The Royal Ranger: Escape From Falaise

Summary: Book 5 in the Ranger's Apprentice The Royal Ranger series, Maddie and Will navigate the treacherous waters of captivity under Baron Lassigny's clutches after their failed rescue mission. As they plot their escape in hopes of returning to Araluen, the duo's resourcefulness and courage are tested as they figure out a way to outwit the baron or risk being his prisoner forever. However, when an old friend appears and the Rangers are rescued, they risk their newfound freedom and embark on a redemption mission that showcases their resilience and honor as Rangers.

Suggested age rating: 12+ based on minor violence and reading level.

Review: The previous installment in the franchise left off with a gripping cliffhanger, and it was a relief to see the author seamlessly continue the storyline without an unnecessary recap. This approach allowed for a smooth transition and kept the momentum of the narrative intact. One of the standout aspects of this book was the portrayal of a failed Ranger mission, adding a layer of realism to the characters and their experiences. It was refreshing to see them face obstacles and setbacks, making their journey more relatable and engaging. While there were some excellent aspects of this novel, the pacing was a bit sluggish for quite a few chapters after the initial excitement of Maddie and Will's capture wore off. However, as the story progressed, the tension and excitement began to build, culminating in a thrilling final third that left a lasting impact. Overall, despite the pacing issues in the early parts of the novel, the story was still enjoyable and captivating. The intricate web of relationships and conflicts within the story added layers of complexity, making it a rich and rewarding reading experience. Though I wish there was more content to break up the monotony in waiting for the escape, the novel's focus on character development and intricate storytelling made it a thought-provoking read.

Language: None present.

Indecency/Sex: None present.

Violence and Gore: Hanging in mentioned and characters are injured and killed with swords, arrows, and lead projectiles.

Frightening Scenes: None present.

Substance Abuse: A man drinks alcohol and is later mentioned as being intoxicated.

Spiritual Content: Mention of a character moving like a ghost and a wraith, a couple of characters pray, and heaven as well as gods are brought up.

Genres: Fantasy, fiction, young adult, medieval.