 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan
- By John Flanagan
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
1st in popular series has positive characters, some battles.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although there are some violent battle scenes at the start of this fantasy epic series, the forboding cover of the hooded figure is little misleading; the Rangers may be secretive, but they value honor, community, and courage. A subplot about a boy being bullied and tolerating it because he assumes it's condoned by the adults around him is a good conversation-starter for parents and kids.
What's the story?
Choosing Day comes annually when the orphans of the Court learn which guild or school has chosen them for apprenticeship. Fifteen-year-old Will has dreamed of going to Battle School and becoming a soldier hero like his father was. Instead he is apprenticed to the Rangers -- a mysterious guild feared by many of the villagers. Such Ranger apprenticeships are rare, but it's still hard to see his nemesis Horace head off for Battle School instead of him. Will's life changes dramatically after he moves in with the Ranger called Halt, and soon he is learning to use a bow, to track, to break and ride a horse, and even to cook. Before he is fully trained he must learn to hunt, choose allegiances, and trust his instincts as a vanquished villain reappears with armies of monsters.
Is it any good?
This is a very popular series for good reason. Will is a very likable young man who doesn't quite recognize his own skills yet, and he's still learning that being small on the outside doesn't determine the size of his capabilities. He's not ready to believe that adults always know what's best, even if they are royalty. That stubborn streak, and similar qualities in his friends who alternately doubt and believe in themselves, make these characters real and leave them room to grow over the next volumes in the series.
Some lovely world building, good humor, strong adult characters, and the openness of some plot lines, including whether Will become a warrior or not, combine to make this epic livelier and more fun than many fantasies written for this age. For families who like fantasy, or for encouraging a reluctant readers, this would make a great read-aloud.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the idea of having a vocation chosen for you. In what ways does our culture do this? Talk about European cultures where the results of a single exam can determine whether one can attend university, or countries where one's choices are always limited by location or class.
Why was Horace bullied? Why did Horace tolerate the treatment? What could he have done? This same kind of bullying goes on in our schools and online; what can be done? What should be done?
This volume tells the story of Will. What did you think about the roles of Jenny and Alyss?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
December 31, 2010
AGE
hate the BOOK
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Breathtakingly Brilliant!!!!
It is the spectacular kickoff to one of the best series that I have read in a few years. I have just finished the fourth one and I loved it. I can't stop thinking about. I NEED the next one!!!! I cannot rest until I have the next one!!!! The only reason I am writing this review is because I do not have the fifth one at my fingertips. If I had it, I would be curled up on the couch until I had read it cover to cover, for these books are nearly impossible to put down.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This book rocks
It is a good way to get kids to read or to continue reading
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Love it, sorry the author chose to include some language
Love the story. My son said he couldn't put it down, and I agree! I am bummed that the author chose to put the D-word in about six times -- it really wasn't necessary to the story. For now, though I have decided to let my son read it because of all the positive messages and the very intriguing story line.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Perfect for all ages!
Amazing book! I am now reading the ninth, and almost finished. John does use the 'D- word' several times, but it's not too bad. The messages are very good. Although, the book can be a bit over detailed. But he is Australian so it's as expected(they're like british is their writing, stretching it out a bit). But over all amazing!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
June 12, 2011
AGE
BEST SERIES EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best book ever I can't think of a reason why someone would hate this book. I usually hate reading but I finished this book in one day Other recommended series by me are the percy jackson series, the underland chronicles, the hunger games troligy, the kane chronicles, and the heros of olympus, and the diary of a wimpy kid series
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Love the series
Both my boys love this series. Great role models and positive messages. Characters are well developed and the story line moves at a good pace.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Flanagan is really cool
This book is perfect for children! It has a few cursing, and it's kind of violent, but it will get you hooked and begging for a sequel. An awesome book!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | John Flanagan |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Philomel |
| Publication date: | July 19, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 249 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you read Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan?
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
