I have to say, I’m officially hooked and have decided to add this series to my family library without reading them all first.

Morgarath and his army have for years tried to find a way into the Kingdom of Araluen but the mountains have kept the Kingdom of Araluen safe from the evil Morgarath. Will, an apprentice ranger, and his old friend Horace, an apprentice knight, have been asked to join a seasoned Ranger and visit a neighboring village. When they arrive they discover that the villagers are no where to be found. In their quest to find out what has happened, they find a girl who is able to tell them the towns’ fate. Together Will and Horace must save their kingdom but in doing so there is sacrifice.

This book was full of nonstop action and suspense. The intense battles and situations kept me turning the pages. John Flanagan’s characters are believable and easy to root for. He’s not afraid to beat them up and make them crawl back in the end. Great ending that tugs at the heart and makes you pick up the 3rd book to continue on with Will’s journeys.