Ranger’s Apprentice (Book 4) The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

Rating: Needs Parent Supervision age 15+

Reading Level: Middle School

A continuation of the story of a 13-year-old ranger apprentice and his friends as they battle a new enemy seeking to invade a foreign country.

There are no new concerns, just repeats of concerns from previous books in the series. This was less perilous/vicious than others.

• Pagan Gods. There are a couple mentions of the gods of this Nordic religion and an oath taken in their name.
• Addiction. There is mention of a boy’s addiction and subsequent rehab from a drug.
• Slavery. Slaves are given an opportunity to earn freedom fighting against the enemy.
• Peril. Sword fights, flying arrows.
• Romance. Nothing physical or sensual; just two boys jealous over the same girl, and one not knowing how to handle his feelings for her.

Things I liked:

• Self-sacrifice. In several instances, characters display self-sacrifice to serve or protect others.
• Loyalty.
• Courage.
• Creative problem-solving
• Setting racism aside to humbly join forces against a common enemy.

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.