Recently finished The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
It takes place nearly six months into Thomas Ward's apprenticeship. Learning a great deal, but still with so much information in a world of darkness, Tom is rapidly becoming what was promised to the Spook--the last apprentice he'll ever need.
After receiving some distressing news, Tom and the Spook must travel to the village Priestown. The Spook uses this opportunity to finally get rid of a creature the Spook has been unable to dispose of in the past. A creature called, The Bane. But by going back to Priestown, they also put themselves too close to the High Quisitor, an evil man using those accused of witchcraft as a means to make him richer. And, to the Quisitor, the Spook and any who follow him are the worst kind of warlock.
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, perhaps even a little more so because the lack of the usual setup needed in a first book. The lore present in this world is so simple, but at the same time intricately done. The many different kinds of existing witches and boggarts can go on indefinitely, and it's fun to go along with Tom as a sort of third-party apprentice.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is its ability to make me a little nervous. I love when a book can make me afraid to turn out the lights, or send me running up the basement stairs for fear of being chased.
The relationship between the Spook and Tom is slowly growing. While the Spook is still a stern grumpus, you can see him getting attached to Tom and the feeling appears mutual. Tom looks up to the Spook, though you can see moments of defiance which add a bit of a father-son relationship.
I gave this book 4 stars, and would highly recommend this to a younger audience (13-17) who enjoy creepier moments while reading or those of us with a less mature reading palate.
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