Each person, including the king, loses someone they love. The descriptive battle scenes focus on the destruction of war and never glorifies the battle. The Burning Bridge is a story of war, friendship, and sacrifice. Readers will enjoy the positive male relationships as well as the introduction of Evanlyn, who is determined to help her country. From the king to the cook, each person helps in the war efforts. Each character, no matter their station, has an important role in the kingdom. The apprentices’ actions are realistic because their skills are constantly being improved as they travel with Gilan. The story uses a third-person omniscient point of view to focus on Will and Horace’s thought process, which allows the reader to understand their actions.Īlthough Will and Horace are only apprentices, they play a vital role in saving the kingdom. Despite their friendship, each man must do what is best for their country, even if that means leaving a friend behind.

The companionship and respect between the group paint a vivid picture of friendship during medieval times. As Araluen prepares for war, the two young men accompany Ranger Gilan as he journeys to the neighboring county to seek reinforcements. The Burning Bridge continues the story of Will, a Ranger’s apprentice, and Horace, a Battleschool student. While the three are surrounded by Wargals and are running low on supplies, Will and Horace are determined to save the king’s army. Will, Horace, and Evanlyn must warn the king’s army of the imminent danger of being crushed. Morgarath has finally devised a plan to bring his legions over the mountains. As the three journey towards Araluen, they discover the unsettling truth. The young woman miraculously survived a Wargal attack.

When Will and his friend Horace, an apprentice knight, travel to a neighboring village, they find a frightened maiden named Evanlyn. He’s been patiently building his Wargal army, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Lord Morgarath has been hiding safely behind the impassable mountains. For years, the Kingdom of Araluen has prospered, but everyone knows the evil Lord Morgarath is plotting the kingdom’s destruction.

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan