Part of Ranger's Apprentice, book 4
First published 2008
Will and Evanlyn taste freedom after breaking free from bondage in frozen Skandia, but their journey home to Araluen takes a deadly turn. A Temujai warrior captures Evanlyn, forcing Will to track his friend despite his body still suffering from warmweed poisoning. His Ranger skills lead him to her location, but an enemy patrol surrounds him with overwhelming numbers. Death seems certain until familiar allies arrive with a desperate rescue. The celebration ends quickly when they uncover terrible news. The Temujai army has crossed into Skandia and plans to invade Araluen next. Two kingdoms face destruction unless former enemies can forge an alliance. Will must help broker this fragile partnership between Skandia and Araluen while the Temujai threat grows stronger. The question becomes whether old grudges and mistrust will destroy any chance of cooperation, leaving both nations vulnerable to conquest by this merciless force.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-allies, found-family
Setting: Skandia, Araluen
Period: Medieval
294 pages · Hardcover · Viking Books for Young Readers