Reviews

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

niienke's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

maryhannawilson's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

4.25

In a strange test of his abilities, 15-year-old Will has been chosen to be an apprentice to one of the Rangers. He is uncertain about his position because the Rangers are a mysterious group who live in the shadows and are rumored to practice magic.

He quickly learns that the Rangers are the true protectors of the kingdom who often fight the battles that the people don't even know are happening. Now Will is about to learn of a large battle brewing in the kingdom as the exiled Morgarath is ready to fight again -- Will must find his place in the battle to protect the kingdom.

This book had a slow start as I got to know the characters and became more familiar with the fantasy world. Eventually, I found myself immersed in the setting and story and excited about the outcome.

This is a classic "battle for the kingdom" fantasy adventure type story - a very popular one. One thing that set it apart for me was the characters. Not only did I enjoy Will, the main character, but he has a band of 4 additional friends who have different roles in the kingdom and I grew to like each of them.

One of them in particular, Horace, has a few chapters focused on his story, and we get to watch his transformation from a bully into a friend. I suspect that Will's friends, including Horace, will continue to appear as the series moves forward.

There is violence in a book about battling for the kingdom, but it is age-appropriate for a young adult story. This particular book didn't include much in the way of romance, though one of Will's friends kisses him briefly at the end and I suspect there will be some romance moving forward.

While we have a traditional story arc that rises to a climactic battle scene, it is clear that the "final battle" for the kingdom is yet to come. Book one effectively draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of the series.

Great choice for teen readers.

abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition

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5.0

I honestly love this book - though it is a young adult novel, it still has a few unexpected twists and turns - such a great read - looking forward to book two.

jgalewska's review against another edition

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5.0

Czuję się jak ostatnia osoba, która nie zna tej serii i zdecydowanie żałuję, że trafiłam na nią dopiero teraz.
Pierwszy tom okazał się ciepłą, zabawną, ale też wzruszającą opowieścią, przy której uroniłam parę łez, bynajmniej nie ze smutku. Polubiłam bohaterów i wraz z nimi przeżywałam zarówno te radosne jak i ciężkie chwile. Chcę już wiedzieć co wydarzyło się dalej i planuję przeczytać calusieńką serię.
Lektura „Ruin Gorlanu” to było wspaniałe przeżycie, które w jakimś stopniu uleczyło moje wewnętrzne dziecko. Także mimo iż książka jest skierowana do młodszych odbiorców, to polecam również tym, którzy od dawna już dziećmi nie są ;)

calbowen's review against another edition

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5.0

I honestly love this book - though it is a young adult novel, it still has a few unexpected twists and turns - such a great read - looking forward to book two.

salalander's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Leest enorm vlot en om het na al die jaren nog eens vast te pakken en te lezen was heel fijn!

Had de boeken als kind al eens gelezen maar nu blijven ze leuk en grijpt het je vast tot het uit is! een absolute aanrader!

brittany_faith's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

i loved this book. very easy read, nice with little twists. 

alwroteabook's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Not overly original but a great romp for kids and "young at heart" adults. Narrator gets a lot of credit for making it fun throughout with an array of accents. 

zanda_graves's review against another edition

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5.0

I grew up reading John Flanagan books and to this day I love them just as much now as I did when I was a kid. This series means everything to me and I’m so happy I started my reread of it.

Every single character in this story leaves their mark on the read. They all have such fun personalities and I love the banter between everyone. Will has to be one of, if not my favorite, protagonist of all time. He’s so likable and it is so fun to watch him grow into being a ranger in this book, and throughout the whole series.

Also Jenny is the best character sorry not sorry.

hiitssimone's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Niet te moeilijk, een lekkere comfortread

(En ja, de vrouwelijke personages zijn slecht geschreven, de dialogen soms wat simpel, weinig diepgang. 
Maar soms wil je gewoon even lezen over iemands avonturen oke.
En de ponyyyyy, m'n hart)