by John Flanagan
ages: 10+
First sentence: “Gundar Hardstriker, Captain and Helmsan of the Scandian ship Wolfcloud, chewed disconsolately on a stringy piece of tough smoked beef.”
Release date: August 11, 2009
I haven’t read any of these books, but M is a die-hard fan. So, when Abby was doing an ARC giveaway, I knew I had to enter for her. And I (well, she) won! Because it was a bloggy thing, though, I felt kind of like I should put up a review, and since I wasn’t going to read the book, I thought it would be interesting for me to do a Q&A with M about it, instead.
Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! In the fifth book, one of Will’s (that’s the main character) best friends, Alyss, is being held hostage by the evil Sir Keren, who is betraying the kingdom to Will’s country’s northern enemies. So, Will and his warrior friends plan a siege on the castle, Macindaw (hence the title), to save Alyss and the kingdom from their enemies.
What did you like most about the book? First of all: warriors and romance. Big, hulking, Viking-like people that are really stupid, but hilarious. Will’s mentor, Halt, makes the book really good, though you don’t see a lot of him. Will also makes the book really funny while he is seiging, with his romance problems. Hilarious.
What did you like least? That the good guys could do no wrong. Will’s ideas always worked. Horace (that’s the warrior friend) always killed his adversaries, and Alyss was a damsel in distress, which she wasn’t in the 5th book. She was resourceful in the 5th book, but, no, as soon as she’s caught and thrown in a castle, she’s a damsel in distress and Will has to go and save her.
Who is most likely to enjoy this book? Why? Well, actually, I’ve gotten three or four boys reading the Ranger’s Apprentice by saying “YOU’LL LIKE THIS BOOK.” So. Anyone with imagination who likes fighting (the romance doesn’t kick in until the sixth book).
What did you think of the main character? Will’s funny, resourceful, smart, and any other good word you can think of because he’s the main character and he has to be that way. Unfortunately. (And unlike Mr. Darcy.)
Any other particularly interesting characters? Horace — really fun guy, and a really good warrior. The Sorcerer of Mackindaw (can’t say his name). Really funny guy. I can’t say more, because it would give away a major plot point.
What did you think of the ending? I’m waiting for the next book. Hand it to me now.
The Book Nut 
Woo! I’m glad she enjoyed it! 😀
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Excellent Q&A….the kids at school would love to get their hands on this book!
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Neat questions and very good answers!I’ve heard a lot of good about the whole series and I really want to read it myself. But I have to wait for my daughter to want to read it too so I can justify the purchase. If she doesn’t, I’m heading off to my library.
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There never seems to be those books lieing around. I cant find the 6th book anywhere in South Africa
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