The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) | John Flanagan

The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) | John Flanagan | Review by Stuart, my son, age 10

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The Ruins of Gorla...

	The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) John Flanagan Puffin, 2006 - 272 pages average customer review:based on 88 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

He had always wanted to be a warrior. The Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways, made him nervous. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now fifteen year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger?s apprentice. What he doesn?t realize yet is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied . . . .

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The Ranger's Apprentice

I gave 5 stars because I am assuming that the category is judged along with other "young reader" selections. I thought the book was great. The author has such a vivid youthful imagination. The book starts out with the young main characters as wards of Castle Redmont. Then comes choosing day when each young ward is assigned to masters of various crafts or trades. Young Will, the main character is chosen to train with Ranger Halt who is mysterious and elusive. Horace goes to Battleschool to become a knight warrior...and so on. Though obviously fictitious situations, the story line is imaginative and well thought out. The characters grow into young heroes through much hard work, sad and humorous situations, to prepare for the battles to come against the evil forces of Morgarath.

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Review by Stuart, my son, age 10

This book is suspenseful and satisfying. Will doesn't directly defeat the terrifying Kalkara, because that would be phony, but he figures out a way to get the job done. Halt knows about Will's dad, who died before he was born, who wasn't a knight, but he was very brave.

2 Thumbs Way Up!!!!

I honestly did not think that it was a plagerism of Tolkien but rather a venue to read more about rangers. They fascinate me so and Tolkien gives a lot of insight into their world, but not as much personality. I find these books amazing and wonderful books for children's and adults of all ages and, as a writer, I find nothing wrong with the writing! It's writen for children and so the writing is simpler! Nothing wrong with that! Nothing at all! Besides, not all children can read Tolkien, but maybe the Ranger's Apprentice Series is a good opener to Tolkien's works, especially in the case of younger kids. Anyway, I want to close with thanking Mr. Flanagan for his AWESOME books! I can't wait for the next ones!!!

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Good book

"Interesting book that keeps building to the end". My 12 yr old son would recommend it to all who like action filled fantasy. We are getting the next 2 in the series.

Addictive..

This is the first in the Ranger's Apprentice that I've read, and I loved it. I'm 36 so not in the obvious target age range, but I was quickly engrossed. I agree with the many reviewers who said that Flanagan's strong point is his characters. I quickly found myself caring for both Will and Horace, and becoming part of their struggles and their triumphs. I also loved the often subtle humour, particularly the baron who hates that nobody dares laugh at his jokes. The relationship between Will and Holt is also endearing and believable. Many reviewers have complained about Flanagan's tendency to switch POV. Personally I found it unusual, but in no way distracting from my enjoyment of the story. I also disagree that his tendency to stop the action for description distracted from the flow. He does have a tendency to tell rather than show, but I felt his descriptions were vivid and didn't distract. If I were to list the one thing that I didn't like it would be the odd hybrid mediaeval/fantasy world the characters inhabit. In my mind it didn't feel real or thought out, and some of the apparent anachronisms grated (coffee? showers?). It's a testimony to Flanagan's skill as a storyteller that despite this I still enjoyed the book immensely. As a 12 year old I would have adored this book, as a 36 year old I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all ages.

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