The Ruins of Gorlan

Ruins of Gorlan is the first novel of Ranger’s Apprentice series. It has been written by John Flanagan, Australian author. The fictional world of Ranger’s Apprenticeis is exactly the same as in The Brotherband, his other series. That lets every fascinated reader to stay in this world for a longer time.

The World in Ranger’s Apprentice series is similar to middleage Europe. Araluen is a country, where main plot starts. King Duncan is very popular and respectable. Only one person wants to depose him - Morgarath, lord of the bleak, barren Mountains of Rain and Night. His rebellion was strangled fifteen years ago and he was exciled.

The plot starts in one of the most important fieves – Redmont. Young boy named Will is an orphan and lives in an orphanage with other children. The idea to take care of children came from Arald, Baron of fief Redmont. When kids like he are fifteen years old there comes a special day called Choosing Day, when every child becomes an apprentice to a craftmaster.

Although Will’s first choice was Battle school, he becomes apprenticed to Halt as the Rangers. Rangers are the intelligent group of the country and specialize in long range weapons and the art of staying unseen. Will is trained in these skills as he prepares for the annual Ranger meeting called the Gathering, which is where his skills will be tested. At the Gathering the Rangers receive a report that the Kalkara, vicious creatures under the control of Morgarath, have killed important Araluen figures.

Halt and Gilan leave to track down the Kalkara while Will is riding for help. Baron Arald and sir Rodney head out to slay the beasts. They manage to kill one, but are badly injured by the second one. Suddenly, the last Kalkara is killed by Will’s flaming arrow that burns it because of its flammable fur. Will is considered to be a hero and receives his bronze oakleaf medal which identifies him as a Ranger’s Apprentice.

The Ruins of Gorlan is one of the best books I have even read. It is very interesting and engrossing. The plot is coherent and riveting. Every fan of fantasy or adventure books will be delighted by entering this world.

As far as I am concerned I can recommend this book to everybody, who is looking for good and fascinating novel. If you want to experience many adventures with great characters, this is a book for you.

Grzegorz Cieśla