Beloved Fantasy Author Dead at 81: RIP to John Flanagan

Beloved Fantasy Author Dead at 81: RIP to John Flanagan

John Flanagan, the acclaimed Australian fantasy author best known for creating the Ranger’s Apprentice series, has died at the age of 81. He passed away on February 7, 2026, following complications from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a statement from his representatives. Born in Sydney on May 22, 1944, he began his career in advertising before transitioning into television writing and, ultimately, novels. His path to literary success began w…

Vale John Flanagan | Books+Publishing

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” […]