First published 2015
Halt and Crowley uncover a devastating truth. Morgarath has been secretly placing his agents within the Ranger Corps, corrupting the kingdom's most trusted protectors from within. The two young Rangers head north to find Prince Duncan and secure a royal warrant before Morgarath can complete his takeover. When they reach Gorlan, they realize how far the conspiracy has advanced. Morgarath intends to turn the Prince against his own father while simultaneously winning over the Council of Barons. His ultimate goal is the throne itself, and he knows that destroying the Rangers will eliminate the King's strongest defenders. Halt and Crowley must navigate treacherous political waters to expose the plot. Their mission leads to the annual tournament at Gorlan, where everything will be decided through a series of deadly duels. This prequel takes readers back to the early days of the Rangers, before Will became an apprentice, setting up the conflicts that drive the original Ranger's Apprentice series.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Gorlan
Period: Early Days, Prequel
364 pages · Hardcover · Viking Books for Young Readers