Off the Shelf 0708-10

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch
by Joseph Delaney
© 2006

Just in time for Halloween - a 'spooky' story! Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son which in medieval England means you become an apprentice to the town Spook. And the job of a Spook, you wonder? It is to protect the townspeople from the ghouls, witches and ghosts that frequent the town. Tom is a bit of a character and struggles to learn the ways of his newly acquired occupation which provide the fast-paced and adventurous storyline. In addition, Tom is revealed as rather 'normal' who himself is frightened by the haunted house and who also falls victim to a young girl's temptation.

Although a bit lame in its plot, this book kept me reading with its suspenseful writing. It wasn't scary in a sophisticated sense and it's appeal may be more limited to the younger teens, but it's gore and fright kept me spellbound. In addition, the woodcut illustrations add a haunting visual throughout the book.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist