From Booklist

Book 8 in the Ranger’s Apprentice series takes Will, his mentor, Halt, and their friend Horace to the kingdom of Clonmel. There Halt confronts painful memories from his past, while the three friends work to subvert a devious plot by a cult religion that seeks to gain control by sending in bands of marauding invaders, then offering a god that can protect the people from them. Although the many references to previous adventures slow the pace at times, there’s wit as well as action here, and the revelation of Halt’s backstory adds a new dimension to the saga. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan

Product Description

Mankind puts its faith in many things - gods, kings, money - anything for protection from the world's many dangers. When a cult springs up in neighboring Clonmel, promising to quell the recent attacks by lawless marauders, people flock from all over to offer gold in exchange for protection. But this particular group, with which Halt is all too familiar, has a less than charitable agenda. Secrets will be unveiled and battles fought to the death as Will and Horace help Halt in ridding the land of a dangerous enemy.

The worldwide phenomenon is back with a gripping new adventure. Yet for these Rangers, the peril is only beginning . . .