Vale John Flanagan

Author John Flanagan has died, aged 81.

Flanagan’s publisher, Penguin Random House, writes: 

John Flanagan, author of the beloved and bestselling Ranger’s Apprentice, Brotherband, and Royal Ranger children’s book series, recently passed away. He was 81 years old.

Born in Sydney in 1944, John Flanagan began his career in advertising. He pioneered “working from home” in 1978 when he left his job as a creative director and went freelance to spend more time with his family. He wrote popular TV sitcoms for a time but achieved his dream of becoming an author when he developed the Ranger’s Apprentice series from a self-illustrated storybook he created for his son Michael.

First published in 2004, Ranger’s Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan sparked what became a publishing phenomenon.

Over the following decades, the rich and vibrant world John created captured the imaginations of readers across the globe. The Ranger’s Apprentice series, along with its companion series Brotherband and The Royal Ranger, has received multiple award shortlistings and wins, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and appeared regularly on the New York Times bestseller list.

John’s storytelling was shaped by a belief that heroism comes in many forms. Inspired in part by his own children, his characters – resilient and often underestimated – encouraged young readers to see strength in skill, creativity and perseverance. His work has had a lasting impact on a generation of readers, and we are grateful to have had the joy and privilege of working with him for over 20 years.

John is survived by his wife, Leonie, daughters Penny and Katie and son Michael and his four adored grandchildren.

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