Overview
There are happy times in the kingdom of Araluen. Halt is marrying Lady Pauline, and Will is nearing his graduation and becoming a full-fledged ranger. Suddenly, bursting into eh festivities quite literally comes the news that Erak, the friend of Araluen and the ruler of Skandia, has been captured by the Arridi, who will release him for a ransom. Halt, Will, Princess Evanlyn, and of course it wouldn't do to leave Horace and Gilan behind, launch out on a quest to get him back, meeting more than just Arridi nobles.
Negative
Over time the author has lapsed back on the whole "bloodless" combat thing. There are some mild descriptions of bloody wounds. Luckily, the amount of language is lapsing. In fact, off the top of my head, I can't remember any. As for the story, it's pretty much on par with the rest of the Ranger's Apprentice. More emphasis on worldbuilding and action than the characters.
Positive
The main theme of this story is real friendship and loyalty. Will and everyone else repeatedly risk their lives for each other, and even minor characters, such as a mostly unnamed lieutenant express loyalty to their commander and a sense of camaraderie with the soldier underneath this command.
Conclusion
Erak's Ransom is standard Ranger's Apprentice material. Not bad, but not good. That really sums it up so well I'll just leave it here XD
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