The only thing preventing Lachie becoming a Ranger’s Apprentice is the lack of cooperation from the pony. Oh, and a mentor. But he can learn all the required skills from the books, right?
The Ranger’s Apprentice books are middle-grade speculative fiction that Lachie’s God-Mahh discovered when she was a child and continued to consume into adulthood. In addition to the original series’ books, there are two The Early Years and two - soon to be three - The Royal Ranger titles.
The author, John Flanagan also writes the Brotherband series, but Lachie is not keen on water or boats, so he has continued to read about cloaks, bows, horses, dogs, and vital missions to save Araluen.
Lachie’s thoughts throughout the series:
- What is this coffee Halt requires? And honey? Can’t rangers just drink milk like lambs?
- Tug has a secret word – wonder what is the pony’s secret word so we can go on adventures?
- The Royal Ranger needs a lamb. Will had Shadow the dog when he was an apprentice, so she should have a smart-lamb who can wear a cloak and carry a bow.
- Where can I get a bronze oak leaf? Are oak leaves tasty?
The Ranger’s Apprentice books have a wide cast of characters for readers to follow throughout Will’s journey from castle ward to fully fledged ranger. As the series progresses, the characters undergo changes and challenges that determine their place within the kingdom, and their adventures influence the fate of Araluen. Readers visit the far corners of Araluen and cross seas to Skandia, which feeds into the Brotherband and Royal Ranger books. The books’ predominant themes include friendship, determination, loyalty, justice, and courage.
Of course, the series most important cast are the animal companions such as the ranger horses – Tug, Abelard, Blaze, and Bumper–, Shadow the dog, Horace’s mount Kicker, and Madelyn’s ‘saddle horse’ Sundance. The four-leggers would be in a lot of bother without these companions. Hence why Lachie would make an excellent Ranger’s Apprentice. His talents include protesting, opening car doors, breaking-and-entering feed sheds and houses, weed busting, getaway driving on the ride-on, landscaping, and modelling bow ties.
Lachie enjoys the action in Ranger's Apprentice as it is not gruesome like some crime thrillers and contains historical elements – the characters do not need the internet or a GPS to help save the day. Just a bow, arrows, saxe and throwing knives, and cloak. The maps at the start of the books assist readers envision where Will’s adventures carry him each story. While modern readers hop in a car or on a plane to travel any distance, Will rides Tug and on occasion hops on a boat - with a reluctant Halt.
The series features age-appropriate humour for its readership. The banter between characters develops enviable friendships and creates reoccurring jokes through the books. Readers will find themselves quoting “One Riot. One Ranger.” and other peculiar phrases. There is noticeable growth in Will’s ranger skills and the maturity of his character throughout the books. Will doesn’t aim to be a popular hero or envision acquiring riches. He is happy living in his ranger hut with his horse and dog while playing that strange musical instrument nobody recognises.
The Early Years traces the Ranger Corps origins, and The Royal Ranger features Will with his own apprentice – the first female ranger – Madelyn (Maddie) whose identity means she additional responsibilities for Araluen. The latest offering The Royal Ranger: The Red Fox Clan ends with the future of Araluen in Maddie's resourceful hands while rebels attempt to regress a progressive kingdom – a cliff hanger Lachie did not anticipate or welcome as he now has to wait for the sequel…
If you desire a fantasy series to become hooked with characters that feel like you are reuniting with old friends upon reading each book, then Lachie recommends you read the Ranger’s Apprentice series. Be warned – ranger skills are not highly regarded in modern society and if you are seen (which you should not be if you are any sort of ranger) sneaking around in a cloak with a bow then people may be alarmed. Be smart like Lachie and blend in with your environment.
Recommended for ewes, rams and wethers 8 (human) years +.
