day more than once.