Ranger’s Apprentice (Book 1) The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Rating: Recommended with Parent Supervision age 11+

Reading Level: Middle School

A 13-year-old boy wishes he could be a knight, but is chosen instead to be a ranger. His mentor and his new trade are full of surprises, and it appears to bring out the best in him.

Possible Concerns (Spoiler Alert!):

• Mystical creatures. Evil assassin monsters with hypnotic powers stalk their targets. A group of mystical creatures are controlled by the villain’s mind.
• Peril. An evil villain sends out the aforementioned assassin monsters, other more natural yet dangerous creatures attack, and human villains attack the main characters as well.
• Bullying. Three older boys repeatedly torment a younger one with beatings and humiliating hazing-type activities. They poke insults at his dead mother. It is awful.
• Use (once each) of the terms, “Shut up,” “idiot,” and “damned.”
• Overweight girl. A cheerful girl is described as round and when she applies to be a cook she says, “I have the shape for it.”. I like that she is often described as “pretty,” suggesting that you can be overweight and still beautiful.
• Disrespect for farming work. When the children apply to apprenticeships they want to be picked because they don’t want to have to go be farmers. Farming is described as “.. a dull, uneventful life…” unsuitable for “a lively, energetic boy.”
• One kiss. A dear friend kisses the main character. Here is all the details: “And she kissed him. Her lips were incredibly, indescribably soft. Hours later, before he finally fell asleep, he could still feel them.”

Things I liked:

• When we don’t achieve our dreams. The main character longs to be a soldier, but is told he is too small. As the story unfolds, we realize his gifts and talents and passiona are very well-suited for being a ranger (think: medieval CIA). There is a beauty in being open to God’s plan, and this book illustrates a case when authorities really did know better.
• Deeper Beauty. The aforementioned reference to a cheerful girl as being pretty even though often described as being plump. Later, the main character sees natural beauty in a different girl who is not necessarily pretty but is wise, elegant, and graceful.
• Character. Several characters display courage, loyalty, perseverance.
• Self-sacrifice. In several instances, characters display self-sacrifice to serve others.

About appropriate age level. The peril and tone reminds me of Lord of the Rings. The bullying makes it suitable for a slightly older age than Narnia or Wilderking. I don’t know what to do with the kiss. Is that ok for 11-year olds? I suspect so… I suppose it depends on what happens next in the series; stay tuned!

Definitely read the books in order. Here are links to my reviews of Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, Book 5, Book 6, Book 7, and Book 8.