Ranger's Apprentice

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The Ranger's Apprentice is the name of the series written by John Flanagan. The first book in the series was released in Australia in November 2004, then released in the United States in mid 2005. The series follows the endeavors of Will, his friends, and the Rangers as they battle the evil Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, as he tries to capture the kingdom of Araluen. There have been five books released so far:

1. The Ruins of Gorlan
2. The Burning Bridge
3. The Icebound Land
4. Oakleaf Bearers
5. The Sorcerer in the North

A sixth is due for release in May 2007:

• The Siege of Macindaw

[edit] Book synopsis

• The Ruins of Gorlan: Deals with the beginnings of Will and Horace.
• The Burning Bridge: About half a year later, this introduces Erak, Evanlyn and first appearance of Morgarath. Gilan recruits Horace and Will into an embassy into Celtica, where they make a startling discovery concerning the war.
• The Icebound Land: Deals with Will and Evanlyn's capture and subsequent transportation to Skandia, and Halt's and Horace's quest to find them.
• Oakleaf Bearers: Deals with when the Temujai invasion of Skandia and the four Araluen's efforts to stop them.
• The Sorcerer in the North: Five years on from Oakleaf Bearers, Will is now a fully fledged Ranger and on a mission with his old friend Alyss.
• The Siege of Macindaw: Will is in a desperate race to save Araluen from an invasion, and unknown to him, help is on the way. (Unreleased)

[edit] Characters

• Will Treaty:

As the character the title refers to, Will is a small, orphaned boy who was recruited as a Ranger after Halt witnessed his ability to break into Baron Arald's office undetected. He aspired to become a knight but was turned down because of his small stature. However, after saving Battlemaster Rodney, Baron Arald, and Halt from the deadly Kalkara assassins, he become famous in his fief of Redmont. He had also saved Araluen from a suprise attack by Morgarath, saved Skandia from the Temujai warriors, and formed a peace treaty between the counties (where his new last name came from). He also owns a Ranger horse named Tug.

• Halt:

One of the most famous Rangers, who defeated Morgarath at Hackham Heath. He has been described as a grim, dark grizzled figure, but those who know him know he has a somewhat dry sense of humour. After Will was captured by Skandians, he got himself exiled for a year to go save him, and also save Skandia and form the treaty. Aside from Will and Horace, he is the only character who has appeared in all five books. Owns a horse named Abelard.

• Sir Horace:

Described as a tall, muscular figure, he was originally a bit of a bully, to Will, but was still his best friend. However, bullying by second-year Battleschool trainees made him bitter until he was saved from a boar by Will. By the second book, he had grown up a lot, and become Will's best friend. A highly skilled swordsman, he defeated Morgarath in mortal combat, and is well-known as the Oakleaf Knight in Gallica (medieval France). As it was irregular to pose as a knight, even in a different country, Duncan, Baron Arald, Battlemaster Rodney and Halt all agreed that he was qualified to skip his training and become one of the Royal Guard of Araluen. Currently, he is leaving to aid Will in Macindaw under the alias Hawken. Has appeared in all books to date.

• Gilan:

Gilan was the most junior Ranger until Will gained his Silver Oakleaf. Described as a cheerful, tall, young man, he is also skilled in sword combat as his father was (and still is) supreme commander of the land's army. Felt extremely guilty after leaving Will in Celtica where he subsequently was captured. Offers to go with Halt after he was exiled, but was turned down. Appeared in "The Burning Bridge" and minorly in "The Icebound Land". Owns a horse named Blaze, and underwent training with the legendary swordsman, "McNiel".

• Oberjarl Erak:

Erak was one of the mercenaries hired by Morgarath in the Araluen crusade, but fled after the bridge was destroyed as it meant no more payment for them. Captured Will and Evenlyn at the bridge and took them back to Skandia. Felt a certain respect for them, as Skandians show great respect in valor, courage, and loyalty. Like most Skandians, doesn't think very strategically, and prefers straight-forward answers. Convinced Oberjarl Ragnak that there was an invading army approaching, and after his death in battle, was voted Oberjarl. Appeared in the "Skandian" trilogy (The Burning Bridge, the Icebound Land, and Oakleaf Bearers).

• Evanlyn/Princess Cassandra:

Cassandra was originally visiting friends in Celtica, whowever their group were ambushed by Wargals. Being the only survivor, she wandered around until she met up with Will, Gilan and Horace. Taking her maid's identity so that Morgarath wouldn't know what sort of hostage he had, she introduced herself to the Rangers and was welcomed into their party. Was also captured by Skandians after the destruction of the bridge, and taken to Skandia. After Will became addicted to the narcotic warmweed, Erak planned their escape to the hunting hut in the mountains. Was captured by Temujai warriors in Oakleaf Bearers but was freed by Horace and Halt. As Ragnak had sworn a Vallasvow, am unbreakable vow of vengeance that swore death over not only their wrongdoer but their family as well, she became increasingly worried over it. Directed the archers in the final moments of the Hallasholm battle, and after their victory aws transported back to Araluen where she became Princess again. Develeoped feelings for Will during their ordeal, but after she became Princess, it was almost impossible to see each other as their social gap became too wide. Appeared in the "Skandian" trilogy (The Burning Bridge, the Icebound Land, and Oakleaf Bearers).

• Alyss:

A Wardmate of Horace and Will, she was already applied for as a member of the Diplomatic Service as a Courier. Described as having long, ash-blonde hair, will grey eyes and a somewhat deep voice. Also very tall. Kissed Will after the defeat of the Kalkara, and returns in the fifth book as his contact, also undercover. As Will was somewhat saddened by his loss of Cassandra, she was there to comfort him after the ceremony. Is currently imprisioned in Castle Macindaw.