The Lost Stories [Hardcover]

The story behind this book are that these are stories that have been found while historians are exploring the ruins of Castle Redmont and its nearby village. The book is a collection of short stories that fills in some of the blanks that didn't fit into the original books. eg. Gilan hunting down Foldor who is mentioned as Halt is banished from Araluen).
The ton of the book is different; some parts are more sad/somber and others are just shortened adventure stories. I think some younger readers may be bothered by the thought of a time when Castle Redmont lies in ruins and they realize this world has moved on.
As a stand alone book, I still prefer the full stories to a collection of short stories. Still this is a very fun read and for fans of the series, I think you will love it. If you haven't read the entire series, there will be a name or two you may not recognize, but it won't be a big deal. I, for one, am not ready for this world to move on.

John Flanagan spent ten books crafting the stories of the Rangers Will and Halt, young knight Horace, and their many friends and allies. And in "Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories," he explores some of the stories hinted at but never really explored before -- stories that illuminate the characters' pasts, small-scale adventures, and a few romantic climaxes as well.

The story is framed by a little story that takes place in the present day. Archaeologist Giles McFarlane and his assistants are excavating the remains of Castle Redmont, when one of them finds the ruins of a Ranger's cabin -- and a parchment manuscript filled with long-lost tales.

Among the stories are tales of Will Treaty and Halt. Will must write a flowery speech while battling shipwreckers, track down his abducted dog Ebony, and struggles with the inevitable when Tug is badly wounded during a mission. Additionally, he must unravel a conspiracy of murder and treachery in the days leading up to Horace and Evanlyn's wedding -- with dire consequences if he fails.

Additionally, Gilan gets a couple of stories. First, a bunch of thieves take Jenny hostage on the very day that she's expecting Gilan for a romantic dinner (awww!). And during Will's captivity in Skandia, he investigates an equally malevolent ally of Morgarath's named Foldar (brother of File?) who is busy establishing a foothold in a corrupt barony.

And there are stories that illuminate the characters' pasts. "Death of a Hero" explores how Halt met Will's father twenty-ish years ago, and how both his parents died. And "The Hibernian" studies Halt's entry into the Ranger Corps and his first meeting with Crowley, during a dark period for the Rangers.

If the Ranger's Apprentice series was an elaborate mural, "The Lost Stories" is John Flanagan painting in the little details and missed spots. And these aren't just the stories Flanagan wanted to tell -- a number of them seem to be in response to requests from or points made by various fans, such as people wanting to know what Gilan was doing during Halt's exile.

And you can tell how much he loves these characters, from the primary characters to the minor ones like Jenny or Crowley -- even the animals are given stories that flesh them out further, and allow them moments to shine. The only flaw is a notable lack of Horace -- even Alyss gets more time than he does.

Flanagan's prose is lean, action-packed and full of fun cameos by beloved characters (Erak, Gilan, Shigeru, Crowley). He can flip effortlessly between gritty knife-swinging action, bittersweetness (the story about Tug), and comedy that seems to flow effortlessly ("For years, people will say, Remember that speech Will gave that nobody could understand?").

"Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories" fills in some intriguing gaps in the Ranger's Apprentice universe, and caps off many of the characters' arcs. Bad place to start for newbies, but an excellent addition to the series.

The book was great. It filled in most of the missing holes.I myself do not want to believe this series are over.Hopefully his new series brings such action.

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