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Ranger's Apprentice #7
Erak's Ransom
The international bestselling series with over 5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone!
In the wake of Araluen's uneasy truce with the raiding Skandians comes word that the Skandian leader has been captured by a dangerous desert tribe. The Rangers - and Will - are sent to free him. But the desert is like nothing these warriors have seen before. Strangers in a strange land, they are brutalized by sandstorms, beaten by the unrelenting heat, tricked by one tribe that plays by its own rules, and surprisingly befriended by another. Like a desert mirage, nothing is as it seems. Yet one thing is constant: the bravery of the Rangers.
"Bringing together many favorite characters for a grand adventure, this book delivers both excitement and quiet good times." - Booklist
In the wake of Araluen's uneasy truce with the raiding Skandians comes word that the Skandian leader has been captured by a dangerous desert tribe. The Rangers - and Will - are sent to free him. But the desert is like nothing these warriors have seen before. Strangers in a strange land, they are brutalized by sandstorms, beaten by the unrelenting heat, tricked by one tribe that plays by its own rules, and surprisingly befriended by another. Like a desert mirage, nothing is as it seems. Yet one thing is constant: the bravery of the Rangers.
"Bringing together many favorite characters for a grand adventure, this book delivers both excitement and quiet good times." - Booklist
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.
400 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2007
1,736 people are currently reading
13.9k people want to read
About the author
John Flanagan
115books9,020followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. .
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,126 reviews
August 17, 2020
Erak's Ransom (Ranger's Apprentice, #7), John Flanagan
Erak's Ransom is the seventh novel in the continuing Ranger's Apprentice series by Australian author John Flanagan. The book was released in Australia on 1 November 2007. Erak's Ransom is set between book 4: Oakleaf Bearers and book 5: The Sorcerer of the North.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سی ام ماه دسامبر سال 2015میلادی
عنوان: آزادی ایراک - جنگاوران جوان کتاب هفتم؛ نویسنده: جان فلنگان؛ مترجم فائزه اثناعشری؛ تهران، افق، 1394، در 320ص؛ نقشه، شابک 9786003531178؛ موضوع: داستانهان کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی سده 21م
همه چیز شبیه جادوست.؛ اسکاندیاییهای مهاجم میگویند اهالی قبیله ای صحرانشین رهبر آنها «ایراک» را اسیر کرده اند؛ گروه کوچک رنجرها برای آزاد کردن او اعزام میشوند، ولی صحرا برای آنها غریبه است.؛ غریبه ها در آن جهنم سوزان با طوفان شن شکنجه میشوند، آفتاب بر تنشان شلاق میزند و فریب حقه های یکی از قبایل را میخورند...؛ در این راه، مهارت، کار بلدی، و وفاداری «ویل» هم آزموده خواهد شد؛ و شکست در این آزمون تنها یک معنی دارد: مرگ.؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 26/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Erak's Ransom is the seventh novel in the continuing Ranger's Apprentice series by Australian author John Flanagan. The book was released in Australia on 1 November 2007. Erak's Ransom is set between book 4: Oakleaf Bearers and book 5: The Sorcerer of the North.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سی ام ماه دسامبر سال 2015میلادی
عنوان: آزادی ایراک - جنگاوران جوان کتاب هفتم؛ نویسنده: جان فلنگان؛ مترجم فائزه اثناعشری؛ تهران، افق، 1394، در 320ص؛ نقشه، شابک 9786003531178؛ موضوع: داستانهان کودکان از نویسندگان انگلیسی سده 21م
همه چیز شبیه جادوست.؛ اسکاندیاییهای مهاجم میگویند اهالی قبیله ای صحرانشین رهبر آنها «ایراک» را اسیر کرده اند؛ گروه کوچک رنجرها برای آزاد کردن او اعزام میشوند، ولی صحرا برای آنها غریبه است.؛ غریبه ها در آن جهنم سوزان با طوفان شن شکنجه میشوند، آفتاب بر تنشان شلاق میزند و فریب حقه های یکی از قبایل را میخورند...؛ در این راه، مهارت، کار بلدی، و وفاداری «ویل» هم آزموده خواهد شد؛ و شکست در این آزمون تنها یک معنی دارد: مرگ.؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 26/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
January 31, 2016
It would have worked great as a fifth book. As a seventh, however, loses major points.
First, you have to get over the fact that you won't get to know what happens after the end of book six for a while longer.
Then, once you start warming up to this story, you realize that there's no sense of urgency to it. It's not because any fault with the writing, but because you already know how things are going to turn up for the characters.
For example, at Tug's disappearance, nobody could have any doubts that the little horse would be all right since we already know he's with Will in books 5 and 6. Now, Tug is a secondary character, and his death could add a lot of drama and character development to the story, so imagine reading this as a fifth book� The uncertainty, the possibilities, the "would Flanagan really kill Tug?" kind of questions would have made for an amazing tension. As it is, knowing how things turn up, it felt a little flat.
So, on its own, not a bad a read, certainly not the worst of the series by any means. But as a part of the whole, its misplacement in the timeline works against making it truly enjoyable.
First, you have to get over the fact that you won't get to know what happens after the end of book six for a while longer.
Then, once you start warming up to this story, you realize that there's no sense of urgency to it. It's not because any fault with the writing, but because you already know how things are going to turn up for the characters.
For example, at Tug's disappearance, nobody could have any doubts that the little horse would be all right since we already know he's with Will in books 5 and 6. Now, Tug is a secondary character, and his death could add a lot of drama and character development to the story, so imagine reading this as a fifth book� The uncertainty, the possibilities, the "would Flanagan really kill Tug?" kind of questions would have made for an amazing tension. As it is, knowing how things turn up, it felt a little flat.
So, on its own, not a bad a read, certainly not the worst of the series by any means. But as a part of the whole, its misplacement in the timeline works against making it truly enjoyable.
March 26, 2019
Excuse me as I wipe the tears from my eyes . . . .
This has become my number one favorite ( so far ) of the Ranger's Apprentice series and I doubt it will ever be overtaken. It showed immeasurable strength and advancement in its form and I appreciated all aspects of John Flanagan's workmanship. He's is certainly no beginner in the craft of tale weaving. It's marvellous, and it's homey.
I am struggling emotionally with the book because my ships aren't working out, but I refuse to demote it to 4 stars simply because of my disappointment. This adventure had me running and squealing around the room at the end of every ending chapters!! =) Its worthy of 5 stars.
Oh and the characters?? Please. I will get to worked up talking about them. All you need to know is each character is crafted unique to him/her self and they come across crystal clear in their own ways. It's wonderful seeing them function together ( and fight!! ) and tease one another. I have a great deal of respect for John Flanagan, his characters do not make me cringe, scream in agony, or tap my fingers thinking how stupid or annoying that particular trait is. They all deserve perfect respect in the group and I admire ( love 💞 ) them all the same.
What's the content, you ask?? It's a war!! In the desert!! With little water!! And merciless killers!! Get the picture?? Good. Now you can be happy.
I don't have anything else to say. I'm grinning my face off. It's a good book.
This has become my number one favorite ( so far ) of the Ranger's Apprentice series and I doubt it will ever be overtaken. It showed immeasurable strength and advancement in its form and I appreciated all aspects of John Flanagan's workmanship. He's is certainly no beginner in the craft of tale weaving. It's marvellous, and it's homey.
I am struggling emotionally with the book because my ships aren't working out, but I refuse to demote it to 4 stars simply because of my disappointment. This adventure had me running and squealing around the room at the end of every ending chapters!! =) Its worthy of 5 stars.
Oh and the characters?? Please. I will get to worked up talking about them. All you need to know is each character is crafted unique to him/her self and they come across crystal clear in their own ways. It's wonderful seeing them function together ( and fight!! ) and tease one another. I have a great deal of respect for John Flanagan, his characters do not make me cringe, scream in agony, or tap my fingers thinking how stupid or annoying that particular trait is. They all deserve perfect respect in the group and I admire ( love 💞 ) them all the same.
What's the content, you ask?? It's a war!! In the desert!! With little water!! And merciless killers!! Get the picture?? Good. Now you can be happy.
I don't have anything else to say. I'm grinning my face off. It's a good book.
November 8, 2022
tbh kocham każdy tom, ale ten... 🤌 slay.
po raz kolejny polecam każdemu zwiadowców.
po raz kolejny polecam każdemu zwiadowców.
June 6, 2023
Przygoda w porządku, ale KOCHAM wplecenie wszystkich bohaterów w tę historię! 🫶
February 24, 2012
This was the first book in the series that I was disappointed in. If it had been placed in it's proper sequence according to the timeline of the other books, it would be read before book 5. Flanagan goes back in time to tell a story before Will becomes a full fledged Ranger. If it had been placed before book 5, I wouldn't have been disappointed. However, I felt that there were certain elements that would have been referred to in book 5 and 6 that couldn't because this book hadn't been written yet. I ended up feeling that books 5 and 6 couldn't be true to the same style of writing Flanagan usually uses to connect his stories because it wasn't possible. For example, this book starts off with slight jealousy from a female protaganist. However, this was not an interesting plot point because at the end of book 6, you know which female protaganist Will falls in love with. Flanagan says that he wanted to tell of the separation anxieties between teacher and student as Will approaches graduation. I agree that I wanted that to be part of the series. I was disappointed when book 4 jumped several years and skipped the rest of his apprentice days. However, because Will already proved his capabalities in book 5 and 6 there is less buy in when Will is wondering if he can survive in his own right as a full Ranger. You already know how he handles his first assignment before it has been given to him. I will still intend to finish the last of the series because I like the characters, but my enthusiasm has waned.
May 19, 2019
The best, so far, in this enjoyable series.
July 29, 2022
This story is set before the time skip, which I actually appreciate. A solid stand alone plot in an enjoyable setting with great characters, what’s not to love?
September 11, 2018
This is my favorite of the whole Ranger's Apprentice series. I'm not totally why. Maybe because I love the horse race part. Just awesome. :)
July 14, 2023
Ciekawa, angażująca czytelnika książka, jak wszystkie z tej serii.
June 18, 2024
بازخوانی جلد هفتم
_فقط یک هالت وجود داره�
{یک شورش، یک رنجر
یک دختر، دو و 3/4 رنجر😎}
جذاب و پرماجرا
الان که دوباره خوندمش متوجه شدم چرا برای اکثریت این جلد محبوب‌ترین�.
جلد یک و این جلد از بهترین شروع‌ه� رو دارن:))
هالت این جلد پر از سوپرایز بود. چه میکنه این عشق🤣❤️
عشقی که به کارآموزانشون دارن شاید حتی بیشتر از چیزی که به بچه های نداشته شون دارن:))
_فقط یک هالت وجود داره�
{یک شورش، یک رنجر
یک دختر، دو و 3/4 رنجر😎}
جذاب و پرماجرا
الان که دوباره خوندمش متوجه شدم چرا برای اکثریت این جلد محبوب‌ترین�.
جلد یک و این جلد از بهترین شروع‌ه� رو دارن:))
هالت این جلد پر از سوپرایز بود. چه میکنه این عشق🤣❤️
عشقی که به کارآموزانشون دارن شاید حتی بیشتر از چیزی که به بچه های نداشته شون دارن:))
February 22, 2016
One of the best in the series, set in Arabian lands called Arridin and reminiscent at times of the movie . It's quite heartwarming, yet also heartbreaking. Lots of action, some battle scenes with clever tactics, etc.
This book features some poignant horse scenes (Tug, Arrow, etc.). Main characters are Will, Halt, Gilan, Horace, Princess Cassandra, Erak and Svengal the Skandians, Setheren the Arridin leader (the Wakir), and Umar ib’n Talud, Aseikh of the Khoresh Bedullin tribe..
I loved this one, even though Flanagan repeats things we already know, having read the six prequels (e.g., that Cassandra is aka Evanlyn, that a ranger's horse cannot be stolen, etc.).
Ps. This book actually fits into the series chronologically after book 4, before Will becomes a fully fledged master ranger.
This book features some poignant horse scenes (Tug, Arrow, etc.). Main characters are Will, Halt, Gilan, Horace, Princess Cassandra, Erak and Svengal the Skandians, Setheren the Arridin leader (the Wakir), and Umar ib’n Talud, Aseikh of the Khoresh Bedullin tribe..
I loved this one, even though Flanagan repeats things we already know, having read the six prequels (e.g., that Cassandra is aka Evanlyn, that a ranger's horse cannot be stolen, etc.).
Ps. This book actually fits into the series chronologically after book 4, before Will becomes a fully fledged master ranger.
December 1, 2023
4,5 🌟
Absolutnie wspaniały. Od samego początku do końca angażujący, pełen emocji i zwrotów akcji tom. Wyprawa po Eraka była mega interesująca, tak samo jak zmontowana załoga. Świetnie się czytało ich przygody. Halt jak zawsze udowadnia, że jest doskonałym przykładem mentora, a jego relacja z Willem to na zawsze będzie moje Imperium Rzymskie. Uwielbiam tę dwójkę. To jak Will walczył o swoje w tym tom jest niesamowite. Po prostu pełna klasa i tym samym potwierdza, że jest już pełnoprawnym zwiadowcom. Przyjaźnie jakie rosną na łamach serii są przepięknym zjawiskiem. Każda z tych relacji jest różna, ale wszystkie są na własny sposób wyjątkowe.
Ta lojalność, przywiązanie i oddanie >>>>
Ten tom odkrył również wiele wzruszających momentów, choćby myśli i słowa Halta o Willu, to jak Halt wierzył w swojego ucznia było poruszająca. Niezachwiany i pewny, że Will udowodni, że ta wiara nie jest nieuzasadniona. Tego się nie da opisać, to trzeba przeżyć. Tak jak każdą przygodę ze zwiadowcami.
A to jak Will pozyskuje sprzymierzeńców i nowych przyjaciół jest po prostu rozwalające na łopatki.
Epilog był przepiękny i bardzo mnie ucieszył 🥺�
Przez całą książkę byłam taka dumna z Willa i tego jak ewoluował od pierwszego tomu, jak oni wszyscy się rozwijają.
Coś totalnie cudownego 😩
Absolutnie wspaniały. Od samego początku do końca angażujący, pełen emocji i zwrotów akcji tom. Wyprawa po Eraka była mega interesująca, tak samo jak zmontowana załoga. Świetnie się czytało ich przygody. Halt jak zawsze udowadnia, że jest doskonałym przykładem mentora, a jego relacja z Willem to na zawsze będzie moje Imperium Rzymskie. Uwielbiam tę dwójkę. To jak Will walczył o swoje w tym tom jest niesamowite. Po prostu pełna klasa i tym samym potwierdza, że jest już pełnoprawnym zwiadowcom. Przyjaźnie jakie rosną na łamach serii są przepięknym zjawiskiem. Każda z tych relacji jest różna, ale wszystkie są na własny sposób wyjątkowe.
Ta lojalność, przywiązanie i oddanie >>>>
Ten tom odkrył również wiele wzruszających momentów, choćby myśli i słowa Halta o Willu, to jak Halt wierzył w swojego ucznia było poruszająca. Niezachwiany i pewny, że Will udowodni, że ta wiara nie jest nieuzasadniona. Tego się nie da opisać, to trzeba przeżyć. Tak jak każdą przygodę ze zwiadowcami.
A to jak Will pozyskuje sprzymierzeńców i nowych przyjaciół jest po prostu rozwalające na łopatki.
Epilog był przepiękny i bardzo mnie ucieszył 🥺�
Przez całą książkę byłam taka dumna z Willa i tego jak ewoluował od pierwszego tomu, jak oni wszyscy się rozwijają.
Coś totalnie cudownego 😩
February 5, 2014
Well well well, that went too well. It was fantastic in fact! One of my favorites in the whole Ranger's Apprentice series <3
Erak's Ransom is:
*Cute! (Halt's wedding, sweet remarks between Halt and Lady Pauline, Horace and Gilan, Will's graduation)
*Adventurous! (I just love how the adventures take place in different landscapes and countries: Celtica, Lands of Rain and Night, Skandia, Gallia, Arrida -I'm not sure the spelling is correct. The characters have experienced the freezing climate of Skandia, the savory Gallian coffee, the Arridi sandstorms and desserts. This all brings new experiences for both the characters and the readers who feel engaged in the series ^_^ )
*Excellent Narrative! (The best parts were when Halt was about to be executed and Will sent a hissing arrow at the executioner's chest, gluing him to the ground, and when Will received his Silver Oakleaf: how he was so dejected and disappointed at the extremely simple, almost dull course of his graduation ceremony, yet then all his friends and some other rangers yell a loud CONGRATULATIONS!
*Diversity of Characters: One of the basic reasons why I regretted Icebound Land was that it is a monotonous narrative of Will and Evanlyn's life in Skandia. Almost all characters appeared in Erak's Ransom along with new ones: King Duncan, Cassandra, Lord Anthony, Halt, Lady Pauline, Alyss, Jenny, George, Horace, Will, Gilan, Crowely, Sir Rodney, Umar, Selethen, Erak, Savengal, and many more. I realized that Gilan and Horace's presence was crucial in any book, for their extreme sweetness, light humor, and cheerful innocence were indispensable :D )
Erak's Ransom is a masterpiece, John Flanagan! I truly thank you!
Erak's Ransom is:
*Cute! (Halt's wedding, sweet remarks between Halt and Lady Pauline, Horace and Gilan, Will's graduation)
*Adventurous! (I just love how the adventures take place in different landscapes and countries: Celtica, Lands of Rain and Night, Skandia, Gallia, Arrida -I'm not sure the spelling is correct. The characters have experienced the freezing climate of Skandia, the savory Gallian coffee, the Arridi sandstorms and desserts. This all brings new experiences for both the characters and the readers who feel engaged in the series ^_^ )
*Excellent Narrative! (The best parts were when Halt was about to be executed and Will sent a hissing arrow at the executioner's chest, gluing him to the ground, and when Will received his Silver Oakleaf: how he was so dejected and disappointed at the extremely simple, almost dull course of his graduation ceremony, yet then all his friends and some other rangers yell a loud CONGRATULATIONS!
*Diversity of Characters: One of the basic reasons why I regretted Icebound Land was that it is a monotonous narrative of Will and Evanlyn's life in Skandia. Almost all characters appeared in Erak's Ransom along with new ones: King Duncan, Cassandra, Lord Anthony, Halt, Lady Pauline, Alyss, Jenny, George, Horace, Will, Gilan, Crowely, Sir Rodney, Umar, Selethen, Erak, Savengal, and many more. I realized that Gilan and Horace's presence was crucial in any book, for their extreme sweetness, light humor, and cheerful innocence were indispensable :D )
Erak's Ransom is a masterpiece, John Flanagan! I truly thank you!
June 9, 2017
This book can better be read before book 5, because now I already knew how the book ended. Nevertheless this book was a lot of fun and I loved that they went on a journey with all my favorite characters in a new place!
October 29, 2012
Okay, first, this book is non-chronological with the rest of the series so-far. it doesn't offer any spoilers or anything really of value where it is in sequence (out-of-chronology), so I'd suggest reading the books in this order (so far)
1-2-3-4-7-5-6
I'll edit my book 5 review to reflect that as well..
..anyway, I really liked this book as well. As I've said on all the other ones in this series, it's candy fiction. It's not deep, but it sure is fun.
This one takes place in a north-africa-type setting. All the civilizations in this series are based on real historical ones. I've mentioned elsewhere that the merits of such a setting are debatable, but whatever.
Anyways, it was a page turner. I found myself making excuses to return to the book throughout the day just to get another dose.
1-2-3-4-7-5-6
I'll edit my book 5 review to reflect that as well..
..anyway, I really liked this book as well. As I've said on all the other ones in this series, it's candy fiction. It's not deep, but it sure is fun.
This one takes place in a north-africa-type setting. All the civilizations in this series are based on real historical ones. I've mentioned elsewhere that the merits of such a setting are debatable, but whatever.
Anyways, it was a page turner. I found myself making excuses to return to the book throughout the day just to get another dose.
December 18, 2015
This just needs to be read in between books 4 and 5. I'm rating this book as if I had read it in its proper place. It is exactly what I wanted. It had such a happy-sad feeling that would be a perfect transition to the books where Will is on his own. Loved it, and I am loving this series!
October 23, 2020
فکر می‌کرد� از خوندمش زیاد لذت نخواهم برد با توجه به این‌ک� اتفاقاتش مال قبل از ماجراهای جلد شش بود؛ ولی خیلی هیجان‌انگی� بود و گرچه می‌دونست� هیچ‌ک� حتی تاگ نمرده، ولی نمی‌تونست� زمین بذارمش و باید تند تند می‌خوند� تا ببینم چی شد که همگی جون سالم به در بردند.
December 26, 2023
Czemu ja lecę na Skandian? XDDDD Erak, Svengal>> NA ZWIADOWCÓW TEZ XDDDDD
Eveline do wywalenia, jedynie co to nadaje się do jakiś kurde targów
Eveline do wywalenia, jedynie co to nadaje się do jakiś kurde targów
January 30, 2025
4.6 [17.01.2025 reread]
Chef's kiss, that's what it was.
I can't comprehend the way I love this book, Will, John Flanagan and everything about them. It was such a beautiful journey and dare I say a heartwarming and heartBREAKING one.
I hope Halt lives a beautiful life with Pauline.
About the writing itself..
There were some funny mistakes like repeating everything each page:
"He took a piece of bread because he was hungry. [...] The hunger made him take that bread and eat it."
You get what I'm saying, right? It wasn't disturbing a lot though so I don't mind.
previous review: /review/show...
following review: /review/show...
Chef's kiss, that's what it was.
I can't comprehend the way I love this book, Will, John Flanagan and everything about them. It was such a beautiful journey and dare I say a heartwarming and heartBREAKING one.
I hope Halt lives a beautiful life with Pauline.
About the writing itself..
There were some funny mistakes like repeating everything each page:
"He took a piece of bread because he was hungry. [...] The hunger made him take that bread and eat it."
You get what I'm saying, right? It wasn't disturbing a lot though so I don't mind.
previous review: /review/show...
following review: /review/show...
August 2, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded up
Review to come
Review to come
July 13, 2016
3.5 stars
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It has been a year since I read the sixth book in the Ranger's Apprentice series and since I was looking for an Australian author to read for the Southern Hemisphere reading challenge, it seemed the perfect moment to pick this series up.
For this book I've made the change from reading it in Dutch, to English. This caused little problems (it took me quite some time to realize that Horace is Arnaut from the Dutch books), but after some initial confusion it was a good read.
Because of the time between the books, I wasn't bothered too much with the weird chronology in this part of the series (book 7 takes place before books 5 and 6). Apparently, John Flanagan decided he had left out some of Will's story and just added it later.
So, Erak's Ransom takes place just before Will becomes a real Ranger, and he will need everything he has learned when they venture into the desert to save an old friend, Erak, who's been captured.
I quite liked the story of this one. I felt that, compared for example with book six, more things happened and there was more suspense (though it was limited a little bit with the fact that this book takes place earlier). Will however annoyed me a little as he is turning more and more in the special snowflake one who is the only one who can solve things and is also the one who is always right. I like my main characters slightly more flawed.
Looking forward to the next book!
Read all my reviews on
It has been a year since I read the sixth book in the Ranger's Apprentice series and since I was looking for an Australian author to read for the Southern Hemisphere reading challenge, it seemed the perfect moment to pick this series up.
For this book I've made the change from reading it in Dutch, to English. This caused little problems (it took me quite some time to realize that Horace is Arnaut from the Dutch books), but after some initial confusion it was a good read.
Because of the time between the books, I wasn't bothered too much with the weird chronology in this part of the series (book 7 takes place before books 5 and 6). Apparently, John Flanagan decided he had left out some of Will's story and just added it later.
So, Erak's Ransom takes place just before Will becomes a real Ranger, and he will need everything he has learned when they venture into the desert to save an old friend, Erak, who's been captured.
I quite liked the story of this one. I felt that, compared for example with book six, more things happened and there was more suspense (though it was limited a little bit with the fact that this book takes place earlier). Will however annoyed me a little as he is turning more and more in the special snowflake one who is the only one who can solve things and is also the one who is always right. I like my main characters slightly more flawed.
Looking forward to the next book!
January 12, 2023
"Teraz wiem, że jeśli ktoś czeka, aż będzie gotów - to będzie czekał przez całe życie."❤️
July 7, 2024
3.5 stars
I was so excited when I discovered we'd get to see a reunion adventure with Will, Horace, Halt, Gilan, Evanlyn (!!!), and our Skandian friends. Because of this, I definitely enjoyed this book more than the last couple in the series. But I was very disappointed by the lack of Evanlyn and Will interaction. It felt like John Flanagan intentionally kept them away from each other as much as possible :( But I was just glad to finally see more of Evanlyn. I am still holding out hope for an actual Will and Evanlyn reunion however.
Quotes:
"'If a person ever wanted to capture you three,' she said, "he'd just have to bait the trap with a pot of coffee.'
Will nodded. 'And we'd go gladly,' he agreed."
"Horace's face was flushed now, partly with indignation but also because he realized that he was the center of attention. He never enjoyed that. But he felt his point was a valid one and deserved to be made."
"If he were to get Tug back, he would have to risk losing him."
"Side by side, Alyss and Evanlyn were walking slowly across the clearing toward him, carrying a small red satin cushion between them.
Alyss, tall, poised, ash blond and beautiful in her elegant Courier's robe.
Evanlyn, tomboyish, grinning, honey blond and beautiful in her own way."
"Horace looked at him very seriously, appraising him, thinking of all he had learned about this remarkable young man in the past five years.
'You may not ever be exactly like him,' he said. 'But you will be Will Treaty--and that's more than enough for the rest of us.'
Then the two friends leaned back and watched the sun rise clear of the trees.
'Best time of the day," said Will.
'Yes,' Horace agreed. 'What's for breakfast?'"
Moodboard:
Playlist:
I was so excited when I discovered we'd get to see a reunion adventure with Will, Horace, Halt, Gilan, Evanlyn (!!!), and our Skandian friends. Because of this, I definitely enjoyed this book more than the last couple in the series. But I was very disappointed by the lack of Evanlyn and Will interaction. It felt like John Flanagan intentionally kept them away from each other as much as possible :( But I was just glad to finally see more of Evanlyn. I am still holding out hope for an actual Will and Evanlyn reunion however.
Quotes:
"'If a person ever wanted to capture you three,' she said, "he'd just have to bait the trap with a pot of coffee.'
Will nodded. 'And we'd go gladly,' he agreed."
"Horace's face was flushed now, partly with indignation but also because he realized that he was the center of attention. He never enjoyed that. But he felt his point was a valid one and deserved to be made."
"If he were to get Tug back, he would have to risk losing him."
"Side by side, Alyss and Evanlyn were walking slowly across the clearing toward him, carrying a small red satin cushion between them.
Alyss, tall, poised, ash blond and beautiful in her elegant Courier's robe.
Evanlyn, tomboyish, grinning, honey blond and beautiful in her own way."
"Horace looked at him very seriously, appraising him, thinking of all he had learned about this remarkable young man in the past five years.
'You may not ever be exactly like him,' he said. 'But you will be Will Treaty--and that's more than enough for the rest of us.'
Then the two friends leaned back and watched the sun rise clear of the trees.
'Best time of the day," said Will.
'Yes,' Horace agreed. 'What's for breakfast?'"
Moodboard:
Playlist:
June 2, 2024
Niezmiennie, od prawie już siedmiu lat, 5 gwiazdek ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️
January 28, 2013
Well...well... looks like Will &co. were loooong way from home in this 7th book... Get trapped on sand storm, lost direction and half dead on vast dessert, wagering Tug on Bedullin tribe's race and Halt nearly beheaded? What went wrong here? Wait a minute, where were they actually?
(By the way, story wise it was between 4th and 5th book, so I read this before the 5th, but it was the 7th book of the installment)
***
What I like of this series was -beside the truely entertaining tales- how it really emphasized of the 'growing up' process all the way of the story. Will was maturing in front our eyes. In the first book, we saw that little dubious boy, uncertain of his own feet and eyes. Then he change into a worthy ranger apprentice. In second book we saw him so groggy in front of his first real combat. Latter we saw his unwavering will to burn a bridge, not even blinking his eye in the face of ample enemies. So was in the forth book, where he change again from a mere apprentice into a prominent leader of one extraordinary courageous troop. Now as he's about to enter his adultness, he was questioning his own ability to coupe with life. Something that I thought, one time of another, we question ourselves too. And in the end, life did came whether he's ready or not. But with his band of friends and mentors cheering and pretty ladies in both arms, being adult was not so bad after all. *or so you said, wait until these ladies had a cat fight, and then you wished you just a simple boy running away after stealing food from mr. chubbs* :D
#28/2013
(By the way, story wise it was between 4th and 5th book, so I read this before the 5th, but it was the 7th book of the installment)
***
What I like of this series was -beside the truely entertaining tales- how it really emphasized of the 'growing up' process all the way of the story. Will was maturing in front our eyes. In the first book, we saw that little dubious boy, uncertain of his own feet and eyes. Then he change into a worthy ranger apprentice. In second book we saw him so groggy in front of his first real combat. Latter we saw his unwavering will to burn a bridge, not even blinking his eye in the face of ample enemies. So was in the forth book, where he change again from a mere apprentice into a prominent leader of one extraordinary courageous troop. Now as he's about to enter his adultness, he was questioning his own ability to coupe with life. Something that I thought, one time of another, we question ourselves too. And in the end, life did came whether he's ready or not. But with his band of friends and mentors cheering and pretty ladies in both arms, being adult was not so bad after all. *or so you said, wait until these ladies had a cat fight, and then you wished you just a simple boy running away after stealing food from mr. chubbs* :D
#28/2013
May 4, 2013
Another strong addition to the Ranger's Apprentice series!
Look, I literally cannot dislike these books, you guys. These books are like junk food. Sometimes I just feel like reading heroic tales about knights and princesses and kingdoms and all that, okay? And this book series always delivers.
But anyway, this particular book was interesting for many reasons. For one, it takes place chronologically before Book six, which I found a little jarring, especially since I had literally just finished book six when I started this one. Still, it isn't confusing. I did feel like a bit of character development had been lost, which of course is to be expected, but still, compared to book six, the characters seemed flatter.
Other than that, though, the other interesting part of this book was the exotic setting! Yes, that's right, no longer are our heroes fighting evil in Araluen! Nope, they've found themselves in an Arabian-esque location, facing heat, blazing sun, lack of water, and camels!
I loved the world-building that happened in this book. The world of Ranger's Apprentice is so rich and full of culture, and this just added on to it.
Flanagan did a great job at putting me on the edge of my seat and making me feel the emotions in the book. Especially when Will lost Tug. I was for serious about to burst into tears until I realized that Tug shows up in book six, which happens after book seven, and then my faith in Will was restored.
Another thing I quite liked in this book was the return of Evanlyn! She's back! And just as much of a BAMF as before. This time, however, she shows off her princess-ly duties and is basically an amazing negotiator. However, the return of Evanlyn also brought up some rivalry between her and Alyss which... I felt was a little out of the blue? I guess we hadn't really seen any actual interactions between Alyss and Evanlyn before, so there was no way to really know if they'd have a rivalry, but I don't know... it just seemed forced? Both girls seemed out of character in the few scenes that it focused on their rivalry over Will. It just bothered me.
Halt's back too! I missed him more than I knew last book! I loved the expansion on his relationship with Will. Gilan too, whom I forgot that I loved so much.
So, tl;dr, I liked this book. It was a change of pace from it's predecessors, if not a little jarring. Although I liked the return of many of the characters, Alyss and Evanlyn's rivalry seemed forced and kind of out of character for both of them.
Look, I literally cannot dislike these books, you guys. These books are like junk food. Sometimes I just feel like reading heroic tales about knights and princesses and kingdoms and all that, okay? And this book series always delivers.
But anyway, this particular book was interesting for many reasons. For one, it takes place chronologically before Book six, which I found a little jarring, especially since I had literally just finished book six when I started this one. Still, it isn't confusing. I did feel like a bit of character development had been lost, which of course is to be expected, but still, compared to book six, the characters seemed flatter.
Other than that, though, the other interesting part of this book was the exotic setting! Yes, that's right, no longer are our heroes fighting evil in Araluen! Nope, they've found themselves in an Arabian-esque location, facing heat, blazing sun, lack of water, and camels!
I loved the world-building that happened in this book. The world of Ranger's Apprentice is so rich and full of culture, and this just added on to it.
Flanagan did a great job at putting me on the edge of my seat and making me feel the emotions in the book. Especially when Will lost Tug. I was for serious about to burst into tears until I realized that Tug shows up in book six, which happens after book seven, and then my faith in Will was restored.
Another thing I quite liked in this book was the return of Evanlyn! She's back! And just as much of a BAMF as before. This time, however, she shows off her princess-ly duties and is basically an amazing negotiator. However, the return of Evanlyn also brought up some rivalry between her and Alyss which... I felt was a little out of the blue? I guess we hadn't really seen any actual interactions between Alyss and Evanlyn before, so there was no way to really know if they'd have a rivalry, but I don't know... it just seemed forced? Both girls seemed out of character in the few scenes that it focused on their rivalry over Will. It just bothered me.
Halt's back too! I missed him more than I knew last book! I loved the expansion on his relationship with Will. Gilan too, whom I forgot that I loved so much.
So, tl;dr, I liked this book. It was a change of pace from it's predecessors, if not a little jarring. Although I liked the return of many of the characters, Alyss and Evanlyn's rivalry seemed forced and kind of out of character for both of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2010
It's not To Kill a Mockingbird or Lord of the Rings. But for what this book is supposed to be, a YA fantasy novel, it's brilliantly put together. Good sound plot, memorable characters, satisfying action scenes, near-death in the desert, traitors, bargaining, horse-racing, archery, and a princess with a sharp turn for bargaining--as well as a mean slingshot. The quality of this novel is even more remarkable considering this is the seventh book in the series, although the author has wisely tackled story lines in single books or pairs, not tried to carry a single plot throughout. In fact, this book is set at an earlier time than the previous two, which is problematic only because you know the main characters must have survived. If you're not into swordfighting fantasy books for younger readers you might not enjoy it, but if you're interested in well-written, engaging fantasy that several of my young friends are reading, this is a great series.
December 8, 2020
Started out skirting three stars due to some impractical scenes and very basic dialogue. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. The characters felt out of ‘character.� Then, somewhere around the middle, I got hooked. Everything that bothered me about the first half had vanished, and the novel really picked up the tension. The dialogue and descriptive text improved as well. It redeemed itself as a Flanagan book. I only wish I’d read this in the chronology of Will’s tale since it takes place after book four, I believe. Regardless, I enjoyed it, and it’s a given I’ll continue reading this excellent series that can be enjoyed by both young folks and curmudgeonly adults like me. Three and three-quarter stars, rounded up to four.
November 22, 2017
Well at first I planned to take away a star because this book is a prequel to The Sorcerer of the North, which is just like what?! Seriously?? I got over it pretty quickly, but still. I wish I could have read them in the right order instead of jumping back in the story like that. I decided to add the star back because, miracle of miracles! I finished the book and realized there was only like one cuss word in the whole thing!! It's a record for Ranger's Apprentice. I hope the rest of the books are the same.
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