Rangers Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia

Rangers Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia

I have two words to describe this book: Action packed! I think that John Flanagan did a great job connecting this book with the previous book (Rangers Apprentice: The Icebound Lands), while giving it its own style or 'flare'.

Contrary to the previous book the focus of characters in this book switches. It goes from Halt and Horace getting to know one another better; to Halt and Will being reunited. Tension also begins to rise between Horace, Will, and Evanlyn (aka Princess Cassandra.) I thought that this added an interesting twist to things, seeing as the plot thickens with the other characters. Erak is in a tight position with Evanlyn and Will returning to the capital of Skandia where they were slaves before he helped them to escape. All of this is brought on by the inevitable invasion of Skandia by a warrior race known as the Temujai. Halt agrees to help the Skandinavians since if they were defeated Araluan would be in danger of a similar attack.

This book is one of my favorites of the first five, because it introduces us to new characters, and also starts to show the bravery and camaradery shared by the main characters, (Halt, Evanlyn, Horace, and Will.) I thought that John Flanagan did an excellent job in the writing of the story and the 'weaving' of the plot. The plot is light and humorous, with tastes of danger, intrigue, romance, and seriousness.

This book is easy to read so that it is open to the younger grade levels as well as being intriguing enough that it captures the older audience. Also readers should be aware that in international market this book goes by "The Oakleaf Bearers" in its home country of Australia and other areas. On a scale of 1-10 I would give this book a definite 10!