Rangers Apprentice: The Ruins of Garlan (Book 1) by John Flanagan

Synopsis

Will and the few others in the ward are all orphans in the castle. When they are of age (15 years old), they can choose a profession and become an apprentice, as long as their mentor agrees to accept them. Of all the people in the ward, Will is the only one that does not know what profession he is suitable for. He wants to join the Battleschool, but he has not had his growth spurt nor does he have many muscles. On Choosing Day, all of his ward-mates are officially apprenticed to something, but Will still remains unknown. A Ranger had a note in which he gave the Baron, "the big boss". Will, who is nimble and can't stand not knowing, secretly breaks into the Baron's room to find out what the message says. The Ranger lies in the shadows, watching every movement and catches Will guilty. Little did Will know that by doing this proved he was going to pass the test to become a Ranger, instead of having to get in trouble.

As a Ranger's Apprentice, Will trains himself hard, until one day something unfortunate happens. On the day of the Rangers' Gathering, a problem appears. Wargals and the two remaining Kalkara have been released and are on the loose, and it is up to Will, his mentor and his mentor's ex-apprentice to take care of the Kalkara.

Review

Category: Fantasy

Age Group: Teens

Star Rating: 9/10

Verdict

This book captured my soul. End of story. It really was fascinating, and once i picked it up i couldn't force myself to put it down. I took it everywhere with me, the bathroom, i read while eating, it was simply too good to stop. I loved the way Flanagan wrote this because it blew my mind. This book is a case of "Don't judge a book by its cover" because I thought it wouldn't be my cup of tea. However, once I started reading I really took that back. 

~Also, thanks to the person who suggested we review the series! We really love your feedback and if you would like a book reviewed, do tell us!