Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

Title: Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan
Author: John Flanagan
Publisher: Random House, November 1, 2004
Reading Level: 5th and up
Pages: 249
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure










Summary:

Morgarath, the exiled lord of the bleak, barren Mountains of Rain and Night, has been waiting for fifteen years in his dark realm, carefully planning his revenge against the Kingdom of Araluen. Gorlan, where he used to reign, was long ago brought to ruin as a result of his unsuccessful rebellion against King Duncan. Now he silently plots to rebel again, rallying creatures known as Wargals to his side.
In Redmont, a special day has come for Will, called Choosing Day, where he becomes an apprentice to a craftmaster. Will's first choice was Battleschool, he becomes apprenticed to Halt of the Rangers. Will is trained in these skills as he prepares for the annual Ranger meeting called the Gathering where his skills will be tested. At the Gathering the Rangers receive a report that the Kalkara, vicious creatures under the control of Morgarath, have killed important Araluen figures. Halt leaves to track down the Kalkara while Will rides for help. The Baron, Sir Rodney, and several others head out to slay the Kalkara. Finding where Halt is battling the Kalkara, Sir Rodney and the Baron manage to slay one, but are badly injured. Suddenly the last Kalkara appears and is killed by Will with a flaming arrow. Back at his fief, Will is considered a hero and receives his bronze oakleaf medal which identifies him as a ranger's apprentice.



My Reaction:

I think this book is great, I've read most of the series, and I'm excited to read the rest of it when I have the time. It's super action packed, and you can't help but love the characters.

Potential Problems:

There are fighting scenes, so it would be up to the parent or teacher to decide if it was to much for whoever they were reading to.

Recommendations:

I think everyone should read these books. I also think that young boys would absolutely love it! There is action, learning how to shoot arrows, fighting, and sword play... right up a little boy's alley.