The Ranger’s Apprentice Series is one of my favorite book series. It has nonstop adventure, so much so that you can’t seem to put the book down. The Ruins of Gorlan is the first book, and it pulls you in from the first sentence. With tales of longbows, coffee, evil, and royalty, this book is filled with twists and turns, daring you to turn the page, to find out what happens next.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ Spoiler alert ⚠️
This book is about a boy named Will; an orphan taken in by a baron, who has always wanted to be a warrior. He lives with his wardmates - Alyss, the tall and graceful diplomat; Horace, his lifelong tormentor who is most likely to beat him out as a knight; Jenny, a sweet and bubbly chef; and George, an eloquent advocate for the group whose skills make him a more than adequate scribe. At the age of fifteen, all wards are expected to be chosen by a craftmaster to pursue a profession; if not, the ward shall work in a farm. Will desperately wants to go to battle school to become a warrior, but he knows his chances are slim, for his frame is much too small. All the other wards know what they want to do, and are almost certain they will get it, except for Will. When the day comes, he is refused by the battlemaster, much to his disappointment.
Then, when all hope seems lost, when a life in the farms is almost certain, Halt steps in. Halt is a King’s Ranger, one of the Kings most trusted advisors. King’s Rangers are masters in the art of unseen and unheard movement and archery. Halt has been watching Will and has noticed his natural curiosity and agility. Halt wants to recruit Will as a ranger! At first, Will is unsure. The rangers are mysterious, and some rumors tell stories of them dabbling in sorcery; materializing out of thin air. But once he gets over his initial hesitation, he opens up a world of adventure, hard work, fame, and humor. He and Halt warm up to each other slowly, but surely, and have many adventures together.
⚠️ Spoilers end here ⚠️
The main antagonist is Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, who will not be defied again. The “wretched rangers” foiled his plan last time, but he is stronger now and is determined to do whatever he can to rule Araulen.
Will Morgarath be defeated?
Will Halt be able to stop the constant array of Will’s questions?
Will Will learn the secret to making great coffee? *
Read the book and find out!
* According to Halt, the secret is an extra pump of honey!
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