The Emperor of Nihon-Ja
Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 10
By John Flanagan
The friends’ adventures take them to the farthest reaches of the world in the tenth novel in the Ranger’s Apprentice series. While in Nihon-Ja learning new swordfighting techniques, Horace and George find themselves on the wrong side of a government coup. Choosing to remain in Nihon-Ja to help the Emperor regain his throne, Horace sends George back to Araluen with a message for his friends.
Halt, Will, Evanlyn, and Alyss, along with their Arridi friend Selethen, travel to Nihon-Ja to join Horace and the Emperor. Chances look slim for the Emperor’s party when most the of Nihon-Ja warrior caste join in the rebellion. While Alyss and Evanlyn travel to a distant region of Nihon-Ja to recruit a semi-mythical race to the Emperor’s cause, the others work to train a caste of lumberjacks to stand against the Nihon-Ja armies.
Once again, a worthy addition to the Ranger’s Apprentice series. I think my favorite part of The Emperor of Nihon-Ja is the rivalry between Evanlyn and Alyss. They start out with barely disguised animosity towards each other, but gradually learn to respect and even like each other as they are forced to work together. I would definitely recommend this book to all fans of the Ranger’s Apprentice series.