The Ruins of Gorlan: The Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1
by John Flanagan
Fantasy, Young-Adult, Fiction, Medieval
In ‘The Ruins of Gorlan’, you will become the eyes and ears of the kingdom, learning to move silent as a shadow. Are you ready? In ‘The Burning Bridge’, you are learning well, but you are soon to be tested and must embark on your most dangerous mission yet.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 11+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that The Ruins of Gorlan kicks off John Flanagan’s epic Ranger’s Apprentice fantasy series set in a medieval-style world where highly skilled fighters called Rangers are trained to protect king and villagers. This first installment focuses on the training of 15-year-old Will. Although there are some violent battle scenes, the foreboding cover image of the hooded figure is little misleading: The Rangers may be secretive, but they value honor, community, and courage. A subplot about a boy being bullied and tolerating it because he assumes it’s condoned by the adults around him is a good conversation-starter for parents and kids.
Educational Value: n/a
Fantasy adventure meant to entertain.
Positive Messages: 4/5
Respect, service, trust, community, honor, and courage — the messages are strong and enduring. There’s also a lesson about handling bullies.
Positive Role Models: 4/5
Will is lucky to be surrounded by men who are strong and caring role models, even though he never knew his father. Although Will is being tested in many ways, including giving up his dream of becoming a warrior, he finds out that hardships early in life don’t have to limit what he makes of his own future. He also learns how grace, good humor, hard work and patience can bring greater things than fame and fortune.
Violence & Scariness: 2/5
Some battle scenes include a monster set on fire and killed; battles fought with swords, bows, and axes; a gory boar hunt; and bullying of one character that includes being beaten unconscious.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: n/a
n/a
Language: 1/5
Single use of “damn” and “hellish.”
Products & Purchases: n/a
n/a
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: n/a
n/a
View Common Sense Media entry:
Search libraries for The Ruins of Gorlan: The Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1:
Purchase The Ruins of Gorlan: The Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1:
