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The Ranger
Long have the Rangers of Eshana patrolled the land.
The Rangers, who answer the call of the King Crow when danger presents itself.
Michel Danage, after a life of service and protection, has retired, passing the torch to his son Eraden. Now, after completing his years of training, Eraden finally steps into the wild, ready to take up the mantle of his family’s lineage and protect the lands from evil.
Hemavale is in trouble, the King Crow has delivered a vague message, sending the young Ranger on a journey miles away from home to unravel the mystery. A journey that sets in place a chain reaction of events, taking Eraden and Eshana to the very edge of darkness
The Rangers, who answer the call of the King Crow when danger presents itself.
Michel Danage, after a life of service and protection, has retired, passing the torch to his son Eraden. Now, after completing his years of training, Eraden finally steps into the wild, ready to take up the mantle of his family’s lineage and protect the lands from evil.
Hemavale is in trouble, the King Crow has delivered a vague message, sending the young Ranger on a journey miles away from home to unravel the mystery. A journey that sets in place a chain reaction of events, taking Eraden and Eshana to the very edge of darkness
- GenresFantasy
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Eamonn Bradley
3 books32 followersEamonn Bradley is an Irish born suspenseful horror writer. He now lives in Jersey CI with his wife. Eamonn reads everything from Cormac McCarthy, Richard Matheson, Stephen King to Keith Rossen. A Carpenter, Eamonn is co-founder of the Dark Veil Society, an indie horror collective of the finest up and coming writers, he hopes to launch his career as an indie author and bring the indie horror scene to light in 2025. With two novels coming this year The Veil and a thrilling infected epic, Eamonn is hard at work bringing his visions to life, with many more books planned for the foreseeable future.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 17, 2024
The Ranger was a wonderful epic debut! Both classic and cozy, The Ranger also had dark and gory fight scenes. It all combined into a very enjoyable book that I tore through and thoroughly enjoyed! Looking forward to reading more from EH Bradley!
February 20, 2025
LotR meets Dragonlance classic fantasy goodness.
The Ranger is a wonderful weekend read with a cast of characters that keeps you wanting to know more.
Perfect for a weekend reading adventure, lost between the pages of a book, or to take with you on a camping trip.
I am very much looking forward to the next tale with this cast of characters.
Bravo!
The Ranger is a wonderful weekend read with a cast of characters that keeps you wanting to know more.
Perfect for a weekend reading adventure, lost between the pages of a book, or to take with you on a camping trip.
I am very much looking forward to the next tale with this cast of characters.
Bravo!
October 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!
It took me back to why I love reading the Lord of the rings series! The vibe and feels I got for this book was incredible!
If you haven’t read it then download it asap!
It’s fantasy adventure at its best! It’s Epic!
It took me back to why I love reading the Lord of the rings series! The vibe and feels I got for this book was incredible!
If you haven’t read it then download it asap!
It’s fantasy adventure at its best! It’s Epic!
December 11, 2024
Synopsis
Newly-trained ranger, Eraden has only just earned his greatsword when he is assigned to the tutelage of wizard Firadel. When the wizard receives a missive by messenger crow that trouble in the city of Hemavale, he assembles Eraden and an adventuring party to answer the call and follow in the footsteps of his father.
Something dark awaits them in Hemavale. Something that could bring darkness to the entire world of Eshana. Will Eraden’s first adventure also be his last?
Review
The Ranger was released in November 2024 in what is EH Bradley’s first fantasy offering. It is a blissful indie debut and a pleasure to read. Plus, titular Ranger, Eraden, knows how to get the pints in! Pour yourself a pale ale and get cosy, we’re going a-ranging.
You know what this book reads like? It’s Strider’s time as a young ranger before he takes his seat at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Bradley’s main character, Eraden, follows in his father’s merrily adventuring ways with a wizard, dwarves and his beloved Araleen in tow.
This is a wholly likeable cast of characters. They become fast friends and set a light tone for the remainder of the book, even when the events turn dark.
Cheers
One steady constant of the book is the enjoyment of a refreshing cool ale. Our heroes sink the pints along the journey. As such, this is the perfect book for a pub. Get a comfy corner, a beer and shut the world out for an hour or so. You’ve done well to get through the year and you deserve a read of this book.
As refreshing as Eshana’s ales is the descriptive writing. You can most certainly judge this book by its cover in The Ranger’s case. Bradley’s scene setting is fantastic. The Ranger could have no plot to speak of at all and I would still enjoy reading about all the towns, woodlands and landscapes Eraden travels through. There’s so much attention to detail which creates a vibrant fantasy world. It’s a little like playing Skyrim for the first time and just going for a walk.
Top Tropes
If you’re a fan of a group of good fantasy friends adventuring their way around, I’d say you’re in safe hands. I’d compare this to indie champion Jeff Speight’s archives of Evellium. Here’s a link to the review of Paladin Unbound, which could well be a member of The Ranger’s adventuring party. Hey, a ranger, a paladin, I like where this is going. D&D, anyone?
The dwarven brothers are firm favourites, providing a steady supply of comic relief throughout the story. Eraden himself is a fantasy all-rounder: skilled and honourable in equal measures. My favourite though is Firadell the wizard. As Gandalf is to the Fellowship, Firadell is the unspeakably powerful mage with an heir of intrigue. I hope his backstory is expanded on more in future books.
The fantasy tropes you come to expect are all present: orcs, vampires, werewolves, hack and slash pseudo-medieval combat. Tick, tick, tick. These are familiar tropes but they’re employed perfectly well. Sometimes I just want my orcs to be evil and my wizards to be mightier-than-thou, cryptic wise-asses. Plus we have drunkard Scottish dwarves who neck pints first, smash skulls second. Bradley isn’t afraid to lean into a trope to make this book feel familiar and this is done at no detriment to the story or enjoyment. Hell, even the notable female character turns down a knocks pints back to rival the dwarves.
Dungeons and Dragons
In many ways The Ranger feels like an earnest fantasy throwback without falling into any traps of seeming old-fashioned. I had a good time dungeon crawling with the dwarven brothers, battling ghouls, witches and werewolves, and discovering a dragon late on. All the while Bradley’s descriptive writing is spot on.
At the end of it all, the final act ultimately moved a little too quickly for my liking. Given the rest of the book is so expansive in its world building and scene setting, the last few chapters seemed a rush to the finish and there was one “A wizard never reveals his secrets!” moment too far at this point. I would have liked the climactic battle to have been longer, and to see the latter half of it happen given the increasingly high stakes of the build up.
The Ranger
Still, The Ranger ends well afterwards and with strong sequel potential (I believe the next book is out in the spring of 2025 – woo!). I experienced a thoroughly enjoyable trek through the world of Eshana and will undoubtedly look forward to reading The Veil when it’s out.
Newly-trained ranger, Eraden has only just earned his greatsword when he is assigned to the tutelage of wizard Firadel. When the wizard receives a missive by messenger crow that trouble in the city of Hemavale, he assembles Eraden and an adventuring party to answer the call and follow in the footsteps of his father.
Something dark awaits them in Hemavale. Something that could bring darkness to the entire world of Eshana. Will Eraden’s first adventure also be his last?
Review
The Ranger was released in November 2024 in what is EH Bradley’s first fantasy offering. It is a blissful indie debut and a pleasure to read. Plus, titular Ranger, Eraden, knows how to get the pints in! Pour yourself a pale ale and get cosy, we’re going a-ranging.
You know what this book reads like? It’s Strider’s time as a young ranger before he takes his seat at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Bradley’s main character, Eraden, follows in his father’s merrily adventuring ways with a wizard, dwarves and his beloved Araleen in tow.
This is a wholly likeable cast of characters. They become fast friends and set a light tone for the remainder of the book, even when the events turn dark.
Cheers
One steady constant of the book is the enjoyment of a refreshing cool ale. Our heroes sink the pints along the journey. As such, this is the perfect book for a pub. Get a comfy corner, a beer and shut the world out for an hour or so. You’ve done well to get through the year and you deserve a read of this book.
As refreshing as Eshana’s ales is the descriptive writing. You can most certainly judge this book by its cover in The Ranger’s case. Bradley’s scene setting is fantastic. The Ranger could have no plot to speak of at all and I would still enjoy reading about all the towns, woodlands and landscapes Eraden travels through. There’s so much attention to detail which creates a vibrant fantasy world. It’s a little like playing Skyrim for the first time and just going for a walk.
Top Tropes
If you’re a fan of a group of good fantasy friends adventuring their way around, I’d say you’re in safe hands. I’d compare this to indie champion Jeff Speight’s archives of Evellium. Here’s a link to the review of Paladin Unbound, which could well be a member of The Ranger’s adventuring party. Hey, a ranger, a paladin, I like where this is going. D&D, anyone?
The dwarven brothers are firm favourites, providing a steady supply of comic relief throughout the story. Eraden himself is a fantasy all-rounder: skilled and honourable in equal measures. My favourite though is Firadell the wizard. As Gandalf is to the Fellowship, Firadell is the unspeakably powerful mage with an heir of intrigue. I hope his backstory is expanded on more in future books.
The fantasy tropes you come to expect are all present: orcs, vampires, werewolves, hack and slash pseudo-medieval combat. Tick, tick, tick. These are familiar tropes but they’re employed perfectly well. Sometimes I just want my orcs to be evil and my wizards to be mightier-than-thou, cryptic wise-asses. Plus we have drunkard Scottish dwarves who neck pints first, smash skulls second. Bradley isn’t afraid to lean into a trope to make this book feel familiar and this is done at no detriment to the story or enjoyment. Hell, even the notable female character turns down a knocks pints back to rival the dwarves.
Dungeons and Dragons
In many ways The Ranger feels like an earnest fantasy throwback without falling into any traps of seeming old-fashioned. I had a good time dungeon crawling with the dwarven brothers, battling ghouls, witches and werewolves, and discovering a dragon late on. All the while Bradley’s descriptive writing is spot on.
At the end of it all, the final act ultimately moved a little too quickly for my liking. Given the rest of the book is so expansive in its world building and scene setting, the last few chapters seemed a rush to the finish and there was one “A wizard never reveals his secrets!” moment too far at this point. I would have liked the climactic battle to have been longer, and to see the latter half of it happen given the increasingly high stakes of the build up.
The Ranger
Still, The Ranger ends well afterwards and with strong sequel potential (I believe the next book is out in the spring of 2025 – woo!). I experienced a thoroughly enjoyable trek through the world of Eshana and will undoubtedly look forward to reading The Veil when it’s out.
October 24, 2024
The novel begins with Eraden, fresh from years of rigorous training, embarking on his first official mission as a Ranger. The King Crow’s cryptic message sets him on a perilous journey far from his homeland, compelling him to unravel a mystery that threatens to plunge Eshana into chaos. Eraden encounters a variety of challenges that test not only his physical abilities but also his resolve, courage, and loyalty. As he and his company venture deeper into uncharted territories, they are pushed to the brink, facing dangers that force them to confront their darkest fears.
Bradleys writing style brings the world of Eshana to life with vivid descriptions and a strong sense of atmosphere. The setting feels both expansive and immersive, from the dense forests to the treacherous mountain passes, each location meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and peril. The lore adds depth to the story, creating a mythic quality that enhances the stakes of Eraden’s quest. The mystery at the heart of the plot keeps the tension high and readers engaged, with secrets slowly unraveling to reveal a more complex web of intrigue and danger than initially anticipated.
Character development is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Eraden’s growth from an eager young Ranger to a seasoned protector is skillfully portrayed, as he grapples with self-doubt, loyalty to his father's legacy, and the harsh realities of his role.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, blending action sequences with quieter moments of introspection. While the action scenes are thrilling and well-choreographed, showcasing Eraden's skills and the dangers he faces, the quieter moments allow for character introspection and world-building, enriching the story. The plot leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, such as the young hero stepping into his father's shoes and the cryptic quest given by a mysterious messenger. This is handled with care and welcomes seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers alike.
The Ranger excels as a tale of adventure and growth, with themes of duty, legacy, and the fight against darkness resonating throughout the story. It offers a satisfying blend of mystery, action, and character development that will appeal to fans of classic fantasy. The novel’s ending leaves room for further exploration, suggesting that Eraden’s journey is far from over.
In conclusion,E H Bradleys The Ranger is an engaging fantasy novel that delivers a gripping story for readers of all ages about courage and responsibility in the face of uncertainty. It is a strong debut in what could be a promising series, leaving readers eager to see where Eraden’s path will lead him next.
Bradleys writing style brings the world of Eshana to life with vivid descriptions and a strong sense of atmosphere. The setting feels both expansive and immersive, from the dense forests to the treacherous mountain passes, each location meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and peril. The lore adds depth to the story, creating a mythic quality that enhances the stakes of Eraden’s quest. The mystery at the heart of the plot keeps the tension high and readers engaged, with secrets slowly unraveling to reveal a more complex web of intrigue and danger than initially anticipated.
Character development is one of the book’s strongest aspects. Eraden’s growth from an eager young Ranger to a seasoned protector is skillfully portrayed, as he grapples with self-doubt, loyalty to his father's legacy, and the harsh realities of his role.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, blending action sequences with quieter moments of introspection. While the action scenes are thrilling and well-choreographed, showcasing Eraden's skills and the dangers he faces, the quieter moments allow for character introspection and world-building, enriching the story. The plot leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, such as the young hero stepping into his father's shoes and the cryptic quest given by a mysterious messenger. This is handled with care and welcomes seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers alike.
The Ranger excels as a tale of adventure and growth, with themes of duty, legacy, and the fight against darkness resonating throughout the story. It offers a satisfying blend of mystery, action, and character development that will appeal to fans of classic fantasy. The novel’s ending leaves room for further exploration, suggesting that Eraden’s journey is far from over.
In conclusion,E H Bradleys The Ranger is an engaging fantasy novel that delivers a gripping story for readers of all ages about courage and responsibility in the face of uncertainty. It is a strong debut in what could be a promising series, leaving readers eager to see where Eraden’s path will lead him next.
October 21, 2024
The Ranger by Eamonn Bradley is a throwback to classic fantasy adventures, delivering a nostalgic ride for fans of Tolkien, Brian Jacques’ Redwall, and even Dungeons & Dragons. This novel has a charming, campy heart and embraces many well-known fantasy tropes, which is both its greatest strength and its biggest flaw.
On the positive side, Bradley excels at creating beautiful, vivid descriptions of landscapes and action. The combat sequences are thrilling, and Eraden, the protagonist, is portrayed as a skilled and competent ranger. The semi-omniscient narration allows readers to get a good sense of the action and world, often detailing the characters’ movements with precision, which can feel reminiscent of a D&D session where every equipment loadout and tactical choice is carefully recorded. For fans of cozy fantasy, there’s a certain comfort in how much time the story devotes to the characters enjoying food, drink, and camaraderie.
However, this attention to detail can also bog down the story. Bradley tends to over-explain every movement and action, which, combined with the very verbose writing, slows the pacing. There is also a lot of telling instead of showing, which detracts from the immersive experience. Dialogue is another weak spot—it feels canned and overly predictable, with characters often speaking in stereotypical medieval phrases that are common in English-inspired fantasy. The dialogue has a campy, theatrical quality, which may appeal to some readers but could feel a bit overdone to others. Phrases like “Now this is living” or “Dive for treasure, indeed” don't add much to character depth or story.
The party itself, while fun and familiar, doesn't face many serious challenges. They breeze through many obstacles and recover quickly from most setbacks, which makes the stakes feel low. The narrative is very plot-driven, as the characters are mostly defined by their roles—“Ranger,” “Wizard,” “Master Dwarf”—and their personalities, while warm, are somewhat flat.
Ultimately, The Ranger is a heartwarming fantasy that leans heavily into its Tolkien and Redwall influences. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and readers shouldn't either. Its old-school style will appeal to those who miss the campy, over-the-top fantasy of the 90s. This is a tale for readers who love a warm, familiar story with classic adventurers who know the value of a good ale and lasting friendship.
On the positive side, Bradley excels at creating beautiful, vivid descriptions of landscapes and action. The combat sequences are thrilling, and Eraden, the protagonist, is portrayed as a skilled and competent ranger. The semi-omniscient narration allows readers to get a good sense of the action and world, often detailing the characters’ movements with precision, which can feel reminiscent of a D&D session where every equipment loadout and tactical choice is carefully recorded. For fans of cozy fantasy, there’s a certain comfort in how much time the story devotes to the characters enjoying food, drink, and camaraderie.
However, this attention to detail can also bog down the story. Bradley tends to over-explain every movement and action, which, combined with the very verbose writing, slows the pacing. There is also a lot of telling instead of showing, which detracts from the immersive experience. Dialogue is another weak spot—it feels canned and overly predictable, with characters often speaking in stereotypical medieval phrases that are common in English-inspired fantasy. The dialogue has a campy, theatrical quality, which may appeal to some readers but could feel a bit overdone to others. Phrases like “Now this is living” or “Dive for treasure, indeed” don't add much to character depth or story.
The party itself, while fun and familiar, doesn't face many serious challenges. They breeze through many obstacles and recover quickly from most setbacks, which makes the stakes feel low. The narrative is very plot-driven, as the characters are mostly defined by their roles—“Ranger,” “Wizard,” “Master Dwarf”—and their personalities, while warm, are somewhat flat.
Ultimately, The Ranger is a heartwarming fantasy that leans heavily into its Tolkien and Redwall influences. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and readers shouldn't either. Its old-school style will appeal to those who miss the campy, over-the-top fantasy of the 90s. This is a tale for readers who love a warm, familiar story with classic adventurers who know the value of a good ale and lasting friendship.
October 22, 2024
Eraden Danage has been called to Silverton after completing training to become a Ranger. Replacing his father as protector of the land, Eraden must find the wizard Firadell and put his training into practice as The Ranger. But it's not all business for Eraden. As soon as he returns to the Deep Flagon Inn, he bumps into Araleen Wilkinson, an old flame from his childhood.
Fair warning: Do not read The Ranger on an empty stomach. Bradley delights your senses with detailed descriptions of food and drink throughout the story, giving it an almost cozy vibe. It helps to ground the reader in the life of a Ranger where you've always got to be worried about where your next meal will come from.
I always love simple prose and Bradley has the perfect balance between description and action. I could always picture what was going on, like a movie in my head.
Eraden and Araleen's relationship was cute. I loved reading stories where the woman is more assertive than the man is and it does wonders for Eraden's physically-active but emotionally-timid characterization.
Lukas and Willim, dwarf brothers, were a hoot and their introduction helped to broaden the world into a more fantastical setting.
The most relatable moment in the story was when the wizard, Firadell, used his magic to cool their drinks on the road between adventures. Not often do you see the mundane uses for magic in fantasy, but let me tell you, if I was a powerful wizard, I wouldn't be drinking warm wine either!
The plot itself is quite straightforward. It stuck a bit too close to the traditional tropes of the genre and could've used a few more twists, turns, or surprises to stand out. There were a couple of instances where I felt the characters lacked urgency of a situation, opting to sit for a meal instead of action on the issue at hand. Finally, I'd liked to have seen a bit more growth from the characters. Aside from the relationship between Eraden and Araleen, the characters didn't seem to grow much throughout their adventure.
All in all, I enjoyed The Ranger and recommend it to anyone who likes traditional fantasy adventures, almost-cozy plots, and plenty of ale!
Fair warning: Do not read The Ranger on an empty stomach. Bradley delights your senses with detailed descriptions of food and drink throughout the story, giving it an almost cozy vibe. It helps to ground the reader in the life of a Ranger where you've always got to be worried about where your next meal will come from.
I always love simple prose and Bradley has the perfect balance between description and action. I could always picture what was going on, like a movie in my head.
Eraden and Araleen's relationship was cute. I loved reading stories where the woman is more assertive than the man is and it does wonders for Eraden's physically-active but emotionally-timid characterization.
Lukas and Willim, dwarf brothers, were a hoot and their introduction helped to broaden the world into a more fantastical setting.
The most relatable moment in the story was when the wizard, Firadell, used his magic to cool their drinks on the road between adventures. Not often do you see the mundane uses for magic in fantasy, but let me tell you, if I was a powerful wizard, I wouldn't be drinking warm wine either!
The plot itself is quite straightforward. It stuck a bit too close to the traditional tropes of the genre and could've used a few more twists, turns, or surprises to stand out. There were a couple of instances where I felt the characters lacked urgency of a situation, opting to sit for a meal instead of action on the issue at hand. Finally, I'd liked to have seen a bit more growth from the characters. Aside from the relationship between Eraden and Araleen, the characters didn't seem to grow much throughout their adventure.
All in all, I enjoyed The Ranger and recommend it to anyone who likes traditional fantasy adventures, almost-cozy plots, and plenty of ale!
November 17, 2024
Whimsical Equilibrium in Epic Lore
"The Ranger" by Eamonn Bradley is the first installment in an enthralling Epic Fantasy series that promises to rival its classic predecessors.
"...all is not what it seems..."
and I couldn't be happier 🤩
This book is a heartfelt hymn to the bonds that shape us—both the families we are born into and the ones we find along the way. It beautifully celebrates love, friendship, mentorship, loyalty, and duty, weaving these themes into a deeply resonant narrative that touches the soul and inspires the heart.
My favorite feature of the book is how perfectly everything is harmonized—from the dynamics among the characters to the immersive yet not overwhelming fantasy world-building. The grandeur of settings and lore come forth in a way that feels whimsically fantastical and relatable alike. The pacing keeps readers engaged while allowing both them and the characters to breathe and progress rejuvenated. This epic tale strikes the perfect chord between cozy moments and grand adventures. The cozy atmosphere seamlessly transitions into bone-chilling settings, alternating with the feverish intensity of well-crafted battles.
The touching and artistic way Eamonn Bradley lovingly choreographs humans, wizards, and all sorts of fantastical creatures, combined with this mix of cozy vibes and thrilling escapades, makes this epic fantasy book irresistibly immersive. Reading this book has been an absolutely heartwarming and delightful journey, one that filled me with joy and left me with a big smile. I can't praise and recommend it enough, desperately yearning for the sequel to sweep me away in Eamonn Bradley's enchanting fantasy realms.
"The Ranger" by Eamonn Bradley is the first installment in an enthralling Epic Fantasy series that promises to rival its classic predecessors.
"...all is not what it seems..."
and I couldn't be happier 🤩
This book is a heartfelt hymn to the bonds that shape us—both the families we are born into and the ones we find along the way. It beautifully celebrates love, friendship, mentorship, loyalty, and duty, weaving these themes into a deeply resonant narrative that touches the soul and inspires the heart.
My favorite feature of the book is how perfectly everything is harmonized—from the dynamics among the characters to the immersive yet not overwhelming fantasy world-building. The grandeur of settings and lore come forth in a way that feels whimsically fantastical and relatable alike. The pacing keeps readers engaged while allowing both them and the characters to breathe and progress rejuvenated. This epic tale strikes the perfect chord between cozy moments and grand adventures. The cozy atmosphere seamlessly transitions into bone-chilling settings, alternating with the feverish intensity of well-crafted battles.
The touching and artistic way Eamonn Bradley lovingly choreographs humans, wizards, and all sorts of fantastical creatures, combined with this mix of cozy vibes and thrilling escapades, makes this epic fantasy book irresistibly immersive. Reading this book has been an absolutely heartwarming and delightful journey, one that filled me with joy and left me with a big smile. I can't praise and recommend it enough, desperately yearning for the sequel to sweep me away in Eamonn Bradley's enchanting fantasy realms.
October 21, 2024
An old styled throwback adventure fantasy book that has quite a helping of Enid Blyton as well with all the food and drinks that the group consumes as they move on from one location to another
The old styled nature is both good and bad. It is a simple uncomplicated story that moves along quite quickly but its also detrimental as I think the genre has kind of moved beyond some of the narratives & tropes. It is ok to be have a bit of a throwback to the story (an example would be The Warden by Daniel M Ford that came out last year - it is almost like Tamora Pierce in its approach to storytelling and plotting but makes enough allowances for the modern audience) but I do think the story needs to have a bit more, the character interactions needs to move beyond the bland and importantly, not come across as too simplistic.
The narrative is quite pacey which is always a good thing but I do think this series needed more
The old styled nature is both good and bad. It is a simple uncomplicated story that moves along quite quickly but its also detrimental as I think the genre has kind of moved beyond some of the narratives & tropes. It is ok to be have a bit of a throwback to the story (an example would be The Warden by Daniel M Ford that came out last year - it is almost like Tamora Pierce in its approach to storytelling and plotting but makes enough allowances for the modern audience) but I do think the story needs to have a bit more, the character interactions needs to move beyond the bland and importantly, not come across as too simplistic.
The narrative is quite pacey which is always a good thing but I do think this series needed more
September 23, 2024
Great read amazing fantasy adventures and courageously fearless hero it is beautiful written and each scene is well described you feel like your there with every character
April 15, 2025
Wooo! What a fun, engaging, comforting and enjoyable debut from Eamonn!
To start, I love the concept of the story. So often we see the classic "Ranger" already years and years into his service, a grizzled veteran. It was refreshing to hop on Eradin's journey, from right after he leaves his training phase of life and begins his career as a Ranger. It was also a really cool idea to show some of the early tasks that Rangers get sent to do; they don't jump into saving the world right away, but ease into it like everyone else does at their jobs, and this story did a great job showing how things that can start off mundane can very quickly become the adventure of a lifetime.
Another big hit was the cast of characters we're introduced to. It's a relatively familiar grouping; wizard, dwarves, maiden, but the more we get to know them, the more fun their relationships become and it was a joy to spend so much time with them all. Especially the dwarf brothers, Lukas and Willim. Before they arrived, the world was a fun one, although it seemed small-scale but introducing different races and giving a bit of backstory opened things up considerably.
The world building itself was also great. Descriptions so vivid, it felt like I could get out of work and head down the road to any of the places we're journeying to here; and quite frankly, I could really use a visit to the Deep Flagon Inn. The vibes were right out of something like the Prancing Pony from the Hobbit, and that story is the most comparable to The Ranger for me.
I think the few things that could have done with some improving were bits of dialogue. The characters, while fun and familiar got to be a bit *too* familiar as it went on; there was a good amount of repeating phrases (my dears, my loves, my friends) and LOTS of ales to be had, but it was really only noticeable since I was reading 50-60 pages at a time, and it took nothing away from the story as a whole. I'd also like to have seen more from the female character, Araleen. She was handy with a bow for sure, and made a great addition to the group, but it felt like she was there as a love interest specifically, and with how well Eamonn did building the world around her, I think she fell a bit flat.
Overall, this was a great read. It was a world I wish we could live in, and one that I hope has much more books based on it coming soon! I'm giving it 3 stars. A great debut, and the future is bright for Eamonn, Eraden, and the rest.
To start, I love the concept of the story. So often we see the classic "Ranger" already years and years into his service, a grizzled veteran. It was refreshing to hop on Eradin's journey, from right after he leaves his training phase of life and begins his career as a Ranger. It was also a really cool idea to show some of the early tasks that Rangers get sent to do; they don't jump into saving the world right away, but ease into it like everyone else does at their jobs, and this story did a great job showing how things that can start off mundane can very quickly become the adventure of a lifetime.
Another big hit was the cast of characters we're introduced to. It's a relatively familiar grouping; wizard, dwarves, maiden, but the more we get to know them, the more fun their relationships become and it was a joy to spend so much time with them all. Especially the dwarf brothers, Lukas and Willim. Before they arrived, the world was a fun one, although it seemed small-scale but introducing different races and giving a bit of backstory opened things up considerably.
The world building itself was also great. Descriptions so vivid, it felt like I could get out of work and head down the road to any of the places we're journeying to here; and quite frankly, I could really use a visit to the Deep Flagon Inn. The vibes were right out of something like the Prancing Pony from the Hobbit, and that story is the most comparable to The Ranger for me.
I think the few things that could have done with some improving were bits of dialogue. The characters, while fun and familiar got to be a bit *too* familiar as it went on; there was a good amount of repeating phrases (my dears, my loves, my friends) and LOTS of ales to be had, but it was really only noticeable since I was reading 50-60 pages at a time, and it took nothing away from the story as a whole. I'd also like to have seen more from the female character, Araleen. She was handy with a bow for sure, and made a great addition to the group, but it felt like she was there as a love interest specifically, and with how well Eamonn did building the world around her, I think she fell a bit flat.
Overall, this was a great read. It was a world I wish we could live in, and one that I hope has much more books based on it coming soon! I'm giving it 3 stars. A great debut, and the future is bright for Eamonn, Eraden, and the rest.
December 17, 2024
The Ranger is one of those classic fantasy books that just hits you in all the nostalgic places. It's full of classic heroism, friendship, some adventure, and rounded out with a pint of ale.
Fresh out of Ranger school, Eraden travels back to his roots to assume the role of area Ranger, a title his father held. A Ranger must be brave, good with a sword, heroic, and above all else, an upstanding person who wants to do the right thing. It's a simple premise and one that hits all the right notes.
There are a number of characters that fill stereotypes: the ranger (duh), the mage, the dwarf fighter (2 in this book), and the archer. It's a solid cast but one that doesn't necessarily grow as that's not what this story is about. There's a little romance that was nice to see, if not a bit simplistic in its execution.
This story has a number of adventures Eraden and team must undertake and its not a sweeping plot by any means, nor is it world shattering. Mostly small vignettes of saving the day and having a pint of ale to victory.
As far as prose goes, it is a bit on the straightforward and simple side. The pace is pretty steady, if not a bit wayward as some scenes of ale-drinking take precedence over the task at hand. The dialogue is a bit stilted in places and is never nothing more than needs to be to tell the scene.
All in all, The Ranger scratches that itch of smaller stakes amid lesser world problems, it tells a tale worthy of pals boasting around a round of drinks (there is probably only 6 chapters out of 30 without ale mentioned or imbibed). A fun and easy read.
Fresh out of Ranger school, Eraden travels back to his roots to assume the role of area Ranger, a title his father held. A Ranger must be brave, good with a sword, heroic, and above all else, an upstanding person who wants to do the right thing. It's a simple premise and one that hits all the right notes.
There are a number of characters that fill stereotypes: the ranger (duh), the mage, the dwarf fighter (2 in this book), and the archer. It's a solid cast but one that doesn't necessarily grow as that's not what this story is about. There's a little romance that was nice to see, if not a bit simplistic in its execution.
This story has a number of adventures Eraden and team must undertake and its not a sweeping plot by any means, nor is it world shattering. Mostly small vignettes of saving the day and having a pint of ale to victory.
As far as prose goes, it is a bit on the straightforward and simple side. The pace is pretty steady, if not a bit wayward as some scenes of ale-drinking take precedence over the task at hand. The dialogue is a bit stilted in places and is never nothing more than needs to be to tell the scene.
All in all, The Ranger scratches that itch of smaller stakes amid lesser world problems, it tells a tale worthy of pals boasting around a round of drinks (there is probably only 6 chapters out of 30 without ale mentioned or imbibed). A fun and easy read.
October 12, 2025
I went into this book really wanting to like it. The premise is there, the ingredients for a good fantasy are scattered throughout, but the execution just doesn’t land for me.
The writing isn’t completely unreadable. It was just too predictable.
The story leans heavily on clear Lord of the Rings echoes, which might have worked if they were handled with subtlety. Instead they come off more like out-of-place humor. Lastly, the supposed hero is overpowered to the point of being hilarious, and rather than building tension, it strips the stakes away.
There are flashes of intrigue, and I really enjoyed some parts. But overall this book just wasn’t for me.
The writing isn’t completely unreadable. It was just too predictable.
The story leans heavily on clear Lord of the Rings echoes, which might have worked if they were handled with subtlety. Instead they come off more like out-of-place humor. Lastly, the supposed hero is overpowered to the point of being hilarious, and rather than building tension, it strips the stakes away.
There are flashes of intrigue, and I really enjoyed some parts. But overall this book just wasn’t for me.
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