The apprentices Will and Horace accompany another ranger on a diplomatic mission to discover that Morgarath and his evil army have invaded. Meeting up with a refugee girl who calls herself Evenlynn, they must stop the invasion and save the kingdom. ( )

In this second of the Ranger's Apprentice books, young Will and Horace accompany the ranger Gilan on an embassy to the king of the Celts of Celtica. However, trouble is never far away and the Ranger's young apprentice and his friends soon find themselves playing a vital part in preventing a devastating defeat in battle and saving a King's daughter.

These books are fast moved, action packed and frequently laced with a subtle humour. There is nothing truly new about them, and will perhaps not satisfy adult readers as deeply as more richly imagined works - but they wil be ideal for their intended young adult audience, being books that draw a reader in and hold their interest throughout.

Thoroughly recommended for ages 10-15, and not bad for readers of fantasy in general. ( )

read 3x ( )

Now apprentice ranger Will and his friend Horace, a Battleschool apprentice, plunge into a desperate situation. While traveling on the frontier as their kingdom prepares for war, they discover a nearly completed bridge that will make possible a devastating sneak attack by the enemy. With the help of a young woman in disguise, they attempt to thwart the enemy's plans.

Another great adventure with some new characters and a cliffhanger ending. ( )