The Ruins of Gorlan

In The Ruins of Gorlan, a Medieval adventure-fantasy novel for middle-grade readers, young Will learns the arts of the secretive Ranger tracker-warriors and defends his kingdom against an evil baron. Released in 2004 by author John Flanagan, The Ruins of Gorlan won multiple awards, spawned the bestselling Ranger Apprentice book series, and has been published in 18 countries. A television adaptation is in the works.

Following a long career in advertising, author Flanagan shifted to book writing and has published more than 30 novels for young readers, most of them part of the Ranger Apprentice world. The eBook version of the first edition of The Ruins of Gorlan forms the basis for this study guide.

Plot Summary

Baron Morgarath, exiled 15 years for his attempted coup against Araluen’s young King Duncan, plots another attack against the country. Last time, the Rangers surprised and routed his fearsome army of Wargals. Now, he brings a secret weapon, the terrifying Kalkara.

In Araluen at Castle Redmont, Will and four other orphans grow up as adoptees of Baron Arald. He raised them in honor of their parents, who died in his service.