Ranger's Apprentice Books One & Two, by John Flanagan

Will saw the muscles bunch in the massive hindquarters. He was too far from cover to run. He’d have to face the charge here in the open. He dropped to one knee and, hopelessly, held out the keen-bladed Ranger knife in front of him as the boar charged. Dimly, he heard Horace’s hoarse cry as the apprentice warrior charged forward to help him, his spear at the ready.

For as long as he can remember, Will has wanted to be apprenticed as a knight, so when he is rejected by the knights and subsequently accepted as an apprentice Ranger, his first reaction is one of disappointment. But as he learns more about this mysterious group, whose job in protecting the Kingdom of Araluen is just as important as that of the knights, Will realises he will have as much adventure as he could want – and then some.

Will first appeared in The Ruins of Gorlan in 2004, with his adventures continued in 2005 in The Burning Bridge. Now these first two books in the Ranger’s Apprentice series have been bound together in one hardcover volume providing both an attractive collector’s edition and a satisfying read for young fantasy lovers new to the series.

This is an enticing read suitable for ages 12 to adult.

Ranger’s Apprentice Books One & Two, by John Flanagan
Random House, 2006