John Flanagan, the Australian fantasy author best known for the Ranger’s Apprentice series, died on April 7, 2026, at the age of 81.
Born John Anthony Flanagan in Sydney, Australia, on May 22, 1944, he was also a novelist and screenwriter. He graduated from Waverley College and later worked in advertising before turning to writing.
Flanagan began developing what became Ranger’s Apprentice in the 1990s, first as short stories for his son, Michael. His other works included the Brotherband Chronicles, the Storm Peak duology, and the adult novel The Grey Raider.
John Flanagan, 81, Australian fantasy author (Ranger’s Apprentice).