The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)
by John Flanagan
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Book Summary Information
Author: John FlanaganEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2007-06-26
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 260
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Philomel
Book Reviews of The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)
Book Review: Sorry, but The Icebound Land was a disappointment
Summary: 1 Stars
What a find! I was at the bookstore with my daughter who had a gift card. She wanted to buy me something that we would both enjoy reading, as well as reading it out loud to her bro (daughter=9, bro=6). I was looking through the young readers section not really knowing what to look at when another customer, who looked about 11, recommended this series. As always, I read the books I've never heard about before letting the kids read them and I have to say the first two in the series are absolute home runs. They are actioned packed, inventive, move along quickly, and are very well written. The characters are memorable and likable. I enjoyed the first book so much I went back and bought the second one and ordered the third one here on Amazon that same day. The second book is even better that the first. However, I have to join the two other people that were brave enough to give this book, The Ice Bound Land, a bad review. I know there are like 20 positive reviews, however I feel the book does not deserve any praise and I don't think I'm going to give it to my kids to read. There are several reasons for this.
First it was boring. The other books moved along very quickly, everything flowed nicely. This book has *very* long gaps between action with lots of rambling on (and on...) in between. The book has the same amount of pages in it as each of the first two, but only half the plot. I am hoping that what's not going to happen is the author had one book that he's turning into two. I would challenge those who gave 4 or 5 stars to ask themselves: 'If I had read this book first, would I run out and buy the first two'? Probably not. My feeling is this book rides the coattails of the first two, and it's liked because everyone already loves the characters.
Second thing is; what's up with all the curse words? The first book had like one or two, the second like three. This one has well over 20. They don't add value to the conversation, situation, or to the book. Just the opposite really.
The next item is the drug addiction. Will's drug addiction as a story arc is so powerful that's it's the one thing you remember first about the book. Not that the book doesn't have its moments, it's just after reading it all you think about is this. Who wants to see the hero of the book turn into a vegetable? That's not what I want my kids reading. Dreadful, just dreadful. Following my earlier fear that this is really one book turned into two, the addiction would have been an easy way to add about one hundred pages to the story.
Which is the last point, this book is about one hundred pages too long.
Ultimately though, book four is out in about two weeks and I'll buy it. I also love the characters, writing style and action from the first two and am hoping book four returns to that formula. If book four is like book three then I won't be reading any of the others. And that's a shame.
Summary of The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)
Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise-even defy his King.Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia. On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights-but Horace knows a thing or two about combat. Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?
The smash hit series continues with another heart stopping adventure.
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