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William of Alamore #1
Ranger of Kings
Traitors lurking in the halls. A kingdom under siege. A secret that could rock the foundation of an entire realm.
Will dreams of an escape. Hesitant to return home to his cruel, abusive father, the lowly village boy encounters two youths walking his way and is delighted when they engage him in playful sword fighting. And when he joyfully accepts an offer to move to the castle and become a squire, he’s utterly unaware of the deadly perils he’s about to confront.
Training as a knight-to-be, Will and his companions discover tunnels running beneath the castle and are viciously attacked by murderous exiles intent on toppling the monarchy. Narrowly escaping with help from the king and his men, the loyal young man meets a mysterious hooded figure ready to unlock a mystery that will change his world forever.
Can Will survive a land descending into chaos, betrayal and brutal grabs for power?
Ranger of Kings is the action-packed first book in the William of Alamore YA low fantasy series. If you like compelling casts, gripping plot twists, and royal maneuverings, then you’ll love C. J. R. Isely’s riveting adventure.
Buy Ranger of Kings to fight for the crown today!
This book was revisited for professional editing and minor changes in the spring of 2024.
Will dreams of an escape. Hesitant to return home to his cruel, abusive father, the lowly village boy encounters two youths walking his way and is delighted when they engage him in playful sword fighting. And when he joyfully accepts an offer to move to the castle and become a squire, he’s utterly unaware of the deadly perils he’s about to confront.
Training as a knight-to-be, Will and his companions discover tunnels running beneath the castle and are viciously attacked by murderous exiles intent on toppling the monarchy. Narrowly escaping with help from the king and his men, the loyal young man meets a mysterious hooded figure ready to unlock a mystery that will change his world forever.
Can Will survive a land descending into chaos, betrayal and brutal grabs for power?
Ranger of Kings is the action-packed first book in the William of Alamore YA low fantasy series. If you like compelling casts, gripping plot twists, and royal maneuverings, then you’ll love C. J. R. Isely’s riveting adventure.
Buy Ranger of Kings to fight for the crown today!
This book was revisited for professional editing and minor changes in the spring of 2024.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
487 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
C.J.R. Isely
13 books39 followersC. J. R. Isely is an American author primarily known for her medieval fantasy novels. She has a lifelong passion for fantasy, medieval history, horses, and adventure.
She began writing at a very young age, with her first full-length novel, "Ranger of Kings," being written when she was just 12 years old. This book became the first in her "William of Alamore" series, which ultimately comprised six books that she penned during her middle and high school years.
Although she initially set her novels aside to pursue a business degree, she later decided to revise and release them. "Ranger of Kings" was published in 2020, and she has since released the full "William of Alamore" series, with the final book, "Blood of the Crown," released in 2024. She has also written standalone spin-off novels set in the World of Alamore, such as "The Falcon and The Stag" and "Shadow of the Sword."
When not writing, C. J. R. Isely lives on a ranch in Kansas where she enjoys riding and training horses, playing guitar, and taking on DIY construction projects
She began writing at a very young age, with her first full-length novel, "Ranger of Kings," being written when she was just 12 years old. This book became the first in her "William of Alamore" series, which ultimately comprised six books that she penned during her middle and high school years.
Although she initially set her novels aside to pursue a business degree, she later decided to revise and release them. "Ranger of Kings" was published in 2020, and she has since released the full "William of Alamore" series, with the final book, "Blood of the Crown," released in 2024. She has also written standalone spin-off novels set in the World of Alamore, such as "The Falcon and The Stag" and "Shadow of the Sword."
When not writing, C. J. R. Isely lives on a ranch in Kansas where she enjoys riding and training horses, playing guitar, and taking on DIY construction projects
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 3, 2020
Ranger of Kings is the debut novel of C. J. R. Isely and is the first book in the "William of Alamore" series.
About the Book
Will, a common village boy, has always dreamed of becoming a knight. When he is suddenly, and unexpectedly, called to train as a squire in the castle of Alamore, he cannot believe it is real. He faces the challenge with the great determination to succeed, but soon finds out there is more to becoming a knight than he ever imagined.
Even at the beginning level as a squire, Will is suddenly thrust into action, danger, and battles he isn't ready for but meets with determination and perseverance. He makes friends among the squires and finds that one of his friends has a knack for finding trouble.
Then one night, Will discovers something disturbing about his father, and the more he learns the more danger Will faces. Not only is Will suddenly thrust into a war, but is faced with mysteries about his father, about the Ranger, and about what lies beneath the castle of Alamore.
My Review
C. J. R. Isely is a talented writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery and intrigue, action, danger, and adventure.
I was drawn into the story from the very first page and stayed up late several nights turning the pages because I just couldn't put the book down.
C. J. R. Isely created delightful characters, each with his very own personality, character qualities, and unique voice. I found it to be fun to read the interactions between Will and his two closest friends. Their courage was inspiring and their banter made me laugh.
It was also quite clear that C. J. R. Isely possesses a lot of horse knowledge, as horses play a major role in this story as well. Each horse was also unique, and it was clear that C. J. R. knows what it takes to properly care for horses, how to ride horses, and how to train horses.
There were some small technical mistakes scattered throughout the books as far as wording is concerned, which I always find to be a distraction. However, in this book, as I was fully engaged in the action, mystery, and battles, they were more easily overlooked and less of a distraction.
Another thing I really liked about the story is that C. J. R. Isely gave me a satisfying ending. Though Ranger of Kings is the first book in a series, Ms. Isely wrapped up the ending with just enough resolution and a change that gave the story the feel of an ending even though I know there is more to come.
I really enjoyed Ranger of Kings by C. J. R. Isely and highly recommend it to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, danger, and fantasy. There are a few profane words within the story, but they are few and far between. There are also some bloody descriptions of those who were in battle, but I didn't feel that they were gory or overdone. I would recommend this book for YA and adult readers, and, possibly, some middle grade readers.
I look forward to the next book in the "William of Alamore" series.
I give this book 5 stars.
About the Book
Will, a common village boy, has always dreamed of becoming a knight. When he is suddenly, and unexpectedly, called to train as a squire in the castle of Alamore, he cannot believe it is real. He faces the challenge with the great determination to succeed, but soon finds out there is more to becoming a knight than he ever imagined.
Even at the beginning level as a squire, Will is suddenly thrust into action, danger, and battles he isn't ready for but meets with determination and perseverance. He makes friends among the squires and finds that one of his friends has a knack for finding trouble.
Then one night, Will discovers something disturbing about his father, and the more he learns the more danger Will faces. Not only is Will suddenly thrust into a war, but is faced with mysteries about his father, about the Ranger, and about what lies beneath the castle of Alamore.
My Review
C. J. R. Isely is a talented writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery and intrigue, action, danger, and adventure.
I was drawn into the story from the very first page and stayed up late several nights turning the pages because I just couldn't put the book down.
C. J. R. Isely created delightful characters, each with his very own personality, character qualities, and unique voice. I found it to be fun to read the interactions between Will and his two closest friends. Their courage was inspiring and their banter made me laugh.
It was also quite clear that C. J. R. Isely possesses a lot of horse knowledge, as horses play a major role in this story as well. Each horse was also unique, and it was clear that C. J. R. knows what it takes to properly care for horses, how to ride horses, and how to train horses.
There were some small technical mistakes scattered throughout the books as far as wording is concerned, which I always find to be a distraction. However, in this book, as I was fully engaged in the action, mystery, and battles, they were more easily overlooked and less of a distraction.
Another thing I really liked about the story is that C. J. R. Isely gave me a satisfying ending. Though Ranger of Kings is the first book in a series, Ms. Isely wrapped up the ending with just enough resolution and a change that gave the story the feel of an ending even though I know there is more to come.
I really enjoyed Ranger of Kings by C. J. R. Isely and highly recommend it to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, danger, and fantasy. There are a few profane words within the story, but they are few and far between. There are also some bloody descriptions of those who were in battle, but I didn't feel that they were gory or overdone. I would recommend this book for YA and adult readers, and, possibly, some middle grade readers.
I look forward to the next book in the "William of Alamore" series.
I give this book 5 stars.
December 3, 2022
Good to the last drop!
Excellent characters, exciting battles, twists and turns in the plot! All things that make fiction fun to read!! Looking forward to reading book 2!
Excellent characters, exciting battles, twists and turns in the plot! All things that make fiction fun to read!! Looking forward to reading book 2!
November 14, 2025
I did not enjoy this at all. I got about 30 pages before dnfing because WHAT THE HECK.
There is a book series by John Flanagan called the Ranger's Apprentice, that has been out much longer than this book.
Therefore, I personally believe this book is a copycat. At least too familiar for me to enjoy.
The main RA character's name is Will. So is this main characters. In RA, they are King's Rangers. They start out at fifteen. I thought I might like this book because it was similar, but it became way too similar and felt too much like a betrayal to my favorite book series, so I couldn't go on.
With that said, if you like or love this series, I'm not going to stop you, but I in no way agree with it.
I found a couple minor typos, or sentences that just did not make sense, and the prologue felt a bit long, and I was confused on what it exactly had to do with anything, if the boy the King meets is Will or not. I'm sure the answer to that is further along in the story, but it wasn't worth it for me to continue.
There is a book series by John Flanagan called the Ranger's Apprentice, that has been out much longer than this book.
Therefore, I personally believe this book is a copycat. At least too familiar for me to enjoy.
The main RA character's name is Will. So is this main characters. In RA, they are King's Rangers. They start out at fifteen. I thought I might like this book because it was similar, but it became way too similar and felt too much like a betrayal to my favorite book series, so I couldn't go on.
With that said, if you like or love this series, I'm not going to stop you, but I in no way agree with it.
I found a couple minor typos, or sentences that just did not make sense, and the prologue felt a bit long, and I was confused on what it exactly had to do with anything, if the boy the King meets is Will or not. I'm sure the answer to that is further along in the story, but it wasn't worth it for me to continue.
August 20, 2021
A Fun filled Medieval Fantasy Adventure.
This book was on my review list and is a MG/YA Fantasy and it is reviewed as such.
Firstly, what twelve-year-old boy wouldn’t love this fantasy adventure. It has swords and squires, knights on mighty chargers, evil kings and devilish machinations.
I confess I am a little older than twelve…by a lot but this book was light-hearted, fast actioned and thoroughly entertaining. It tells the tale of a young boy Will who longs to be a knight and through happy circumstances makes friends with two squires from Alamore Castle called Colin and Rowan and suddenly finds himself thrust into castle life as a newly minted squire. There he meets the king and the enigmatic Ranger of Kings, a cloaked and hooded man who for much of the story remains a mysterious figure.
Will’s tale is wonderfully told and hurtles along at breakneck speed. All of the characters are uniquely portrayed and as the story deepens so do they. There is a large cast but they are introduced in such a way that it is not overwhelming.
The author also knows her way around a horse because they feature quite prominently in the story and each one has its own distinct personality.
This was an easy, comfortable read that took me back to my childhood days of reading Eddings and MacAffrey and the simple joy of adventuring in a fantasy world that fired my imagination and I enjoyed it more than I expected for that reason.
Whilst this is a MG/YA book I think many ‘grown-ups’ would enjoy the simple pleasure of a good story well told.
This book was on my review list and is a MG/YA Fantasy and it is reviewed as such.
Firstly, what twelve-year-old boy wouldn’t love this fantasy adventure. It has swords and squires, knights on mighty chargers, evil kings and devilish machinations.
I confess I am a little older than twelve…by a lot but this book was light-hearted, fast actioned and thoroughly entertaining. It tells the tale of a young boy Will who longs to be a knight and through happy circumstances makes friends with two squires from Alamore Castle called Colin and Rowan and suddenly finds himself thrust into castle life as a newly minted squire. There he meets the king and the enigmatic Ranger of Kings, a cloaked and hooded man who for much of the story remains a mysterious figure.
Will’s tale is wonderfully told and hurtles along at breakneck speed. All of the characters are uniquely portrayed and as the story deepens so do they. There is a large cast but they are introduced in such a way that it is not overwhelming.
The author also knows her way around a horse because they feature quite prominently in the story and each one has its own distinct personality.
This was an easy, comfortable read that took me back to my childhood days of reading Eddings and MacAffrey and the simple joy of adventuring in a fantasy world that fired my imagination and I enjoyed it more than I expected for that reason.
Whilst this is a MG/YA book I think many ‘grown-ups’ would enjoy the simple pleasure of a good story well told.
April 8, 2021
Great Start to a New Medieval Adventure Series
I was pleasantly surprised by this story and I will be having my teenage sons read it next. This was a pretty clean medieval adventure with a little bit of bad language but nothing extreme or over used (no f bombs), violence was moderate with the battles and details are given but it isn't too graphic and the little romance equated to simple attraction. Content and writing style I would say this is geared for more the male reader 4th grade up to adults.
This is a story of a 12 year old boy who ends up being made a squire, he becomes friends with the other squires and it's really a story of their adventures with their knights, coming of age, learning to be honorable and courageous men. It's well written, has a great flow and you quickly find yourself drawn in and rooting for Will and his friends. The narrator does a fantastic job with the voice differentiations and acting, I did feel he was a tad slow in parts so I did turn up the speed to 1.25 which was perfect for me. If like the medieval adventures or D&D then this book won't disappoint.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story and I will be having my teenage sons read it next. This was a pretty clean medieval adventure with a little bit of bad language but nothing extreme or over used (no f bombs), violence was moderate with the battles and details are given but it isn't too graphic and the little romance equated to simple attraction. Content and writing style I would say this is geared for more the male reader 4th grade up to adults.
This is a story of a 12 year old boy who ends up being made a squire, he becomes friends with the other squires and it's really a story of their adventures with their knights, coming of age, learning to be honorable and courageous men. It's well written, has a great flow and you quickly find yourself drawn in and rooting for Will and his friends. The narrator does a fantastic job with the voice differentiations and acting, I did feel he was a tad slow in parts so I did turn up the speed to 1.25 which was perfect for me. If like the medieval adventures or D&D then this book won't disappoint.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 29, 2023
Such an enjoyable medieval adventure. Isely has created a wonderful world filled with well rounded and distinct characters. William or Will is the main character, a common villager lucky enough to meet some squires who change the course of his life as he swept up in becoming a squire himself.
We follow his journey to the castle and his induction into the squires. At no time is his journey smooth and he and his new friends are soon neck deep in trouble. The relationships between the knights and the squires is well thought out and wonderfully developed. Sir Ross and Sir Rockwood are favourites and Isely has you rooting for them all. Colin and Rowan are lovable rogues, ideal to drag Will into all sorts of adventures.
The King's Ranger is more aloof and withdrawn, a figure in the shadows, though Will can feel him watching him. There is more to the Ranger, Will is sure and so are we.
Secrets are revealed, betrayals even within the castle unravel, and Will's life as a squire quickly deteriorates into one chaotic battle after another. There is plenty of action and political intrigue to keeep you hooked, though the characters drive the plot.
A great story. There is no cliff hanger, but you will want to follow Will's adventures into the second year. I know I will!
We follow his journey to the castle and his induction into the squires. At no time is his journey smooth and he and his new friends are soon neck deep in trouble. The relationships between the knights and the squires is well thought out and wonderfully developed. Sir Ross and Sir Rockwood are favourites and Isely has you rooting for them all. Colin and Rowan are lovable rogues, ideal to drag Will into all sorts of adventures.
The King's Ranger is more aloof and withdrawn, a figure in the shadows, though Will can feel him watching him. There is more to the Ranger, Will is sure and so are we.
Secrets are revealed, betrayals even within the castle unravel, and Will's life as a squire quickly deteriorates into one chaotic battle after another. There is plenty of action and political intrigue to keeep you hooked, though the characters drive the plot.
A great story. There is no cliff hanger, but you will want to follow Will's adventures into the second year. I know I will!
April 11, 2021
Becoming a knight is a long dangerous road. When Will has the opportunity to begin taking those steps, he jumps at it. But will he be able to survive all that c ok mea his way?
C. J. R. Isley really went all out with building this story. Not only was there a lot of action, but there was also a great deal that went into building up the characters and their relationships. I hope to see more from Alamore.
Jordan Westengaard did a great job with bringing different voices to the many characters. I enjoyed the different accents. There was a bit of inconsistency in the volume and background noise. I could definitely tell when different recordings were pieces together.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
C. J. R. Isley really went all out with building this story. Not only was there a lot of action, but there was also a great deal that went into building up the characters and their relationships. I hope to see more from Alamore.
Jordan Westengaard did a great job with bringing different voices to the many characters. I enjoyed the different accents. There was a bit of inconsistency in the volume and background noise. I could definitely tell when different recordings were pieces together.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
September 22, 2021
Ranger of Kings is the debut novel of C. J. R. Isely and is the first book in the "William of Alamore" series. Great book! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. C. J. R. Isely is a talented author. She brings something special to pen and paper (or the computer keyboard) I suspect the following novel will also be a special treat. Cuddle up in a cozy corner and carve out a chunk of time because you will not want to to put this novel down. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This book has strong, well-developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this book and would read more books by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book.
June 28, 2020
A fine story.
The opening pages feel a bit like walking into a movie that has been playing for a while but the reader soon finds themselves caught by the characters and plot. In fact, I am hopeful that the series continues because I have become attached to the young men who carry the tale. I have recommended this book to my grandson and for purchase by the library. There's authenticity and a good moral message for young readers.
The opening pages feel a bit like walking into a movie that has been playing for a while but the reader soon finds themselves caught by the characters and plot. In fact, I am hopeful that the series continues because I have become attached to the young men who carry the tale. I have recommended this book to my grandson and for purchase by the library. There's authenticity and a good moral message for young readers.
June 23, 2022
Very good
This is my first book I have read by C. J. R. Isley. I really like how the book flows. The story line was very good and kept me interested. Now for the next in the series !
This is my first book I have read by C. J. R. Isley. I really like how the book flows. The story line was very good and kept me interested. Now for the next in the series !
February 9, 2023
An excellent book
I’m not a fan of coming of age novels, but, this was entrancing! We all read about knights, but, not much about squires training to be knights. Trying sounds boring, but throw in a handful of clashes with enemies, an ambush and raids from hidden tunnels and then training suddenly livens up!
I’m not a fan of coming of age novels, but, this was entrancing! We all read about knights, but, not much about squires training to be knights. Trying sounds boring, but throw in a handful of clashes with enemies, an ambush and raids from hidden tunnels and then training suddenly livens up!
March 11, 2020
Very nice read. Great character development. A bit slow moving at first, but I will definitely looking for future works from this author. Really happy I read this book.
March 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, it had an intriguing storyline and I love that the author was 12 years old when the first draft was written. Looking forward to future chapters of the William of Alamore series.
June 7, 2025
This will keep you up all night
I was not sure I would like these books. I was right. I didn't like it. I loved it. The action is steady throughout the books. But my favorite thing is the character development is just downright fantast. The characters come alive in a beautiful, complex environment. The one thing that I did question was some of the luck the characters feel into. But the plot overwhelmed any negative aspect of the story. I also loved the length of these books. I hate those books that are only a few hundred pages. Mr. lsely takes his time in developing the story. I am just about to start the 6th book and can't wait to dive in. You can't go wrong diving into this world!
I was not sure I would like these books. I was right. I didn't like it. I loved it. The action is steady throughout the books. But my favorite thing is the character development is just downright fantast. The characters come alive in a beautiful, complex environment. The one thing that I did question was some of the luck the characters feel into. But the plot overwhelmed any negative aspect of the story. I also loved the length of these books. I hate those books that are only a few hundred pages. Mr. lsely takes his time in developing the story. I am just about to start the 6th book and can't wait to dive in. You can't go wrong diving into this world!
February 5, 2026
This is the first time I have read a book by this author. The storyline following young Will and life in a castle is wonderful. The scenery set was perfect to match the storyline with just enough detail to draw the picture. The characters have you rooting for them and listening to them in your head. I can’t wait to start the next one!
July 6, 2023
Where have you been hiding, Ms. Isely?
I love books like this, and have been an A. C. Cobble fan for years, so when I saw this series, I figured, why not? There's no way I expected this to be as excellent as it is! The characters are marvelous: deep and we'll developed. The plot exciting and devious, plenty of action. In fact, everything I love in a great story! I can't wait to read the rest of these!
I love books like this, and have been an A. C. Cobble fan for years, so when I saw this series, I figured, why not? There's no way I expected this to be as excellent as it is! The characters are marvelous: deep and we'll developed. The plot exciting and devious, plenty of action. In fact, everything I love in a great story! I can't wait to read the rest of these!
November 12, 2022
YA all the way
Sort of accidentally chose this book with little info. Turns out it's a good old-fashioned adventure tale. Sadly, it's also YA. which disappointed me. Who knows, I might keep reading this great story.
Sort of accidentally chose this book with little info. Turns out it's a good old-fashioned adventure tale. Sadly, it's also YA. which disappointed me. Who knows, I might keep reading this great story.
August 14, 2024
Ranger of Kings is the first book in the "William of Alamore" series.
C. J. R. Isely is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She transports us readers into medieval times.
I was drawn into the story from the very first page and read the book in 4 days because I just couldn't put the book down.
C. J. R. Isely created such amazing characters, each one has their very own personality, qualities, and unique sense of self you feel like you have known them forever. I found it to be fun to read the interactions between Will and his two closest friends Rowan and Collin. Their courage together was inspiring and their banter made me laugh.
It is quite clear that C.J. R. Isely has put extensive knowledge into her story, everything about the world is immaculately detailed. It makes it seem as though you are in the story yourself.
In this book, as I was fully engaged in the action, mystery, and battles, I don't want it to end.
C. J. R. Isely is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She transports us readers into medieval times.
I was drawn into the story from the very first page and read the book in 4 days because I just couldn't put the book down.
C. J. R. Isely created such amazing characters, each one has their very own personality, qualities, and unique sense of self you feel like you have known them forever. I found it to be fun to read the interactions between Will and his two closest friends Rowan and Collin. Their courage together was inspiring and their banter made me laugh.
It is quite clear that C.J. R. Isely has put extensive knowledge into her story, everything about the world is immaculately detailed. It makes it seem as though you are in the story yourself.
In this book, as I was fully engaged in the action, mystery, and battles, I don't want it to end.
July 3, 2024
This is one of the best series I have ever read, the plot has me sold. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before Throughout the series there are many plot twists that kept my attention for hours upon hours. I started this book knowing it was a series and I found myself at book 5 two weeks later. I will patiently wait for book 6 and I’ll probably cry when I’m done because the characters are so likable I feel like I know them in real life. I find myself laughing with the characters and feeling sad when they do. I don’t usually leave recs but this series is so freaking good. If you’re looking for a fantasy book about knights and crowns, read this book. You will not regret it. The series only gets better as Will gets older.
January 18, 2022
One point of view - William. 12 years old. Big part of the story is Will frienship with two other squire. It has also little humour.
Side characters had different qualities, which made them more interesting. Our lead Will is quite bland, many times act more like an observer. Hopefully he will grow as a character.
Well paced. Easy style of writing. Clear line between good and bad. Characters sometimes acted too illogicall, meaning either too bad or too good for the situation or connections. Also sometimes it felt too easy, easy rescues, easy wins. It also felt like the kingdoms are on top of each other.
Ending without cliffhanger. Some unanswered questions.
Side characters had different qualities, which made them more interesting. Our lead Will is quite bland, many times act more like an observer. Hopefully he will grow as a character.
Well paced. Easy style of writing. Clear line between good and bad. Characters sometimes acted too illogicall, meaning either too bad or too good for the situation or connections. Also sometimes it felt too easy, easy rescues, easy wins. It also felt like the kingdoms are on top of each other.
Ending without cliffhanger. Some unanswered questions.
January 10, 2022
Ranger of Kings (William of Alamore #1), my first read from author Arya C.J.R. Isely. A good page-turning read. 418 pages of a young squire's journey. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I look forward to reading more from this author! Next up is The Cutthroat Prince (William of Alamore Series Book 2). The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
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September 21, 2021I really enjoyed this book and though the storyline was right and it included everything you would want and this is my opinon. I thought the character built up was very good and made the story so much better. I received this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest reveiew freely given.
August 10, 2020
Excellent first book by a talented young author. Her book has interesting characters and great action. Her descriptions of characters and their physical environment are very good.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 25, 2025
Hard to put down
This book was not what I expected. It was labeled in the fantasy genre. So I was expecting magic somewhere. But it was so good, that I never missed the magic. Well written, with good-hearted characters ( and the expected evil ones too). Good read…
This book was not what I expected. It was labeled in the fantasy genre. So I was expecting magic somewhere. But it was so good, that I never missed the magic. Well written, with good-hearted characters ( and the expected evil ones too). Good read…
February 26, 2022
Fun first book
Action-packed page turner. Enjoyed the characters and the story. Unfortunately, there seemed to be some time jumps as well as minor editing issues.
Action-packed page turner. Enjoyed the characters and the story. Unfortunately, there seemed to be some time jumps as well as minor editing issues.
January 8, 2024
Excellent Story!
10/10 recommend to everyone! The writing is fantastic and takes you on a journey throughout the whole book! Please read
10/10 recommend to everyone! The writing is fantastic and takes you on a journey throughout the whole book! Please read
November 23, 2021
I wanted to like this book.... I like series, and am willing to put up with youthful protagonists. I was disappointed with Ranger of Kings.
1) The book needs additional editing. I know that a few typos, punctuation errors, and grammatical problems are like to slip through the publishing process -- but Ranger of Kings is just riddled with them. I found it enormously distracting.
2) No women. This is apparently a men and boys culture... one would think that wives and mothers and sweethearts and sisters would at least play a part... but apparently not. Female characters are (VERY!) few and far between.
3) Improbably story line. Will is a dirty, abused village boy, in an area where knights and squires abound in all of their uniformed heroic glory. Two squires find there way onto Will's street and invite him to play at swordfighting with them (really?)... and when they take him back to the castle, the two boys just go to any and all lengths to make sure that Will is comfortable and secure and happy in his new home. Again... really?
4) The book is sometimes called "low fantasy." Fantasy? What fantasy? Just a medieval adventure.
Target audience might be middle-grade boys who yearn for knighthood.
1) The book needs additional editing. I know that a few typos, punctuation errors, and grammatical problems are like to slip through the publishing process -- but Ranger of Kings is just riddled with them. I found it enormously distracting.
2) No women. This is apparently a men and boys culture... one would think that wives and mothers and sweethearts and sisters would at least play a part... but apparently not. Female characters are (VERY!) few and far between.
3) Improbably story line. Will is a dirty, abused village boy, in an area where knights and squires abound in all of their uniformed heroic glory. Two squires find there way onto Will's street and invite him to play at swordfighting with them (really?)... and when they take him back to the castle, the two boys just go to any and all lengths to make sure that Will is comfortable and secure and happy in his new home. Again... really?
4) The book is sometimes called "low fantasy." Fantasy? What fantasy? Just a medieval adventure.
Target audience might be middle-grade boys who yearn for knighthood.
February 2, 2023
Great story. Bad grammar.
I enjoyed reading Ranger of Kings, which is probably considered a children's or young adult read. Good plotting and moves along at a good clip. However, every page has a grammatical error, or a sentence is missing words, often a verb, or the author has misused a word. Really began driving me a little crazy after the first few instances. It looks like a first draft that no one ever reread before publishing. And where are the women? The entire sex is missing from the story, as though the kingdom of Alamore is a male fraternity. Hopefully, the next book has been proofread. Please check bydefinitions for common words, such as legible. Every page seems to have such a misuse. Please consider explaining some of the characters' behaviors by the end of the book, such as why a prince would not be knighted or ever be referred to by his name, or why Marl hates his son, why the ranger never removes his hood, or why the king never cleans out the tunnels. Highly unrealistic to think that a 12 year old could stand up to a trained adult warrior. This book requires the suspension of disbelief to move the plot along too often. Somehow, it was still fun to read, but terribly amateurish. Hire a good editor.
I enjoyed reading Ranger of Kings, which is probably considered a children's or young adult read. Good plotting and moves along at a good clip. However, every page has a grammatical error, or a sentence is missing words, often a verb, or the author has misused a word. Really began driving me a little crazy after the first few instances. It looks like a first draft that no one ever reread before publishing. And where are the women? The entire sex is missing from the story, as though the kingdom of Alamore is a male fraternity. Hopefully, the next book has been proofread. Please check bydefinitions for common words, such as legible. Every page seems to have such a misuse. Please consider explaining some of the characters' behaviors by the end of the book, such as why a prince would not be knighted or ever be referred to by his name, or why Marl hates his son, why the ranger never removes his hood, or why the king never cleans out the tunnels. Highly unrealistic to think that a 12 year old could stand up to a trained adult warrior. This book requires the suspension of disbelief to move the plot along too often. Somehow, it was still fun to read, but terribly amateurish. Hire a good editor.
July 7, 2023
This book was so amazing! I was browsing books on Kindle when I came across it. I haven't found a good book in a while and I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up Ranger of Kings. I finished this book in two days and finished the whole series in a week! I can't wait for the 5th book to come out this coming spring.
What I liked:
The characters were amazing! I didn't see the plot twists coming at all. Some books are pretty predictable, but not this one. The story captured me until I finished the last sentence of the last book. Perfect for readers who like The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen and Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan.
Warnings:
This book was really clean overall. Sometimes they say not-so-nice words, but nothing drastic. Some Christian cuss words and some mild bad words. For the violence and ishy words, I wouldn't recommend anyone under the age of 14 to read this series. Depends on what you feel comfortable reading.
I was very impressed by this series and will continue reading until the end!
What I liked:
The characters were amazing! I didn't see the plot twists coming at all. Some books are pretty predictable, but not this one. The story captured me until I finished the last sentence of the last book. Perfect for readers who like The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen and Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan.
Warnings:
This book was really clean overall. Sometimes they say not-so-nice words, but nothing drastic. Some Christian cuss words and some mild bad words. For the violence and ishy words, I wouldn't recommend anyone under the age of 14 to read this series. Depends on what you feel comfortable reading.
I was very impressed by this series and will continue reading until the end!
May 8, 2022
A "fairytale" easy to get lost in
Not my usual type of stories, but absolutely love it. My first book by this author, have already bought the second. Hope the third in series will be available soon.
What I like about the story is everything. The audio could be better though. The narrator is pretty good, but the audio sounds like different parts of the story are recorded at different volume levels. However, not that annoying and easy to ignore. The story itself is a wonderful fairytale, told simply, but really well. Wonderfully imaginative and even informative. Made me at least think differently about castle life and what it could include. What I liked most about the story is the plot itself and also the dialogue between the 3 boys. But as said already, everything about this story is likable, even adorable. The only thing I don´t like about the story is the total absence of girls and women. Hence the 4 stars.
Not my usual type of stories, but absolutely love it. My first book by this author, have already bought the second. Hope the third in series will be available soon.
What I like about the story is everything. The audio could be better though. The narrator is pretty good, but the audio sounds like different parts of the story are recorded at different volume levels. However, not that annoying and easy to ignore. The story itself is a wonderful fairytale, told simply, but really well. Wonderfully imaginative and even informative. Made me at least think differently about castle life and what it could include. What I liked most about the story is the plot itself and also the dialogue between the 3 boys. But as said already, everything about this story is likable, even adorable. The only thing I don´t like about the story is the total absence of girls and women. Hence the 4 stars.
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