The Battle for Skandia

After the slow, survival-focused Icebound Land, this book is all momentum. The rescue of Evanlyn comes early and is tense and clever, using Will's archery and Halt's patience rather than brute force. Then the real problem appears: the Temujai, a superbly organized army of mounted archers, are about to sweep into Skandia, and the Skandians, proud and stubborn, do not trust the foreigners who offer to help.

Much of the book's appeal lies in Halt's strategy. He persuades the Skandian leader to accept an alliance, studies the enemy's tactics and plans a battle that depends on timing and nerve. Will takes on a new responsibility of his own, and Horace gets plenty of chances to prove his courage. Flanagan describes the battle with clarity, explaining each move so readers can follow the plan. Evanlyn's secret identity also comes closer to the surface. The violence is real but not graphic.

It closes the first major arc of the series, so it is a good stopping point, though most readers will want The Sorcerer of the North. About 294 pages in the Puffin paperback.