Audible Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan, Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1 by John Flanagan

I enjoyed this adventure fantasy where a young ranger battles monsters.

The Ruins of Gorlan
(link is to a newer release)
Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1
By: John Flanagan
Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Published March 13th 2008 by Recorded Books
Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Ages 11-13, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
The international best-selling series with over FIVE million copies sold in the US alone!
They have always scared him in the past - the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied....
Here is the fantasy adventure that launched the Ranger's Apprentice series, an epic story of heroes and villains that has become an international phenomenon. Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.
©2006 John Flanagan (P)2019 Listening Library

Review:
Will is a 15-year-old orphan who has arrived at the age of “choosing” where the children are chosen for their apprenticeships. Will doesn’t know the name of his father but knows he died a hero in battle. The castle Lord has been kind to Will and the other orphans. Will wants to join the warriors to fight for his Lord, but Will is small and wily. He isn’t brawny for battle, he isn’t inclined to smithy work or cooking or most of the other training areas. After all the other children are chosen Will is left thinking he will be relegated to the farms as an unskilled workhand. Then he learns that one guild master has taken notice of him – he is chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice.

The Rangers are able to blend in the shadows. They scout and spy and learn to defend themselves in special ways. Will, with a sharp brain, quick reflexes and eagerness to find his place, is a good listener and fast learner. He would just like to earn a smile or sign of approval from his master/mentor, Halt.

The first year of training is nearly completed and Will is hoping to be approved by the full Ranger council. But before the ceremony can take place news comes that the exiled enemy, Morgarath, is back to remove the other leaders and take over the kingdom. He has raised and controls some powerful, evil monsters and has already killed several other leaders. He now has his eyes set on Gorlan. As everyone at Gorlan prepares for battle, Will, Halt and two other Rangers set out to fight the monsters.

I appreciated the author’s handling of young teen issues such as bullying and early interaction with those of the opposite sex. The trepidations and struggles of the young people are emotions anyone could relate to. The battles are fraught with danger but for the most part end with good defeating evil. This is appropriate for young people and for adults who like castles, knights, scouts and battles to defeat the monsters. I would be inclined to read/listen to more in the series.

Audio Notes: John Keating does a great job with the narration. He captures the voice of the characters, the emotional struggles and the intensity of the danger. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: February 2013 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.