The Ruins of Gorlan: Book One

John Flanagan

Jun 2006 · Ranger's Apprentice Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

The international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone!

They have always scared him in the past—the Rangers, with their dark cloaksand shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize 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. . . .

Here is the fantasy adventure that launched the Ranger's Apprentice series, an epic story of heroes and villains that has become an international phenomenon. Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Ratings and reviews

The first and even second books seemed poorly written and ridden with cliches. I did not like these books until I read further in the series. Trust me, Ranger's Apprentice is addictive on a level the likes of which no narcotic could ever match. The only complaint I have is the first book being focused on a cliche (Morgarath and his army of wargals). It seems as though Mr. Flanagan has wised up since then.

I would have loved to give a higher rating. However a ranger without an axe much less a hatchet is just laughable ludicrous logic at best. A hatchet just like a sword much less a dagger is just a tool. One doesn't limit their options just because they aren't an expert with it. Proficiency is acceptable outcome most times and places. Camping outdoors is all about making the best out of one's situation. BTW no one in their right mind is going to cut firewood with their weapon. Really, if someone is going to have a throwing knife they are going to carry more than one. People use various tools it is expected. Maps would be nice too; I understand that it's an advance topic but just spoil us some. Readers want to be treated like they have some intelligence too sometime too. In book two there is a discussion of maps and knowing one's direction so I added a star to my review.

My brother is 19, I'm 21. He showed me this book series about 5 years ago. It does say it's for young readers but truly any age can enjoy this book. John Flanagan is an amazing author and develops the characters so realistically that you fall in love over and over again. I personally have read this entire series and the brother series, brotherband, about 20x each and that's no exaggeration. I re read the series a few times a year. It never gets old!

About the author

John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. John began writing Ranger’s Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series and its spinoff, Brotherband Chronicles. He currently lives in the suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.