The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This story got me excited about STORIES again! Its characters are vividly described throughout. I particularly like Halt - the Ranger. Now this is a personality I find fascinating. He is so understated in a larger-than-life way. When you know he's over-the-moon about something you did because he raised his "thundercloud eyebrows" and grunted, now that's just good writing.

I love how Flanagan has Will, the apprentice, train - knowing when to ask questions and when to hush up, tuning in so completely to Halt's every move, sound, word... The author has definitely set him up to be a hero worth watching.

I also appreciated the use of third person omniscient narration, making any character's thoughts and feelings known when needed. It really helped me absorb right into their minds and move throughout the story as though I was right there with them.

Finally, the Ranger ponies are superhero horses! I'm so glad Flanagan took the time to work them into characters, not just gloss over them as vehicles.

I can't wait to read the next in the series!



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