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Ranger's Apprentice #11.1
Death of a Hero
Ranger Will's past is revealed in this story from the New York Times bestselling Ranger's Apprentice.Halt reveals to Will the story behind his parents' deaths and how he came to live at the Castle Redmont Ward.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2012
145 people are currently reading
3526 people want to read
About the author
John Flanagan
114 books9,246 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
For mysteries by this same author, see John A. Flanagan.
John Flanagan grew up in Sydney, Australia, hoping to be a writer. It wasn't until he wrote a highly uncomplimentary poem about a senior executive at the agency where he worked, however, that his talent was revealed. It turned out one of the company directors agreed with John's assessment of the executive, and happily agreed to train John in copywriting.
After writing advertising copy for the next two decades, John teamed with an old friend to develop a television sitcom, Hey Dad!, which went on to air for eight years.
John began writing Ranger's Apprentice for his son, Michael, ten years ago, and is still hard at work on the series.
He currently lives in a suburb of Manly, Australia, with his wife. In addition to their son, they have two grown daughters and four grandsons.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 19, 2015
I won't say much about this very short book, but it will give readers a feel for the other books in the series. This book tells the story of Will's parents and how Halt came to know them. In book one, The Ruins of Gorlan, Halt kept this information secret, and he never told Will the truth, until now. Will's father died heroically saving Halt's life in a great battle, and Will's mother died saving him too. Halt felt their deaths were his fault and thought the truth would make Will bitter and angry. It's an enjoyable story that can be read on its own.
July 8, 2017
A nice back story...
Ranger Halt finally reveals the heroic acts of the parents of Ranger Will and how he ends up in the castle ward...
A nice read...
Ranger Halt finally reveals the heroic acts of the parents of Ranger Will and how he ends up in the castle ward...
A nice read...
August 22, 2016
Read this short story as part of book 11, the collection of short stories Mr. Flanagan wrote to fill in some holes and answer some fan questions before he moves on the official and final book of "Ranger's Apprentice."
And surprisingly, I liked it. A lot. So much, in fact, that I felt this particular story deserved its own review.
:D
I don't like short stories as a general rule. :/ they're always much to short (lol) for any real character growth or development. Or details. Or anything. :/
if any of you guys follow my reviews at all, you'll know that this year as been filled with shitty short stories that made me want to throw the tablet of book against the wall.
But! This one!
"Death of a hero."
Thank god, it was really good!
Can you imagine poor halt?! Living all that time with all that on his shoulders? :'( poor baby, I just want to hug him and give him cookies!
Of course, the short story we're dealing with here isn't a stand alone, so that real helps. Because we know all the personalities and motivations and such of the characters. The world they live in, and all that jazz.it fills in the blanks that all of a typical short story would have.
And for that I am so grateful. It made this story that much more enjoyable. :D plus, we got a very good, very sad back story of exactly what happened to Will's parents. Seriously, I wanted to cry, which is a very good thing. Crying means the author did something very right.
Yay for that!
Well written as always and a great addition to the series. If you love "Ranger's Apprentice" as much as I do, I HIGHLY recommend reading "death of a hero." :) and all the other "lost stories" as well.
On ward, to more goodreads! (Lol)
And surprisingly, I liked it. A lot. So much, in fact, that I felt this particular story deserved its own review.
:D
I don't like short stories as a general rule. :/ they're always much to short (lol) for any real character growth or development. Or details. Or anything. :/
if any of you guys follow my reviews at all, you'll know that this year as been filled with shitty short stories that made me want to throw the tablet of book against the wall.
But! This one!
"Death of a hero."
Thank god, it was really good!
Can you imagine poor halt?! Living all that time with all that on his shoulders? :'( poor baby, I just want to hug him and give him cookies!
Of course, the short story we're dealing with here isn't a stand alone, so that real helps. Because we know all the personalities and motivations and such of the characters. The world they live in, and all that jazz.it fills in the blanks that all of a typical short story would have.
And for that I am so grateful. It made this story that much more enjoyable. :D plus, we got a very good, very sad back story of exactly what happened to Will's parents. Seriously, I wanted to cry, which is a very good thing. Crying means the author did something very right.
Yay for that!
Well written as always and a great addition to the series. If you love "Ranger's Apprentice" as much as I do, I HIGHLY recommend reading "death of a hero." :) and all the other "lost stories" as well.
On ward, to more goodreads! (Lol)
February 2, 2014
Nice backstory
For the entire begging of the series hear about Will being an orphan. About his hero father. Now we know how it came to be. This was a quick little story that added that little bit of depth to the closing of the series.
For the entire begging of the series hear about Will being an orphan. About his hero father. Now we know how it came to be. This was a quick little story that added that little bit of depth to the closing of the series.
June 25, 2017
Nice backstory. Pity we'd already heard most of the story in the main series, however.
August 2, 2016
3.5 stars. Decent tale about Will's parents and how Will ended up at the orphanage at Redmont. It was cool to finally hear about Will's parents, but there were a few things I didn't like. It's just 8 chapters long. You will have to read it yourself to make your own determinations.
With-reservations:
cheating, gambling, death, assault, stealing
With-reservations:
cheating, gambling, death, assault, stealing
May 31, 2014
Short, but it gives a nice back story about how Will ended up in Redmont. Worth the read.
June 23, 2015
Great story but a repeat of a short story from book 11 The Lost Stories
December 18, 2025
4 Stars
Death of a Hero is the Book #11.1 in the Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan - this book/series drew me in from the beginning – woven with a captivating blend of adventure, friendship, and personal growth - it is set in the richly imagined medieval-inspired world of Araluen.
We follow Will, an orphan who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice to the enigmatic Ranger Halt. What begins as a reluctant mentorship evolves into a deep bond, as Will learns the skills of stealth, archery, and strategy - while also discovering his own courage and moral compass.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its balance between action and heart. Flanagan crafts tense, clever plots filled with battles, political intrigue, and daring rescues, yet never loses sight of the characters’ humanity. Will’s journey from insecure boy to capable Ranger feels authentic, and even the supporting cast are equally well-developed, each bringing extra warmth, humor, and depth to the story.
If you enjoy immersive worlds, clever problem-solving over brute force, and characters you can truly root for, then The Ranger’s Apprentice is a must-read.
Happy Reading…
Death of a Hero is the Book #11.1 in the Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan - this book/series drew me in from the beginning – woven with a captivating blend of adventure, friendship, and personal growth - it is set in the richly imagined medieval-inspired world of Araluen.
We follow Will, an orphan who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice to the enigmatic Ranger Halt. What begins as a reluctant mentorship evolves into a deep bond, as Will learns the skills of stealth, archery, and strategy - while also discovering his own courage and moral compass.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its balance between action and heart. Flanagan crafts tense, clever plots filled with battles, political intrigue, and daring rescues, yet never loses sight of the characters’ humanity. Will’s journey from insecure boy to capable Ranger feels authentic, and even the supporting cast are equally well-developed, each bringing extra warmth, humor, and depth to the story.
If you enjoy immersive worlds, clever problem-solving over brute force, and characters you can truly root for, then The Ranger’s Apprentice is a must-read.
Happy Reading…
August 8, 2023
This is a super sweet-short story detailing the death of Will's parents that settles nicely into the world Flanagan has built. Perhaps it's a bit *too* sweet, all things considered, but for a middle grade series, I don't consider that a serious flaw. I will say, I love the possible double reading of the title (intended or not), that both Will's father (as previously known) AND mother die keeping Halt alive, very in keeping with Will's character as we know it. In that way, the story isn't simply tale about the death of a specific hero, but a narrative on the "Hero's Death" more broadly, which I found quite enjoyable.
It's a super easy recommendation for anyone interested in the Ranger-verse, and a solid 4.75/5 for myself.
It's a super easy recommendation for anyone interested in the Ranger-verse, and a solid 4.75/5 for myself.
December 12, 2018
The story moves along well and it is nice to see where Will came from. His parents are very likable with the brief moments we get with them. But I think my favorite is the confession of fear from Halt to Will at the end, it's sweet how worried he is and Will's assurance is adorable.
January 29, 2019
A short excerpt into the Ranger's Apprentice series. To answer the story behind Halt's and Will's connection.
It was nice to take a little reroute into may favourite young adult series after reading heavier, non-fiction content.
It was nice to take a little reroute into may favourite young adult series after reading heavier, non-fiction content.
Read
April 3, 2020Please note: This story is included in The Lost Stories (Ranger's Apprentice #11). You can access my review of this book here...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I do not know why this is listed as a separate title on Goodreads.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I do not know why this is listed as a separate title on Goodreads.
October 30, 2020
This backstory was so good and heartbreaking. But at the same time, it was also heartwarming. It's neat that Halt and Will have a history even before Will met him. And that Halt was watching over him when Will was growing up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
so we finally learn Will's background.
October 19, 2017
Fun to read the backstory- but we already knew most of it from the other books.
May 21, 2019
Always a pleasure to read Flanagan’s books. This one was well appreciated by someone who has loved the series and the characters. Thanks, John!
November 7, 2019
We find out where Will came from!
April 8, 2020
The story is in the lost storys
September 26, 2020
A great little story about the beginnings of this series.
September 7, 2023
I love this short story of Will's parents. I enjoy all of these series.
January 16, 2024
Wasn't Death of a Hero in the Lost Stories (book 11)? I'm 99.9% sure that it is. So, I'm just rating it based on the one in the Lost Stories 'cause it would be weird if Death of a Hero was 2 different stories with the same name.
Anyways, I really liked it. I love backstories and Death of a Hero was a really good backstory. I've always wanted to know more about Will's parents, and I think that it's cool how Halt always had a connection with Will even though no one knew.
Anyways, I really liked it. I love backstories and Death of a Hero was a really good backstory. I've always wanted to know more about Will's parents, and I think that it's cool how Halt always had a connection with Will even though no one knew.
January 15, 2015
Glad to Daniel's story
Happy to finally get Will's fathers story and to find out what happened to his mother but poor halt that would make anyone feel bad
Happy to finally get Will's fathers story and to find out what happened to his mother but poor halt that would make anyone feel bad
March 22, 2015
I liked this book.
September 5, 2015
Short prequel (less than novella length) of Halt's involvement concerning Will's true parentage.
November 29, 2015
This made me understand why Halt did so much for Will from the beginning. Its really great
April 4, 2016
The action and heroic scene was perfectly done!
January 11, 2017
Very very very good
Hi y'all enjoy please?
Its very good so be good
Happiness ☺
Hi y'all enjoy please?
Its very good so be good
Happiness ☺
July 2, 2017
Finally
I enjoyed learning the whole story of Will's parents. It was well told like all of Flanagan 's books and a good wrap up to a familiar tale.
I enjoyed learning the whole story of Will's parents. It was well told like all of Flanagan 's books and a good wrap up to a familiar tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews