The Battle of Hackham Heath

By: John A. Flanagan

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

John Flanagan, author of the best-selling Ranger's Apprentice fantasy adventure epic, delivers a second prequel to Ruins of Gorlan, the novel that started it all, with Halt and Crowley preparing for war against a near-unstoppable enemy

When the former Baron Morgarath escaped to avoid punishment for treason, an uneasy peace fell on Araluen. But Morgarath, now in hiding, is already planning his next move, recruiting an army of savage, overpowering beasts known as Wargals. Newly crowned King Duncan knows he must assemble his troops for battle.

To find out the full extent of Morgarath's plan of attack, Halt prepares for a seemingly impossible task - climbing the deadly cliffs of the Mountains of Rain and Night and venturing deep into enemy territory to spy. After all, the winner of this war could be determined by one wrong move.

At the Battle of Hackham Heath, the fate of a kingdom will be decided. This origin story of how Halt came to be Araluen's most famous Ranger - and how war will decide the future of the next generation - will thrill Ranger's Apprentice fans and new listeners alike.

©2016 John A. Flanagan (P)2016 Listening Library

Marvelous

This one is a touch more serious. Still funny and still brilliant. The epilogue in great!..

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Where The Ranger's Apprentice(s) Really Began.

Being 46 yrs old, and not caring what age these books are supposed to be written for, I can say it was an absolute delight hearing the story of the still new king with the brand new daughter, Halt and Gillen's first meeting, and how much Halt was really involved with Will's life before he became 'The Ranger's Apprentice'. Through the original series you learn to love these characters, so seeing them become what you know them as is a real treat. The epilogue, shoot, maybe even the last line of the entire book, may well be my favorite part.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

awesome story

I've listened to all these books.
I love these stories, they have brought many moments of laughter, sadness and pride mixed in. I can't wait till the next one to come out. if your reading this review, I'd say give this series a listen, it has a way of pulling you in as if it were for real.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

MY FAV PICKS

Ranger's Apprentice series by John A. Flanagan - I have all audiobooks. Awesome! 'enough said.

Adventure

I can read this book
Over and over . Finding something new to draw me in each time

As usual, a great performance

Lots of fun and adventure as always. The narrator was excellent. A fun plot for those who know this series. Thank you!

Excellent Book

A book as excellent as the main series that precedes it, fans of "Ranger's Apprentice" will certainly enjoy this prequel set fifteen years before the main series. John Keating's voice perfectly narrates the thrilling, action-packed plot that accomplished author John Flanagan lays out. "The Battle of Hackham Heath" is sure to be a favorite with many readers both new and old.

Exhilarating and Encompassing... As I've come to expect.

If you've never heard of John Flanagan's Rangers, nor of the Ranger's Apprentice, than you are in for a treat!
I believe this book stands alone if you start the prequel series to the Ranger's Apprentice here. Although, I do urge you to go back and find the first book because all of his novels are a work of art.

This book takes place 15yr.s before the first book in the Ranger's Apprentice series. It tells the main story of Hackham Heath where Will's father died, and how Halt played a key roll in Morgaroth's defeat. We also learn more about the other key players in the Ranger book series, including how Gillian came to meet Halt.

This series, the 'Early Years' and the "Ranger's Apprentice" books, are a wonderful and encompassing read for all ages and all genders. If you enjoy fictional Medieval-era stories, they are for you.
I'd also recommend reading the "Brotherband Chronicles" by the same author. They are set in roughly the same time, but are about the Skandians. A country of Viking-esque nature.
You'll see many of the same names from the "Ranger's Apprentice" series, but they are set roughly after the 6th novel.
Enjoy! 😊

Well told story, but the prequels are getting old

Like the other books in this brand, the story was well thought out, well presented, and well executed. I am simply tired of the prequels, as they aren't as unique and they are quite predictable as we already know the historic outcomes as there are several future stories that couldn't have taken place had they not been successful in their prior exploits.

Instead of this thread, work more on Brotherband Chronicles and start merging the stories forward.

I love filling in the gaps with the back stories!

The whole series is great! I can't wait for the next one to come out!