The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ruins of Gorlan is the first novel in the Ranger's Apprentice series written by Australian author John Flanagan. It was first published in Australia on 1 November 2004 and in the United States on 16 June 2005.John Flanagan says that he first wrote the series as short stories for his son to get him interested in reading. Ten years later, John Flanagan decided to turn them into the first book, The Ruins of Gorlan. However, he never knew that the one book would be able to turn into so many books. He still does not know how many books there will be in total. .

Concept and development

The Ruins of Gorlan was originally a set of short stories written by Flanagan for his son Michael to encourage him to read. Flanagan wrote one story a week for twenty weeks until he stopped. About ten years later, Flanagan found the stories he wrote and decided to write into a full length novel. Horace was based off of Michael's friend Jeremy, but in the original short stories Flanagan made Horace the villain, but he was "rehabilitated" by Flanagan and turned into a protagonist while Morgarath was turned into the antagonist. Will was based off of Michael who are both short, agile and fast. Most importantly, Flanagan wanted to show his son that there was an advantage to being small.

Plot

Morgarath, the exiled lord of the bleak, barren Mountains of Rain and Night, has been waiting for fifteen years in his dark realm, carefully planning his revenge against the Kingdom of Araluen. His former fief, known as Gorlan, was long since brought to ruin, ever since his unsuccessful rebellion against King Duncan. Now, as the years passed, he silently plotts to rebel again, rallying creatures known as Wargals to his side. Wargals have little will of their own, and were easy to control, therefore being suitable as soldiers in Morgarath’s army. Now, after the fifteen years, Morgarath prepares to unleash his power and attempt to take the Kingdom once more.

In Araluen, in the fief Redmont, a special day has for Will, called Choosing Day where he becomes an apprentice to a craftmaster. Although Will's first choice was Battleschool, he becomes apprenticed to Halt the Rangers. Rangers are the intelligence group of the country and specialize in long range weapons and the art of staying unseen. Will is trained in these skills as he prepares for the annual Ranger meeting called the Gathering where his skills will be tested. At the Gathering, the Rangers receive a report that the Kalkara, vicious creatures under the control of Morgarath were killing important Araluen figures. The only weapons that can injure them are heavy axes and swords carried by knights and fire.

Halt leaves to track down the Kalkara while Will rides for help. The Baron, Sir Rodney, and several others head out to slay the Kalkara. Finding where Halt is battling the Kalkara, Sir Rodney and the Baron manage to slay one, but are badly injured. Suddenly the last Kalkara appears and is killed by Will with a flaming arrow, right before the Kalkara is about the kill everyone else. Back at his fief, Will is considered a hero and receives his bronze oakleaf medal which identifies him as a ranger's apprentice.

Awards

The Ruins of Gorlan won the Aurealis Award. Then, the book earned the Children's Book Council of Australia Notable Book. Also, the first book was nominated for the Grand Canyon Reader Award in 2008.

Movie

As of January 7, 2008, United Artists has optioned the film rights for The Ruins of Gorlan and is in talks with Paul Haggis to adapt and direct the movie.

External links

• The Ruins of Gorlan at Random House Australia
• The Ruins of Gorlan at Penguin Group (USA)
• The Ruins of Gorlan at Random House UK
• The Ruins of Gorlan at Random House NZ