The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
(Ranger's Apprentice #4)
304 pages / 9 hrs, 30 mins

"Still far from their homeland after escaping slavery in the icebound land of Skandia, Will and Evanlyn's plans to return to Araluen are spoiled when Evanlyn is taken captive by a Temujai warrior.  Though still weakened by the warmweed's toxic effects, Will employs his Ranger training to locate his friend, but an enemy scouting party has him fatally outnumbered.  Will is certain death is close at hand, until Halt and Horace make a daring, last-minute rescue.  The reunion is cut short, however, when Halt makes a horrifying discovery: Skandia's borders have been breached by the entire Temujai army.  And Araluen is next in their sights.  If two kingdoms are to be saved, an unlikely union must be made.  Will it hold long enough to vanquish a ruthless new enemy?  Or will past tensions spell doom for all?"  --from the publisher

This is one of the best in the series.  Flanagan balances danger and battle scenes with character development and relationships.  On to book five...

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan
(Ranger's Apprentice #3)
304 pages / 8 hrs, 31 mins

"Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship.  Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise--even defy his King.

"Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia.  On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights--but Horace knows a thing or two about combat.  Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill.  Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?"  --from the publisher

Book Three has some new, interesting elements added to this epic saga.  It captured my attention and I enjoyed it very much.  All I need is a 10- or 11-year-old to read it to...or with!

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
(Ranger's Apprentice #1)
256 pages / 7 hrs, 39 mins


Will is an orphan without a last name or any family history.  His one desire is to be a knight.  However, his small stature keeps him from being chosen for battle school.  The only other option to avoid life as a farmer is to become a ranger's apprentice, but he has no idea what that means.

A few months into his training there are rumors of assassinations and battle preparations being made by the kingdom's one vile enemy.  Ready or not, Will is called upon to help spy out the truth and defend his friends and master against great evil.

This was a FUN book!  It is a quick read that is full of adventure, larger-than-life-underdog heroes, good vs. evil, friendship, courage and a final, fierce battle.  I gave it 5 stars out of 5.  It was recommended to me by some teens several years ago, and I'm sorry I took so long to get around to reading it.  I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.