Halt's Peril

The Ranger's Apprentice has established itself internationally as one of the most anticipated and closely followed series behind Harry Potter and Twilight. It's not difficult to see why; John Flanagan consistently delivers an adrenaline pumping blend of great action, intriguing mystery and heart stopping suspense with every single book. But more than this, these books have tremendous heart with a core cast of characters that live so large in our imaginations we can't help but live and laugh and hurt alongside them.

By now we have become so close to Will and Halt and Horace that the mere thought of losing one of them is too dreadful to consider but this is exactly what Flanagan forces us to confront constantly through this latest instalment. Halt's Peril will have you on tenterhooks the entire way as this trio of heroes pursue the dangerous cult leader Tennyson from Hybernia and across the sea back to Araluen. As the title suggests, Halt's life will hang in the balance but Will and Horace are both prepared to risk everything to save him and you truly won't be able to tell the outcome.

In a lot of ways Halt's Peril is the most thrilling Ranger's Apprentice adventure so far. The tension never lets off and there are more hold-your-breath moments than ever before. There are also some nice cameos from some favourite allies and, of course, lots of beautiful humour to keep you from literally exploding from the suspense.

Although this is aimed squarely at the 12+ boy market, this is classic storytelling that appeals to everyone; boys and girls, young and old. Whenever a new Ranger's Apprentice book is due it is one of the most requested reading copies by booksellers around the country and truly a favourite across the entire reading spectrum. It is one of the first books I recommend to any teenagers and their parents as well. If you still haven't seen what all the fuss is about make sure you start with Book 1, The Ruins of Gorlan.

As featured by Toni Whitmont in the October Booktopia Buzz. Click here to see all of Booktopia's Newsletters.