Erak's Ransom: Book 7 (Ranger's Apprentice) (original 2007; edition 2011)

This is the seventh book in the ten book Ranger's Apprentice series. Like all of the previous books, this book was a solid middle grade fantasy book. Nothing epic happens but the story is well-put together, features great characters that are very heroic, and has just enough humor to keep things light.

This book goes back in time from the Seige of Macindaw. This is the right before Will was given his Silver Oak Leaf and made a full Ranger. Will is concerned about his upcoming test for full Ranger status. Halt is getting married and is concerned about loosing his apprentice Will. All of the characters' concerns must be set aside when they are given the task of accompanying the Princess to neighboring lands to ransom Erak, the Skandian Oberjarl whom Will and crew befriended.

It was interesting to read some filler about the time in between The Battle for Skandia and The Sorcerer from the North. I was a little irritated that Flanagan couldn't have provided this story in the correct order, but I like things orderly...so don't let that prevent you from reading this book.

Like all of these books the story is pretty straight-forward and an easy read. There is enough humor throughout to keep things light and make you laugh a bit. If you are up to book seven you already know that all of these characters are likable, admirable, yet very human. They all make some mistakes but through a combination of heroic action, luck, and smart-thinking they are able to pull through.

It was interesting to watch these characters in a completely different climate. Watching the Rangers navigate through desert sands and suffer through sandstorms was interesting. In fact Will's almost fatal mistake is caused because of his unfamiliarity with his surroundings.

The plot doesn't go much outside the main goal of rescuing Erak. Will and Halt both learn things about themselves along the way and become better people for it. I did like having Princess Cassandra (Evelyn) along; she has a lot of fire to her character and was a lot of fun to read about.

Overall another great addition to this well-written and very solid fantasy series. These books aren't all that creative and the storyline isn't epic; but they are great adventurous fantasy reads about characters going about their duties in a heroic and admirable way. Definitely great for younger readers, I think even adults who are fantasy fans will be enchanted by the solid writing, the human-like characters, the humor, and the well thought-out world. Recommended for fans of fantasy adventure reads. ( )

Erak the leader of the Skandians is taken hostage in an evil plot by his enemy. Erak is captured after a raid on Arridia. Halt, Will, and others are sent to get him back by paying a ransom. When they get their they find out that Erak is being transported across the desert. A trek throught the desert brings disaster. A group of raiders attack Eraks escort and take him hostage. After an intense battle Erak is freed. Erak returns to his position of power and the day is saved.
This was a good book. The story was easy to follow and the action was great. The book had a dramatic climax. The story had several sub plots that got the story going. Overall the book was great. It had a good action part at the end and a good survival part through out the book. Their were alot of charicters and a large setting. This was a great book and I think you should read it. ( )

This is one of the better volumes in the fantastic 9-12 age range Ranger's Apprentice series. This one is both well-researched and has the funniest ending of the series. ( )

Shane C. I liked the book. One of the best on the series. ( )

In this book Erak Oberjarl of Skandia wants to have one more raid. He comes to a merching town, it's completley deserted and then they are captured and let go except Erak. Svengal one of his friends comes to Aruelen and tries to get help for the ransom. Princess Cassandra, Halt, Gilen, Horace, and Will go to the town of the capters.Will is separated from the group and loses his horse Tug. Later he leaves the group to find him. But he is stranded in the desert and is close to death. Will's lolaty and strength are tested to its fullness in this book.

I believe this book is pretty good. But the bad thing about it is that it should have been before book 5. But overall this book is great. You meet a different type of people which weild curved swords called scimitars Will is stranded out in the desert. A tribes headman finds him in the desert close to death, with his horse dead just a few meters away from him. Will is faced with the facts that his compains have been captured by bandits. They find them holed up in a village ready to exucute his compains. In a last attempt to save them he climbs a tower and unleashes a fury of arrows on them. I love this part of the book becasue it just gets your blood running. ( )