Erak’s Ransom is the exciting seventh book in theRanger’s Apprentice series. This book, while written later, is actually placed before book five in the timeline of events.
In Erak’s Ransom, Oberjarl Erak restless and tired of staying out of action decides to go on one last raid.
But things take a terrible turn for the worse when Erak and his men are caught by Selethen, the Wakir of Al Shabah.
It is up to Will and his friends to ransom Erak before it is too late.
Book Details
Author: John Flanagan
Publisher: Puffin Books
Series: Ranger’s Apprentice
Book: Erak’s Ransom, #7
Age Range: 12-15
Media Type: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audio Book
Note: There is a prequel series named “Ranger’s Apprentice; The Early Years,” a spin-off series known as “BrotherBand Chronicles,” and a sequel series called “Ranger’s Apprentice; The Royal Ranger.”
Summary of Erak’s Ransom
Erak, Oberjarl of Skandia, who is missing the action of the old days, decides to go on one last raid.
Things are going fine until they are surrounded by Selethen, the Wakir of Al Shabah.
Selethen releases Erak’s men but decides to hold Erak for ransom.
But not every one wants Erak as Oberjarl.
If they were to find out that Erak is being held for ransom they may just elect someone else to be Oberjarl, leaving Erak right where he is.
Erak, knowing this, sends Svengal, second in command of the Wolfwind, to Araluen instead.
Though King Duncan is happy to pay the ransom he cannot come and help right away.
But Princess Cassandra, also known as Evalyn, is happy to go in his place.
Together with Halt, Will, Horace, and Gilan she travels to Al Shabah in Arridi to free Erak.
Once there, they begin to negotiate for his release. They reach a set back when they find out that Selethen has sent Erak to a fortress in Mararoc.
They set off to get Erak with Selethen and his men.
As they are traveling, they get caught in a terrible sandstorm. Tug, Will’s beloved horse, is lost.
Will, devastated with the loss of Tug, sets off to find him in the unforgiving desert.
Will promises to catch up with the others once he finds Tug.
But in a terrible turn of events, Will gets lost in the desert and is found by the Bedullin nearly dead.
Meanwhile, Halt and the others travel on, only to discover the remains of the trading party that had been taking Erak to Mararoc.
The caravan has been completely massacred by the Tualaghi. The Tualaghi are a remote tribe that have caused Selethen a lot of trouble in recent years.
The Tualaghi are highly skilled warriors.
They raid and then disappear into the desert. Selethen without a skilled tracker has absolutely no chance of retaliating.
Among all of the carnage there is no sign of Erak.
But with Halt and Gilan with him, Selethen and the others are able to track down the Tualaghi.
They are are determined to find the Tualaghi and rescue Erak.
They pursue the Tualaghi being careful not to reveal themselves.
However, they quickly find themselves at the mercy of the Tualaghi
Will they ever get free?
Will Erak ever see his beloved Skandia again? And what about Will? Will he ever see Halt again?
Find out in this exciting book, Erak’s Ransom.
Things I Like about Erak’s Ransom
I really like when Evalyn is negotiating with Selethen about Erak’s ransom. (No pun intended!)
I also like the sarcastic humor and teasing that happens through-out the book.
In fact, there isn’t a singular book in this series that comes to mind, that doesn’t have some sort of joke or teasing in it.
It is probably one of my favorite things about his books. I also like the action and adventure.
A complete list of the Ranger’s Apprentice books
Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan
Book 2: The Burning Bridge
Book 3: The Icebound Land
Book 4: The Battle for Skandia
Book 5: The Sorcerer of the North
Book 6: The Siege of Macindaw
Book 7: Erak’s Ransom
Book 8: The Kings of Clonmel
Book 9: Halt’s Peril
Book 10: The Emperor of Nihon-ja
Book 11: The Lost Stories