The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

reviewed by Kathryn A.

Many lives lay in a fifteen year-old orphan's hands, and guided by a skilled mentor, he must live up to the challenges that a Ranger's Apprentice's life would throw at him. In John Flanagan's first book in the Ranger's Apprentice series, The Ruins of Gorlan, questions are continuously going through both the young apprentice's mind and that of the reader. Why did the Ranger, Halt, choose Will to become his apprentice? Was this choice made out of pity? Is the young boy really suited for the job?

It all started on the day of the choosing, which was a day greatly anticipated by the castle wards, who were the orphans raised by the generosity of Baron Arald. On this day, craft masters would come to the castle and possibly select a fifteen year-old to become their apprentice. Once you were chosen, your fate was sealed; this day was feared more than any other. So, after much discussion and testing, a mysterious man, a Ranger, took Will as his apprentice. And during the numerous long months of training to shoot a bow and arrow, blend in with his surroundings, and become acquainted with his unusual horse, Tug, Will learned many lessons, not only on how to become a Ranger, but also a good friend to his childhood rival and a few others. His courage and devotion were tested as he risked his life to save his friends, track and hunt a huge boar and strive to kill the most feared beasts, the Kalkara.

The plot of this story took many unexpected twists and turns. One moment Will felt that he was doomed to the boring life of a farmhand, and then the next, a vibrant spark of hope was kindled and he realized that he would play a huge role in the safekeeping of his kingdom and those surrounding it. The Ruins of Gorlan is lightning-paced with never a dull moment interfering with the spectacular story line!

I would highly recommend this awesome book, because the author's style of writing is intricate yet quite easy to follow. The character's thoughts are clearly presented with great detail supporting their main ideas. Will is endlessly trying to prove himself to his master and companions, and I know that I can certainly relate to that! I found that I would be thinking identically to Will in most of the situations, and that made the humorous, likable character even more easy to relate to as well. All in all, The Ruins of Gorlan and the rest of the series are some of my favorite books that I have read this summer!