Escape From Falaise (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Royal Ranger #5) by John Flanagan

What worked:

Will Treaty is the original Ranger’s Apprentice, and this series brings him back as the mentor for Maddie, the Araluen princess hoping to become a Ranger. Rangers are King Duncan’s special force of warriors who are typically used for top-secret missions or spying. Halt, Will’s former mentor, and Horace, Will’s best friend and Maddie’s father make up the supporting cast. The unique dynamics of the characters make their interactions more personal and original than other middle-grade books. Will and Maddie work in sync due to their close training, and Horace exhibits fatherly instincts to keep his daughter safe. Halt takes on the role of a grandfatherly character, although he’s still a very capable Ranger.

This tense adventure is a pleasant change from society’s dependency on technology and fantasy characters relying on magic or superpowers. Rangers are highly trained in using crossbows and knives, strategy in combat, and moving with stealth. Even their horses are physically superior and more intelligent than other animals, and they behave as additional characters. The setting takes place in medieval times with fictional fiefdoms and realms. Electricity doesn’t exist, so the plans to rescue a kidnapped prince rely on the Rangers’ intelligence and physical skills. There’s even a scene where Maddie challenges an arrogant, sexist warrior to a joust where he’s fully armored with a four-meter lance and she’s only carrying her longbow and knife.

A tyrannical baron has kidnapped a prince and has his eyes set on overthrowing his king and then invading Araluen. Will and Maddie were captured during their rescue mission in the previous book, as an unknown traitor warned the Baron before they arrived. Their first task is freeing themselves from captivity, while the identity of this traitor remains an unanswered question. The whole story requires active thinking by readers in order to follow the Baron’s schemes, Will and Maddie’s plans for freedom, Halt and Horace’s efforts to aid their friends, and finally rescuing the prince. Careful, thoughtful planning is a key component of everything the Rangers do.

What didn’t work as well:

You’ll want to at least read the fourth book in the series before reading this one. The story picks up immediately where the previous book ended, and there aren’t many clues about what’s already happened. You’ll need to have a familiarity with the Rangers and the main characters. However, readers should easily grasp the gist of the plot, and the intriguing story will take over from there.

The Final Verdict:

Don’t underestimate the Rangers. This book will appeal to lovers of medieval adventures, but the previous book should be read first. I’ve enjoyed reading all of the Ranger’s Apprentice books from the original series, so motivated readers might enjoy starting with The Ranger’s Apprentice #1. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!