The Battle of Hackham Heath Continues an Epic Ranger’s Apprentice Prequel Series

Let’s face it, a good prequel can be hard to find. It’s not hard to understand why, since a well-written prequel has to both introduce readers to new adventures with their favorite characters, and stay faithful to established story lines and plots. Luckily for faithful readers of John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, The Battle of Hackam Heath, the second book in the Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years prequel series, hits that perfect sweet spot.

Over the course of these twelve books, readers follow Will as he evolves from a green apprentice in book one, The Ruins of Gorlan to one of the greatest Rangers the kingdom has ever seen in book twelve, The Royal Ranger. As the series evolves, readers also meet Will’s companions, from the stalwart knight Horace, to the handsome Gilan, and the noblewoman in disguise, Evanlyn, as well as a host of other compelling secondary characters. Will and company must fight to vanquish a veritable smorgasbord of enemies, not the least of which includes the evil exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night. I won’t give away any spoilers, but this series perfect for young readers who love action, adventure, and coming of age stories.

Which is why I love that The Battle of Hackham Heath, is essentially Halt’s origin story. The Baron Morgarath has escaped to avoid being convicted of treason. Unfortunately for the good citizens of Araluen, Morgarath isn’t easily stopped and is already planning to recruit an army of horrible beasts known as Wargals to take over the kingdom. Luckily, a young and intrepid ranger named Halt O’Carrick is prepared to do whatever it takes to stop Morgarath, even if this includes risking his life climbing the terrible cliffs of the Mountains of Rain and Night to spy on the enemy. For young readers who want a nail-biting, edge of your seat, fantasy series, The Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years series, which begins with The Tournament at Gorlan and continues with The Battle of Hackham Heath, is perfect. Doubly so if you are a loyal Ranger’s Apprentice fan and have always wanted to learn how Morgarath eventually recruited an army of evil and savage Wargals, or to discover what young King Duncan was like when he was first crowned, and of course to learn how Halt earned his status as the famous Ranger.