The Battle for Skandia

Ranger's Apprentice #4

by John Flanagan

Still far from their homeland after escaping slavery in the icebound land of Skandia, Will and Evanlyn's plans to return to Araluen are spoiled when Evanlyn is taken captive by a Temujai warrior. Though still weakened by the warmweed's toxic effects, Will employs his Ranger training to locate his friend, but an enemy scouting party has him fatally outnumbered. Will is certain death is close at hand, until Halt and Horace make a daring, last-minute rescue. The reunion is cut short, however, when Halt makes a horrifying discovery: Skandia's borders have been breached by the entire Temujai army. And Araluen is next in their sights. If two kingdoms are to be saved, an unlikely union must be made. Will it hold long enough to vanquish a ruthless new enemy? Or will past tensions spell doom for all?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Childrens

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[zuza_zaksiazkowane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love it

[Elizabeth Dragina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sorry. Did you hear that noise? No? Well it was the sound of my heart exploding in sadness. A sound that will never be heard again in all time.

At the end I decided who I shipped, and then my heart exploded in two. Will + Evelyn belong together. And now I'm extremely disappointed and scared to see if they will belong together. With both of them stuck on either side of the fence. Will being he is no longer her status. Evelyn being Rangers always keep to themselves. And me sitting here just waiting for my heart to explode. Then it did.

Now I cannot give a good review, and probably will never be able to. Just know that I have been silenced in the beautifully sad closure of this book. I fear their lives will never be the same again.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Bananas!

Book Four in the Ranger's Apprentice not only makes up for the lack luster book Three, it left it my fists pumping in the air! Book Three basically set up the events for book Four, in which the ranger Halt and the warrior apprentice Horace were in search of the missing princess Evelyn and the ranger apprentice Will. But enough of the pleasantries and onto the action! Book Four, or the Battle for Skandia, is non stop action. Grab it now and enjoy!

[spokój.w.głowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ta seria ewidentnie dostarcza mi zbyt wiele emocji ❤

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I've loved this series since Ruins of Gorlan the first book. It's suspenseful, action packed, and fun to read. It really makes you want to read. I really love how mortal enemies can come together to save their world. John Flanagan did a great job with this book and all his others. Really, really good.

[Ewelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023: kocham tą serie

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four solid stars. Told in 3rd person omniscient, there are only about 300 pages creating a swiftly flowing pace. (Long books wear me out). The plot is solid but not confusingly complex. The characters we met in earlier books return again, guarding each other's back, including Will, Horace, Evanlyn, Halt, Erak, etc. Their bond of friendship further develops, a spirit of camaraderie, loyalty, trust.

This series is classified as fantasy, but there are no fantastical elements in this particular entry (except one scene with a berserker killing rage). It's really more like an alternative history, where English-typecast characters (from Araluen) help the battle-axe toting Skandians (Vikings) repel an invasion of mongol-type invaders from the Eastern Steppes (the Temujai), light-calvary-archers led by a Khan-type chieftain.

It was written for teens, but I enjoyed it. There is maybe too much time spent on battle scenes, but the tactics were interesting and the fight did not feel overwhelming. Kudos to the author for creating credible (not Mary Sue) action scenes with the young princess, Evanlyn / Cassandra.

There is a good map and a fun app at the author's website: http://www.worldofjohnflanagan.com/ra...

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Battle for Skandia is the fourth book in the Ranger's Apprentice series.
What can I say? These books are just incredibly relaxing for me to read. Flawed but endearing characters, easy but exciting plots. I don't have to think and can just enjoy it.
Though in this particularly there were some things I would have liked differently. Most importantly I would have liked the book to deal with Will's trauma a bit more. He was enslaved, abused and drugged in the last book... I feel like he should have some form of PTSD. Instead it was just kind of dropped and hardly ever mentioned again. That was a bit disappointing. I also feel like the series could use a bit more direction at this point. Not that it's not interesting but currently I'm missing an ultimate goal. What am I reading to? Is this series going to follow Will's life for the rest of eternity until his death? Just like some kind of road trip? Not that I won't read this, but still... A bit direction would be appreciated.
Apart from that, I'm still enjoying the series.

[Yas · Rating 5 out of 5]

بازخوانی جلد چهارم-
ایده‌های این جلد رو دوست داشتم و پایان قشنگ و پر افتخارش:))
هوراس♡ ویل♡ کاساندرا

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just by the way, Will is such an idiot about girls. I love him anyway. And that battle gives me writer’s envy. Loved it.

[mroz_onka · Rating 5 out of 5]

To było mocne

[Vanessa Rasanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter (age 9) and I loved this book. We might have squealed at certain parts. Although I think she got a tad lost while I was reading the battle scenes. Had to stop a few times to explain what was going on or a joke that was worded in a way she didn’t quite understand. But we had a good time reading this one. Looking forward to the next!

[Arezoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

باز هم جذاب بود داستان.. البته یکم اون نیمه اول برام چند صفحه ای خسته کننده بود اونم بخاطر حضور بیش از حد اسکاندیایی ها😁 ولی مجموعا خوب بود لذت بردم

[Pani Bibliotekarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ w tej części sporo było wojny, taktyki ale zupełnie mi to nie przeszkadzało tym razem.
Koniec podniosły i wzruszający 🥹

[Eryk Ros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ja nie płacze to ty płaczesz (wzrusz)
TA BITWA. TA STRATEGIA.
Evalnyn (wink wink) once again SLAYED (bedzie dobrze zobaczysz)
I halt. Po prostu halt
Will dalej jest cynamonową bułą ♡

[Seltella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ogólnie całkiem mi się podobała. Zakończenie super i sprawiło, że uśmiech pojawił się mi na twarzy.

[Klaudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 część chyba odrobinkę lepsza. W tej też bardzo dużo się działo. Dialogi między bohaterami były cudowne. Nie mogę się do niczego przyczepić. Uwielbiam te serię, to jest czysta rozrywka. Jednocześnie wnosząca dużo do mojego życia, gdyż bardzo często myślę czy to o halcie, czy to o Willu. Końcówka na pierwszy rzut oka wydaje się delikatnie smutna. Jednak Will nie mógł podjąć innej decyzji. Mimo to czekam na kontynuację wątku romantycznego..
bardzo ale to bardzo polecam 🥰

[Timelord Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I jumped right into this one after finishing the previous one, to see how the "cliffhanger" played out...

[recenzjebook Nikosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

To było tak dobre jak trzy poprzednie tomy razem wzięte!

Natomiast - wiem, że nie każdemu spodoba się ta seria 🧡.

[Katie Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Part of a Series**
Probably my 2nd favorite book in this series so far. It was fun to see all sides of the battle from different characters' views.

[tentremxoxo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ta część była tak nudna jak flaki z olejem. Pół książki przebrnęłam, nawet nie pamiętam XD głównie była opisana walka tych Skandian z Tamucostam i kurde już miałam tak dość. Nie wiem co tu mam napisać, mało pamiętam jak wspomniałam. Halt mega crush XDDD ale tak to raczej tyle

[Abyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevím, co jsem roky dělala, asi jsem si myslela, že je tahle série moc dětská a přitom má v sobě každý díl opravdu skvělé dobrodružství :D

Extra oceňuji, jak tu Flanagan rozlišuje kultury, ukazuje, jaké mají země zvyky... hodně dumá o strategiích při boji a nebojí se dát nějaké důležité úkoly i děvčeti.

[rachel, x · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few books that manage such a level of consistency - and that's a compliment, though it doesn't sound really like one. Normally in a series there are some good books, some not so good ones, great characters, characters that piss you off... the Ranger's Apprentice series has had nothing but a consistently engaging plotline, an incredible cast of loveable and a fascinating setting. It hasn't gotten boring once.

In this installment we get to know Erak more which I loved. Erak and Halt's dialogue was hilarious. It was also fascinating to learn more about the Skandians.

While the battle was a little long-winded, I think it was key. It gave Evanlyn the chance to grow in her character. After seeing everyone else doubt her abilities - at times, she even doubted herself - it was nice to see her grow in confidence and wow everyone with her hidden awesomeness. I'm intrigued about her and Horace's relationship and how it is going to progress over the rest of the series!

I have to admit that I missed Will a little bit though. He still isn't back to his usual self (for most of the book) and he got a little weird towards the end.

Overall, this was fantastic - just as I've learnt to expect from John Flanagan. I'm excited for the next book.

[Joshua Letchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Ranger's Apprentice series as a light read, even as an older teenager. The books are very easy to pick up and Flanagan's style draws you into the story.

I gave this book five stars because it has probably the best battle-scene (it takes up nearly half of the book) I have ever found in fiction. Modern authors and movie-makers rarely understand medieval warfare. They are used to modern weapons like machine guns and artillery, so they use archers and catapults like automatic rifles and cannons. The superhero complex encourages them to follow the exploits of a single hero who can plough through a battalion single-handedly (think the Jedi knights).

Flanagan doesn't fall for any of that nonsense. His battle is interesting, clever, realistic and above all, plausible. The strategies the commanders use make sense, the tactics the warriors use are realistic, and oveall, I finished the book feeling like "that could have really happened". I reread this book just for that. But Flanagan doesn't get caught up in "getting it right"- he stil remembers to keep it personal. You aren't some bird flying over the battle watching it like a an all-knowing god; you watch the events unfold through the eyes of his beloved characters, especially Will, Horace and Halt.

[Kasia (kasikowykurz) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Na dzień dzisiejszy mam trochę problem z tą serią. Podoba mi się, jak błyskawicznie się przez to płynie i jej lekkość, przez co idealnie wpasowuje się jako przerywnik, ale strasznie nie lubię tego uczucia, że autor traktuje nas jak debili. W niektórych momentach tłumaczy wszystko, jakby targetem były pięciolatki, a nie młodzież, co odbiera mi całą radość ze słuchania. Nie do końca pasuje mi też jednak lektor, ale to nieistotne.

Pierwsza połowa nudnawa, pod koniec się wciągnęłam, ale nie jestem zachwycona.

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The climax of Will’s first mission basically and this definitely ends it with a bang as everything just comes crashing down together. The battle scenes in particular are really interesting.

[kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

erak starfollower and halt o'carrick are the best characters in this entire series and I will not be taking any objections.

[Karolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000000/10

[Cat Carstairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahem. How rude of this book to slap me in the face with feels like that.

I'll say it up front: this wasn't my favorite Ranger's Apprentice book. While it did have a lot of action, it also had a surprising amount of lengthy battle tactics scenes. Now, I will give it to John Flanagan for writing these scenes very well. Explaining preparations for battle- and actually writing about the battle itself- in a way that is both accessible and fluid is a feat in itself. There wasn't a moment where I struggled to interpret the motions of the armies or the logic of their strategies, so truly, bravo, Mr. Flanagan. However, I often found myself longing for a change in plot or exploration of characters to spruce things up.

Then the last quarter of this book came along. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if there's any one word I would use to describe this series, it would be addictive. These are the kind of books that make you forget that you're reading because you are so wholly ensconced in the story. They're fast, fun, and intriguing. Like a can of Pringles, as soon as you finish one, they have you reaching for the next before you know what you're doing. And that's what I love so much about them.

One of the biggest things keeping me so hooked is these characters. In four short books, I would already be willing to die for these guys. This book is includes the big reunion of Will, Evanlyn, Horace, and Halt, and though it hurt to see them separated for so long, it was also fascinating to read about how their different relationships progressed through new and challenging circumstances. I particularly have enjoyed seeing the friendship develop between Evanlyn and Will, but it was also so funny to see Halt and the wolfship captain Erak become an unlikely duo. I was CRACKING UP when Halt had to disguise himself in the Skandian armor and the helmet kept falling off his head. And the Skandians were all "what a murderous little man" like I was crying guys. I need fanart of this.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate what a boss Evanlyn was in these last two books? I think it's safe to say the big battle wouldn't have been pulled off if it weren't for her. And let's be honest- without her, Will wouldn't have survived either. Not only did she help Will conquer warmweed addiction, but she led them to survival through the winter AND did some espionage-type stuff, which lead her to find out about Slagor being a traitor- a piece of information that helped the Skandians turn the tide of the war. My heart was all over the place when she returned to being Princess Cassandra and Will was so awkward. After book 3, I was sure that these two were going to become a thing, but after this book, I'm not so sure. Don't get me wrong, I would honestly love to see them end up together, but it would be hard considering she's the literal princess and he's just a Ranger. Horace, on the other hand...I felt like there was potential for something between the two of them, especially now that Horace is an official knight. Which, speaking of, YAY HORACE! My child 100% deserves it.

It would also be fallacious of me to not praise the true spotlight of the book, our dear grim Ranger Halt. Guys. This man had me dying of laughter sooo many times whilst reading, like when Horace had concerns about Halt forging Duncan's seal and Halt being sarcastic in response or when he took every opportunity to tease Erak and be laconic towards him at any given moment. Also, the ode at the end about Halt being "worth his salt" had me ROLLING. While I did feel like the reunion between Halt and Will happened at a time that was a bit too convenient, I still had tears in my eyes reading about the scene. It's so funny to me that everyone sees Halt as this mysterious, dangerous, brooding character, but when it comes to Will, he's all caring Dad™.

Also, can we talk about what an excellent job this series does in portraying male characters who are unafraid to show their emotions? Like how Halt refused to wipe away his tears when he thought about Will, or Will crying in Halt's arms when they were reunited? There was even a part at the end between Horace and Will along the lines of "Horace returned to his seat, the faces around him a blur. The only thing he saw was the huge, delighted grin on Will's face as he congratulated him" and I dunno guys, that got me. It's been so heartwarming to read about the progression of their friendship where once they were enemies. I love these guys so much.

I really loved how this book ended. Bless John Flanagan for writing a sufficient amount of content after the battle so we can see our characters reconcile and celebrate. These scenes, in my opinion, are never superfluous, but in fact are crucial to fully round out the story and allow it to feel complete. I love that Will keeps choosing to be a Ranger over and over again, no matter how much the kingdom offers him. I think that's the making of a true Ranger, and I've loved seeing him develop into the role. Also, it was so sweet how King Duncan kept insisting that Halt be forgiven of his banishment.

Overall, while this installment had its slow points, I think its ending allowed it to be more than fulfilling. I didn't expect to get attached to this series in the way that I did, and I already cannot wait to dive right into book 5. The Ranger's Apprentice series has definitely earned its way to my list of favorites!

Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Icebound Land HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Sorcerer of the North HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Siege of Macindaw HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: Erak's Ransom HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Kings of Clonmel HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: Halt's Peril HERE!
Read my review of The Ranger's Apprentice: The Emperor of Nihon-Ja HERE!

[Myles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subject: Oakleaf Bearers (Ranger’s Apprentice #4) — 4⭐️ Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — This is the book where Ranger’s Apprentice stops warming up and starts running downhill at full speed.

🌲❝ Training is over.
Now it’s about choices — and consequences. ❞

*Oakleaf Bearers* feels sharper, smarter, and more grown than the earlier books.
Will isn’t just reacting anymore — he’s thinking like a Ranger. Planning. Observing. Outsmarting people who don’t even realize they’re in a fight yet.

🏹 The Celtica setting is a huge win.
Different culture. Different rules.
It adds depth to the world and proves this series isn’t stuck in one lane.

🔥 The tension is quieter but heavier.
This book trusts the reader.
Less hand-holding, more strategy.
Every move matters.

🫂 Halt remains elite — calm, dangerous, and always two steps ahead.
But what really hits is watching Will earn respect, not just receive guidance.

📚❝ A Ranger’s strength isn’t in his weapon.
It’s in what he notices before anyone else does. ❞

If earlier books were about becoming, this one is about belonging.
Will feels like he’s finally stepped into the role — not just wearing the cloak, but carrying the responsibility.

🐶 Is it action-packed? Not nonstop.
But when things move, they move with purpose.
No wasted scenes. No filler.

4 stars.
This book solidifies the universe John Flanagan built and proves the series has real staying power.
If you weren’t already invested — this is the one that locks you in. 📚🔥🌲