Book Review: Halt's Peril by John Flanagan

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Halt's Peril by John Flanagan
Publisher: Philomel
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780399252075
Source: Library

 

When Halt, Will, and Horace continue to follow Tennyson and his phony religious followers as they near Araluen, they little expect the trouble they encounter.  The remaining two Genovesan assassins are not to be taken lightly.  Will they have the skill to defeat them in a show down, or is it the end of the line for Halt?

Things I Liked:
The series is always action-packed and this book is no exception.  Though, I think this one has a bit less on the action front, because of its main plot line.  I was a bit impressed with the way we finally get to see some weaknesses and mistakes from the rangers, who in the other books seem almost invincible.  It felt a bit predictable, which is kind of expected, considering the title and the excerpt on the back of the book, but still manages to hold a few surprises. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I definitely need longer breaks between the books.  I find them very similar in story and feel to each other.  I am quite sure that tweens and some teens, particularly boys, must love this series, but I find them a bit predictable and sometimes ridiculous.  Still, I'll be interested in reading more of the series, but not for several months.  

Read-alikes:
Read all the Ranger's Apprentice books
They are a bit like a younger Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
there's always a bit of action going on

Overall rating: ***

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan
Publisher: Philomel
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9780399252068
Source: Library

When Halt doesn't show up for the ranger's annual gathering because he's looking into some rumors in the west, Will knows something big is happening.  In Hybernia, their neighboring country, some religious fanatics are taking control and wreaking havoc among the people.  Can Will, Halt, and Horace manage to save the last kingdom from the same fate?  Especially when some of Halt's past might get in the way...

Things I Liked:
This edition of the Ranger's Apprentice series carries on the tradition of wry humor, adventure, and ranger fun.  The stories are always so fun to read - lots of twists and turns and action that makes you want to find out what happens next.  I also really enjoy the humor of the rangers, especially Halt.  It's nice to take a break from all that cheesy paranormal romance and enjoy some swashbuckling and arrow-slinging adventure.  

'Oh, it's a case of they think I'll think that they'll do A, so they'll do B because I wouldn't think they'd think of that but then because I might think I know what they're thinking they'll do A after all because I wouldn't think they'd think that way,' Will said.  
Halt looked at him for a moment in silence. 'You know, I'm almost tempted to ask you to repeat that.' p 225

Halt shook his head. 'You warriors don't do much geography in Battleschool do you?' 
Horace shrugged. 'We're not big on that sort of thing.  We wait for our leader to point to an enemy and say, "Go whack him."  We leave geography and such to Rangers.  We like you to feel superior.' p 302

Things I Didn't Like:
The stories from this series start to blend together a little after a while.  They are all so similar and the plots follow a very familiar arc.  I'm not sure what exactly happened and when.  Also, I got a bit tired of the repetitive reminders of the things rangers can do without thinking.  Yes, we know they can shoot things with a bow and arrow and sneak up on people very well.  Let's move on.  Definitely to be read one at a time with plenty of time between them.  Or by tween boys.  Whichever.

Read-alikes:
Start at the beginning of the Ranger's Apprentice Series
It's a little like Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson 

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
lots of action and fighting 

Overall rating: ****

This reminds me of those rather formulaic series I adored as a child. There's obviously some value in them, right?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan

Erak's Ransom returns us to the time just before Will became a fully-fledged ranger (between book 4 and book 5).  Will and Halt are each dealing with the fears and sadness that come with this impending change in their lives.  But, they don't have long to stew, because Erak, their Skandian friend, is captured by the Arridi, desert-dwelling warriors, who are holding him for ransom.  Setting off to provide that ransom, Will and several of his old friends meet with many unexpected adventures and face death before they can bring Erak home again.

Things I Liked:
Flanagan has created another fantastic adventure, complete with humor, some romance, and plenty of action.  I continue to enjoy the humor that is sometimes so dry and sometimes so obvious that kids and adults both will find something to laugh about.  I find it hard to put down the books until I know just what happens next, so it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.  A great series for reluctant readers and fantasy fans.

Things I Didn't Like:
A few times I found myself thinking how impossibly ridiculous the situations the characters manage to get into.  How many times can Will defy death?  Also, I wondered how characters from different countries and cultures would all be speaking the same language.  It was a very convenient thing for the story, but mars its authenticity just a bit.  And honestly, going back to an earlier part of the story really threw me off.  He should have just waited until he'd finished the whole series.

Read-alikes:
Fans of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings might enjoy the series
Read the rest of the Ranger's Apprentice series

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
plenty of action, not overly descriptive

Overall rating: ****

What books do you enjoy that are obviously not written for your demographic?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

The Siege of Macindawis the sixth installment in the adventure series Ranger's Apprentice. Will must find enough men to overcome the Lord Keren, the usurper of the castle Macindaw. Not only must they hurry to take back the castle before the savage Scotti arrive, but Will's friend Allys is being held prisoner in the castle. Will the young ranger, with the help of friends old and new, be able to find a way to save his friend and the entire kingdom?

This book was my very first ARC (advanced readers' copy), won in a contest on this blog. I was very thrilled to get my hands on this sequel, not least of all because the previous book (reviewed here) ended with such an enormous cliffhanger! This series is such a fun adventure story, with fun characters and a little humor in the mix. It is perfect for young boys (and girls) who are looking for excitement. This book will be released in August of this year.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A few throughout.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
Some of the battle scenes are a bit violent, but not graphic.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan

The Sorcerer of the Northis the fifth book in the Ranger's Apprentice Series (first four reviewed here) Will is now a fully fledged ranger and has his first assignment in a quiet northern fief. However, things aren't quiet for long when a remote Lord falls mysteriously ill and Will must travel there, in disguise, to discover if the rumors of a sorcerer are true. He and his old friend Alyss must navigate the intrigues of the castle and discover who is the source of all the trouble.

Another impressive addition to this series. This series does not get dull or run out of stories quickly! Flanagan managed to create another unique and interesting plot with twists and surprises, not to mention adventure and danger. The only draw-back comes from the delayed publication in the US. This book leaves you hanging and begging for the sequel!

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Perhaps a few.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->
It isn't described in gory detail, but there is fighting.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: The Ranger's Apprentice books 1-4 by John Flanagan

Instead of back reviewing each of these books, I thought I would simply combine them into one. The first four titles, The Ruins of Gorlan, The Burning Bridge, The Icebound Land, and The Battle for Skandiabegin the story of Will, a ward of the state who wanted desperately to become a knight. To his dismay, he is denied that career and instead taken up by the mysterious ranger Halt to be his apprentice. He slowly learns the difficult but impressive skills of the rangers. His newly acquired skills are put to the test with increasing difficulty. He also learns to rely more upon his friends for help, including Horace, a knight in training, and Evanlyn, a girl with a hidden identity. After the defeat of Lord Morgarath, Will is taken into slavery and faces new and perhaps more difficult challenges in a foreign land. His further adventures lead to a daring rescue, some unexpected alliances, and a fierce battle. And, of course, each book manages to end with a cliff-hanger!

 

I've been really impressed with this series. It is exciting, full of adventure and even some humor, and still manages to be clean of language and other mrg-related stuff. I think youth, especially boys, will be captivated by this fast-paced thrilling adventure series.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Only a few (if any).

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->->
There are battles and fighting scenes, but not too gruesome.

Overall rating: *** or ****