This is not the first time reading "Erak's Ransom", but it is the first time that I wasn't completely bored by the beginning of the book. I was completely immersed into the book, unlike previous reads and appreciated the world and character development found in the seventh (although technically fifth) instalment of the Ranger's Apprentice. Useful tip (which I once more forgot to do): read this book BEFORE "The Sorcerer in the North", as the finale of this book holds next to no suspense, seeing as we already know the outcome of Will and Co. from the fifth (technically sixth) book in the series.