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The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)
by John Flanaganpublished
June 26th 2007
(first published 2005)
by Philomel
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binding
Hardcover, 260 pages
isbn
0399244565
(isbn13: 9780399244568)
description
Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn t...more
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bookshelves:
children-fantasy
Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
grades 4-7
Held captive by the Skandians, Will and Evanlyn survive a nearly fatal journey crossing the Narrow Sea on the Wolfwind, a few months trapped at Skorghijl (due to bad traveling weather) while being bullied by their captors, and another long ride on the Wolfwind before they reach their final destination: Skandia, where they are sold as slaves in the icy, snow-covered land. Naturally, they are immediately separated. Though they both are enslaved at the Great Hall (Will is put to work out in the y...more
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In this exciting third book to the Ranger’s Apprentice series, young apprentice Will and the maid girl Evanlyn, or at least that’s who Will thinks she is, find themselves in hopelessness with no form of escape on a Scandian ship months from the coast of Araluen. It seems that they are bound for a dull, painful life as slaves… if they can even stay alive. From thunderous storms and deadly waves to piercing cold the path ahead of Will and Elanlyn is one that no one would ever wish to take....more
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Read in November, 2007
This is a good book, but is certainly limited by the short length established by the first two installments. Whereas the first two books were able to stand on their own, this one requires book 4 to complete the tale.
While it is good story, and following Will and Evenlyn during their trials while also following the parallel tale of Halt's and Horace's search for them is fun, one is left wondering what the purpose of this transition is. It appears that the search by Halt and Horace is there ...more
While it is good story, and following Will and Evenlyn during their trials while also following the parallel tale of Halt's and Horace's search for them is fun, one is left wondering what the purpose of this transition is. It appears that the search by Halt and Horace is there ...more
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bookshelves:
children---fiction,
fantasy,
heroes-heroines
Read in March, 2008
Once again, Flanagan has readers entralled with the third book in his Ranger's Apprentice Series. An adventure which keeps you on pins and needles as the journey of Halt and Horace is run amok with dangers, evil-doers and battles. In their quest to find Will and Evanlyn (Princess Cassandra), they encounter many stumbling blocks along the way, including bumbling knights who demand 'payment for crossing bridges'into their territories to a worrisome duel with Lord Deparnieux, who rules by fear, tre...more
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bookshelves:
children-s-and-ya-fantasy-sci-fi
recommends it for: Fantasy and adventure fans
Read in August, 2008
recommended to Library Lady by:
Kids in my Muggle Support Groupsrecommends it for: Fantasy and adventure fans
This book made my heart ache. Or rather, the scenes with Will after he becomes a yard slave, made my heart ache. I kept wanting to rush through the chapters with Halt and Horace-- even though I love their characters-- just to get to the ones with Will to see how he was faring. The thought of such a beloved character nearly losing himself was almost too much to bear! I applaud John Flanagan for being willing to deal with such a difficult topic in a book for children and young teens, even thou...more
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bookshelves:
teen-fiction
Read in June, 2008
My favorite of the series so far. The plot is carefully structured with chapters that alternate, back and forth, between Halt and his apprentice. The problems in the first two books, awkward phrasing or unclear central character, are handled better. The alternating chapter structure allows the author to tell two stories simultaneously, eliminating the uncertain central character dilemma. (Sorry for the awkward phrasing) And the awkward phrasing? This book reads better. There is less psychologica...more
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Read in June, 2008
recommends it for:
(dare I say?) WoW players (maybe or maybe not)
I am quite pleased with how a series that to me was on the verge of being a ditched one can become such a blooming success. So is the tale of The Icebound Land. Splitting our characters in different directions and having them encounter strange locales and situations, along with elements of action, incredibly realistic drama, and dark humor blended in, is the best way an oddly unfantastic fantasy can go along. Anyone who liked the last ones will enjoy this one, and will most likely be pleased ...more
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bookshelves:
books-for-young-people
recommended to John by:
My 16 year old son
These books are fun and easy to read. Flanagan wrote them for his 12 year old son, who is now in his twenties. A young orphan boy named Will comes of age and is apprenticed to a King's ranger, or in medieval times, a scout, tracker, and bowman who helps defend the kingdom from its evil enemy Morgarath. There is excellent adventure, humor, and a touch of romance. The fourth book will be released in March.
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Read in March, 2008
My kids like it when I read their books, and I have to say I've enjoyed this series so far. Sometimes the writing is a little simplistic (well, it's intended for 11 year old boys!) but the story is good and the characters are interesting and you do care what happens to them. I'd definitely recommend these to any kid in his/her early teens or any adult looking for a little easy escapism
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This is the 3rd book in the series. It has some good action and the plot is good. The characters are split up into different groups, and I rather missed the interaction between them. I enjoyed the parts of the story featuring Halt and Horace more than the parts that focused on Will and Evanlyn. I thought the Will plotline had a bit too much After School Special flavor to it.
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Read in April, 2008
I'm really liking this series. I'm not the target audience for this book, but I think that the subjects, and messages that are presented are very good. The story line of this book involves drug addiction and I like that it show the character go from a person who is very competent and good to one who can do nothing on his own, a good warning for the target audience.
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Read in July, 2008
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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Read in August, 2008
This is the 3rd book in the Ranger Apprentice story. So far it is my least favorite. I guess it is because a lot of the action does not center around Will during the last half of the book. Will is my favoite character. I hated seeing him taken advantage of by that gang of horrible yard boys with their wormweed drug. The last page was such a relief.
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bookshelves:
fantasy
recommends it for: adventure and fantasy readers
Read in July, 2008
recommended to June by:
Lisarecommends it for: adventure and fantasy readers
I had forgotten how much I like this series. A very good adventure with quite a bit to think about. Respecting, liking enemies vs. hating your own kind. Cruelty vs. chivalry and leading by example vs. leading by fear. I can't wait to read the next.
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(1 person liked it)
1 comments
I'm glad something awful finally happened to Will. In this one, he isn't necessarily the hero and the escape from his captors was entirely up to someone else. I'll try not to spoil it, but fortunately, Flanagan has brought the believable back into his fantasy. A good sequel to Burning Bridge that leaves you ready to read the fourth book.
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bookshelves:
youngadultfiction
Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
Ages 13 and up
This book was by far the best of the series. Unlike the innocent fantasy world of the first two books, the Icebound Land covers edgy topics such as drug addiction, and segues nicely into a more adult-themed book as the characters age. Again, I loved the audiobook. This is definitely a series I would recommend.
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Read in January, 2008
recommended to John by:
My momrecommends it for: People around 12 to 14 and who like fantsy adventure books
Very good book. Not guite as good as the first but tied with second this is a great addition to a great series!! I loved how it showed the story through the point of view of many diffrent charecters including the villins sometime. And it was very detailed and in depth. A great read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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Read in August, 2008
I think these books are well written and I enjoy reading them. I feel like this book is a little heavy for it's target audiance. A little too much swearing and the drug addition to prevelant. Having said that however, I'm anxious to get the next book and read it!
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Lisa by:
my cousins June and Ruthrecommends it for: young knight fantasy readers
This was a great read - so exciting, it was hard to put down. Great character development of Evanlyn and Erak; it was fun to read Halt's and Horace's interaction as well. I'm so glad I had the 4th book already! It would have been hard to wait after this ending!
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Linda by:
My friend Triciarecommends it for: pre-teen, teen boys and girls
I really have enjoyed this series, I started reading it because I often pre-read books before my kids read them. I have really enjoyed reading these books. These are great books for pre-teen and teen boys. My son is reading the second book and really enjoys it.
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