The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1)

I read this with my grandson and I was impressed on how well written it was and how well it held my attention and how good the story was and how much excitement and adventure was in it

Great start to a fantasy series written with for most ages. The story is fun, exciting, heartfelt and endearing. It was definitely written for youth with budding interest in books. It reminded me of how Goosebump books sparked my interest as a kid. I love the fantasy genre and thoroughly enjoyed this light reading as an adult closing in on their forties. If you love fantasy and feel good stories then I recommend this book. I look forward to the rest of the series and alternate storylines for this particular universe.

I've read books 1 through 11 of the Ranger's Apprentice series over the last several months and I've got to say, this is one of the best series I've ever read.- It's highly engaging, light reading (suitable for all ages).- There are a few mild expletives used, but nothing profane.- I found all of the characters to be interesting and likeable, coming from diverse backgrounds and possessing their own unique characteristics/mannerisms. The cultures found in this series mirror our own circa the High Middle Ages, and each one is treated with respect.- I particularly like how women, such as Alyss and Cassandra, are portrayed as strong and talented, and yet, virtuous and feminine - a balance many authors today fail to strike.- The author almost entirely avoids contemporary political or religious topics, with references to politics/religion being relevant and providing context to the plot and setting. I applaud the author for allowing good storytelling to a wide audience to triumph over partisan virtue signaling to a select few - a trap many fiction writers have fallen into in recent years.- The Middle Ages-inspired setting is impressively accurate, especially as it pertains to combat. I was pleasantly surprised to see characteristics, such as the use of a bow and arrow without bracers/padding, and combat with its many quirks, portrayed faithfully. Inaccuracies, such as the odd mention of a metallic "schiiiing" when a sword is unsheathed, are far and few between and quite permissible given the fantasy setting and its more fantastical elements (e.g. horses sarcastically responding to their owners telepathically).After individually purchasing and reading 11 books, I like how "The Lost Stories" neatly wraps everything up and don't think I'll delve into the Brotherhood, Royal Ranger, etc. series, tempting as it might be. Nevertheless, I'd highly recommend this series to anyone who likes LotR or fantasy novels in general.

I bought this book (the first in the series) because my grandson's friend was deeply immersed in the series.The story itself flows well and has enough about courage and battles and friendships and emotional conflicts to keep any preteen/teenager engaged; and even appeals to some adults, such as myself.Language and verisimilitude, however, is lacking. Supposedly taking place in the days of baronies and English/Viking wars, it has a number of grating errors and language usage issues. For example, the constant statement of distances in terms of kilometers is botherwsome -- "kilometers" is a contemporary French invention. If distances need to be stated, they should at least be in the "old-fashioned" miles. I don't begrudge a few grammatical errors here and there, but be aware they abound in the book.One issue that might put off a number of parents and female readers is the inherent sexism. Yes, it does reflect the period. However, nothing else in the book really reflects that period of time -- the barony period was brutal and demeaning; the author treats it as fun, challenging, with the suggestion that any reader would like to be part of it (despite the battles and numerous deaths). My own feeling is that if young males are allowed to break rules, elevate their position and become unexpected heroes, then females should be given similar opportunities.There are numerous other books out there to grab the interest of youngsters in the same age range. Any book by Kelly Barnhill would fat surpass this book in terms of language, excitement, heroism, personalities and story flow. This is not just my point-of-view, but one shared by my then ten-year-old.So why four stars?Because this book cannot fairly be reviewed as though it was a standalone -- it would only warrant two or three stars as a standalone. But it is the start of a series. And the story itself adds richer and richer characters and deeper and more exciting situations as it leaps from one book to the next. Young readers will commit to the entire series in no time. So whatever failings Flanagan might have had in the beginning are reasonably remedied through the breadth of the series. I have made it through four books so far (and my grandchild is right on my heels) and will almost certainly read the whole series (to date) without regretting the time invested.

Very entertaining characters that are easy to identify with. Brave heroes and evil villains. 🤗

I think I would have loved to read this back when I was a child, maybe even more than HP.

recomendo !!!

It's a very good book. Exciting, interesting.

Je recommande ce livre à tous les fans de magie et de romans médiévaux ! On le lit du début à la fin sans s'ennuyer une seule phrase