Published August 18, 2008
I read these books a couple of weeks ago on the recommendation of a friend. At first I didn't think I'd like them very much, me not being a huge fantasy reader and all, but two chapters in to the first one I was addicted. There's seven out at the moment, with the eighth due for a November release.
The series is set in a fantasy-medieval land and revolves around a boy called Will as he begins training under the ranger Halt to finally become a full Ranger and all of the things that go on. The first six books are in chronological order, but the seventh is set between the fourth and fifth books.
I seriously recommend these books. Take it from someone who doesn't read a lot of fantasy and was very sceptical about these books, this series is brilliant.
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140,681 Literary Works • 673,591 Reviews
I was going to make a topic about this until I went back and found this one! I absolutely love these books (hence the username!).
You can always order them from Amazon.com or something, though, that's what I've done before.
The characters are real, lovable (or not, if they're evil), and well-rounded. I love the humor woven throughout the books, and the way that Flanagan shows the really close bonds formed over time between the characters. I also love how detailed the battle scenes and tactics are; they're fascinating without being boring.
My favorite characters are Halt and Tug. Halt's like an old dog; gruff, stubborn, unwilling to learn new tricks, but with a soft underbelly for Will and the others. Plus his skills as a Ranger are amazing. As for Tug, he's just the sort of horse I'd want to have, loyal and loving.
My favorite book so far has been number 4, the Battle For Skandia (though "Oakleaf Bearers" is definitely a cooler title; I wish they had kept it!). The battle is amazingly epic and I love the idea of the rain of arrows coming down. Plus, who couldn't love the Skandians, big bears that they are?
And for all of you who were confused about what books are out, John Flanagan's Australian, and the publishing companies here in the US didn't buy the rights soon enough to be on par with the releases of the books in Australia; thus, we're a couple of books behind. So far, book 7 (Erak's Ransom) has come out here in the US and book 8 (Kings of Clomnel) is due out in May, while the Aussies have already gotten book 9 (Halt's Peril), and are waiting for book 10 (name unknown as yet-by me, anyways).
Actually, I think nine books are out, with the tenth on it's way--but only in England. In the U.S., the seventh is about to come out.
Personally, I found them a bit flat at times, borrowing too much from the actual world. (Seriously--Skandinavian Skandians? Celtic Cleticans?) At the same time, my siblings have been listening to them int he car, and I've found myself getting dragged into them despite myself.
Anybody who doesn't like this series has to be mad. It is the only series I ever stuck too. I just finished reading the fourth one and again waiting to get into my school library to check out the fifth one. Love these books and would recommend them to anyone who loves reads about war, tactics, spies, humor, and etc. These books are just over all amazing!
Ahhh I love these one of my favorite series ever! Flanagan is amazing. My favorite was the Sorcerer of The North which was absolutely astounding. I didn't care much for the third because it seemed to just repeat over and over again and it was really slow compared to all the others. Never the less, these books are a must read for anyone and everyone! Whoever said there was 7 out right now must live somewhere else... the 7th comes out in like 2 days here in the USA. I am so excited!!!! *walks away to go beg his mom to take him to borders again on Tuesday.*
Wait my B&N only has four out!
Whoa, there's 7? I've only read two, because I haven't been able to get the 3'rd from the library yet. They're pretty good. I don't gush about them or anything, but I did like them. Maybe I'll get more excited when I finally get to read the rest of them, but they're good.
And he's Australian! It's funny, every book I've ever read by an Australian writer, I've loved. True, I'm not jumping up and down for these books, but that's because I only jump up and down for my very favoritest of favorite books.
So, yeah, I'd reccomend these, as much as I've read them, anyway.
I liked Glain's humor, it balenced out Halt's dark humor and Will's lack of humor. lol
Great Books, Didn't care for the Third one. It got a bit boring. The 4th one made up for it.
Over all I love em there great 9/10
I Love them!!!!!!! Halt is Amazing!
I had to read the first one for the young adult book club I coached, and I didn't very much like it. I found it dull.
But that could possibly be because it didn't add up against the other five books I had to read in one summer. Sigh.