Book: Ranger's Apprentice (US Edition)

[Munsu]

Well since no one wants to take advantage of our new forum to discuss books and novels, I'll take the first stab at it and see how it goes.

Until recently I haven't been much of a novel reader... you can blame going to the beach by myself for turning me into one. This was actually the first novel I actually went, bought and read... I Cliffnotes were my reading of choice otherwise.

Well, this is a series from an Australian author, John Flannagan, and currently he has seven books out in Australia while four of them have been published in the US. This thread is to discuss ONLY the four books published in the US, if you wish to discuss the rest go ahead and create another thread. The series is still ongoing, and he's currently writting the eighth book.

I'm not an experience novel reader, but I have really enjoyed this series and my brother has too, he's more of a reader than I am. If I would compare it to a series, it would be Harry Potter in the sense that we get to know the main character through his young years, see him training and growing up through the all the books. Overall, I've thought it was a fun book.

The reason I picked this to start my novel reading is because there's apparently a movie about this series in the making, so I wanted to see what it was all about.

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 . . .

So anyways, any of you guys have read this series? Remember, only up the 4th book and subsequent releases in the US market will be discussed in this thread.

[saman]

honestly, i've never even heard of this series, or the author. the little summary you posted does sound intriguing though. i may have to see if i can find it in libraries here.

[Sapphire]

I've never heard of it, but I like the cover, so I'll check it out. XD

[Munsu]

I've never heard of it, but I like the cover, so I'll check it out. XD

Let me know if you do... got no one to discuss it with currently!!!

Seriously, I really think that people that enjoy Harry Potter will enjoy this... there's also a movie in the making, I hope that at least brings more people to read it.

[High Wind]

What a timely post, I just finished reading my current book and was looking to pick up something new. Seems interesting. I'll definitely look into this, as you've never steered me wrong with your recommendations before (Off-topic: Shin Angyo Onshi is, to this day, one of my favourite manga)

Just one question. How's the pacing? Do the books grip your attention quickly or do you have to exercise some patience before you get to the meat of the series?

[animus]

This definetely sounds like a good pickup, but I don't have the time yet to sit down and read books for awhile. Guess it'll be a good thing to keep in mind when my schedule opens up.

[Munsu]

What a timely post, I just finished reading my current book and was looking to pick up something new. Seems interesting. I'll definitely look into this, as you've never steered me wrong with your recommendations before (Off-topic: Shin Angyo Onshi is, to this day, one of my favourite manga)

Just one question. How's the pacing? Do the books grip your attention quickly or do you have to exercise some patience before you get to the meat of the series?

I would say that a bit of patience is needed, just because the first book is mostly setting up the setting and the story. It's mostly about him going from where he is and starting to be trained as a Ranger. But it's quite an easy read.

But they are short books, so as much as a bit of patience is needed, you go through the book quite quickly. Though, in all four books most of the action is toward the final chapters of the book.

I think the main draw would be the characters rather than the story, though the story being enjoyable, I think all the characters introduced have been great and their interaction with each other is quite good and funny at times.

The battles are quite good... we have one on one confrontations just as much as there are full blown war segments where everyone is scrambling against many enemies and they help each other. The good thing about the Rangers is that they bring a lot of strategy to the battles.

I don't know, give it a try... as I said, the books are quite short, so it shouldn't take much effort to go through them.