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!
Celebrate the new MyCards (library cards for teens only) at our big KickOff party at the Levitt Pavilion Tuesday, September 8 from 6 p.m. to 9p.m.!
