Review: The Spook's Apperentice (Wardstone Chronicles #1)

Title: The Spook's Apperentice (Wardstone Chronicles #1)
Author: Joseph Delaney
Publisher: Random House
Genres: Fantasy, YA, Horror
Release Date: 1st July 2004
Pages: 336
Where Acquired: WHSmiths
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- Best Book Price: £1.81 Kindle Price: £2.99 (as of when posted) 

UK Cover: 


A Cover From Elsewhere (Indonesia): 
 

Goodreads Description: 
 'Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who can.'

For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?

Many apprentices have tried . . . Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.

But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?

From the series that inspired the forthcoming movie Seventh Son, starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes and Julianne Moore.

My Review: 
A very interesting take on a word full of nightmares.  I absolutely loved the way that there was a kind of centurion of the world, who was there to protect everyone from danger and who can only ever be the seventh son of a seventh son. I really enjoyed reading about Thomas' training and his desperation to do well and not befall the state that the other apprentices fell too. The witches were brilliant and great enemies, and Thomas' fight between protecting and being with his family on visit day was outstanding. I am very excited to read more of these books to see what happens and maybe learn more about the brave and mysterious spook! This book was exciting and full of gripping plots and I really loved the world that it was set in! I am intrigued by Alice as she is one very interesting character that you want to be able to trust, but never sure you can. I really wonder what age this was set in, but it seems to be set a long time in the past.

Quotes: 

“And an unaware witch means a witch who doesn't know she's a witch, and because she's a women that makes her double trouble. Never trust a women."
My mothers a women," I said, suddenly feeling a little angry, "and I trust her."
Mothers are usually women," said the Spook. "And mothers are usually quite trustworthy, as long as your their son. Otherwise look out!”

 “How can you be lonely? You've got yourself, haven't you? If you ever lose yourself, then you'll really be lonely...”

Rating: 



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