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Ranger's Apprentice #1-6
The Ruins of Gorlan / The Burning Bridge / The Icebound Land / The Battle for Skandia /The Sorcerer of the North / The Siege of Macindaw
This is a six books collection. Titles in this collection are:
The Siege of Macindaw,
The Sorcerer of the North,
The Ruins of Gorlan,
The Burning Bridge,
The Icebound Land,
The Battle for Skandia
John Flanagan began his working life in advertising before moving to freelance writing and script editing. He has written TV jingles and comedy-drama for television, and is one of Australia's more prolific TV writers. John wrote the first book in the Ranger's Apprentice series to encourage his twelve-year-old son to enjoy reading. Michael was a small boy, and all his friends were bigger and stronger that he was. John wanted to show him that reading was fun, and heroes weren't necessarily big and muscular. Now in his mid-twenties, Michael is six feet tall, broad-shouldered and powerful - but he still loves the Ranger's Apprentice. John lives in the beachside Sydney suburb of Manly
Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as the captives of the fearsome Skandian wolfship captain, Erak. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise - even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers, Halt is joined by Horace as he travels through Gallica towards Skandia. On their way they are constantly challenged by freelance knights - otherwise known as thieving thugs. Horace knows a thing or two about combat, though, and he soon begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. But will they be in time to rescue Will from a life of slavery?
The Siege of Macindaw,
The Sorcerer of the North,
The Ruins of Gorlan,
The Burning Bridge,
The Icebound Land,
The Battle for Skandia
John Flanagan began his working life in advertising before moving to freelance writing and script editing. He has written TV jingles and comedy-drama for television, and is one of Australia's more prolific TV writers. John wrote the first book in the Ranger's Apprentice series to encourage his twelve-year-old son to enjoy reading. Michael was a small boy, and all his friends were bigger and stronger that he was. John wanted to show him that reading was fun, and heroes weren't necessarily big and muscular. Now in his mid-twenties, Michael is six feet tall, broad-shouldered and powerful - but he still loves the Ranger's Apprentice. John lives in the beachside Sydney suburb of Manly
Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as the captives of the fearsome Skandian wolfship captain, Erak. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise - even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers, Halt is joined by Horace as he travels through Gallica towards Skandia. On their way they are constantly challenged by freelance knights - otherwise known as thieving thugs. Horace knows a thing or two about combat, though, and he soon begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. But will they be in time to rescue Will from a life of slavery?
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
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About the author
John Flanagan
114 books9,275 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 10, 2025
Is it woke?
Not at all.
Is it good?
'Ranger's Apprentice' is fantastic. Written for Flanagan's own small son, it explores a teen who is too small in stature to become a knight. Instead, he joins the ranger core - think medieval SAS. It explores bullying, honour, hard work, and morality.
Will is a great character, and he doesnt follow the overused and dangerous "mini adult" or "completely powerful with no work" cliches. The other characters are all unique and entertaining.
'Ranger's Apprentice' has an easy reading level yet manages to still be a thrilling story for adults. I highly recommend for children and adults alike.
Is it appropriate for your children?
There is no sexual content (aside from a few brief kisses) or swearing. There is one character that says, "Good Lord," and "Lord Almighty," once or twice in the novel.
There is violence, but it is not gory. It is centred on battle tactics and the combatant's skills more than the bloodshed.
In 'The Icebound Land', Will is captured as a slave and given 'warm weed' by his captors until he is addicted. This again, is reminiscent of Flanagan's own son, and the focus here is on Evanlyn pulling Will out of his addiction and his recovery rather than the actual drug. The details are pretty sparing of the actual drug, and it is all portrayed as something that no one should use.
This is a great battle story for kids without the mature content. It is enthralling and clean.
12+
Not at all.
Is it good?
'Ranger's Apprentice' is fantastic. Written for Flanagan's own small son, it explores a teen who is too small in stature to become a knight. Instead, he joins the ranger core - think medieval SAS. It explores bullying, honour, hard work, and morality.
Will is a great character, and he doesnt follow the overused and dangerous "mini adult" or "completely powerful with no work" cliches. The other characters are all unique and entertaining.
'Ranger's Apprentice' has an easy reading level yet manages to still be a thrilling story for adults. I highly recommend for children and adults alike.
Is it appropriate for your children?
There is no sexual content (aside from a few brief kisses) or swearing. There is one character that says, "Good Lord," and "Lord Almighty," once or twice in the novel.
There is violence, but it is not gory. It is centred on battle tactics and the combatant's skills more than the bloodshed.
In 'The Icebound Land', Will is captured as a slave and given 'warm weed' by his captors until he is addicted. This again, is reminiscent of Flanagan's own son, and the focus here is on Evanlyn pulling Will out of his addiction and his recovery rather than the actual drug. The details are pretty sparing of the actual drug, and it is all portrayed as something that no one should use.
This is a great battle story for kids without the mature content. It is enthralling and clean.
12+
July 15, 2023
Great summer reading.
September 19, 2020
I have in fact read the entire series to my son. I highly recommend it. John Flanagan has managed to create a delightful blend of hope, friendship, loyalty and adventure. His characterisation is spot on, not too complex but enough for you to either love or loathe the hero's and villains in equal measure.
The main characters are Will an orphan, Holt, the feared Ranger, Horace the Prince and Princess Cassandra and quite a few fearless Vikings, amongst many others. The books feature mystical creatures, magicians, wizards, Kings, Queens and battles. There is too much to mention here, the books have it all.
My son and I have often mused of the shenanigans, battles and subterfuge that occur and contemplated what will happen. I shamedly even read ahead once because I couldn't wait to find out what happens. Only for my wife to catch me and give me the knowing look.
So, if you have boys or girls of ages from say 7 and above, if they like adventure, then read this. In fact, persevere and read them all, I think there are 16 books. When I say persevere, clearly some are better than others but I enjoyed them all to different levels and they do run in sequence and John references previous events.
I'm sure my regular reading has helped my son with his comprehension which has reflected in his English studies. However, I would recommend these to adults as well. One day I hope to see a film or series of these books but perhaps they are better left as they are.
Enjoy.
The main characters are Will an orphan, Holt, the feared Ranger, Horace the Prince and Princess Cassandra and quite a few fearless Vikings, amongst many others. The books feature mystical creatures, magicians, wizards, Kings, Queens and battles. There is too much to mention here, the books have it all.
My son and I have often mused of the shenanigans, battles and subterfuge that occur and contemplated what will happen. I shamedly even read ahead once because I couldn't wait to find out what happens. Only for my wife to catch me and give me the knowing look.
So, if you have boys or girls of ages from say 7 and above, if they like adventure, then read this. In fact, persevere and read them all, I think there are 16 books. When I say persevere, clearly some are better than others but I enjoyed them all to different levels and they do run in sequence and John references previous events.
I'm sure my regular reading has helped my son with his comprehension which has reflected in his English studies. However, I would recommend these to adults as well. One day I hope to see a film or series of these books but perhaps they are better left as they are.
Enjoy.
January 8, 2021
I also need to re-read this series. Also one of my favs!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews