The Burning Bridge (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2) (Hardcover)

by John Flanagan (Author)
Key Phrases: saxe knife, sheepskin vest, pack pony, Lady Pauline, Sir Rodney, Sir David (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9–In the second volume in this series, apprentice Ranger Will becomes involved once again in the war against the evil Morgarath. When he joins what should be a simple envoy mission, he and his companions realize that they are the only ones who know the extent of Morgarath's duplicity, and it's up to them to save the kingdom. Will and his friend Horace, along with noblewoman-in-disguise Evanlyn, make a dangerous journey and discover that Wargals, Morgarath's mindless warriors, are infiltrating their kingdom, and their brave actions at the burning bridge of the title lead to Will's and Evanlyn's capture and much room for sequels. Will's initial doubts and learning process add reality to his character, but his exploits never achieve true immediacy. Background characters are generally flat, though touches of humor add spice to the narrative. Flanagan creates a well-realized picture of life on the trail and its hardships, but his battles and their resolution seem almost too easy. Fans of the first volume will enjoy this adventure, but readers new to the series may not share their excitement.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. First published in Australia, the excellent Ranger's Apprentice series began with The Ruins of Gorlan (2005). 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. Flanagan's clarity of vision extends from the many distinctive, sympathetic characters to the well-delineated plot. Even when alternating narratives show events on several fronts at once, the story is never confusing. The pace is swift, and action is often at the forefront, but elements of humor and nuances of emotion are apparent as well. From spying to attack by bestial Wargals to medieval combat, Will's vivid world will entice fantasy readers who are drawn by the lure of high adventure carried out by believable, down-to-earth heroes. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (June 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399244557
• ISBN-13: 978-0399244551
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,743 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Ranger's Apprentice Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action packed stories, October 17, 2006

By	D @ Paradise Lake (Woodinville, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This is the second page turner from Mr. Flanagan, following on the story of Gorlan's Ruins. I read Gorlan's Ruins and now this book to my third grader at bedtime. Even though the books are written for teens, my son picks up the book and reads it on his own because he can't wait to find out what happens next. And I have to admit, after my son fell asleep I had to read through to the end of the book to find out what happened next. I couldn't put it down. Excellent story and excellent writing, and like Harry Potter, it will be enjoyed by all ages. The only problem I have is, book #3 isn't available in the United States until September of 2007. However, my local library has "The Icebound Land" on its shelves, and I was surprised to find that if one googles "The Oak Leaf Bearers" you will find the book #4 is already available for purchase from Australian websites. I don't know why the release of the remainder of the series is delayed in the United States, but there's no reason for anyone with a credit card to wait.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun series for fantasy lovers, June 23, 2006

By	Kidsreads.com (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

With war threatening the borders of Araluen, apprentice ranger Will is sent on a diplomatic mission to Celtica. With him are Gilan, his master's first apprentice, and his friend Horace, a battle school apprentice. Expecting a routine journey, the three are unprepared for what they find.

The villages of Celtica are deserted, and brigands wander the hills in search of abandoned treasure. The country is also crawling with Wargals, the fighting beasts that are under control of their enemy Morgorath. When a mysterious woman appears at their camp with the news that Morgorath has been abducting villagers, the three boys stumble across a plan that threatens their country and the lives of the people they love.

Like the first book in John Flanagan's series, THE BURNING BRIDGE relies on typical fantasy tropes for its characters and setting. Araluen is clearly England, with Celtica standing in for Wales. There is a Dark Lord who controls fighting beasts, and our heroes are primarily untried boys. Readers who enjoy fantasy will find much that is familiar in this book.

What makes The Ranger's Apprentice unique is the author's attention to strategy and combat techniques. Flanagan's war plans could be easily mapped to show natural obstacles and the movements of armies. The scenes involving combat are so specific, they could be acted out by readers. Even the training sequences are easy to follow and interesting to read, and unlike most fantasy adventures, the apprentices have lots of practice before being thrown into battle.

Another interesting aspect of THE BURNING BRIDGE is the introduction of the Skandian mercenaries, who are clearly based on Norse raiders. The Skandians are crude and brutal, but they are not beasts like the Wargals, or without their honor. They are also one of the book's most unpredictable elements, as they are on no one's side but their own. This ambiguity makes for a much more interesting read than the usual battle between the forces of light and darkness.

Ever since the success of Harry Potter, children's literature has been flooded with fantasy. The Ranger's Apprentice is more in line with Tolkien than Rowling, but its racing plot and likable characters offer fantasy fans a new series to read and love.

--- Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MOTHER'S REVIEW, January 7, 2007

By	Stacie L. Loyd "Battlingbard" (West Jordan, Utah) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the second book in the series of Ranger's Apprentice. I saw the first book and had to get it for my son. I thought it might be something he would enjoy reading. He wasn't interested so I read it myself and was very impressed. I couldn't wait for the second book to come out, which I have now read along with the entire series including book five. That is my only complaint. Why aren't the other titles out in the United States yet? Number three won't be released until June or July 2007 and Book Four won't come out until September of 2008. They already have them in Austrialla. They even have Book Five out now. This series is so capavating I couldn't wait to get the rest of the books to read. By the way my son finally read the first and second book and is now reading the third book. I had to purchase the last three books online from a bookstore in Austrialla but it was very much worth it. Especially book five: it was rivioting, I couldn't put it done. Now I am awaiting the release of book six in Austrialla so I can purchase that. I think these books are on parr with the Harry Potter Series. I find them much better than the Eragon Series, which I have also read, book two being disapointing for me and I haven't yet been able to finish it since it doesn't hold my attention. They diffenently need to make movies out of these books. My advice is to see if you can locate the remaining books and purchase them. Great Series! Five Stars!