Book Review: Ranger's Apprentice -- The Series
Hi everyone,
Since I'm just joining The STACKS, I thought I'd start out by telling you about my favorite series (next to Harry Potter, but that goes without saying). A couple of years ago, I was in a bookstore looking for something to read when I saw a small blue book with a cloaked figure hidden in the shadows. The title was Ranger's Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. When it comes to books, I love series and I love fantasy. I took a chance on the book and absolutely loved it. Now, five books into the series, I am absolutely hooked.
Since I don't want to spoil the series, I'll just briefly describe the intro to Book 1 before letting you know exactly why this has become my favorite series. When we first meet Will, the main character, he is an orphan living at Castle Redmont. As a child, he was taken in by the Baron of Castle Redmont and was raised with several other orphaned children. The story really begins as the castle wards are chosen for apprenticeships. Rejected by the Battle School, Will is instead chosen by the silent and mysterious Ranger Halt. The first books in the series are about Will's apprenticeship and the adventures that come his way.
I love the pacing in these stories. Even though a lot of time is spent on Will's training, there are fascinating descriptions of the world he lives in and plenty of action to move the story along. Each book is more interesting and exciting than the last (when the fifth came out, I read it in one night only to be so frustrated by the cliffhanger at the end that I'm asking a friend of mine to ship me a copy of Book 6 from Australia, where Books 6, 7, and 8 are already released).
Here in the US, the first five books are available. Their titles are:
The Ruins of Gorlan
The Burning Bridge
The Icebound Land
The Battle for Skandia
The Sorcerer of the North
If you are into action, are a sucker for spies or action, and love fantasy series, I highly recommend the Ranger's Apprentice series.
— Rob, STACKS Staffer
these books are so GOOD! I can't wait untill the other books come out!
Comment #1 | Posted by: ray on December 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
These sound awesome!
Comment #2 | Posted by: Katie on December 26, 2008 at 08:13 PM
I read all of them except the 6, 7, and8 ones because my dad won't let me order them. that's a pain.
Comment #3 | Posted by: Kate on December 29, 2008 at 01:42 PM
my friend has read 1,2,and 3 working on 4
Comment #4 | Posted by: shane f on December 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I just got #5 for the Holidays!!! I'm so happy! Does any one know a good place to buy 6 because it is only out in Australia? A place with relitively low shipping prices? These books rock!!!
Comment #5 | Posted by: Aly on January 01, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Does anyone know where i can read these online, I'm about to go nuts searching the web.
Comment #6 | Posted by: Andy on March 04, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I am a 41 year old mother who purchased the first book for my son! I ended up reading it first and I am totally hooked on this series, as is my son and neice! I get antsy waiting for the next, I am addicted! They are fantastic!
Comment #7 | Posted by: Marcy on March 15, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Lots of kids at my school love these- they don't get much attention, yet they're fabulous. The world just isn't fair sometimes.
Comment #8 | Posted by: PugHugs on March 16, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Wow, I've never heard of this series! I'll be sure to check it out...
Comment #9 | Posted by: Crystal on March 17, 2009 at 05:51 PM
I AM HOOKED WITH THIS SERIES the cliffhanger on the fifth book is driving me crazy and questions just run through my head like Will. Although I don't have any answers.
Comment #10 | Posted by: per3872 on March 21, 2009 at 11:10 PM
i cant find out where to eatheer! its mkeing me crasy
Comment #11 | Posted by: 0000000 on December 09, 2009 at 06:21 PM