Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch (Book 1) audiobook

'Warning: Not to be Read after Dark' This is written on the back of the book. And I really wish I took that advice. Cause for a children's/ya book, this one is freaking scary.From the beginning this book grabbed my attention, and it held it all the way to the end. I liked the characters, especially Tom and Alice. I loved how Tom grew throughout this book, and I enjoyed reading about his journey. I liked the world, this was set in. I also really liked where the story went, and there were even some plot twists that I didn't see coming.Amazing start of the series, and hopefully I'll get my hands on the second one, cause I'm dying to know what'll happen next.

Intensely scary. There was a time or two I raced up the stairs to jump into the safety of my bed after listening to this book. Thank goodness I'm left-handed which, according to the book, gives me a slight advantage over anything creepy that goes bump in the night. One star had to go for things like coffin maggots and carnivorous hogs--gross!Of the books I have recently listened to on CD this one has the best narration by far. It is excellent.

Stuck at home? Got some time on your hands? Want to start a long series? But you don't want a dud?Then I have some suggestions for you!Check out this booktube video all about which series are worth your time (and which ones aren't)! Thanks for watching and happy reading! Check Out the Written Review! Such a good series! There's always something special about the first novel.Review to come.Audiobook CommentsRead by Christopher Evan Welch and he was a splendid narrator. Loved it!YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads

Effectively combines gothic horror archetypes with modern fantasy. Vampires, witches, werewolves, ghosts, zombies and many other classic horror monsters are imaginatively recreated within the pages of this surprisingly morbid coming of age tale, I would describe it as a PG-13 version of The Witcher. The main character Thomas and his mentor known as the Spook even remind me of Geralt and Vesemir in their early days, Thomas's relationship with a peculiar witch named Alice is also reminiscent of Geralt's relationship with Yennefer. The story is completely different and original of course, the similarities are actually quite enjoyable without feeling like carbon copies of each other at all. I really enjoyed it.***If you're looking for dark ambient music that's perfect for reading horror, thrillers, dark fantasy and other books like this one, then be sure to check out my YouTube Channel called Nightmarish Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...

"Baukov šegrt" je prva od 13 knjiga u serijalu, kod nas je naravno i jedina prevedena (hvala Goodreadsu i Googleu na postojanju). Pomalo mi je krivo zbog toga jer je ovo jedna od boljih knjiga za mlade koju sam pročitala u poslednjih nekoliko godina.Pre svega, otvara nam se novi svet u kojem postoje raznolika bića za koje smo delimično čuli: veštice, bukavci, duhovi, a tu su i različite biljke koje je potrebno izučavati u okviru botanike i mnogo toga drugog. Kako bi se održao mir i zaštitili nedužni, sa zločestim i zlim stvorenjima na kraj izlaze bauci. Na početku ove priče upoznajemo se sa trinaestogodišnjim Tomijem, sedmim sinom sedmog sina (gle čuda), čija je sudbina da postane baukov šegrt. Obuka nije ni malo naivna, a put šegrtovanja i život bauka je samotan život uz puno odricanja i neprestane opasnosti. Najbolji pokazatelj jesu prethodni šegrti koji nisu završili svoju pet godina dugu obuku usled pogibije. Sadašnji bauk je Gregori, bivši sveštenik koji godinama obučava šegrte. Prilično je rezervisan u početku i tek pomalo uspevamo da vidimo naznake njegove duhovitosti i pravog karaktera. Kao učitelj je obazriv i strog, što donekle obeshrabruje Tomija. Kada načini grešku i oslobodi vešticu, lekcije koje je dobio od bauka su mu pomogle da zaštiti porodicu i spasile život. Shvatajući da ima potencijal za bauka, Tomi odlučuje da nastavi sa obukom. Način na koji je predstavljena dečja naivnost i činjenje grešaka donosi olakšanje i utehu čitaocu, pokazujući mu da ne postoji nerešivih problema već samo neadekvatan pristup njihovom rešavanju. Pravi pristup savladavamo kroz iskustvo, a njega opet stičemo kroz ceo život. Kao važna lekcija izdvaja se poverenje, pre svega u sebe, a potom i u druge. Zbog toga su mi najdragoceniji bili razgovori koje je Tomi vodio sa svojom majkom, uz njenu konstataciju da niko ne može biti usamljen jer uvek imamo sami sebe.

I liked this book overall, certainly far better than the movie based on it!A little slow-paced initally, but very moody and evocative, and certainly seems to set the stage for some plot threads to be followed up in further books.3.5 stars(Rounded up to 4.)

As Goodreads has grown it seems there are more and more people looking for recommendations for YA series in a similar vein to Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. As you can guess from the tangent I'm making: this is one of those books.If you're not into Dark Young Adult Fantasy then it may take you a minute to adjust to this book. And I must warn you that the series gets darker and darker - highlighting the 'adult' part of young adult. But all that said, there is a film adaptation on the way, along with the final book and the series constantly has heroes which are good despite certain compromises.In fact, it is the battle between what is 'good' and 'evil' (characterised by Light and Dark) which drives the entire series. At times compromises are made for the good of the world in which the series is set and at times evil seems to win out with good finally triumphing at a cost. Yet, the storytelling is not found in the final foregone conclusions. It is found in the ability of Joseph Delaney to spin and hold the reader with twists and turns. It is the suspenseful atmosphere and the horror of the tale which are the true hallmarks of a great storyteller. In short it is a wonderfully written series of stories.Fully recommended for those looking for the next Young Adult series that they haven't read yet. In this particular novel you will meet the characters - for the most part; be introduced to some key secrets; meet a couple of the villains (witches) and in general get a real taste for the wonderfully spooky world-building of Delaney. This is the perfect mature, subtle and brilliant young adult series in my view that is remarkably, wonderfully consistent in its brilliance.

SPOILER FREEI picked up The Spook’s Apprentice by Joseph Delaney as a kid when I’d run out of Harry Potter! I was immediately sucked in and fell in love with the characters and the fantasy world.Thomas Ward is the young hero of The Spook’s Apprentice. He’s the seventh son of a seventh son which gives him special gifts that can be used to fight the Dark.He can see and sense things that others can’t, so he is apprenticed to the local spook whose job it is to protect The County from witches, boggarts, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night.I love the master/apprentice plot when it’s done right, and The Spook’s Apprentice does it so well. Thomas is soon learning about witches from his master, John Gregory, as well as learning Latin. Before long, he meets Alice, and trouble soon follows.The pacing in this book is fantastic. We move from plot point to plot point smoothly, never jolting around like a lot of children’s fantasy can. Certain things are foreshadowed well, so that when they do happen, we were almost expecting them.This is a fantastic first book for The Wardstone Chronicles fantasy series. It introduces some of our main characters as well as a few mysteries we want to discover more about. This introduction to the world offers us a glimpse at just how epic in scope the story can be further down the line.This may be a children’s book, but I recently reread it and found myself lost in The County once again. It’s a fantastic story which I think more people should get into. Ignore the film though: that was terrible!View the full review at The Fantasy Review

Simpatična priča predominantno YA žanra, no lako je mentalno se vratiti u te godine obzirom na izuzetno lagan, pitak stil pisanja. Kome treba psihičko opuštanje - topla preporuka!

Okay...first let give a sort of introduction. I liked this book, and that's a relief as the last several YA books I've read have been, disappointing. Since I read the Harry Potter books (each as it came out) "with" my own children (though they were grown by the time the series completed) I've continued occasionally reading a YA book as some of them are excellent and not to be missed...even if "we" are old, grown-up, and decrepit. LOLNow as to this book. I considered giving it a lower rating, and after this I'll say why. First I want to say I like the book. It's a good idea, it's handled well, and well told. I wanted to say all that as some might wonder why I'd rate a book 4 stars and then spend a lot of time on it's failings. Well, it's because a lot of what "I" found wanting here "may" be because I am an adult and have read literally thousands of books. What I find predictable or even a little trite may not be so to others, especially younger readers... So, here goes.Yes, this is a good book. BUT I would be sure that the "youth" reading it has a good "reality concept". In spite of my own local public library calling it or rating it "juvenile" I'd say the description "young adult" would be more apt. There are a lot of fairly "creepy" scenes including danger to children and reference to the death of children. There is the slightly negative view of religion here that has become so prevalent of late, but it's mild and left open to later interpretation/reinterpretation in later books. The view seems to be based on the kind of negative impression that can be left by "religious" folk of an overly legalistic or judgmental mindset. And some parents may share those views, so to them it may not seem as much of a problem. I'd say these and any other "drawbacks" could be handled by a parent/guardian/responsible adult who loves the young person in question reading the book either with or before the youth and being ready to explain, discuss and otherwise guide the said youth. ***Possible Spoiler Below ***(view spoiler)[There are times in this book when I think anyone who has done any reading at all will see what's coming a proverbial mile away. Tom is told "whatever you do don't EVER do this". Of course we know that things will transpire so that Tom finds himself doing exactly that. This kind of thing happens several times in the book. But as I said, to younger readers this may not be as big a deal as it will be to adults. It's still a good read and enjoyable.As to being sure that a young person is mature enough or has a good enough reality concept to read the book, remember the movie Hocus Pocus? While it cleared pretty good money world-wide it didn't do nearly as well as expected. Why? In my opinion it's because the movie opens with the murder of a little girl by the witches... no it's not graphic, we only see the witches "sucking" the life from a child who's back is turned to the camera, but it was something that parents weren't thrilled with. I always wondered who at Disney studios missed that little detail... oh well. Anyway, here in this novel, there is mention of "infant's blood cakes" and there is a child at one point being drained of life by an evil witch (we're told all witches aren't necessarily evil in the book's text lest this concern some)... so be aware.There are a few of these scenes. Among the plot points are not only child endangering evils but also possession and of course, hauntings, etc. So, be aware. I don't think these reasons necessarily to avoid this book, just something to be considered in choosing who reads what. It's well written and well told just be aware and tailor the reading to the young person. I have sent for the next 2 from the library and plan to see how they go... (hide spoiler)]

Vraiment très sympa ! C'est jeunesse, mais certains moments font frissonner, et l'univers en général est très intéressant, avec diverses créatures maléfiques, et une ambiance qui s'assombrit... Je lirai avec plaisir la suite à l'occasion !Mention spéciale pour les petits bonus de mon édition: une carte, une présentation des personnages, des pages du carnet de Tom...

A mature middle-grade fantasy—sporting a medieval feel and steeped in an eerie English folklore ambiance which, at times, drifts over the line into horror. The story is told exclusively in the first-person past tense perspective of Tom Ward, the latest (and allegedly last) apprentice to the local “Spook.” Tom’s heritage and precise birth order (7th son of a 7th son) have qualified him as a banisher of things that go bump in the night. But Tom is a kind-natured, naive boy. And he has an awful lot of growing to do if he’s to survive his apprenticeship…A gothic, paranormal sort of work that should appeal well enough to the entire range of a YA audience—despite the MC’s technical age. The prose is simple yet strong, and the telling is engaging. Delany has constructed a dreary, dangerous world and a sympathetically innocent character with which readers must navigate. Themes of friendship, honesty, courage, resourcefulness, and the extending of grace, all feature prominently. Content Note: The horror aspects, though relatively brief, may be too intense for a younger MG audience. While not gory or gratuitous in any way, there ARE references to horrific violence committed against women and the brutal murder of small children. I’d advise a 12+ rating. My biggest qualm regarding the plot centers around Tom’s mother. The woman obviously has some preternatural inclinations—prophesy being among her curiously innate abilities. She knows from the time of Tom’s birth what he will become. Indeed, she indicates to Tom’s master that she bore him specifically to serve that purpose. Yet, she’s apparently done nothing to ready Tom for any of the dangers and horrors she knows he will have to face. One would think a loving mother might have wanted to increase his odds of survival with a little advanced education. But, no. She’s sent a clueless adolescent boy off with no advantages outside of those that may lie hidden in his as-yet-indeterminate bloodline. That aspect became the biggest challenge to suspending my disbelief. (In all honesty, I doubt this is anything a younger audience would notice or be bothered by.)A prime pick for those in the YA range looking for something darker, that still manages to leave much to the imagination. I’ll be glad to try out book 2 and see where the author seems to be taking this rather prolific series.

This “young adult” book actually offers more chills and thrills than adult horror books I have read. Surprisingly well written. There were moments that actually made me have that feeling we all know of when we are watching a horror movie and we want to cover our eyes. The language and words the author chose made for a very eerie atmosphere. In my limited experience in reading horror (Stephen King, John Saul) I have rarely gotten frightened by anything I have read. Though when it comes to movies I am wimp. This book, and this author, made me realize why this is. Often times it is not what we see that scares us. But what we don't see. It is not what we read. But what we don't read. And many times it is what we hear but don't see that makes us want to hide under the covers.Something this book did very well.Recommended to children who are not easily frightened. For those who love horror but aren't quite ready for their parents and older siblings favorites but ready for something a little scarier than Goosebumps. A bit of warning. It isn't a “safe” book. Bad things happen. Bad things are mentioned. And there is no easy “happily ever after”. Probably not a good first introduction into horror. Though that is also my only complaint. The end. It seemed (to me) as though the author took the safe route when he should have “just gone for it”.For those of you who have read it: (view spoiler)[The answer of who had been taken over by the witch just seemed a little too easy and safe for me. And that everyone came out of the encounter alive. Shrug. (hide spoiler)]I also recommend it to those parents and older siblings themselves. I think any horror fan, of any and all ages, would enjoy this. I am actually tempted to file this one under “horror” and not “young adult”. Very good.

How did I not know about this series sooner? I mean, I vaguely remember seeing them in bookstores . . . but NO ONE has told me to read them! I picked this up when I saw the trailer for the (rather silly-looking) movie version that is coming with Jeff Bridges and Ben Barnes. And what did I find? An excellent fantasy adventure, set in a place that feels very much like witch-hunt era England (or even America), about a young man who is apprenticing as a witch hunter. It was fast-paced, it was pretty spooky, and I instantly loved Thomas, Mr. Gregory, and was curious about Thomas' mother . . . who clearly has secrets! Will definitely be reading on!