The Ranger’s Apprentice

Book I: The Ruins of Gorlan

By John Flanagan

“An ordinary archer practices until he gets it right. A ranger practices until he never gets it wrong.”

The author first wrote this epic fantasy middle grade novel for his son, showing ways to navigate the many struggles tweens face growing up (like bullying, belongingness, and self-esteem). Flanagan weaves these universal themes into a fast-paced story of medieval knights, diplomats, spies, and battles. But his engaging characters actually appeal to all ages, which explains why the book became a New York Times best-seller.

A foundling with no last name, Will has lived as a ward in Baron Arald’s fief for all of his fifteen years. The other castle orphans his age take pride in their parents’ sacrifice, since they all perished in service to the realm. Dropped at the castle gates as an infant, Will’s only history comes from a brief note pinned to his baby blanket explaining his mother did not survive childbirth and his father died a hero. From this limited information, Will has convinced himself his dad had to have been a valiant knight killed in a great battle.

On Choosing Day, the castle’s 15-year-old wards have a chance to apprentice with the Craftmasters, if they are deemed worthy. The smallest of the group, Will still wants to join the battle school and become a knight, supposedly like his father. All of his classmates get their dream assignment: the elegant Alyss in diplomatic service, the debating George with scribe school, the good-natured Jenny with the head chef, and the athletic Horace in battle school.

Will’s hopes wither when he learns his small stature excludes him from training to be a knight or even a horsemaster. Devastated, he resigns himself to the life of a farmhand in the fields. But Halt, a shadowy cloaked ranger, steps forward and delivers a sheet of paper to the Baron that may hold a different fate for the foundling.

Thus begins Will’s adventures over the eleven-book series full of daunting challenges, heroic struggles, and life-long friendships. Everything a tween could ask for in entertaining, age-appropriate reading.