419 pages
"They were mysterious. Some claim they were merely the stuff of legend - the Rangers with their mottled green-and-gray cloaks and their reputation as defenders of the Kingdom. Reports of their brave battles vary, but we know of at least ten accounts, most of which feature a boy - turned man - named Will and his mentor, Halt. There are reports, as well, of others who fought alongside the Rangers, such as the young warrior Horace, a courageous princess named Evanlyn, and a cunning diplomat named Alyss.
Yet this crew left very little behind and their existence has never been able to be proved. Until now, that is...Behold the Lost Stories." -Dust Jacket
Book 10 of this series ended in a satisfying way, sort of an "and they sailed off into the sunset" way, which I thought completely fit the series. So, although I was content, I was completely excited for this book. Will, Halt, Horace, Alyss, Evanlyn, Gilan, Duncan, they're all characters you don't want to leave behind. They endear themselves to you as the reader and if this series were to go on and on I would be the first in line.
The Lost Stories begins with an archaeological dig near Castle Redmont and the discovery of Will's former cabin. There Professor MacFarlane unearths carefully hidden pages - the lost stories of the Rangers. At first I was kind of...stunned, I guess. Will and Halt are larger than life and it was hard to imagine a fictional world in which they don't exist. They are legendary. It was hard to think of them having grown old and passing away. Which is probably precisely why the author chose to go this route.
The Lost Stories is meant to be a gift to the readers of Ranger's Apprentice, and it definitely is. Some stories are a result of reader questions and comments. I loved every one. Some gave back stories, such as Will's coming to the ward at Castle Redmont, Halt's becoming a Ranger, but most take place after book 10. I felt like each one added that extra special touch to a fantastically entertaining journey, the icing on a great cake. Where I was satisfied with the ending before, I'm now completely satisfied. I might have even gotten a little teary-eyed towards the end. The way the author introduces the reader to his new series at the end was a fun addition. I'm excited and I'm hoping the new characters will be just as lovable as the old, though right now that's hard to imagine. I'm sure John Flanagan will make it happen though.
Ranger's Apprentice has become one of my all-time favorite series and one I know I'll revisit over and over again. It's a great story of loyalty, bravery and friendship - perfect for all ages.
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