The Tournament at Gorlan by John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice, The Early Years bk 1. Random House Australia, 2015. ISBN 9781742759302
(Age: 10+) Recommended. I admit that I am a big fan of the Ranger's Apprentice series and so I was looking forward to reading this prequel.
This book takes us back to earlier days when Halt was an aspiring Ranger. He travels with friend and fellow Ranger, Crowley, on a mission to rebel against Baron Morgarath's evil plotting.
King Oswald is virtually a prisoner and Prince Duncan apparently has begun to behave in a cruel and un-princely manner, losing the support of his people.
Halt and Crowley need to find the many Rangers who have been dismissed and replaced with Baron Morgarath's puppets.
This book highlights the friendship between Halt and Crowley. They enjoy each other's company and their friendly banter and jibes are comical and entertaining. Each ex-Ranger that joins their group brings their own story and skills but they are only a small group and Mogarath has the support of many.
The action, suspense and dialogue keep the reader entertained and always curious about the next chapter. This is a classic good against evil story that delivers a great tale.
I recommend this book for students from 10 years +.
Jane Moore