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The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles #4.5
The Last Apprentice: The Spook's Tale: And Other Horrors
The Last Apprentice series follows the terrifying adventures of the Spook's apprentice, Thomas Ward. But Tom's is only one story. There are others. . . .
The Spook himself was once an apprentice. How did he begin his training?
And what of Alice, the young witch who is Tom's closest ally? How did she overcome her dark past?
What did the witch assassin Grimalkin do to become the most deadly and feared witch in the county?
And, collected in a gallery of horrors, discover the rest of the county's menacing villains and relive the vicious battles waged against them.
Enter a land where creatures of the dark creep out of the shadows. Do you dare?
---------------
- The Spook's Tale
- Alice's Tale: Mouldheels and Maggots
- Grimalkin's Tale: The Witch Assassin
The Spook himself was once an apprentice. How did he begin his training?
And what of Alice, the young witch who is Tom's closest ally? How did she overcome her dark past?
What did the witch assassin Grimalkin do to become the most deadly and feared witch in the county?
And, collected in a gallery of horrors, discover the rest of the county's menacing villains and relive the vicious battles waged against them.
Enter a land where creatures of the dark creep out of the shadows. Do you dare?
---------------
- The Spook's Tale
- Alice's Tale: Mouldheels and Maggots
- Grimalkin's Tale: The Witch Assassin
Unknown Binding
First published April 28, 2009
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About the author
Joseph Delaney
59 books3,980 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 148 reviews
December 5, 2025
3.5 stars for this short story collection
The Spook's Tale - The first short story describes how John Gregory (the "Spook") first set off on that career path. Being the seventh son of a seventh son qualifies you for the role, but that is only the first step. We learn about witches, boggarts and other manner of dark creatures from the Spook's perspective.
Alice's Tale - This short story focuses on a time that Alice is captured by the Mouldheel clan. She must escape but how can one young witch surrounded by an entire clan make her way out?
Grimalkin's Tale - Here we learn a bit about Grimalkin's past and why she is the deadliest witch assassin of her time. This is the same story fromThe Spook's Stories: Witches.
The Gallery of Villains - These are short profiles on the deadlier villains from the story - including classics like Mother Malkin, the Bane, Golgoth, Tibb and the Fiend.
Overall Thoughts - I really liked the Spook's tale and Alice's as well. I was disappointed over the repetition between Grimalkin's tale. If you are doing a set of short stories, each one should be unique. The gallery of villains was a fun addition as well.
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
The Spook's Tale - The first short story describes how John Gregory (the "Spook") first set off on that career path. Being the seventh son of a seventh son qualifies you for the role, but that is only the first step. We learn about witches, boggarts and other manner of dark creatures from the Spook's perspective.
Alice's Tale - This short story focuses on a time that Alice is captured by the Mouldheel clan. She must escape but how can one young witch surrounded by an entire clan make her way out?
Grimalkin's Tale - Here we learn a bit about Grimalkin's past and why she is the deadliest witch assassin of her time. This is the same story fromThe Spook's Stories: Witches.
The Gallery of Villains - These are short profiles on the deadlier villains from the story - including classics like Mother Malkin, the Bane, Golgoth, Tibb and the Fiend.
Overall Thoughts - I really liked the Spook's tale and Alice's as well. I was disappointed over the repetition between Grimalkin's tale. If you are doing a set of short stories, each one should be unique. The gallery of villains was a fun addition as well.
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
August 5, 2011
As a big fan of Delaney's Last Apprentice series, I had to check this book out. But readers beware: this book was published for World Book Day, and was not meant (as some have mistakenly believed) to be a continuation of the series but rather, a supplement to the series and introduction for newcomers to the Last Apprentice universe.
The book consists of three short stories and a small "gallery of villains" which includes a brief description and passage from other novels about certain villains from the series. The short stories center around present day-Spook John Gregory and the events that placed him on the path to becoming a Spook, a story about Alice's origins and training as a witch, and an origin story about Grimalkin, the witch assassin.
John Gregory's story easily steals the show here -it's as chilling as the other Last Apprentice novels and gives some interesting insight into John's past. Grimalkin's story falls in the middle -it's well-paced and unique, but feels like it should have been more than a short story. Alice's story bothered me the most, primarily because it took place during book four of the series, rather than before the events of the series, and, frankly, didn't seem to add much to her character.
All the information here is great back story and is good for fans who are new to the series, but The Spook's Tale and Other Horrors, even with its World Book Day backdrop, left me wanting more. Not just another book in the series, but full books about John, Alice or Grimalkin. Perhaps we'll see these in the future, but until then, I can't wait for more Last Apprentice.
The book consists of three short stories and a small "gallery of villains" which includes a brief description and passage from other novels about certain villains from the series. The short stories center around present day-Spook John Gregory and the events that placed him on the path to becoming a Spook, a story about Alice's origins and training as a witch, and an origin story about Grimalkin, the witch assassin.
John Gregory's story easily steals the show here -it's as chilling as the other Last Apprentice novels and gives some interesting insight into John's past. Grimalkin's story falls in the middle -it's well-paced and unique, but feels like it should have been more than a short story. Alice's story bothered me the most, primarily because it took place during book four of the series, rather than before the events of the series, and, frankly, didn't seem to add much to her character.
All the information here is great back story and is good for fans who are new to the series, but The Spook's Tale and Other Horrors, even with its World Book Day backdrop, left me wanting more. Not just another book in the series, but full books about John, Alice or Grimalkin. Perhaps we'll see these in the future, but until then, I can't wait for more Last Apprentice.
December 30, 2010
This book is more of an interlude or a supplement to The Last Apprentice series. It is well written and interesting nonetheless, but not as fantastic as a full-fledged book would have been. Although we don't have a long wait "Clash of the Demons" comes out the end of August '09.
There are three stories in this book. The first details how the Spook became a Spook. This story was okay; it gives you some background around the Spook. Nothing that is really surprising, but a decent story.
The second story is about what happened to Alice when she was in Pendle right before Tom came to rescue her. This was my least favorite story of the bunch. Again no surprises and a very brief story.
The third story made the book worth having. This was the story of how Grimalkin became a witch assassin. I think Grimalkin is a fascinating character and found this story to be an interesting read. It made me wish that Delaney would write some books from Grimalkin's point of view...maybe he can do that after he is done with Tom Ward's story :-)
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is just filler for the main event though and I am eagerly awaiting "Clash of the Demons"!
There are three stories in this book. The first details how the Spook became a Spook. This story was okay; it gives you some background around the Spook. Nothing that is really surprising, but a decent story.
The second story is about what happened to Alice when she was in Pendle right before Tom came to rescue her. This was my least favorite story of the bunch. Again no surprises and a very brief story.
The third story made the book worth having. This was the story of how Grimalkin became a witch assassin. I think Grimalkin is a fascinating character and found this story to be an interesting read. It made me wish that Delaney would write some books from Grimalkin's point of view...maybe he can do that after he is done with Tom Ward's story :-)
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is just filler for the main event though and I am eagerly awaiting "Clash of the Demons"!
April 26, 2022
Another fun, spooky read!
Loved this collection of stories that supplements The Last Apprentice series. I had already finished the novels but wanted to read this and am glad I did.
It is a wonderful little glimpse into how John Gregory got his beginnings in the world of the supernatural and what led him to becoming an actual Spook. And there's a little tale that has some of Alice's inner thoughts as she is trapped in a tricky situation. And lastly, there's a tale about Grimalkin's youth and her becoming the actual witch assassin. Grimalkin is my favorite character in the series so I love reading anything about her.
And while this is a very quick read, it is full of adventure, witches and even a boggart.
I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of this series!
Loved this collection of stories that supplements The Last Apprentice series. I had already finished the novels but wanted to read this and am glad I did.
It is a wonderful little glimpse into how John Gregory got his beginnings in the world of the supernatural and what led him to becoming an actual Spook. And there's a little tale that has some of Alice's inner thoughts as she is trapped in a tricky situation. And lastly, there's a tale about Grimalkin's youth and her becoming the actual witch assassin. Grimalkin is my favorite character in the series so I love reading anything about her.
And while this is a very quick read, it is full of adventure, witches and even a boggart.
I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of this series!
May 3, 2024
Lovely interlude and a quick read!! While it barely gives any new information after having read the main story, I did like reading John Gregory‘s backstory the most.
June 8, 2016
I knew this book wasn't a continuation of the series, I knew that it contained some short stories that involved the characters and their adventures, but I also wasn't sure when exactly to read it. I wasn't sure if it was all simply backstories of the characters involved or if was a sort of hindsight view into some of their actions pertaining to a certain book or books in the series.
I was happy that the tone of the book hadn't changed from the tone used in the main series. The first story, centering around John Gregory's first meeting with the Spook that would later become his mentor, feels like the sort of backstory that can be read any time after the first book, possibly even before, but I feel it adds more to the Spook's character if it's learned after we have our initial idea about the Spook is formed.
The second story focuses on Grimalkin, whether it adds more to her character I do not know, for I have not reached her appearance in the book series. Because of the type of backstory that this is, I feel it to be supplementary information, therefore suggesting it be read after meeting her in the series.
The last tale is told from Alice's point of view during a time where she has been captured. Again, due to this capture happening after the first 2 books it feels more like something that should be read after knowing the initial story.
What follows is a small directory listing the various villains Tom Ward is to face/has faced, and while it lists which book they are from I feel like it gives away just a hint too much of what happens in, what are supposed to be, tense moments of the original book.
Therefore I suggest reading this selection of short stories after at least the 3rd or 4th book in the series.
I was happy that the tone of the book hadn't changed from the tone used in the main series. The first story, centering around John Gregory's first meeting with the Spook that would later become his mentor, feels like the sort of backstory that can be read any time after the first book, possibly even before, but I feel it adds more to the Spook's character if it's learned after we have our initial idea about the Spook is formed.
The second story focuses on Grimalkin, whether it adds more to her character I do not know, for I have not reached her appearance in the book series. Because of the type of backstory that this is, I feel it to be supplementary information, therefore suggesting it be read after meeting her in the series.
The last tale is told from Alice's point of view during a time where she has been captured. Again, due to this capture happening after the first 2 books it feels more like something that should be read after knowing the initial story.
What follows is a small directory listing the various villains Tom Ward is to face/has faced, and while it lists which book they are from I feel like it gives away just a hint too much of what happens in, what are supposed to be, tense moments of the original book.
Therefore I suggest reading this selection of short stories after at least the 3rd or 4th book in the series.
February 2, 2010
While not a book that can stand on it's own, "The Spook's Tale" is a good addition to the Last Apprentice series. In these three short stories three characters' backgrounds are shared. My favorite by far is Grimalkin, the witch assassin. Because really, don't the words "witch assassin" sound super cool and just a little bit scary?
I wish these stories were longer with greater detail. I felt they only skimmed the surface and left me wanting more. Delaney is a plot driven author, so these insights into his characters were entertaining.
I wish these stories were longer with greater detail. I felt they only skimmed the surface and left me wanting more. Delaney is a plot driven author, so these insights into his characters were entertaining.
February 13, 2012
The tale of how The Spook starts his own apprenticeship, a glimpse into when Alice first encountered Mab, and the history of Grimalkin.
Didn't add much of substance, but an interesting glimpse into the lives and histories of some of our favorites from the series. (Of course, I'm more interested in Gregory's story about why he left the priesthood but, as we're told, that's a story for another time... )
Didn't add much of substance, but an interesting glimpse into the lives and histories of some of our favorites from the series. (Of course, I'm more interested in Gregory's story about why he left the priesthood but, as we're told, that's a story for another time... )
June 16, 2009
This is an addition book, aside from the series with different point of view from the spooks, Alice and Grimalkin, and with different style of writing too according to the character.
I hope the author writes another addition book that includes Mam's point of view, I want to read about her story and maybe Meg's too.
I hope the author writes another addition book that includes Mam's point of view, I want to read about her story and maybe Meg's too.
August 29, 2017
As well written as this is, I was left rather disappointed. This is a collection of short stories about the Spook and his past, but many at the end are simply chapters recycled from the actual "Spook's Apprentice" books. It's an okay read, but not a must.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 28, 2022
Great back-story for many of the characters who are in the books.
September 23, 2012
This is a fun collection of background stories behind the Spook. I really feel more connected with the Spook now and can better understand/cope with his mannerisms and idiosyncresies.
March 15, 2025
This is The Spook’s Apprentice I know and love, and it’s back in short story form.
I guess it makes sense, since I’m reading this after the series took bit of a dive with books 5 and 6, but Goodreads has “4.5” next to the title of The Spook’s Tale and Other Horrors. Which means it probably came after book 4, one of the best in the series, and you can tell.
It’s a very short book, and I don’t have much to say, but here are a a few quick thoughts on each of the three stories:
- The Spook’s Tale -
This was easily the best one. I love when there’s lore about the Spook, and a lot happened considering how short the story was. Also, damn, Joseph Delaney, writing about about a dead apprentice with a limb ripped off in novel like this— grisly.
- Alice’s Tale -
Another good one, even with not as much going on. Fills in a small gap in book 4’s story, and gives a teensy bit more “screen time” to other witch and witch-related characters. I’m a fan of all the traditions and political intricacies specific to the witch clans, and we get more of those here.
- Grimalkin’s Tale -
Lukewarm. It’s not much a backstory to be honest, it’s essentially just Grimalkin deciding she wants to be the next witch assassin and doing it. I never got a sense of struggle, especially in the buildup to the test. She’s such a cool character too, I think there was a lot of potential wasted here.
It’s a stretch to call this “great” but I’d happily have given it a 3.5/5 since The Spook’s Tale and Other Horrors did exactly what it came to do. As it is I’ll stick with 3/5, “good”. This isn’t an essential read for anyone going through this series, but it added a very nice touch.
I guess it makes sense, since I’m reading this after the series took bit of a dive with books 5 and 6, but Goodreads has “4.5” next to the title of The Spook’s Tale and Other Horrors. Which means it probably came after book 4, one of the best in the series, and you can tell.
It’s a very short book, and I don’t have much to say, but here are a a few quick thoughts on each of the three stories:
- The Spook’s Tale -
This was easily the best one. I love when there’s lore about the Spook, and a lot happened considering how short the story was. Also, damn, Joseph Delaney, writing about about a dead apprentice with a limb ripped off in novel like this— grisly.
- Alice’s Tale -
Another good one, even with not as much going on. Fills in a small gap in book 4’s story, and gives a teensy bit more “screen time” to other witch and witch-related characters. I’m a fan of all the traditions and political intricacies specific to the witch clans, and we get more of those here.
- Grimalkin’s Tale -
Lukewarm. It’s not much a backstory to be honest, it’s essentially just Grimalkin deciding she wants to be the next witch assassin and doing it. I never got a sense of struggle, especially in the buildup to the test. She’s such a cool character too, I think there was a lot of potential wasted here.
It’s a stretch to call this “great” but I’d happily have given it a 3.5/5 since The Spook’s Tale and Other Horrors did exactly what it came to do. As it is I’ll stick with 3/5, “good”. This isn’t an essential read for anyone going through this series, but it added a very nice touch.
January 9, 2025
1.8/5, audiobook, really just not a good addition to the Spook universe. Apparently this is a special edition novella that dropped sometime around books 5 and 6? Regardless, publishing the same thing as multiple different books is, in my opinion, unbecoming of an author. The first two stories were fine and what I expected, but then all of Grimalkin’s tale was WORD FOR WORD FROM THE BOOK I JUST FINISHED! If it was already written, why make it a part of that later book? That was incredibly frustrating. Add value by offering something new, or at least change the words/perspective. Her fight with Kernolde was verbatim from Book 9 of the series, and wasn’t that compelling in Book 9 either. Sad to have spent time on this book, the only stars here came from the initial story.
August 26, 2021
So good!!!
May 24, 2025
2.5⭐️
Spook’s tale: boo boring. boo info dump
Alice’s tale: perfect girl can do no wrong. #1 ride or die
Grimalkin’s tale: meh. edgy and unnecessary but entertaining enough
Spook’s tale: boo boring. boo info dump
Alice’s tale: perfect girl can do no wrong. #1 ride or die
Grimalkin’s tale: meh. edgy and unnecessary but entertaining enough
August 25, 2014
The largest portion of this book is a short story written from John Gregory's point of view, detailing his first encounter with witches and boggarts several years before he became a spook's apprentice. It was a decent story, but contained nothing that I found surprising or revelatory. The writing style was solid and comfortable, and it was good to be back in Delaney's misbegotten county.
The second story I enjoyed a bit more, largely because I love Alice's manner of speech. It tells of the time when Mab and the Mouldheels captured and tortured Alice to get information so they could then capture Tom Ward. It's an episode that was left more or less to the imagination in Attack of the Fiend. I haven't yet read up to I Am Alice, but I enjoy her voice so much that I may raise these books on my list of priorities. (I haven't found the later books in any used bookstore, nor do they show up at our local Barnes & Noble. I would rather not get them on Kindle, but I've been reluctant to order them online. So I have come to more or less of a halt with this series.)
After the second story the book takes a radical turn downhill. When it was published, the Grimalkin tale was probably pretty exciting and it featured a new voice. Unfortunately, the same material in this tale is covered in I Am Grimalkin. And it may even be lifted word for word. That redundancy, for me, severely cheapened what was already a slim volume. And then, there is a "gallery of villains" which consists of nothing but very short excerpts from the books that had already seen publication. So the entire last third of the book was basically a waste.
The second story I enjoyed a bit more, largely because I love Alice's manner of speech. It tells of the time when Mab and the Mouldheels captured and tortured Alice to get information so they could then capture Tom Ward. It's an episode that was left more or less to the imagination in Attack of the Fiend. I haven't yet read up to I Am Alice, but I enjoy her voice so much that I may raise these books on my list of priorities. (I haven't found the later books in any used bookstore, nor do they show up at our local Barnes & Noble. I would rather not get them on Kindle, but I've been reluctant to order them online. So I have come to more or less of a halt with this series.)
After the second story the book takes a radical turn downhill. When it was published, the Grimalkin tale was probably pretty exciting and it featured a new voice. Unfortunately, the same material in this tale is covered in I Am Grimalkin. And it may even be lifted word for word. That redundancy, for me, severely cheapened what was already a slim volume. And then, there is a "gallery of villains" which consists of nothing but very short excerpts from the books that had already seen publication. So the entire last third of the book was basically a waste.
November 17, 2011
First of all, I would like to thank POWERBOOKS for having err giving us me the opportunity to read this book for FREE! c:
What a very generous bookstore! From the bottom of my heart... I Thank You ~teary-eyed~
Well, this story tells about a very, very, very short tale (Just little/tiny details) about the childhood days of the Spook. It was a story on how he met the dude (sorry I forgot the name. I have a weakness when it comes to memorizing people's namesakes, and yeah, even the fictional ones) who would teach him the art of Spook's trade.
Anyways., it was kind of funny to think how young Gregory and Tom were so much alike. Just read it if you want to know what I mean. But of course, I'm betting that Tom is more courageous than his master. :PP
This book also tells short stories about Alice D., Grimalkin., Mother Malkin., etc. all of which you can read in the original series.
Because the stories were all brief (Yeah, sort of disappointing) you cannot expect it to reveal a lot of things/details about the Spook's past. You aren't alone. 'am also craving, wanting, and hoping for the mysteries to be revealed.
all in all., this book is a good read esp. to those avid fans of this book title. Oh yeah, just like me!
What a very generous bookstore! From the bottom of my heart... I Thank You ~teary-eyed~
Well, this story tells about a very, very, very short tale (Just little/tiny details) about the childhood days of the Spook. It was a story on how he met the dude (sorry I forgot the name. I have a weakness when it comes to memorizing people's namesakes, and yeah, even the fictional ones) who would teach him the art of Spook's trade.
Anyways., it was kind of funny to think how young Gregory and Tom were so much alike. Just read it if you want to know what I mean. But of course, I'm betting that Tom is more courageous than his master. :PP
This book also tells short stories about Alice D., Grimalkin., Mother Malkin., etc. all of which you can read in the original series.
Because the stories were all brief (Yeah, sort of disappointing) you cannot expect it to reveal a lot of things/details about the Spook's past. You aren't alone. 'am also craving, wanting, and hoping for the mysteries to be revealed.
all in all., this book is a good read esp. to those avid fans of this book title. Oh yeah, just like me!
March 31, 2015
This is part of The Last Apprentice series, but not a main entry in the series. Instead the book has three stories from three of the characters of the series. The first tale is John Gregory's, next is Alice and the last is Grimalkin, the Witch Assassin.
John Gregory's tale is about when he was younger and exactly how he became a Spook. As is known from the other books, he was older when he finally decided to begin his training as a Spook. This tale explains exactly how he met his master and experiences with the dark early in his life. I enjoyed the Spook's tale and honestly wouldn't mind if there would be another book written that was just about John Gregory and his training as a Spook.
Alice's tale is about when she went to Pendle to find Tom's brother and his family. It explains how she was captured and when she eventually was rescued. Before that though, some is explained about Alice's life and how she came to be with Bony Lizzie.
And the last tale is of Grimalkin and how she became a Witch Assassin. It's also explained why she dislikes the Fiend, but if you've read book nine 9, most of her tale will not be new to you.
Next there is a gallery of villains, explaining a bit about each and has a sample from the book each they appear in.
So, Although this isn't part of the main series, I still enjoyed it and I think any fans of the series will like it.
John Gregory's tale is about when he was younger and exactly how he became a Spook. As is known from the other books, he was older when he finally decided to begin his training as a Spook. This tale explains exactly how he met his master and experiences with the dark early in his life. I enjoyed the Spook's tale and honestly wouldn't mind if there would be another book written that was just about John Gregory and his training as a Spook.
Alice's tale is about when she went to Pendle to find Tom's brother and his family. It explains how she was captured and when she eventually was rescued. Before that though, some is explained about Alice's life and how she came to be with Bony Lizzie.
And the last tale is of Grimalkin and how she became a Witch Assassin. It's also explained why she dislikes the Fiend, but if you've read book nine 9, most of her tale will not be new to you.
Next there is a gallery of villains, explaining a bit about each and has a sample from the book each they appear in.
So, Although this isn't part of the main series, I still enjoyed it and I think any fans of the series will like it.
December 4, 2014
The last apprentice spooks tales a fantastic book taking a new perspective of a famous character in the series Gregory. Now for people who don't know who Gregory he is was the spook for Tom the main character in the last apprentice books. In this book you'll see how Gregory grew up and he became a spook by telling through 3 short stories about how he became a spook. The first stories was about how when he was a kid that h had a gift to see ghost same as his brother but he doesn't come into play in the stories but they both had the gift until one day a spook lost his apprentice so he gets to know Gregory. Then he becomes the spook apprentice. In the next story he tells how when he was in his teen years he talks about all his adventure when he was growing up. Until book three where sadly Gregory master died. this happens when he's adult but he became wiser and understood that his master was a great person who understood people's safety. This ends up leading to the first book when Gregory hires Tom as his apprentice. I would highly suggest people to read this that's if you did read the first one yet.
November 25, 2011
Bukunya tipis saja - seperti kumpulan cerita
paling suka sih cerita John Gregory kecil, sebelum jadi spook yang
ternyata memang sudah peka dengan 'dunia lain'
beda dengan Tom yang bisa mengadu pada Mam, John Gregory malah
dikurung ayahnya di ruang bawah tanah ketika dia tiap malam bermimpi
buruk tentang seorang penambang
ketika John pergi dari desanya untuk belajar menjadi pendeta, di
perjalanan dia bertemu seorang spook yang sedang menguburkan muridnya
yang tewas
tanpa sengaja John akhirnya menjadi 'murid' sementara sang spook,
menangkap si penyihir
tapi John ga langsung jadi muridnya spook, dia meneruskan perjalanan
menjadi pendeta
dan baru di usia 20 dia menjadi murid spook beneran
August 7, 2010
One of the few authors that can force me to read scary stories and enjoy them. I`m otherwise inclined to skip the gore and blood and `things that go bump in the night`, but Delaney keeps things so exciting and action packed that i just want to know what happens to the weirdly sympathetic people in the Spook series, and so i read these horror books and cant wait for the new ones to come out. And so what if im a bit jumpy after reading them and if youd jump out of a closet and yelled boo at some point in my reading session, you'd probably have to pay for my funeral and hefty compensation for my kid for de-mothering him, because i will probably keel over after having a heart-attack.
December 17, 2012
This book has a very strong and intriguing start, but begins to wane midway because it is actually a “trailer” book of sorts. While it got me interested in reading the five books that make up this edition, I find it frustrating that I have to seek out the full stories because the jacket of this book makes it appear that the book is a collection of short stories rather than a compilation of clips and partial stories. So, while I liked “The Spook’s Tale”, I was left with a feeling of irritation that I may never get the full story on the rest of the saga.
March 18, 2015
I felt like the stories were too short, and not necessarily the story I was most interested in. I was more interested in Alice's past than what happened in the couple of days that she was separated from Tom. That story just felt obvious and unnecessary. We could have at least spent a little more time with Agnes, learning about what had happened in the couple of years since Alice had left, or even just getting to know her and Alice more, instead. Similarly, I was more interested in the story of why John Gregory left the priesthood than how he first met his future teacher.
August 5, 2009
Delightfully horrid as usual, but lacking in the depth and breadth of others in the series. This is a quick mash-up of one-off short stories that attempt to fill in the background of some of the major players, like the Spook's early days. Alice's story is disappointingly brief, while the story of how Grimalkin becomes the witch assassin is nasty and terrifying. No mention of Tom's mother either, which was also disappointing.
April 13, 2016
A nice start to what is sure to be a short tale. I'm excited about reading these three back stories. I wonder what insight they will hold for the future spook books in the series. This one will bring us some understanding of the Spook's motives and morals. I keep forgetting he was going to be a priest before he became a spook.
Read more and add your own commentary at R. J. Spindle
Read more and add your own commentary at R. J. Spindle
September 6, 2013
Most fans of the series seem to misunderstand why this book was written. It is not meant to further a story, it's not even part of the 12-part series; it is a World Book Day book. On World Book Day, authors release small supplements to their stories (think of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Sword of Hades). These books are simply companions to the real stories, and are still highly enjoyable.
April 12, 2017
I wish Alice's story concentrated on her years with Bony Lizzie instead of her time in Pendle in Attack of the Fiend (book #4); and that Mr. Gregory's story told about why he quit the priesthood instead of just his first encounter with witches. Grimalkin's story was new to me, but I suspect I will learn more about her in future books, where she plays a more prominent role than she has so far. These stories pass time, but they don't provide any real unknown info.
3* = I Liked It.
3* = I Liked It.
April 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book, but the tale of Alice I didn't like much. The sentences were very short making me a little frustrated while reading because there were extra details. My favorite was the story on Grimalkin, and I enjoyed learning of her past, and how she came to be. The Spook's story helped me understand a little more about him, and since reading that I have grown to like him a little more (don't ask why).
September 22, 2010
The best short story in this selection is about the witch assassin Grimalkin, and how she won her way into being the most fearsome assassin ever. It's pretty gory and graphic, but awesome all the same. The volume also gives some of John Gregory's past, and how he came to be a spook, as well as some of Alice Dean's background, and exciting clips from previous books.
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