The Missing Prince

Another entertaining tale about the ranger’s apprentice’s apprentice. This time Will and Maddie have traveled to the Gallic lands to rescue King Philippe’s son who is being held hostage by an ambitious baron.

Typical of the ranger stories, this one is filled with adventure and Robin Hood-esque heroism. On the downside, the ending feels as if the author was being pressured to hit a deadline and simply stopped the story mid-scene to make it. Flanagan is known for ending his tales with cliff-hangers, but this one was much too abrupt.

King Duncan is asked by his neighbor King Philippe to rescue his son: the Prince of Gallica, who he believes is has been taken prisoner by a dangerous foe, Baron Joubert de Lassigny. He decides that a weak King, who owes him a favor is preferable to an unknown, possible threat so he recruits Ranger Will Treaty and his apprentice, Maddie, who poses as jongleurs. Will has musical talent, but Maddie has to be taught to juggle, and, as a Ranger, is a natural as a knife thrower. They make their way in Gallica, entertaining in small towns, turning the tables on some brigands, for the King, eventually making their way to the Baron's court, where they conduct reconnaissance to locate the Prince. I almost knocked off a star for the cliffhanger show more ending, which really annoyed me. show less

Oh dear, that cliffhanger! I am happy I have the next book available to read! I would be losing my mind otherwise. This book was a delightful read and was full of action and suspense. I love Will and Maddie and I am nervous for them both now! But who was that old man huh? I bet I know! Overall, the book was fantastic though a bit repetitive at times.

I really liked these books years ago, and i havent read many since then, but although these were fun to read when i was thirteen or so, they dont really hold up now. the way theyre written as in the actual way sentences are put together, is surprisingly bad, and i think theres far too much detail about unimportant things. the style also almost reminded me of an essay or something, with repetition of points in a paragraph and strange word choices for this sort of book. and often the speech sounded rather unnatural and stilted, or just plain fake. the characters also lacked development completely, and there was barely even any characterisation. the way the book treated characters other than the protagonists was also weird, they were all show more very stereotypical and the book was weirdly superior about them, like the main characters are the only people in this universe that are any good at anything. the plot wasnt too bad, although it was a bit simple, and didnt seem like a whole books worth, this probably could have been combined with the next book. but even though it wasnt as good as i remembered, i still enjoyed it well enough, it was quick and easy to read and fairly engaging, and it was nice to read a book from this series again. show less

Another great story from John Flanagan.

I love that Will and Maddie use their performances to gain the access they require to save the prince. I had forgotten that Will had learned how to be a jongleur.

Looking forward to reading Escape from Falaise next.

Will Treaty and his apprentice, Maddie, have been urgently summoned to Castle Araluen. When they arrive they learn a shocking truth: the prince of Gallica is missing - and the king of Gallica has asked for help. All reports suggest that the young prince has been taken prisoner by the dangerous and powerful Baron Joubert de Lassigny. King Duncan knows that sending troops to Gallica to rescue the prince could start a war, as could openly helping Gallica resolve internal convict. But there's another way to save the prince: the Ranger Corps.

Soon, Will and Maddie are on the road to rescue the missing prince, disguised as father and daughter jongleurs. Maddie will have to use her knife-throwing skills to keep up her disguise, and her show more ranger's apprentice training to complete the mission. But going undercover is dangerous - and the road presents its own hazards. Can she and Will use all their talents to save the prince, or will the arrogant Baron uncover their plans and put their lives, and their kingdom, at risk? show less

De koning van Gallica heeft de hulp nodig van koning Duncan en zijn Grijze Jagers. Zijn zoon, de prins, is vermist. Hij is gegijzeld door een kwaadaardige baron. Will en zijn leerling Maddie moeten proberen hem op te sporen en te bevrijden. Ze doen zich voor als jongleurs. Zo hopen ze de baron ervan te overtuigen hen zijn burcht binnen te laten. Maar al snel komen Will en Maddie erachter dat het niet zo eenvoudig is als het lijkt...

Is de koning van Gallica zelf wel te vertrouwens? En wie is toch die mysterieuze figuur die hen lijkt te volgen?