I read many positive reviews before picking up this book and I was afraid that I might be too old for actually enjoying it. I was wrong.This book was a pleasant surprise and deserves those positive reviews!
The beginning of the book isn't 100% original but that changes very quickly.This is the story of Will, an orphaned boy with his own dreams and insecurities who struggles with who he is and who he wants to be and it tells the tale of his growth into a young man and a Ranger.Other characters are slowly added to the story.Characters that I came to care for and like.
The most pleasant surprise for me was when the book switched from Will's point of view to Horace's. The story became different to me and showed great potential for improvement and growth.That Will isn't an angel and the boy he doesn't like is not the devil himself.Life is not Black and White and it moved me that this book tried to portrait that.we also get to know about what's going on in other characters' heads and that definitely makes the story more pleasant and easier to follow.The story is not rushed and characters grow the way they should.They are children after all and they stay as one while growing considerably.
What I love the most is how relationship between Will and Horace changes, turns into friendship and matures, becoming something very special at the end.The master-apprentice relationship between Will and Halt is also very pleasant and I have come to really like this gloomy ranger who never smiles.The ending scene was perfect.I think when will came to see the truth and chose it over his childish dreams, he began his journey to adulthood.I recommend this book to those who are looking for a fun fantasy book with friendship and honor hidden in the pages of it.I look forward to reading the next book.