The Ranger's Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan

The Ranger’s Apprentice Book one: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

The Ruins of Gorlan focuses mainly on a young orphan boy named Will, who does not know where he came from nor who his parents were. All Will knows is that as an infant he was left in Castle Redmont’s ward with the note stating: his father was a good man who died in battle and his mother in childbirth. With this being the only information given of his family history, Will decides to honor his father he will do everything in his power to follow in his father’s footsteps; by becoming a knight. So it comes as no surprise when on "choosing day" Will has his heart set on going to battle school. There is one problem in Will’s plan: his size. He is small, especially for his fifteen years. Although fast, agile, and strong (for his size) he just cannot compete with the much bigger Horace. A fellow ward mate who just happens to be a born warrior or at least possess the skills, and the size, necessary to become one.

When Will is chosen to become apprentice for the mysterious ranger Halt, his life becomes far more interesting. Does Will have what it takes to join rank with the King’s Rangers? Or will he refuse to give up his dream of following his father’s lead in becoming a knight?

The Ruins of Gorlan takes place in an age akin to our “medieval times” With many twists and turns; danger and questions, The Ruins of Gorlan will keep you riveted until the last page and will leave you eager for book two: The Burning Bridge.

The Ruins of Gorlan is book one of twelve which are currently published in the Ranger’s Apprentice series.

Join Will in his adventure by diving into the land of Araluen.

You can purchas The Ruins of Gorlan at:

Amazon

The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1)

Barnes & Noble

The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice Series #1)

Or check at your local library.

And don’t forget to checkout John Flanagan’s website:

Rangers Apprentice

My Father Is a Man Worthy of Honor - Jane Grey

This is a post from back in 2009 by Jane Grey. I read it only just this morning and it really convicted me.
Here is a short preview from the post:

"Honor your father and your mother, that you may live long in the land."

"Our culture is barren of honor. We have no idea what it means to honor another person, much less do we seek to honor those who deserve it, and even less do we come close to honoring those who we are commanded by God to honor. The phrase I quoted above is what Jesus called the first commandment with promise. If we obey this command and give honor to our fathers and our mothers, we are promised long life."

"There is nothing more demeaning for a man than to be disrespected and looked down upon by the people he works hard to serve and protect. Sons and daughters, listen to me. Your father is motivated by his success as a father. If you praise and honor him for the good things he's done (no matter how small) without criticizing him for things he hasn't done (no matter how big) he will be motivated. He will work harder to be a better father. This isn't manipulation or flattery. This is doing what God has commanded you to do. Your father is a man worthy of honor by the mere definition of his role. He is your father, he is worthy of honor. You are his child, you must honor him. By your honor, you will see just how honorable, trustworthy, and capable he is."


Here is the link to the post if you are interested in reading the whole thing. (Which I highly recommend it is worth while)
http://janegrey.hubpages.com/hub/A-Man-Worthy-of-Honor

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

                   

A Cast of Stones, Book one of The Staff and The Sword by Patrick W. Carr

Special thanks to Patrick W. Carr for providing me with an advanced reading copy of A Cast of Stones.

I would give A Cast of Stones 4.5 out of 5 stars. An enjoyable read (and one I recommend) , the book is exciting, filled with danger, and realistic characters. I eagerly await book two (The Hero's Lot).

In the small village of Callowford lives Errol Stone, the town drunk. Errol's only concern is where he will get enough coin to buy his next mug of ale. When a messenger comes to town with urgent messages for the local hermit priest, Errol volunteers to deliver them. If only he knew how much that one choice would affect the course of his life.
Now hunted by deadly assassins, Errol flees with the priest and a few other travelers. Their journey is plagued with danger, church politics, and secrets. Errol must learn to defend himself and leave his quiet, although rarely sober, lifestyle behind.

With the fate of the Kingdom hanging in the balance, will Errol answer the call to be the man Deas (God) has ment him to be?


You can purchase A Cast of Stones at:

Amazon
 http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Stones-The-Staff-Sword/dp/0764210432/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357329304&sr=8-1&keywords=a+cast+of+stones

Christian Books.com
http://www.christianbook.com/cast-stones-staff-and-the-sword/patrick-carr/9780764210433/pd/210433?item_code=WW&netp_id=1021490&event=ESRCG&view=details

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cast-of-stones-patrick-w-carr/1111413417?ean=9780764210433

Also check out Patrick W Carr's Website:
http://patrickwcarr.com/