The Ranger's Apprentice 8: The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

This book is the 8th in the Ranger's Apprentice series, and I gave it a rating of five out of five. A force of outlaws called the Outsiders is ravaging a kingdom that borders Araluen, which threatens the safety of the Araluen kingdom. A man named Tennyson offers protection from the bandits to the various towns, at a cost, but Tennyson is actually the leader of the Outsiders. Halt, Will, and Horace are sent to stop the group from spreading their destruction and terror. You discover that Halt's twin brother is the king of Clonmel, and he tried to kill Halt several times when they were younger. The two Rangers and knight must somehow figure out a way to stop Tennyson's forces, in a foreign land, despite the fearful hysteria of the inhabitants, without the support of the king.

This book came out in the spring, and I was on a three-month wait-list at my public library before I was able to read it. As with the other books in the series, this book contains adventure, action, and mystery with a bit of humor sprinkled in. I always enjoy the interaction and teamwork between Halt, Will, and Horace as they face seemingly overwhelming odds. Horace takes a more important role in this book, and Will, for the most part, takes on a supporting role. He's an important part, but not the main focus of the action. If you enjoyed the previous books in the series, this edition will not disappoint you. The door is left wide open for a ninth book in the series, which I assume has already been written. There were many references to Halt's advancing age, so I wonder if his role will lessen.