The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book, but at the same time I was disappointed. This was an enjoyable read for me because it is right at the level that I think I need to target with my writing. At times it almost seemed too simplistic in its language and the voice Flanangan used seemed prone to state obvious conclusions, but those are the qualities that give access to younger readers, while the plot still maintains the interest of older readers. Also the scope of the conflict was adjusted to keep the key conflict interesting for older readers, but by maintaining just one key conflict, it is again available to younger readers as well.



My disappointment came from the lack of magic. It is a qualified fantasy thanks to the Medieval setting, the out-of-this-world creatures and archetypal main character, but one of the hallmarks of fantasy is the acknowledgement of a power higher than the power of man. Maybe the main character has access to it, maybe they don't, but it always plays into the story somewhere. It adds a fantastical element that leaves a gap in overall story, in my opinion.



I am going to finish out this series, and so maybe this will change in future books, and even if it doesn't, I will enjoy finding out how Will and Horace aid in the fight against Margarath.



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