The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Main Character: Will, the Ranger's Apprentice
Location:
Time period: A medieval-like era
Genre: YA Fiction, Fantasy
Series: The Ranger's Apprentice #1

The characters are what makes this series so enjoyable. Will, the apprentice of the series title, is instantly likeable, but I really liked the treatment of Horace. Instead of making him a rival and a thorn in Will's side for the entire series, he develops from a braggart and a bully to Will's true friend before the novel is half over. I also liked the adult characters. Halt, the ranger who takes Will in, is a bit of an Aragorn figure, outwardly stern but inwardly caring. Baron Arald, the man who has taken in the orphans, and Sir Rodney, the Battlemaster who recognizes Horace's natural talents, are good men and good leaders who know just how to nuture these young men.