Halt's Peril (Ranger's Apprentice Series #9)

From Barnes & Noble

Rangers Halt and Will are in hot pursuit of the Outsiders, the cruel renegades who killed Halt's only brother. The motivation of the Rangers could not be more personal, but the Outsiders hold strategic advantages that can threaten the very lives of these brave warriors. A well-armed addition to the acclaimed Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan.

Children's Literature - Amanda Ledbetter

Tennyson and his cult of Outsiders are on the run, but rangers Halt and Will, along with warrior Horace, have picked up their trail. Their mission is to bring the criminals to justice for their evil deeds, including the murder of Halt's twin brother, King Ferris. The three heroes use their excellent tracking skills to follow the villains, beginning to close the distance between the two groups. Alerted to their presence, Tennyson sends his two paid assassins to put an end to the trouble. Halt and Will are able to take out one of the assassins, but in the process, a crossbow bolt strikes Halt, a minor injury made lethal by the poison on the tip. Now Will chooses to put the chase on hold, valuing his best friend and former mentor's life above the pursuit of Tennyson's gang. He rides day and night as he seeks out the famous healer Malcolm, hoping to bring him back to camp before the poison can claim Halt's life. The ninth book in the "Ranger's Apprentice" series, this tale provides great visualization and description as the characters navigate their way through the forest landscape. Its action is slow to develop, but the pace quickens as readers await the outcome of Halt's battle for his life. The story also provides a great springboard for ethical discussions, specifically in how far one would go to save a friends' life. With few female characters and a fictional setting reminiscent of medieval Europe, this book is likely to draw in male readers—both old fans of the series and newcomers alike. Reviewer: Amanda Ledbetter