Ranger's Apprentice books by John Flanagan

John Flanagan originally wrote twenty short stories to encourage his 12 year old son Michael to read. These 20 short stories formed the basis for the very popular bestselling Ranger's Apprentice series, which currently consists of 7 books, with at least 2 more planned. Book 8, The Kings of Clonmel is due for publication in early November 2008. Now sold to fourteen countries, the series has appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and is regularly shortlisted in children's book awards both in Australia and overseas.

The Rangers Apprentice series is set in the mythical land of Araluen and follows the adventures of Will, a small and lively 15 year old boy living in medieval Castle Redmont.

After being rejected for training as a warrior-knight, Will is apprenticed instead to the Ranger Corps - a mysterious group who act as the King's eyes and ears throughout Araluen and beyond its shores.

As an Apprentice Ranger, Will is trained to be an expert archer and knife thrower, as well as learning the skills of silent, unseen movement, tracking and concealment. Gradually, a bond develops between the garrulous, inquisitive Will and his grim-faced mentor, Halt - renowned as one of the greatest of all Rangers.

1. The Ruins of Gorlan
2. The Burning Bridge
3. The Icebound Land
4. Oakleaf Bearers (called The Battle for Skandia in the US)
5. The Sorcerer in the North
6. The Siege of Macindaw
7. Erak's Ransom
8. The Kings of Clonmel

Based on a collection of short stories originally written to encourage the author's son to enjoy reading, the series is alive with action - battles, boar hunts, inhuman enemies and loyal friends. It's exciting and fast moving. Humorous at times, spine chilling at others.

It always involves the reader, and best of all, the characters ring true and quickly establish themselves in the reader's imagination.

Endorsed by Children's Book authorities in Australia, and having appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list, the series has now been sold in 14 international markets. Avid readers eagerly await the next book in the series. Book 8, The Kings of Clonmel will be published in November 2008, and Book 9, Halt's Peril is currently being written, due for publication in late 2009.

The eight books in the series so far are

1. The Ruins of Gorlan
2. The Burning Bridge
3. The Ice Bound Land
4. Oakleaf Bearers, also known as The Battle for Skandia

These first 4 books in the series follow the first two years of Will's life as a Ranger, from his initial recruitment as an Apprentice Ranger, through his pivotal roles in battles with the renegade Lord Morgarath, the Kalkara Assassins, the Skandian Seawolves and the fierce Temujai riders from the Eastern Steppes.

5. The Sorcerer in the North
6. The Siege of Macindaw

Set a few years later, this two book set describes Will's first assignment as a fully fledged Ranger. Will is sent to a Northern fief to investigate rumours of sorcery, where he uncovers a planned attack by the fierce Scotti warriors from Picta. Several old friends from previous books assist him as he attempts to unmask a traitor and foil the Scotti plans.

7. Erak's Ransom

Book 7 is actually out of chronological order. Set after Book 4 and a few months before Book 5. Set in the desert land of Arrida, where Erak, Oberjarl of the Skandians, is being held prisoner. Will, Halt, Horace, Gilan and Evanlyn set out on a rescue mission. It's full of action and adventure: fights, pitched battles, a horse race, a sandstorm in the desert. Two interesting new characters are introduced.

8 The Kings of Clonmel

Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?

Book 8 will form a two-volume adventure with Book 9. It picks up the story after Book 6, The Siege of Macindaw. Titles for the two books are The Kings of Clonmel and Halt's Peril. Book 8 The Kings of Clonmel is due for release in Australia in November, 2008. Book 9 Halt's Peril will be published in late 2009.