Mark Knight's 3 favorite reads in 2024

This was an engaging yet relaxing read taking the notion of Rangers as a medieval style special forces relaying on their bush craft, swordsmanship and archery skills to quietly keep the Kingdom safe. The characters were engaging, with the lead character, the young apprentice , having a refreshing range of natural skills harnessing his smaller frame and quieter personality to blend onto the environment to fulfil his mission. The additional characters also had depth and grew in their own right as well rounded and drawn individuals. This is part of a series and I immediately purchased the second and began to read on arrival in the post. Recommend to anyone longing for more LOTR Ranger adventures, although there is little in terms of magic on this world.

This is my comfort read that always takes me into an internal sense of calm and also adventure. The evocative landscapes, empty yet filled with history and adventures. The characters modelling the best and noblest that we can aspire to be. The settings from the eerie Barrow Downs , the cosy Buckland, Bree the gateway to so many potential adventures appeal to my heart. The knowledge of the quiet presence of the Ranger’s - the special forces of this time and place- quietly working like Aragorn to keep evil away and the remnant of Arnor safe, triggers my imagination and pleasure in the landscape mostly explored by the adventurous on foot.

The second book in the Ranger’s Apprentice has already seen and continues to develop the characters in a lifelike and satisfying way. They feel real and convincing. We explore the south of the Kingdom with new locations that feel real and lived in. Part way through this read I had already ordered the third book in the series. I enjoyed the original plot devices that I personally had encountered before and the series remains fresh in the telling. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and exploring both the growth of the men and women in their characters and the wider geography that is clearly its own world and not a Tolkien ripoff.