The burning bridge

Gr. 5-8. First published in Australia, the excellent Ranger's Apprentice series began with The Ruins of Gorlan0 (2005). Now apprentice ranger Will and his friend Horace, a Battleschool apprentice, plunge into a desperate situation. While traveling on the frontier as their kingdom prepares for war, they discover a nearly completed bridge that will make possible a devastating sneak attack by the enemy. With the help of a young woman in disguise, they attempt to thwart the enemy's plans. Flanagan's clarity of vision extends from the many distinctive, sympathetic characters to the well-delineated plot. Even when alternating narratives show events on several fronts at once, the story is never confusing. The pace is swift, and action is often at the forefront, but elements of humor and nuances of emotion are apparent as well. From spying to attack by bestial Wargals to medieval combat, Will's vivid world will entice fantasy readers who are drawn by the lure of high adventure carried out by believable, down-to-earth heroes. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2006 Booklist

The follow up to Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan (which PW called "an exciting tale of battle and honor") finds apprentice Ranger Will, along with friends Horace and Evelyn, squaring off against the evil Morgarath a second time. Ages 10-up. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr 5-9-In the second volume in this series, apprentice Ranger Will becomes involved once again in the war against the evil Morgarath. When he joins what should be a simple envoy mission, he and his companions realize that they are the only ones who know the extent of Morgarath's duplicity, and it's up to them to save the kingdom. Will and his friend Horace, along with noblewoman-in-disguise Evanlyn, make a dangerous journey and discover that Wargals, Morgarath's mindless warriors, are infiltrating their kingdom, and their brave actions at the "burning bridge" of the title lead to Will's and Evanlyn's capture and much room for sequels. Will's initial doubts and learning process add reality to his character, but his exploits never achieve true immediacy. Background characters are generally flat, though touches of humor add spice to the narrative. Flanagan creates a well-realized picture of life on the trail and its hardships, but his battles and their resolution seem almost too easy. Fans of the first volume will enjoy this adventure, but readers new to the series may not share their excitement.-Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

More absorbing, straight-arrow adventures set in the medieval, alternate world kingdom of Araluen and featuring the three apprentices introduced in The Ruins of Gorlan (2005). As the brutish wargals of Morgorath, Lord of Rain and Night, gather for an invasion, deft young Will and his strapping friend Horace discover that Morgorath has planned a complex feint that, unless scotched, will spell doom for the armies of Araluen. The third apprentice, diplomat-in-training Alyss, is relegated to a subplot in this outing, but is sure to play larger roles in future episodes. Flanagan explains more than he needs to but propels the plot forward at a heady clip, stirring in live-wire characters who are still learning the finer points of their assigned professions but prove equal to each challenge they face. He also adds to the company a young fugitive who is far more than the lady's maid she claims to be, and closes with the requisite battle, a breathtaking single combat--and a dismaying lead-in to the next episode. It all adds up to a winning formula that should prove out to a long, steady run for this above average series. (Fantasy. 11-13) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr. 5-8. First published in Australia, the excellent Ranger's Apprentice series began with The Ruins of Gorlan (2005). Now apprentice ranger Will and his friend Horace, a Battleschool apprentice, plunge into a desperate situation. While traveling on the frontier as their kingdom prepares for war, they discover a nearly completed bridge that will make possible a devastating sneak attack by the enemy. With the help of a young woman in disguise, they attempt to thwart the enemy's plans. Flanagan's clarity of vision extends from the many distinctive, sympathetic characters to the well-delineated plot. Even when alternating narratives show events on several fronts at once, the story is never confusing. The pace is swift, and action is often at the forefront, but elements of humor and nuances of emotion are apparent as well. From spying to attack by bestial Wargals to medieval combat, Will's vivid world will entice fantasy readers who are drawn by the lure of high adventure carried out by believable, down-to-earth heroes. ((Reviewed May 15, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews.

The follow up to Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan (which PW called "an exciting tale of battle and honor") finds apprentice Ranger Will, along with friends Horace and Evelyn, squaring off against the evil Morgarath a second time. Ages 10-up. (June) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Gr 5-9 In the second volume in this series, apprentice Ranger Will becomes involved once again in the war against the evil Morgarath. When he joins what should be a simple envoy mission, he and his companions realize that they are the only ones who know the extent of Morgarath's duplicity, and it's up to them to save the kingdom. Will and his friend Horace, along with noblewoman-in-disguise Evanlyn, make a dangerous journey and discover that Wargals, Morgarath's mindless warriors, are infiltrating their kingdom, and their brave actions at the burning bridge of the title lead to Will's and Evanlyn's capture and much room for sequels. Will's initial doubts and learning process add reality to his character, but his exploits never achieve true immediacy. Background characters are generally flat, though touches of humor add spice to the narrative. Flanagan creates a well-realized picture of life on the trail and its hardships, but his battles and their resolution seem almost too easy. Fans of the first volume will enjoy this adventure, but readers new to the series may not share their excitement.Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI