Ranger’s Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia, by John Flanagan, is 4th in the Ranger’s Apprentice series for youth.
Following the events in book three, Will and Evanlynn have been hiding out in the woods after escaping slavery in Skandia. Finally, reaching Skandia themselves, Halt and Horace discover an outpost of Skandians completely destroyed. Realizing that the Temujai army has begun invading Skandia, Halt must join forces with the Skandians in order to fend off the mighty invaders. For, if the Temujai succeed, they would eventually go after Araluen as well.
Unlike the previous installments, this book focused more on a central theme of the Temujai invasion. A lot of the book was planning, strategy, and practicing for battle. There was still character interaction and growth, but it seemed to take a back seat in this story which centered more on battle. I love the characters and especially the race of Skandians, which was this book’s saving grace for me. And also unlike the others, this one didn’t end in a cliffhanger. I was glad to have some resolution finally. Some wonderful events happen and friendships are forged.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next in the series, which according to the website (http://www.rangersapprentice.com/the-series.htm), are set a few years in the future when Will has become a full-fledged Ranger. Books 5-7 have been published in Australia. I’m hoping they’re released in the US soon!
Ranger’s Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia, releases today in bookstores accross the US.
___
Reviews of previous books in the series:
https://scifichick.com/2008/02/14/rangers-apprentice-the-ruins-of-gorlan/
https://scifichick.com/2008/02/15/rangers-apprentice-the-burning-bridge/
https://scifichick.com/2008/03/17/rangers-apprentice-the-icebound-land/
