Ranger’s Apprentice; The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan is the first novel in the Ranger's Apprentice series written by Australian author John Flanagan. It was first released in Australia on 1st November 2004. Flanagan first regarded the world of the novel in a form of short stories he wrote for his son to motivate his interest in reading in order to inspire him and convince, that the hero isn’t always necessarily big, tall, strong and handsome-looking. Ten years later, he decided to turn them into The Ruins of Gorlan, the first part of the Ranger’s Apprentice series.

I personally, seeked an inspiration and a bit more understanding about significant things in life. The book is perhaps more of a story for younger generations to persuade about today’s heroes. Although I am possibly not that small of a child, I believe that a simple book might become far more powerful than more complex writings, where the author tries to astonish us and confuse. The Ruins of Gorlan is not something of a ‘Headmaid’s Tale’, where Margaret Atwood pretends to show the extreme difficulty in comprehending the society in her novel. She regularly interrupts the narrative flow of the text to consider the meaning of certain words and phrases. ‘Ranger’s Apprentice’ is different in my eyes. Sometimes, though You have to create an image in your head to be able to visualize what the author means.

It all begins when Halt, a skilled Ranger agrees to train Will, a boy whose father was killed in war. Will learns how to fight enemies effectively, either by shooting them down with his powerful bow, or by engaging with them in close combat. Morgarath, a Baron who was exiled long ago, wants his revenge upon the kingdom of Araulen. He unleashes two very strong beasts; the Kalkara, which Will, Halt and Gilan (Halt's first apprentice) are assigned to defeat. On the Choosing Day all the wards gather in The Castle Redmont's halls and are each interviewed by the craftmasters. Each of the divisions gets the apprenticeship they wanted until Will's turn comes. Will asks to become a battleschool member. In the end, he was not accepted into Battleschool or his second choice, Horseschool; leaving him very disappointed, he is then rejected by each of the other craftmasters.

However, Halt, the Ranger, came in and raised Will’s hopes slightly by simply handing Baron Arald a paper, which caused the Baron to tell Will to wait until morning for the Baron’s decision. But the unpatient Will couldn’t wait and decided to sneak into the Baron’s office by using his agility and speed to sneak past the Baron’s guards, and then climb up the Baron’s study. This maneuver was unsuccessful, as Halt expected this and was waiting for him. However, Will’s fears as he was caught were groundless, as he was not punished, but appointed to be Halt’s apprentice to train as a Ranger. Gradually, Will becomes acknowledged by many, and as a result of his heroic actions and masterful mind he meets new friends.

I started reading the book simply to pass time while in the tube. It was that much exciting, that I wouldn’t be able to get off my seat and walk out of the train. It was unbelievable. By the cover, though, I was convinced, that it is something not worth a try. Everything is. That said, after I begun reading it I lost all apprehension and throughly enjoyed this great read.  It is a book like millions of others in this world. I am no more influenced to talk about it as being the supreme. Thus, I express how powerful a modest book can be.

A light read is a great way to lose yourself for a spare time in a world of swords, shields, bows and heroic actions. I am unquestionably reading the following parts, which are thrillingly unpredictable, and within each go, are more fascinating and miraculous. The reason also for me writing about this precise book is the influence of English language. It is like a throw of totally new things you would aspire. I unconditionally love English language and its books’ authors. Reading is also the way I became more familiar with such ‘art’. When I came to England, I was disappointed by my vocabulary thus I started from a terrifically difficult book, which would lead me nowhere but confussion, thus I challenged it and read to the very end. Ironically, just at the end of the story I had realized all the mistakings that took me over.

Anyone, who would desire a light and easy read, I would definitely advise this book to. In the modern world, too often are we made to feel inadequate and as such we end up thinking that we're too small, too weak and unwanted to be able to affect change. John Flanagan, therefore, demonstrates wonderfully that you don't have to be the biggest guy to help make a difference. This is a wonderful story that takes the reader on a fantasy journey as an apprentice Ranger discovers friendships can last. It got great courage and fully supports the positive attitude that we all wish we could inspire.

 

Zaneta