The Ninja Listens to.... Mimus by Lilli Thal

For years Prince Florin's father, the King of Moltovia, has been at war with the county of Vinland for many bitter, destructive years. When an opportunity for peace arrives, King Philip of Moltovia gladly takes his retinue to discuss the war's end. Florin waits patiently and after many days he is summoned to join his father at Vinland's court to celebrate the new peace treaty. The Prince is overjoyed and speedily makes his way to his father's side.

But treachery awaits him as soon as he steps into King Theodo of Vinland's castle. Upon his arrival, Florin discovers the deceitful King has tricked him. With his father and Moltovia's royal court imprisoned, Florin finds himself apprenticed to Theodo's snide court jester Mimus, who is considered neither human nor animal. Florin, dubbed Little Mimus, must face the ice cold winter and starvation while living in the stables of the monkey tower. If Florin doesn't learn the art of jesting, his father will pay the price. But Florin never gives up hope that one day, he can be reunited with his King and father.

Mimus (pronounced Mee-mus), set in medieval times, is an excellent tale translated from German. The story is very rich, complex, and at times gritty and barbaric. Teens who love historical fiction will certainly love the realistic portrayal of the times while they sympathize with Florin's humiliation at the hands of his enemies. The reader of the audiobook, Maxwell Caulfield is gifted and highly enjoyable to listen to.

The Ninja Reviews. . .Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

On Choosing Day, all 15 year olds choose an apprenticeship. Will, an orphan and ward of Castle Redmont, has always wanted to join battle school. Though he knows virtually nothing about his parents, he is positive that his father was a soldier who was killed defending his people. Will wants to follow in his father's footsteps.

But on Choosing Day, Will is rejected because he is so small for his age. Much to Will's surprise - and the surprise of his friends - he is apprenticed to the most mysterious, intriguing, and sometimes frightening trainer in Redmont, the Ranger called Halt.

The Rangers are a secretive group, which makes sense being that they are the spies for the kingdom of Araluen. No one knows how they seem to disappear and slip from place to place unseen. Their ability to track, hunt, and especially use a bow and arrow are some of the most admired and feared abilities of the Rangers.

Not long into Will's apprenticeship (which, at first, consists of carrying buckets of water back and forth, back and forth), Morgarath is rumored to be gathering an army to attack the Kingdom of Araluen. Will is suddenly thrust fully into the position of Ranger, not knowing if he really has what it takes to become as good as the Ranger Halt.

I LOVE this series. Each book is very quick to read and very hard to put down. I learned quite a bit about properly shooting a bow and arrow, tracking, and even sword-fighting! While guys might enjoy this one a bit more than girls, I encourage everyone to give it a try. There is a lot of cool battle stuff to learn and even a bit of romance (but don't worry, there's not too much).

John Keating reads the audio books, and he does an especially fantastic job with the voice of Halt (definitely my favorite character).

Be sure and read them in order or you'll have no idea what's going on!