The Lost Brother

Colm Hearnes fantasy about forest animals and birds reads with pace full of intrigue and mystery. The relationship between characters in a family or community are authentic. Outdoor scenes and especially the battles are easily visualised. The Lost Brother is a great read to young children and for older children of reading age. Phil Carrick

Great book and is such a good read that it is hard to put down. It has got a lot of action. Well grafted storyline and lots of twist and turns.

A great story of brotherly love and loyalty. Lots of battles and twists and turns. A fast-paced story perfect for 8-10 year olds.

I want to preface my review but admitting that I didn't realise before starting this book that it is set in the same world as an earlier book. I didn't have time to read the first book but that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all and could be read as a standalone in my opinion.

This book is told as a story from Emperor Fionn to his children which I think is a great way to start a story aimed at a middle grade audience.

Knowing that the story starts with Cael running away due to his mother's death, I was shocked to find out that the passing was such a tragedy. It is told in a way that showcases the tragic event but is written in a way so not to put off younger readers.
This story beat is the catalyst for the rest of Cael's journey as he ends up leaving the family because of the grief he feels as well as the guilt he holds from believing he caused his mother's death. This was written really well and I think the author wrote this in a fantastic way. All of these feelings lead to Cael feeling negatively about his life and family until it results in a tense moment where he decides to leave for good.

We go with Cael on his journey as he grows from strength to strength whilst facing looming dangers.

I found myself really enjoying this story. I am not typically a fan of middle grade being an adult, but I wanted to try to get into reading more middle grade and found that this story is a great entry point for new readers and new readers to the genre.

I also want to make note of the illustrations throughout the novel. They are designed beautifully and I think credit must be given to the illustrator for creating such vivid imagery which really helped me picture the story.

Overall this is a great story with a beautiful message about familial love and I would definitely recommend picking this up, as well as the first story as well. I definitely will be doing.

A Legend of Tara – The Lost Brother by Colm Hearne is a compelling tale of two brothers, Ferdinand and Cael, whose lives are torn apart by loss and resentment. After their mother’s death, their father begins to blame and punish Cael, holding him responsible for his wife’s passing. Eventually, Cael flees his home and escapes to a nameless land, where he forges a new path as a warrior and earns a respected place within the Elaxor Army.

Determined to find his brother, Ferdinand sets out on a demanding journey marked by hardship, sacrifice, and relentless challenges. Both brothers endure profound trials that shape them into stronger, more resilient individuals. The character development is particularly impressive, and the storyline remains gripping and engaging throughout.

While the novel carries a serious tone—filled with war, battles, and conflict—it is thoughtfully balanced with moments of hope, love, and emotional depth. The world-building is immersive, and the conclusion is deeply satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Colm Hearne’s work.

THE PERFECT ANIMAL FICTION READ!

The moment I saw it’s Colm’s book, I instantly signed up because I absolutely loved Fionn the Reviver and The Lost Brother was equally excellent. As usual the characters, the story setting, the plot and the storyline were impressive and outstanding. Ferdinand and Cael had to go through difficulties but I’m glad they reunited. And can we just talk about the land name idea? I knew it was coming and Colm added that part to the very last and I fell in love with that concept. I felt bad for Tara but I’m glad her sons named a whole land after her name. I wasn’t really sad about Radee lol but Ferdinand made it a whole lot emotional. I loved reading about animal kingdoms of badgers, hares, squirrels, otters, eagles, foxes and what not. Colm really knows how to write a great book.

Grab your copies now and thank me later lol.

Cael is a young mouse whose life changes after his mother dies. Wanting to escape his pain and become something strong, he leaves home and ends up in a land filled with war and danger. He joins an army and learns how to survive, slowly turning into a brave fighter. Back at home, his brother Ferdinand cannot accept losing him and goes out to search for Cael. As he travels, Ferdinand realizes that the world outside is cruel and that Cael is trapped in more danger than anyone knows.

This book focuses on loss, bravery, and brotherhood. The story is emotional but easy to follow, with strong character growth. It feels darker than the first part and keeps the reader interested with its serious tone and action.

A Legend of Tara: The Lost Brother is an emotional and adventurous continuation of the series, focusing on family, loss, and courage. This time, the story follows Cael, a young mouse who runs away after losing his mother, driven by grief and his dream of becoming a great warrior. His journey into the Land With No Name adds a darker, more intense layer to the world of Tara.
I really liked how this book explored the bond between siblings. Watching Ferdinand set out to find Cael, knowing the danger ahead, made the story feel heartfelt and meaningful.
Overall, this book feels like a deeper and more emotional chapter in the series. It balances action with feelings of love, loss, and loyalty, making it an engaging read.

Solid 5/5

Two brothers: Ferdinand and Cael: Two warriors: two legends

This book was so hard to put down, I loved and enjoyed every bit of it. Although it had a more fighting vibe but I loved it. Two brothers in love with two sisters. Two brothers leaving home and becoming warriors. Both were similar but different. Both their journeys were so fantastic—so throughly put together and nicely executed. I can’t tell which one was my more fav. I’m glad the ending was peaceful otherwise I had anxiety attacks at so many points while reading this. The leaders of both the forces: Elexor Army and Badgers Clan were so strongly developed. The whole book was put together so well I don’t have words to describe it. Highly recommended!!!

When Cael’s mother died, he runs away from his house in order to become strong he joins army, not knowing that this isn’t easy and it’s a journey filled with dangers and struggles while his brother at home gets worried for him and tries to find him. Cael’s brother stepped out of his house and the minute he does he’s worried because he gets to know that his brother is in danger.
This book is absolutely amazing and tells us about the bond between brothers, bravery & loss
I’d definitely recommend this book to someone who’s feeling down, someone who lost hope and to someone who feel they can’t do something.

I'm not much into animal fiction, BUT YOU GUYSSS! I WAS DEEPLY INVESTED in this book! Part 1 was good and part 2 is even better!!

I mean I love how the story takes place, the pacing, the dialogues the CHARACTERS! everything was so on point!

Every character had something to give, like CAEL was a true example of consistency and resilience, Sorchq, Curo and Braxvag truly reflected what friendship was and how all of them overcame their shortcomings and fears! Truly empowering!!
And Isaac? His whole personality was amazing and mature!

So yes! The book builds nicely on what was established, and turned it something more meaningful than just a story!

Would truly recommend this to anyone who loves fiction, animals and would love to take two cents with them too!

Life is hard and full of struggles, this is what the little mouse Cael got to know when he steps into the real world to find his own way after his mother's death. Meanwhile the other brother Ferdinand gets into the search of his brother to bring him back but it's not an easy task. The Story also had involved armies of different animals relating how animal kingdoms are similar to humans.
This book is a story of how things change when family breaks apart and how the world teaches you to be strong. One word for the book is brotherhood depicted so well by the author.

This is a heartfelt fantasy about two mice brothers torn apart by a family loss. Cael leaves home to become a legendary warrior, joining a war between animal clans, while his brother Ferdinand sets out later to find him and mend their broken bond. The story follows their separate but intertwined journeys through army camps, dangerous forests, and mysterious islands filled with eagles. It’s got classic Redwall energy with battles, secret alliances, and a war rooted in hidden deceit. The heart of the story, though, is the quiet strength of family even when it’s stretched across a battlefield. A really solid, satisfying adventure with a lot of feeling.

The Lost Brother is about a young mouse named Cael who leaves home after his mother’s death to follow his dream. He joins an army and becomes a hero, but his life is full of danger. His brother Ferdinand goes looking for him because he cares deeply about him. The story shows love between brothers and how hard choices can be. It reminds us that family is more important than fame.
Highly recommend this book .