When Halt and Crowley discover that the ambitious Morgarath has been infiltrating the Rangers in order to corrupt the corps and, ultimately, steal the throne, they seek a royal warrant to stop him before it is too late. Yet when Halt and Crowley arrive in Gorlan, they discover just how close Morgarath's scheme is to taking root.

Prince Duncan has already been taken prisoner and an imposter installed in his place. All the while, Morgarath has been earning trust and admiration from the Council of Barons while he secretly assembles a powerful force of his own. If the young Rangers are to prevent the coup from succeeding, they will need to prove their mettle in battles the like of which neither has ever faced . . .

This origin story brings readers to a time before Will was a Ranger's apprentice, and lays the groundwork for the epic battles that have already captivated fans of theRanger's Apprenticeseries around the world.

Perfect for fans of J.R.R. TolkiensLord of the Rings, T.H. WhitesThe Sword in the Stone, Christopher PaolinisEragonseries and Rick RiordansPercy Jacksonseries.

John Flanagan'sRanger's ApprenticeandBrotherbandadventure series have sold more than eight million copies worldwide. His books are available in more than one hundred countries, are regularly on theNew York Timesbestseller lists, and have had multiple award shortlistings and wins in Australia and overseas. John, a former television and advertising writer, lives with his wife in a Sydney beachside suburb.