Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoy to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn: the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout.
Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans. They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?
©2006 John Flanagan (P)2007 Penguin Group USA
"Flanagan creates a well-realized picture of life on the trail and its hardships." (School Library Journal)
"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." (Booklist)
"I really like this series"
While this book is for pre-teens and teens it is really good. Believeable characters and good life lessons but not preachy or sappy. As an adult, I find it every entertaining.
"Outstanding"
This was an awesome action packed book for all. It is a continuation of the first book and leaves you wanting to read the 3rd book.
Book 1 of this series develops many of the charaters and it was fun to watch the characters play their roles.
His voice and accent add to this novel. It sets the theme and background.
No extreme re-actions other than wanting to continue reading.
"A good read"
This lives up to the first book's strong story line, and since I have heard part 8 as well I know that I actually like this series.
"Why?"
Excellent series that I have been able to share with my kids. However, books 6 and 7 of the 9 part series are not available from audible. Terrible thing to do. I can find the others available elsewhere, but would really prefer to stick with audible.
"Unrealistic character development and plot."
The scene at the burning bridge is implausible. The way the ranger tries to relight the fire is unrealistic in the extreme as anyone who has even been camping should know.