The Emperor of Nihon-Ja: Book Ten

I am heartbroken that I have no more Ranger's Apprentice books to devour! I took a chance this year and shared the beginning of this series with my students (4th grade). We listened to the audio versions of books one and two and they absolutely loved them, almost unanimously. It sparked a fire in over half of my students to FINALLY start reading for enjoyment and I know that it had a great deal to do with Will, Horace, Halt, and company. Book 10 was amazing, I finished it in less than a day, even making my students sit and read silently while I charged through the last 140 pages! I hadn't planned on finishing it until after school, but I couldn't put it down! From the very beginning, I have been amazed at Flanagan's vivid characters, scenes, and plots and the last installment was no different. Once again, I was completely drawn into the story like I was actually there! I completely detested Arisaka (he made me so mad!) and the Senshin who followed him. Shukin and the Emperor were admirable and Flanagan made them easy to empathize with. There were quite a few spots that brought tears to my eyes (without giving anything away... Shukin!). Also, Alyss and Evanlyn's experience was an unexpected addition that really helped develop their characters and storyline. In the end, I am left with a few questions that I can fondly ponder forever which, to me, is the mark of a great book/series. I don't think I've ever hoped for someone to change their mind about ending a series as much as I do this one but, even if this truly is the end, I know I will read the series for a third, fourth, possibly even a fifth time and the higher-level students who come through my class will ALWAYS be encouraged to take a stroll through Araluen, Celtica, Skandia, Hibernia and, of course, Nihon-Ja!

Though still young, Horace Altman has lived a life of daring and adventure. Recognized as one of the most skilled warriors in all of Araluen, Horace's sword has stood fast in the service of his friends, his country and his King. With his best friend the celebrated young Ranger Will Treaty and Will's mentor the legendary Ranger Halt, Horace has travelled most of the known world battling for justice and right.Horace's latest mission, however, is one of peace and diplomacy. At the behest of Araluen's King Duncan, Horace is in the exotic eastern land of Nihon-Ja studying the sword techniques of the Senshi warriors. As impressed as Horace is with the fighting skills of the Senshi, he is even more impressed with the character of the Nihon-Jan Emperor, Shigeru. A member of the elite Senshi class, Shigeru understands that all of the Nihon-Jan - including the fishermen, farmers and woodcutters - need to have a voice in the nation's government. Long used to absolute deference and obeisance from the lower classes, many of the Senshi oppose the Emperor's egalitarian views. As Horace prepares to leave Nihon-Ja, one of them, the powerful warlord Arisaka, makes his opposition violent.With Horace studying swordcraft in Nihon-Ja, Halt and Will are currently in Toscana. They are part of a diplomatic delegation led by Will's sweetheart, Alyss. An Araluen Courier, Alyss is there to arbitrate a trade and military pact between Toscana and Arrida. Much to Will's and Halt's delight, their old friend Selethen is also in Toscana, representing the Arridi Emrikir. Theirs is a relatively relaxed party - at least until Crown Princess Cassandra of Araluen shows up.Cassandra, or Evanlyn as she has always been known to Will, has received an unsettling message from Nihon-Ja. A powerful force of Senshi led by Lord Arisaka has risen against Emperor Shigeru. The Emperor's travelling party, which includes Horace, has disappeared. The Crown Princess is determined to travel to Nihon-Ja and find Horace and she has a Skandian wolfship standing by to that purpose. Will and Halt have been detailed to accompany her. To no one's surprise, both Alyss and Selethen choose to join the Princess's party.What follows is a most dangerous and daring adventure for Will, Halt and Horace. The entire nation of Nihon-Ja, not to mention the life of its Emperor, rests in the hands of these brave Araluens and their allies. With only a small band of untrained timber workers to serve as soldiers, they must find a way to defeat a formidable army of trained warriors.If I am being honest, then I must admit that I approached this final volume of The Ranger's Apprentice series with a certain amount of trepidation. I have loved each and every one of the previous nine books and I am genuinely sorry to see this series come to an end. In addition, I am always wary of 'epic final adventures.' So often they fail to live up to what has come before. Happily, that is not the case with The Emperor of Nihon-Ja. This book is as phenomenal as the rest of the series. It's filled with action, strategy and breath-taking scenery. I salute John Flanagan - The Ranger's Apprentice is a tour de force in Young Adult literature and I will miss reading about Halt, Will and all of their friends.

Flanagan might have produced his best book of the series with this one. I enjoyed it from start to finish as he brings the familiar elements that he created in the world into yet another strange but familiar land. While Will remains the main focus Horace really shines in this book as his character is pushed to the forefront on his own for the first time. Cassandra and Alyss also have great arcs and Halt continues to be awesome. The antagonist feels a little flat but with all the danger, action, and tricky situations our heroes are put in it is hard to put down.I say the following to those who are buying the series one book at a time. Book 11 is a collection of short stories that reveals some of the past and shines a light on the near future for our characters but book 10 could have ended it just as well. Book 12 is set about two decades after this book and while it is an end to the series with Will getting an Apprentice it is a tonal change of sort and will leave many infuriated as well as entertained.

Another wonderful book by John Flanagan. Must read for all RA fans. Keeps the intrest of the reader till the end. Deserves the 5 stars it gets.

The climax of the rangers apprentos series. Creates great images in the readers mind. The Ninho-Jan are very similar to the Japanese civilization

Excellent read. Thoroughly enjoyed it, very adventurous with plenty going on throughout which fulfils the Ranger series expectations. It includes many of the characters that Will and Halt have formed close friendships with over the years, hence you know you are in for a thrilling read ahead. It does not disappoint .

Dans la lignée des autres livres de la série.Très surprenant, les personnages secondaires sont mis à l'honneur.Très bien.

Not even the lord of the rings made me want more of this amazing universe.Thank you John for these masterpieces