I like this story a lot! *sings because she feels like it* Seriously, all of John Flanagan's books have that perfect fantasy adventure feel that I love :D This one was no different! 
 Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors, and John Flanagan's books remind me of her's! If you like Tamora Pierce, I think you'll like him. 
 ANYWAYS, about this book: It's been a while since I read the Ranger's Apprentice series, but I always kind of related them to medieval Britain- and I always related Skandia to more Norway, in the Viking times. It was nice to hear more about there for a change! And I was glad that some of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice showed up (it is a companion series, after all ;D). However, there was one... awful.... case of name dropping. It couldn't TECHNICALLY be called name dropping, because they didn't actually use Will's name, but Erak mentioned Will to Hal, and it was EXCEEDINGLY awkward. Sorry. 
 Back to the good stuff. I liked the characters! The twins were hilarious, Stig was someone I always rooted for, and I was happy that there was a character that needed glasses (he deserved them! I'm sure there's someone who can make him some! Get him some glasses!) I am really excited for the next book! Soon, I hope? Please? 
 One thing. John Flanagan's writing style, in third person omniscient, I think, can be just a little irritating. Maybe it's just me. It's the way he describes characters, among other things. He often does it by having other characters think about the character in question, and write from their point of view. For example, in the prologue, on the Wolfwind, Erak is thinking about Thorn and Mikkel. That scene is the epitome of what I am talking about. It's effective, but for some reason, I just find it irritating..... Sorry. I don't mean to be persnickety! 
 Ignore what I just said- I was nitpicking. The book is great! Read it!