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Ranger's Apprentice
Book Five: The Sorcerer of the North

by John Flanagan

     

I read the first book of the Ranger's Apprentice series, and now this is the second I've read, and I must say the series and characters have grown beautifully. Will, the young man in awe of the Rangers, is now a full-fledged Ranger himself with an impressive record after leading the Araluens to victory against invaders. As the book begins, Will has been given an assignment to look after a quiet fief far from any real trouble—but before long, Will is thrown into an undercover operation to discover who or what is threatening the Northernmost borders. There's talk of sorcery and Will soon discovers these tales of giants and magic may be more than talk. Will the young Ranger be up for the challenge, and will his friend Alyss survive this mission?

I enjoyed the character of Will hugely, as he combines a youthful innocence with the confidence of his Ranger training. Also, this book adds a new companion for Will, a brilliant border collie who is sure to get the perfect name as soon as Will decides on it. The villains are properly dastardly and the plot has plenty of twists to keep any adventure loving reader transfixed. For me, the only downside to the book is that it doesn't end with any kind of satisfying plot arc. It's the beginning of a new tale in Will's life, so readers are left wishing for a few more chapters and a bit more sense of resolution. But it's a great ride while you're reading, and one that is sure to make readers look eagerly for Book 6. If you don't mind a series installment that stops a bit suddenly, this one has plenty of goodies while it lasts.

The Book

Philomel Books, A Division of Penguin Young Readers Group
November 2008
Hardcover - Reviewed as ARC
978-0-399-25032-3
Young Adult Fantasy
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Jan Fields
Reviewed 2009
NOTE: Reviewer Jan Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of stories and articles for the children's magazine market.
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