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The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles #13
Fury of the Seventh Son
The thirteenth and final book in the internationally bestselling fantasy adventure series that inspired the major motion picture "Seventh Son"
Finally, Tom Ward, the Spook s last apprentice, will confront the Fiend for the last time.
Tom Ward has battled boggarts, ghosts, witches, dark gods, and the most terrifying creatures to roam the earth. He s allied with the witch assassin Grimalkin, with a powerful boggart, and with Alice the young witch who is also his true love. And he has kept one step ahead of the Fiend, the most evil being in the world. Now, he will vanquish the Fiend once and for all. But it will require a terrible sacrifice: not everyone Tom cares about will survive the final battle.
The Last Apprentice series is soon to be a major motion picture, "Seventh Son," starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Olivia Williams, Antje Traue, Djimon Hounsou, and Julianne Moore as Mother Malkin. It s a suspenseful thrill ride that s spine-tingling ("Publishers Weekly") and anything but tame ("Horn Book")."
Finally, Tom Ward, the Spook s last apprentice, will confront the Fiend for the last time.
Tom Ward has battled boggarts, ghosts, witches, dark gods, and the most terrifying creatures to roam the earth. He s allied with the witch assassin Grimalkin, with a powerful boggart, and with Alice the young witch who is also his true love. And he has kept one step ahead of the Fiend, the most evil being in the world. Now, he will vanquish the Fiend once and for all. But it will require a terrible sacrifice: not everyone Tom cares about will survive the final battle.
The Last Apprentice series is soon to be a major motion picture, "Seventh Son," starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Olivia Williams, Antje Traue, Djimon Hounsou, and Julianne Moore as Mother Malkin. It s a suspenseful thrill ride that s spine-tingling ("Publishers Weekly") and anything but tame ("Horn Book")."
7 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2013
124 people are currently reading
6558 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Delaney
59 books3,981 followersJoseph Delaney was a full time writer living in Lancashire, in the heart of Boggart territory.
He was the author of Wardstone Chronicles, Starblade Chronicles, Arena 13, Aberrations and a new book came out in April 2020, Brother Wulf. This is a new spooks story featuring Tom and Alice, but introducing a new character, a young monk called Brother Wulf.
He first got the idea for the Spooks series when he moved to the village where he lives now and discovered there was a local boggart - ‘a man like me needs boggarts around’. He made a note in his notebook ‘a story about a man who hunts boggarts’ and years later when he had to come up with an idea at short notice developed this into ‘The Spook’s Apprentice’, the first book in the series.
He continued to draw upon the folklore of Lancashire and has acquired much local knowledge over the years which he tweaks and modifies to create his fictional world. Another source of inspiration has been Lancashire's varied and atmospheric landscape. Many of the locations in the County are based on actual places in Lancashire.
In the early days of his writing career Joseph worked as a teacher at a Sixth Form College: his subjects were English, Film and Media Studies. He used to get up early and write every morning before work. That way he could write a book a year – which promptly got rejected! When the Americans bought the series he decided to give up teaching and write full time.
Prior to teaching he worked as an engineer in his twenties, completing an apprenticeship just like Tom Ward in the spook’s books.
Joseph described his method of writing as a process of discovery. He didn’t plot too far ahead and often didn’t know what is going to happen until he writes it down. In other words he made it up as he went along. He prefed writing dialogue to description, in which he said he is a minimalist and leaves much to the reader’s imagination.
Joseph had three children and nine grandchildren and was a wonderful public speaker available for conference, library and bookshop events.
The Spook's Apprentice, The Spook's Curse and The Spook's Secret have all been shortlisted for the Lancashire children's Book for the Year Award. The Spook's Apprentice is the winner of both the Sefton Book Award and the Hampshire Book Award.
www.josephdelaneyauthor.com
from publisher's website
He was the author of Wardstone Chronicles, Starblade Chronicles, Arena 13, Aberrations and a new book came out in April 2020, Brother Wulf. This is a new spooks story featuring Tom and Alice, but introducing a new character, a young monk called Brother Wulf.
He first got the idea for the Spooks series when he moved to the village where he lives now and discovered there was a local boggart - ‘a man like me needs boggarts around’. He made a note in his notebook ‘a story about a man who hunts boggarts’ and years later when he had to come up with an idea at short notice developed this into ‘The Spook’s Apprentice’, the first book in the series.
He continued to draw upon the folklore of Lancashire and has acquired much local knowledge over the years which he tweaks and modifies to create his fictional world. Another source of inspiration has been Lancashire's varied and atmospheric landscape. Many of the locations in the County are based on actual places in Lancashire.
In the early days of his writing career Joseph worked as a teacher at a Sixth Form College: his subjects were English, Film and Media Studies. He used to get up early and write every morning before work. That way he could write a book a year – which promptly got rejected! When the Americans bought the series he decided to give up teaching and write full time.
Prior to teaching he worked as an engineer in his twenties, completing an apprenticeship just like Tom Ward in the spook’s books.
Joseph described his method of writing as a process of discovery. He didn’t plot too far ahead and often didn’t know what is going to happen until he writes it down. In other words he made it up as he went along. He prefed writing dialogue to description, in which he said he is a minimalist and leaves much to the reader’s imagination.
Joseph had three children and nine grandchildren and was a wonderful public speaker available for conference, library and bookshop events.
The Spook's Apprentice, The Spook's Curse and The Spook's Secret have all been shortlisted for the Lancashire children's Book for the Year Award. The Spook's Apprentice is the winner of both the Sefton Book Award and the Hampshire Book Award.
www.josephdelaneyauthor.com
from publisher's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
March 13, 2014
I cannot even begin to describe my disappointment. First, let me begin by explaining one little thing: I have read all of the Spook's Books since I was little, and they were well up there as one of my favourite series of all time. However, I picked up the final few books a few years later, having forgotten that they'd come out. For me, seemed.... different. Maybe it was just the fact that I'd grown up and couldn't quite get back into them; the writing came across as childish and silly, yet at times it was violent and more adult than I had expected, which was juxtaposed awkwardly, or at least, it was for me.
The only redeeming feature of this book was that Grimalkin was in it, being kick ass as usual, and I couldn't bear to give it any less stars because the previous books demanded it (they were so good, what went wrong?!) I doubt I will even attempt to read the next series; I can't even look at a Joseph Delaney book without feeling depressed. Besides, now that this new threat has been introduced.... seriously? Skelt Gods? What even is this bullshit? Can't you just leave it or are you hell bent on ruining the series even further? God, Delaney...
I just wish that the book had ended, with all the loose ends tied up and with no further sequels. Can't you just go out on a high? I don't think there's a need to drag this out any further. Please, don't torture us any further.
I shut this book feeling completely numb. I had lost all respect for the characters, who I had grown up loving, and I was at a loss as to how Delaney could ever have written such a disappointing ending to such a wonderful series.
The only redeeming feature of this book was that Grimalkin was in it, being kick ass as usual, and I couldn't bear to give it any less stars because the previous books demanded it (they were so good, what went wrong?!) I doubt I will even attempt to read the next series; I can't even look at a Joseph Delaney book without feeling depressed. Besides, now that this new threat has been introduced.... seriously? Skelt Gods? What even is this bullshit? Can't you just leave it or are you hell bent on ruining the series even further? God, Delaney...
I just wish that the book had ended, with all the loose ends tied up and with no further sequels. Can't you just go out on a high? I don't think there's a need to drag this out any further. Please, don't torture us any further.
I shut this book feeling completely numb. I had lost all respect for the characters, who I had grown up loving, and I was at a loss as to how Delaney could ever have written such a disappointing ending to such a wonderful series.
December 2, 2025
"But how could I do it? How could I kill Alice?"Tom Ward knows there's only one way to destroy the Fiend - and he knows that as the Spook's Apprentice, his job is to keep the County safe no matter what...
Alice has made peace with her fate but Tom Ward has not. He is desperate to find another way.
"Alice was a willing victim. She was prepared to be sacrificed."
The Fiend cannot be allowed to continue roaming this earth, but killing his best friend? How is Tom any different from the dark if he's willing to do that?
THIRTEEN BOOKS and here we are. FINALLY.
I cannot believe it. What a flipping journey it's been.
Without giving too much away, I think I liked the ending. There were some things that could have been a bit smoother but I feel like there wasn't many options for where to go with the book (the author did pigeonhole himself a little bit).
I know thirteen books for a series is a fair amount, but I'm a little sad that the story is over. I kind of wish there was more.
UPDATE: Looks like the author decided to continue but with Tom Ward as a new Spook! A New Darkness
Audiobook Comments
Still heartbroken over the loss of Christopher Evan Welch (who narrated books 1-11). Welch passed away from lung cancer in 2013 and the last couple of books had different narrators.
This one was read by Alexander Cendese and while he was alright, he was no Christopher Evan Welch. Also, I was SUPER annoyed that Cendese didn't use all of the same pronunciations as Christopher Evan Welch. I don't think it's too much to ask the new audiobook narrator to listen to at least a few of the previous 11 books and keep the pronunciation of the made-up creature words/names consistent.
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January 27, 2014
Hrm. I seem to be in the minority, but this wasn’t really what I’d been hoping for...
Grimalkin was awesome, easily the best part of the book for me, but I’m kind of disappointed overall.
Disappointed with how the character of Alice was handled.
Disappointed that John Gregory’s death was revealed almost as an afterthought.
Disappointed that what should have been the grand finale to an epic 13 book series was in fact just set up for a new series.
I really, really, really wanted to love this book, but too many loose ends and no real sense of closure rather spoilt it for me.
Grimalkin was awesome, easily the best part of the book for me, but I’m kind of disappointed overall.
Disappointed with how the character of Alice was handled.
Disappointed that John Gregory’s death was revealed almost as an afterthought.
Disappointed that what should have been the grand finale to an epic 13 book series was in fact just set up for a new series.
I really, really, really wanted to love this book, but too many loose ends and no real sense of closure rather spoilt it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2014
This review serves to stand in as much for the entire Spook's Apprentice series as for this one particular novel. Although I do believe this final novel deserves around a 4 to 5 star rating, I do not believe it to be the strongest book in the series. The series as a whole however, deserves a full five stars for its character development, worldbuilding and use of wit and subtlety in telling a fine overall story and set of stories within.
In this thirteenth and concluding tale about Spook John Gregory and his thirtieth (and finest) apprentice Tom Ward, "everything ends". It is a grimmer tale than many of the others, full of harsh and sorrowful changes. Although one change in particular seems hard to swallow given the perspectives we have previously been given on the character. I assume future perspectives will help to clarify that particular area. This is the tale which explains part of the purpose of the Wardstone. This is the tale that explains how the Fiend is to be defeated.
The themes of the entire series, alongside the characters, have fascinated me to no end. The whole battle between light and darkness is the kind of themes found in all other things I love from The Lord of the Rings through to Star Wars and even Christianity. This novel, as with all the others, particularly challenges the compromise of light and darkness and what it does for someone with good intentions to commit evil acts for that good. The internal changes within characters because of these decisions are explored in all the novels and reach a nice conclusion here.
I must add, however, that fortunately a new major threat looms, allowing for another handful of books which will be set in the aftermath of the twists and turns of this novel. I personally look forward to seeing what Joseph Delaney throws up in that trilogy (or perhaps quadrilogy - depending on how his writing flows). Delaney is a a natural storyteller, and while many might argue about elegance and key themes or dismiss this as yet another Young Adult series, I will stand firm and state that it has depth, subtlety and charm connected to it. As such it is easily one of the finer Young Adult series around and I fully recommend that anyone interested read these books.
July 23, 2019
Great fantasy story. All the characters are well described and easy to love.
June 26, 2014
The following may contains spoilers. Caveat lector.
***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***
Very few books in my life have served to disappoint me as much as this one. What you have successfully done is taken a wonderful series, and twisted it in the last book to prolong it through means of sequels and spin-offs. It started off quite well, with the same charm and structure of the other story books, albeit with far more suspense and tension than the others. Then starts the downhill spiral. It is safe to say that Alice is quite the beloved character among your readers. You managed to make her one of the most hated characters, twisting her into a cold little minx who runs off with some very, very old magician sporting a beard and some great dark powers he never thought to use earlier to save the Fiend. There were too many last minute characters involved with the ending, which should have consisted of an amalgamation of previous characters working with or against Tom against the Fiend in his final hour.
Originally, I thought Alice had been stolen away by an evil sorcerer, and was being kept locked up in some magic-proof dungeon, waiting for Tom. You can understand my shock and confusion alongside Tom when it turns out she was actually swept off her feet, swooning. Naturally, I still hoped for the best, anticipating the moment when Tom kisses her again or some other moment to break a spell surrounding her and then back to the old romance. But no. You went along with it. Not to mention at the end of the book you absolutely brought up some character motivations that, to me, cannot help but look like either some pathetic attempt to redeem Alice, or an attempt to completely discombobulate Tom's world, both of which are never good things to do that far into a supposed series finale.
The Spook's death was unexpected, as I expected him to die as prophesied, but I was fine with it, as I never like his stiff, uncompromising attitude toward magic. In this, he was a fantastic character, serving as a fine base for the morals of the good side, standing by them to the bitter end, and almost refusing to break them even in the face of certain annihilation. He was an important anchor in the series, and you thoroughly showed how standing by your morals can come into conflict with many, many things. So cheers to you on the Spook's resigned death, which was fitting. Gregory's decline was evident throughout the entire series, stated many, many times by the character himself, and although you sent him out with a whimper rather than a bang, with the ambiguous death of the chaotic battlefield, it suited him well.
Tom was quite the focus in this book, with his thoughts and crammed into every possible corner, although this should be expected from first-person perspectives. What annoyed me was the accuracy at times which he guessed current events, bordering on the supernatural. What made Tom so fascinating as a character was his humble beginning infused with some sparks of magic. His struggle through the end was a bit too close to the magical side, and gave him some hastily added magical abilities. His hunter-sense was a nice addition to his "hunt the dark" ability set, but had some obscure origins.
Then you have the ruined ending. Basically what you did was distort any feelings associated with this wonderful series. The ending was a mockery of every journey the reader, Tom, Alice, and everyone else went through together. Killing the Fiend is a bad idea now? The main purpose of the series was to hunt and kill the Fiend, and in the end, it was all for nothing. That epic battle in the dragon's cave? Pointless. Mam's advice and sacrifices? Worthless. The deaths of so, so many likable characters? Irrelevant. You made our entire journey together worth diddly-squat.
What you could have done is ended it with two endings.
Now one of these two endings would end the series here. You could embrace the ending of Alice being sacrificed at the altar, and have Tom commit suicide along with her, or, if that's too dark, continued on as the sad County Spook. You gave the readers a half version of this with the nightmare Tom receives near the end, and I felt that I would have preferred her to die as she did on the Wardstone, after all she's done to my Tom.
The other ending would be the one you've already written, published above. This ending could lead to as many spin-offs and sequels as your heart desires, but some of your fans need that closure that is so inadequately provided by the current book. If you choose to go along with the lines of "I can't please everyone," I doubt many will hold it against you, but they might pretend this book did not exist. This is how badly we need good closure. Bad closure is worse than if you had no closure, because it leaves more unanswered questions, and the reader yearning for a sense of fulfillment.
All in all, book is a 1/10 while the rest of the series was a respectable 9/10.
***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***SPOILERS***
Very few books in my life have served to disappoint me as much as this one. What you have successfully done is taken a wonderful series, and twisted it in the last book to prolong it through means of sequels and spin-offs. It started off quite well, with the same charm and structure of the other story books, albeit with far more suspense and tension than the others. Then starts the downhill spiral. It is safe to say that Alice is quite the beloved character among your readers. You managed to make her one of the most hated characters, twisting her into a cold little minx who runs off with some very, very old magician sporting a beard and some great dark powers he never thought to use earlier to save the Fiend. There were too many last minute characters involved with the ending, which should have consisted of an amalgamation of previous characters working with or against Tom against the Fiend in his final hour.
Originally, I thought Alice had been stolen away by an evil sorcerer, and was being kept locked up in some magic-proof dungeon, waiting for Tom. You can understand my shock and confusion alongside Tom when it turns out she was actually swept off her feet, swooning. Naturally, I still hoped for the best, anticipating the moment when Tom kisses her again or some other moment to break a spell surrounding her and then back to the old romance. But no. You went along with it. Not to mention at the end of the book you absolutely brought up some character motivations that, to me, cannot help but look like either some pathetic attempt to redeem Alice, or an attempt to completely discombobulate Tom's world, both of which are never good things to do that far into a supposed series finale.
The Spook's death was unexpected, as I expected him to die as prophesied, but I was fine with it, as I never like his stiff, uncompromising attitude toward magic. In this, he was a fantastic character, serving as a fine base for the morals of the good side, standing by them to the bitter end, and almost refusing to break them even in the face of certain annihilation. He was an important anchor in the series, and you thoroughly showed how standing by your morals can come into conflict with many, many things. So cheers to you on the Spook's resigned death, which was fitting. Gregory's decline was evident throughout the entire series, stated many, many times by the character himself, and although you sent him out with a whimper rather than a bang, with the ambiguous death of the chaotic battlefield, it suited him well.
Tom was quite the focus in this book, with his thoughts and crammed into every possible corner, although this should be expected from first-person perspectives. What annoyed me was the accuracy at times which he guessed current events, bordering on the supernatural. What made Tom so fascinating as a character was his humble beginning infused with some sparks of magic. His struggle through the end was a bit too close to the magical side, and gave him some hastily added magical abilities. His hunter-sense was a nice addition to his "hunt the dark" ability set, but had some obscure origins.
Then you have the ruined ending. Basically what you did was distort any feelings associated with this wonderful series. The ending was a mockery of every journey the reader, Tom, Alice, and everyone else went through together. Killing the Fiend is a bad idea now? The main purpose of the series was to hunt and kill the Fiend, and in the end, it was all for nothing. That epic battle in the dragon's cave? Pointless. Mam's advice and sacrifices? Worthless. The deaths of so, so many likable characters? Irrelevant. You made our entire journey together worth diddly-squat.
What you could have done is ended it with two endings.
Now one of these two endings would end the series here. You could embrace the ending of Alice being sacrificed at the altar, and have Tom commit suicide along with her, or, if that's too dark, continued on as the sad County Spook. You gave the readers a half version of this with the nightmare Tom receives near the end, and I felt that I would have preferred her to die as she did on the Wardstone, after all she's done to my Tom.
The other ending would be the one you've already written, published above. This ending could lead to as many spin-offs and sequels as your heart desires, but some of your fans need that closure that is so inadequately provided by the current book. If you choose to go along with the lines of "I can't please everyone," I doubt many will hold it against you, but they might pretend this book did not exist. This is how badly we need good closure. Bad closure is worse than if you had no closure, because it leaves more unanswered questions, and the reader yearning for a sense of fulfillment.
All in all, book is a 1/10 while the rest of the series was a respectable 9/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2017
Kada sam originalno kreno ovaj serijal posle prve dve, tri knjige mi je postao jedna od omiljenih coming of age prica: mracan, tezak, na momente surov a opet pun nade. Likovi su bili fino opisani, malo jednostavni ali opet dovoljno da izgledaju stvarni. Prica se fino razvijala, drzala paznju i onda smo stigli do desete knjige.
I sve je otislo dodjavola. Sta se desilo nemam pojma, da li je autor ostao bez inspiracije ili se tolko koncentrisao na pripremu filma, ili nesto trece ali kvalitet price je totalno opao i tako smo stigli do ove zadnje.
Iskreno ima tolko stvari koji mi smetaju ovde da necu ni da zapocinjem sa kukanjem samo cu reci da je os serijala koji bi svakom preporucio postao serijal koji bih svakom rekao da zaobidje.
Skoro mi je drago sto je kod nas izasla samo prva knjiga pa se ne grizem da sam je kupio celu.
Lose jako lose, zaobici. Dve zvezde dobija samo zato sto je sam stil pisanja jos uvek vise nego dobar ali opisani sadrzaj...
Steta.
I sve je otislo dodjavola. Sta se desilo nemam pojma, da li je autor ostao bez inspiracije ili se tolko koncentrisao na pripremu filma, ili nesto trece ali kvalitet price je totalno opao i tako smo stigli do ove zadnje.
Iskreno ima tolko stvari koji mi smetaju ovde da necu ni da zapocinjem sa kukanjem samo cu reci da je os serijala koji bi svakom preporucio postao serijal koji bih svakom rekao da zaobidje.
Skoro mi je drago sto je kod nas izasla samo prva knjiga pa se ne grizem da sam je kupio celu.
Lose jako lose, zaobici. Dve zvezde dobija samo zato sto je sam stil pisanja jos uvek vise nego dobar ali opisani sadrzaj...
Steta.
November 12, 2023
Dupa aproape 10 ani am terminat seria - trebuie sa recunosc faptul ca mi-au placut mai mult primele volume, apoi am simtit ca povestea se lungeste mult prea mult, fara sa fie necesar.
Povestea lui Tom devine din ce in ce mai complicata si intunecata, sunt numeroase scenele violente, iar personajele sunt nevoite sa faca diverse compromisuri si alegeri ce nu au mereu rezultatul asteptat. Mi-au placut foarte mult elementele de mitologie si folclor, probabil o sa citesc la un moment dat si The Spook's Bestiary.
Ma asteptam ca acest ultim volum sa raspunda la mai multe intrebari, insa nu s-a intamplat acest lucru - din contra, simt ca toata actiunea a fost cumva suspendata, fara sa existe o concluzie certa. Totusi, datorita personajelor, va ramane o serie draga pentru mine. 😊
Povestea lui Tom devine din ce in ce mai complicata si intunecata, sunt numeroase scenele violente, iar personajele sunt nevoite sa faca diverse compromisuri si alegeri ce nu au mereu rezultatul asteptat. Mi-au placut foarte mult elementele de mitologie si folclor, probabil o sa citesc la un moment dat si The Spook's Bestiary.
Ma asteptam ca acest ultim volum sa raspunda la mai multe intrebari, insa nu s-a intamplat acest lucru - din contra, simt ca toata actiunea a fost cumva suspendata, fara sa existe o concluzie certa. Totusi, datorita personajelor, va ramane o serie draga pentru mine. 😊
July 18, 2014
Most bullshit fucking ending ever. 12 books of a leading romance diminished in one chapter, how ridiculous. Such great writing all 12 books, even the 13 had a great finish except for Alice and tom. Dissapointment beyond measurement, never buying a Joseph Delaney book again. Can't even re read the others now. Thanks for ruining a series
June 28, 2014
It was crazily amazing! The whole story was written with such skill and imagination by Joseph Delaney! The plot's twists were so unpredictable, yet the hints which were subtly dropped were cleverly placed.
The ending - it was tragic, annoying, unresolved, angry, amazing and brilliant - all at once!
The deaths, betrayals and choices made towards the final ending of the book really gripped me, even though some of them I hated (yet also thought were truly masterpieces). By hated, I only mean it because of my connection with the characters - everything was written and the plot was conjured with such wonders. I can only wait to see what Joseph Delaney does next, as the ending is in some ways, has left me on the line between "That's all over. It was amazingly completely" and "Wait. Is that the end? But what about everything else?". It seems that he has really created a fascinating book here. For that, it is one of the best books I have ever read. The best finale, for the best series.
The ending - it was tragic, annoying, unresolved, angry, amazing and brilliant - all at once!
The deaths, betrayals and choices made towards the final ending of the book really gripped me, even though some of them I hated (yet also thought were truly masterpieces). By hated, I only mean it because of my connection with the characters - everything was written and the plot was conjured with such wonders. I can only wait to see what Joseph Delaney does next, as the ending is in some ways, has left me on the line between "That's all over. It was amazingly completely" and "Wait. Is that the end? But what about everything else?". It seems that he has really created a fascinating book here. For that, it is one of the best books I have ever read. The best finale, for the best series.
July 31, 2018
6/10
Here we are, the end of the series. All loose ends to be tied up and everything put to rest. Or not so much. I’m happy to finish this series and see how it concluded but I was less than happy to know it lead into another series which I’m not prepared to read.
I didn’t overly like how some of this played out; the change in personalities of some of the characters and certain events which are sort of blink and you miss it when they’re pretty monumental to the series. The lack of resolution and the lead into another series when the last couple of instalments were pretty much filler anyway.
Some negatives but still I enjoyed reading about Tom and his friends over the series and there were some fun bits here. I won’t continue as I feel I’ve outgrown the series now but this is one series I could recommend, especially the early entries.
Here we are, the end of the series. All loose ends to be tied up and everything put to rest. Or not so much. I’m happy to finish this series and see how it concluded but I was less than happy to know it lead into another series which I’m not prepared to read.
I didn’t overly like how some of this played out; the change in personalities of some of the characters and certain events which are sort of blink and you miss it when they’re pretty monumental to the series. The lack of resolution and the lead into another series when the last couple of instalments were pretty much filler anyway.
Some negatives but still I enjoyed reading about Tom and his friends over the series and there were some fun bits here. I won’t continue as I feel I’ve outgrown the series now but this is one series I could recommend, especially the early entries.
October 29, 2014
Joseph Delaney a great author who until this book ranked in my top three fantasy authors. The book feels rushed and not well thought out it maybe Mr Delaney has been distracted by the production of the film.
If you enjoyed like I have all the other Spook books. To avoid disappointment Never Read This Book.
I don't know where to begin with this book I was Hugely disappointed in the book did not feel like the normal high standard could of Mr Delaney this could have been written by someone less talented then Joseph Delaney. This one book makes all the other books irrelevant making all that Tom and Alice have been through and achieved together meaningless. The time cost and effort I took in reading them a waste of time. I tried re-reading the series but could only manage a few pages and have now given them away. Mr Delaney did not do the characters or the series justice both Tom and Alice both needlessly being punished with Tom taking the full brunt of it the moral of the story if you do good you get punished so why bother being good it gets you nowhere. With a bit of luck he's taken a idea from the original Dallas series and it’s just been a dream of either Tom or Alice. I think this is a good plot idea I have given. Hopefully he will publish a better conclusion to the series. Do yourself a favour take all your books in the series don't even read this book and give them to a charity I may not be a author but I am a huge reader and books like this can put me off any future works by a particular author. Mr Delaney has started to write a new series but sadly for me this books as ruined it for me and like many others on this site it is as far as I go with Mr Delaney.
June 29, 2016
The thirteenth and final entry in the Spook's Apprentice series, this one left a lot of threads unresolved. I suspect that many of them will become woven into the Starblade trilogy that will continue Tom Ward's journey as the new Spook for the county. All in all, a fitting end to a much loved series.
January 5, 2014
So, I've been reading this series for a very long time (maybe 5-6 years now) and somehow I always stumble upon the next book. In the end, it became a little bit like a chore, since I find the writing simplistic and I feel like I've outgrown it. When I finally picked up this book, I was expecting a decent book with a decent ending that would give me a decent time- a fitting end to all those years I spent following the story.
Well, boy oh boy Mr. Delaney, you shocked me big time. I was on the edge of my seat for 90% of the book and I was pissed as hell. I gave the book 4/5 stars just because it held my interest like a waltzing hippopotamus at the grocery store. I've always used Goodreads as a great tool for looking at reviews and summaries, but this is the first time I've written one.
I haven't been this crushed since I read The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I never, ever, would have guessed what has happened in this book. Never.
Congratulations Delaney, you've convinced me to read the next trilogy because I'm dying to know how this plays out. Don't disappoint me.
Well, boy oh boy Mr. Delaney, you shocked me big time. I was on the edge of my seat for 90% of the book and I was pissed as hell. I gave the book 4/5 stars just because it held my interest like a waltzing hippopotamus at the grocery store. I've always used Goodreads as a great tool for looking at reviews and summaries, but this is the first time I've written one.
I haven't been this crushed since I read The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I never, ever, would have guessed what has happened in this book. Never.
Congratulations Delaney, you've convinced me to read the next trilogy because I'm dying to know how this plays out. Don't disappoint me.
Read
January 4, 2014I love this entire series. It's very well written, very descriptive and exciting. It's hard to put the books down once you start reading! I am really sad to see it end however The Spook's Revenge was thrilling, but sad. It acts as not only an ending to the previous series, but an introduction to a new series Mr. Delaney is going to be writing so that made it a little easier to read. If you love fantasy, as in Harry Potter or the Inheritance series, you should check out this series starting with the Spook's Apprentice.
April 16, 2014
Can I rate it less than one? Negative integers perhaps? I have not been so very disappointed in a book series in years. I'm still too worked up to write a proper review but suffice to say it ruined the entire series for me. I have to go throw out all my Last Apprentice hard cover books now. Do not buy or read. Not if you like the series or characters.
May 15, 2025
UGH!!!!!! BORING!!!! ANTICLIMACTIC!!!! I DISLIKED THE PLOT CHOICES THAT WERE MADE!!! BOO LAME BOO
March 6, 2024
So the good thing is I finished the original series! This book was alright it seems a little anticlimactic but I guess that’s just the end of the road.
I don’t know whether to carry on as it was feeling tedious so will move on for a bit and maybe come back x
I don’t know whether to carry on as it was feeling tedious so will move on for a bit and maybe come back x
March 9, 2017
I listened to this 13 book series, back to back, on Audible over the past month or so; driving to and from work and at work when I was able to. I'm sad to have it end and I wish some things had resolved a little differently in the last book, but overall I really enjoyed it. The characters of Tom, Alice, Grimalkin, Old Gregory, Thorn, Mam, and the Boggart were so engaging it is like saying goodbye to old friends. Two thumb (bones) up!
January 6, 2022
What an incredible conclusion to a fantastic series!
I am saddened to see this journey come to an end but what a great and bittersweet ending it was! I loved it!
So many things happened in this one and a few things, I was not happy with and others, I was. I will admit that the things I wasn't happy with were all personal preference things...I just didn't want them to happen. The story itself was fantastic and I enjoyed it immensely.
My favorite characters were in this one and reunited for the intense and horrific final battle against the darkness...against the devil (The Fiend being brought back) and all his followers. Grimalkin, the witch assassin, comes to aid Tom and The Spook (and so does Kratch....the dark magic boggart that guards The Spook's property). Many others also come to help them battle against the dark witches wanting to return the Fiend to power as well.
As for Alice, my other favorite, her path in this story sort of went a different direction. It was so fascinating and while I expected it to an extent, I didn't foresee what ultimately happened so I was in shock somewhat and saddened really.
Tom's journey really does come full circle by the end of the epic battle in this one. He is so different from the boy he was at the beginning of these novels!
There's a handful of other books that sort of continue where these leave off so I look forward to continuing the journey. But, this series is now at an end. I definitely see myself enjoying a reread down the road, however. This series is most certainly wonderful and one you can enjoy repeatedly!
I most definitely recommend it if you enjoy darker middle grade fantasy reads!
I am saddened to see this journey come to an end but what a great and bittersweet ending it was! I loved it!
So many things happened in this one and a few things, I was not happy with and others, I was. I will admit that the things I wasn't happy with were all personal preference things...I just didn't want them to happen. The story itself was fantastic and I enjoyed it immensely.
My favorite characters were in this one and reunited for the intense and horrific final battle against the darkness...against the devil (The Fiend being brought back) and all his followers. Grimalkin, the witch assassin, comes to aid Tom and The Spook (and so does Kratch....the dark magic boggart that guards The Spook's property). Many others also come to help them battle against the dark witches wanting to return the Fiend to power as well.
As for Alice, my other favorite, her path in this story sort of went a different direction. It was so fascinating and while I expected it to an extent, I didn't foresee what ultimately happened so I was in shock somewhat and saddened really.
Tom's journey really does come full circle by the end of the epic battle in this one. He is so different from the boy he was at the beginning of these novels!
There's a handful of other books that sort of continue where these leave off so I look forward to continuing the journey. But, this series is now at an end. I definitely see myself enjoying a reread down the road, however. This series is most certainly wonderful and one you can enjoy repeatedly!
I most definitely recommend it if you enjoy darker middle grade fantasy reads!
February 22, 2015
I was quite disappointed with this one. In fact, I found it to be the worst in the series. Delaney does a gross amount of reiteration in this one and doesn't do it in any way that makes it interesting for someone who has been following the series. The whole problem with Alice feels like it is glossed over and not given enough time. It's the first time that I felt I was reading a children's book in this series. It really was a poorly constructed novel.
November 12, 2014
What a shame for Joseph Delaney to end his epic 13-book series with a flop. There are so many ways this books fails: Tom's relationship with Alice, the Spook's denouement, the long build-up to the showdown with the Fiend and his followers, only to find out there is something worse out there. The writing was suspenseful, but many plotlines were a grave disappointment to loyal readers.
March 11, 2016
Disappointing ending to a pretty adventurous YA series.
September 26, 2016
Fantastic-The characters were at the height of their game and shocking plot twists!
September 8, 2014
The book beautifully ended that great series.
March 31, 2015
Thomas Ward has been the Spook's apprentice for a while. He's battled witches, boggarts, ghasts and many dangerous creatures of the dark. Including the Fiend, who Tom, John Gregory and others seek to destroy once and for all.
Now with the help of Grimalkin, a boggart and others, Tom sets forth to rid of the world of the Fiend.
I finished this about an hour ago, maybe a bit more. And I've just been thinking, how will I write my review for the final book in The Last Apprentice series? How shall I start it?
Well, I suppose I'll start with how I found this amazing series. I am a huge fan of the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. In 2009 I registered on a message board for fans of the trilogy and just of works by Philip Pullman in general.
In one of the topics, someone had recommended The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney. I had never heard of the series before nor its author. I did some research on Google and found that the series was known as The Last Apprentice in America. And the series definitely sounded good. I love reading anything to do with the paranormal, fiction or nonfiction, and the series sounded like something I would like.
It was summer of 2009 and I was signed up for a summer reading program at a library not too far from me. They only had one book in the series, the first one, and I put a hold on it. I read it and loved it completely. It became an instant favorite.
Forward to January 2013 and I've been reading about the forthcoming Seventh Son movie. I decided I need to finish reading the series. At that time, books 1 to 11 were out, plus the bestiary and the two books with short stories. From January to April I devoured all of the books. I just couldn't get enough of the series. I eagerly awaited I Am Alice, which I received as a gift from my boyfriend for our anniversary last year.
And after that, I waited for this book. Even pre-ordering my copy in December.
Like the others, I read this one fairly quickly. If you haven't read this book yet, or the series, please do not read any further as there will be spoilers.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
At the end of I Am Alice when Alice returned from the dark, it was revealed that there may be another way to destroy the Fiend without sacrificing her. And when I started this book, I found out that Tom decided he could not sacrifice her, even if it meant destroying the Fiend forever. I understand that. How could you sacrifice someone you love, even if it meant saving many people? And it also goes against everything John Gregory taught Tom. I know that if I were in Tom's position, I couldn't do it either.
There were definitely some twists in this book, especially with Alice. I just felt like crying. The change with Alice was so quick, so unlike her.
I know with Alice she was always sort of in the middle - she could go either way, light or dark. But reading the short story from her perspective and I Am Alice last year in September, I felt that I knew Alice even better than before. She didn't want to belong to the dark. Heck, she didn't even want to be a witch! It was something Bony Lizzie, her real mother, decided for her. The Alice I know and love was afraid to belong to the dark and would do anything for Tom.
The Alice in this book is so different, so quickly, but I could still see bits of the old Alice there. No matter what, she didn't want to physically hurt Tom. I feel that at least she must still care for him somewhat. And is she really in love with this Mage? I don't know. She may just be with him for another reason, and if it is for another reason, it was not revealed in this book.
But I know my heart broke for Tom.
One of the saddest things about the book for me was Alice's sudden change. And the other was the death of John Gregory. After reading the whole book, I know it had to happen. While this book concludes The Last Apprentice series, it does not end Tom's story and his story will continue in The Starblade Chronicles, which I am very excited for. Perhaps in those books, there will be more explanation to why Alice changed.
But I know why John Gregory had to die, it was to pave the way for Tom to become the County Spook and to pave the way for the next adventure. However, I was still very sad. John Gregory was an amazing character. Flawed, but yet wise and even still learning until his death. I can't say that I agreed with John Gregory 100 percent of the time, but he knew was he was talking about, he was a great teacher to Tom and I loved his character.
"I never saw him alive again."
It was so quick, so sudden and while not detailed, it was such a sad part of the book for me. That was when I began to cry a little. John Gregory, like with all the characters, I've grown so attached to them and his death was just devastating.
And now I see why the character Slither was introduced so late in the series. It was to set up the next books and I wonder if we'll see Slither again in the new trilogy.
***END SPOILERS***
As a huge fan of this series, I have to say that I loved this book just as much as the others. There were sad parts, there were times I cried. This book was like a roller coaster of emotions, you weren't quite sure what emotion you were going to have to deal with feeling next.
The story and the characters of this series are just amazing and well-written. The world Joseph Delaney created is unique and so easy for me to get into. I love the characters, who I have grown very attached to over the course of the series.
I know how a lot of people feel about Harry Potter and I have to say that this is about I feel about The Last Apprentice series.
It it a truly amazing series, one that I highly recommend. This book does a great job concluding the story of this series and tying up loose ends as well as leaving things open for future books set in the same world.
What else can I say about this book besides that I love it, that I love this book and I am very thankful to Joseph Delaney for creating these unique and wonderful books.
Now, bring on The Starblade Chronicles! :)
Now with the help of Grimalkin, a boggart and others, Tom sets forth to rid of the world of the Fiend.
I finished this about an hour ago, maybe a bit more. And I've just been thinking, how will I write my review for the final book in The Last Apprentice series? How shall I start it?
Well, I suppose I'll start with how I found this amazing series. I am a huge fan of the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. In 2009 I registered on a message board for fans of the trilogy and just of works by Philip Pullman in general.
In one of the topics, someone had recommended The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney. I had never heard of the series before nor its author. I did some research on Google and found that the series was known as The Last Apprentice in America. And the series definitely sounded good. I love reading anything to do with the paranormal, fiction or nonfiction, and the series sounded like something I would like.
It was summer of 2009 and I was signed up for a summer reading program at a library not too far from me. They only had one book in the series, the first one, and I put a hold on it. I read it and loved it completely. It became an instant favorite.
Forward to January 2013 and I've been reading about the forthcoming Seventh Son movie. I decided I need to finish reading the series. At that time, books 1 to 11 were out, plus the bestiary and the two books with short stories. From January to April I devoured all of the books. I just couldn't get enough of the series. I eagerly awaited I Am Alice, which I received as a gift from my boyfriend for our anniversary last year.
And after that, I waited for this book. Even pre-ordering my copy in December.
Like the others, I read this one fairly quickly. If you haven't read this book yet, or the series, please do not read any further as there will be spoilers.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
At the end of I Am Alice when Alice returned from the dark, it was revealed that there may be another way to destroy the Fiend without sacrificing her. And when I started this book, I found out that Tom decided he could not sacrifice her, even if it meant destroying the Fiend forever. I understand that. How could you sacrifice someone you love, even if it meant saving many people? And it also goes against everything John Gregory taught Tom. I know that if I were in Tom's position, I couldn't do it either.
There were definitely some twists in this book, especially with Alice. I just felt like crying. The change with Alice was so quick, so unlike her.
I know with Alice she was always sort of in the middle - she could go either way, light or dark. But reading the short story from her perspective and I Am Alice last year in September, I felt that I knew Alice even better than before. She didn't want to belong to the dark. Heck, she didn't even want to be a witch! It was something Bony Lizzie, her real mother, decided for her. The Alice I know and love was afraid to belong to the dark and would do anything for Tom.
The Alice in this book is so different, so quickly, but I could still see bits of the old Alice there. No matter what, she didn't want to physically hurt Tom. I feel that at least she must still care for him somewhat. And is she really in love with this Mage? I don't know. She may just be with him for another reason, and if it is for another reason, it was not revealed in this book.
But I know my heart broke for Tom.
One of the saddest things about the book for me was Alice's sudden change. And the other was the death of John Gregory. After reading the whole book, I know it had to happen. While this book concludes The Last Apprentice series, it does not end Tom's story and his story will continue in The Starblade Chronicles, which I am very excited for. Perhaps in those books, there will be more explanation to why Alice changed.
But I know why John Gregory had to die, it was to pave the way for Tom to become the County Spook and to pave the way for the next adventure. However, I was still very sad. John Gregory was an amazing character. Flawed, but yet wise and even still learning until his death. I can't say that I agreed with John Gregory 100 percent of the time, but he knew was he was talking about, he was a great teacher to Tom and I loved his character.
"I never saw him alive again."
It was so quick, so sudden and while not detailed, it was such a sad part of the book for me. That was when I began to cry a little. John Gregory, like with all the characters, I've grown so attached to them and his death was just devastating.
And now I see why the character Slither was introduced so late in the series. It was to set up the next books and I wonder if we'll see Slither again in the new trilogy.
***END SPOILERS***
As a huge fan of this series, I have to say that I loved this book just as much as the others. There were sad parts, there were times I cried. This book was like a roller coaster of emotions, you weren't quite sure what emotion you were going to have to deal with feeling next.
The story and the characters of this series are just amazing and well-written. The world Joseph Delaney created is unique and so easy for me to get into. I love the characters, who I have grown very attached to over the course of the series.
I know how a lot of people feel about Harry Potter and I have to say that this is about I feel about The Last Apprentice series.
It it a truly amazing series, one that I highly recommend. This book does a great job concluding the story of this series and tying up loose ends as well as leaving things open for future books set in the same world.
What else can I say about this book besides that I love it, that I love this book and I am very thankful to Joseph Delaney for creating these unique and wonderful books.
Now, bring on The Starblade Chronicles! :)
January 17, 2019
"So, lets see how well you can fight. Lets see how well you can die."
Throughout the past four years of his apprenticeship, Thomas Ward faced hardships that no boy under John Gregory's hand had before him. From facing the Bane alone with only an untrustworthy witch to be by his side to baring witness to the sacrifice of his own mam; he has laid down his life time, and time again in the war against the dark.
The final instalment of the Wardstone Chronicles placed Tom in the most dangerous situation yet: before the devil himself, without the one he loves the most by his side.
Spooks Revenge, in my opinion, dealt with both betrayal and loss to the best of Delaney's abilities. Driven mad by grief, Tom becomes irrational and a shell of his once self; following in close footsteps to his own master in that respect before him.
At the attempt to keep things spoiler free, this thrilling conclusion to the series lived up to my expectations and more! The plot twisted in a way that I am shocked at for not scrying myself. I look forward to the Starblade Chronicles, but first I need to morn the last nine years of my life and the dedication I gave this series.
At last, all I will say is this:
"I am Thomas Ward: your worst nightmare."
Throughout the past four years of his apprenticeship, Thomas Ward faced hardships that no boy under John Gregory's hand had before him. From facing the Bane alone with only an untrustworthy witch to be by his side to baring witness to the sacrifice of his own mam; he has laid down his life time, and time again in the war against the dark.
The final instalment of the Wardstone Chronicles placed Tom in the most dangerous situation yet: before the devil himself, without the one he loves the most by his side.
Spooks Revenge, in my opinion, dealt with both betrayal and loss to the best of Delaney's abilities. Driven mad by grief, Tom becomes irrational and a shell of his once self; following in close footsteps to his own master in that respect before him.
At the attempt to keep things spoiler free, this thrilling conclusion to the series lived up to my expectations and more! The plot twisted in a way that I am shocked at for not scrying myself. I look forward to the Starblade Chronicles, but first I need to morn the last nine years of my life and the dedication I gave this series.
At last, all I will say is this:
"I am Thomas Ward: your worst nightmare."
June 9, 2017
I can't believe that this is the end. I fell in love with "Wardstone Chronicles" when I was 12 and now, almost 10 years later, I still feel great sentiment towards this series and definitely this is one of my favorite book series.
The whole plot was interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. Tom finally grown up. He proved that he was ready to be Spook and that he would handle the dangers of darkness in the future. But still I am very disappointed and angry at Joseph at the same time. That's why I gave this part 4 stars. From "Revenge of the Witch" I've hope that in the end Tom and Alice will be together. These two have helped each other over the years and they always have each other back. After the last parts I wanted them to be togeter even more. But instead I got betrayal and broken heart. So I hate you Joseph for what you did. My childhood dream has just been ruined and I'll never forgive you. Unless this whole "bad situation" somehow was fixed in the next series and I'll finally get the happy ending.
The whole plot was interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. Tom finally grown up. He proved that he was ready to be Spook and that he would handle the dangers of darkness in the future. But still I am very disappointed and angry at Joseph at the same time. That's why I gave this part 4 stars. From "Revenge of the Witch" I've hope that in the end Tom and Alice will be together. These two have helped each other over the years and they always have each other back. After the last parts I wanted them to be togeter even more. But instead I got betrayal and broken heart. So I hate you Joseph for what you did. My childhood dream has just been ruined and I'll never forgive you. Unless this whole "bad situation" somehow was fixed in the next series and I'll finally get the happy ending.
June 14, 2025
After 12 books, the first half being good and the last half being filler, it all comes down to this. And I just to have to say two things that describe what I'm feeling: disappointment and sadness. Disappointed with how much potential this series had but never lived up to and sadness that I wasted my time reading this hot garbage. I wish I could take back the almost two months it took me to read this g*d awful trash.
Where to begin with my review. I'll start with the main reason I dislike this book. 12 books of a budding romance between Tom and Alice, , gone like that. What was the point in building something up if nothing was ever going to come from it? What a way to destroy one of my favorite characters in the series and completely rewrite Alice into something I don't even recognize anymore. Alice turning to the dark for good was expected but could have at least been shown instead of it being told to us, her character deserves that much at least. Another thing I didn't like was how the Spook's death was handled. After all the hype of how great the Spook was, we didn't even get to see him die or sacrifice himself in some way. And lastly, instead of introducing a new trilogy featuring a new villain, Talkus, the Skelt's god, why not make a good resolution to this terrible series? The author couldn't even do that properly. I will not be reading anything else from Delaney.
Where to begin with my review. I'll start with the main reason I dislike this book. 12 books of a budding romance between Tom and Alice, , gone like that. What was the point in building something up if nothing was ever going to come from it? What a way to destroy one of my favorite characters in the series and completely rewrite Alice into something I don't even recognize anymore. Alice turning to the dark for good was expected but could have at least been shown instead of it being told to us, her character deserves that much at least. Another thing I didn't like was how the Spook's death was handled. After all the hype of how great the Spook was, we didn't even get to see him die or sacrifice himself in some way. And lastly, instead of introducing a new trilogy featuring a new villain, Talkus, the Skelt's god, why not make a good resolution to this terrible series? The author couldn't even do that properly. I will not be reading anything else from Delaney.
November 3, 2014
This is the 13th book. Gah. My feelings, it is overflowing. Finally! The 13th book~ lets dance. *seen published date* Oh drat, I'm late to the news.
Seeing Spook and his Apprentice adventure coming to an end made me sad. From this point, all the readers who know this story will eventually know that the Spook adventure will end no matter how and why it will; and you always wish and hope that's its not.
I don't know how to think about this book. My thoughts are clattered in all places, its like finishing HP book 7 for the first time. It’s like parting with boyfriend with no hard feelings. It’s like saying goodbye to your favorite pet. But that goodbye that you always knew is what you anticipate from the beginning, for that goodbye will come something new. I can't seem to open and read book again after I finish this book. I did read though, but my mind is flying into this series over and over. I will miss this series but the author promise us to have more of this world. For that, my clattered thoughts are starting to pick up but it’s just something to cheer me on.
The Story
Welcome to Tom's world. Thomas J. Ward is destined to fight the dark. Set in 'County' where darkness and humans dwell, his adventures starts being the Apprentice of a Spook. Spook is the one who fights the dark including witches, boggart, ghoul and a lot of dark entities.
Tom, being the seventh son of a seventh son could qualify to be an apprentice to the spook. Trained to fight, trained to learn the craft of Spook, Tom is destined to fight the master of darkness. As her Mam says Tom is her gift to the county.
Summary
After many encounters to the darkness entity, it is now where the Master of Darkness will set revenge on Tom and on all people who is against him. The darkness is gathering more and more to attach the beheaded Fiend to its body. This Halloween is set to complete the attachment and once again to conquer the County or even the whole Earth. With the help of Mam and Slake, Tom acquires a ritual to defeat the Fiend. For that ritual needed the three blades made by the Old God Hephaestus and a willing sacrifice, Alice.
Alice is his only friend from the beginning of his adventure since his apprenticeship to the Spook. They face different struggle and their friendship became stronger. Then this day came. What would be their plan? Can Tom really sacrifice Alice?
With the help of his Master, his family, his gift from his Mam and witch allies from different clan that is against the fiend, led by Grimalkin they set to defeat the fiend. Irony to his name, the set of battle was named after him, the Wardstone.
Deceit, trust, misjudgment partake in Tom’s life this time.
World Building
For me this series is one of the best world buildings I ever encounter, some might not agree with me but who cares, I agree with myself. I will never be hooked-up into this if its not. Set in County where different dark elemental resides, witches, mages, Greek Gods was also mentioned, boggart and a lot more.
Image taken from the book
The map.. yes the map of Chipenden.. Somehow I dunno how fast Tom ran when someone rings the bell. It's quite far away from the Spooks house or how the ringer should has to have that strength to ring a bell.
The Ward Peak where the Wardstone looks near but it’s a two days worth of walk.
The Characters
Spook series has the most interesting characters. Clash with Greek Gods, Witches, Mages, etc. It is set in a world before it was ever known to me, the world where classic fairytale was set, interesting indeed. In our country we have different folklores and such so some type of these entities is not familiar with me.
The main characters were described on the first page of this book, so I let them off. Instead I’ll do some characterization.
Spook, they were the one who fight the dark entities. There craft is same as priest instead they more of atheist, might be but mostly they are. People usually stay away from them as long as they can for they believed that some darkness might brush in them. Our main character Tom Ward is an Apprentice to the Chipenden’s Spook, Master John Gregory.
Boggart is not familiar creature to me, for the description on how I imagine it is like Splash Mud monster. But they took on different form on how they wanted it. On the Spook Bestiary, different type of boggart was described. On this series the boggart on the Spook house played
Witches, one of the primary characters in this series. Mam, Alice, Grimalkin and a lot more is a witch. That 3 witch is my favorite, but Mam died since book 6. Witch too has different type: Benign, Malevolent and Unaware. True to there type those would describe them most. But they have various kinds: for Alice used familiar, Grimalkin used Bone Magic and Mam falls to the rare kind: Lamia.
Mage, the male counterpart of witch (oh, sorry not wizard :p) they are usually stronger than most witches, but they are always in small number. It would be weird if there are four mages in one group.
Overall this series is highly enjoyable, and this book has the most action albeit I’m old enough not to be scared to my wits it really did bring me to their world especially with the Wardstone fight scene.
Overall Rating: 5/5
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