Release Date: 30/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
Born to use dark magic...This is a thrilling collection of stories based on many of the witches from Joseph Delaney's SPOOKS books. Ever wondered why the Spook doesn't trust girls who wear pointy shoes? Or why Grimalkin became the Assassin for the Malkin Witch clan? Find out all this and more in this a dark and eerie collection. You don't have to know the Spook's books to enjoy the stories. They're all standalone and absolutely haunting. A perfect introduction to the world of The Spook's Apprentice . But for any fans of the series out there, this collection will be a must-have.
REVIEW:
Whilst not technically part of the series this short title is one that adds a lot of background and flavour to the events in the current series. Firm favourites, both new and old, have the chance to tell elements of their own adventures so that the reader can get to know them better.
Its beautifully constructed, has great elements and could be used as a way to introduce the whole inventive world of Joseph Delaney to new readers as well as allowing established fans the chance to get more information on people of interest. Seriously good fun and a book that will just add more magical strokes to the world as a whole.
Release Date: 27/05/10
BOOK BLURB:
The Spook, Tom and Alice return from Greece to find the County under siege - and the Spook's home is burnt to the ground. With his precious library of knowledge destroyed, they seek refuge on the nearby island of Mona. But with Mona in the thrall of a twisted Shaman there is little respite from hostility or denizens of the dark. And as Alice dodges the ever-tightening net of the island's witch hunters, a more deadly enemy emerges...Bony Lizzie, freshly-escaped from the Spook's bonds, has grand ambitions: to take for herself the throne of isle. She has harnessed the services of a tunnel-dwelling buggane, an evil creature which thrives on stealing the animas, or life force, from its unsuspecting victims. With the buggane as her secret weapon can she become an all-powerful Witch Queen?
REVIEW:
Currently my final outing with Thomas, his mentor as well as Alice and one that’s felt like a bit of a sad farewell to firm friends. The writing as usual is special, the prose are magical and above all else the characters continue to grow as they find their strengths as others weaken against the dark. It’s a great title and one that also keeps the readers glued as you wonder which way the tale will go with Joseph getting the reader to question the beliefs that have held firm for years. Add to this emotional aspects as Thomas deals with his loss, deep routed fears as an old enemy escapes and you’ve got a real treat ahead. A great shame to be finishing here but with Josephs writing you never know what to expect next. Great stuff and its going to be a long wait for the next title although the Spooks Bestiary alongside the accompanying Witches will keep you going for a little while yet. What else can I currently do but perhaps take a walk in the Spooks shoes and trek across the county.
Release Date: 27/05/10
BOOK BLURB:
As the Spook's apprentice Tom's first duty is to protect the County from the dark. But now Mam needs his help in her homeland of Greece. One of the most dangerous of the old gods, the Ordeen, is about to return there, bringing slaughter and devastation. Meanwhile, the Devil himself is still loose and if he and the Ordeen join forces, a new age of darkness will descend. Mam has summoned a powerful group to her side but among them are Tom's old enemy, the Pendle witches, including the assassin Grimalkin, and the cunning clan leader Mab Moldheel. Can Tom go against all the Spook has taught him and ally himself to the witches? What is the secret that Mam is keeping from him? And what sacrifices must be made in the battle against the dark?
REVIEW:
The latest in the spook series and one that demonstrates the dangers to a spooks life with some stark choices and some of Tom’s mysterious family past revealed. As usual beautifully written with some great prose, some wonderful description and above all else the author continues to keep the reader not only interested but fascinated with the characters. Add to this some seriously good story plotting, a great sense of pace and backed up with Joseph’s own unique writing voice and its definitely a tale that will keep you glued to the last page. The final two novels (to date) are going to be hard to resist.
Release Date: 04/06/09
BOOK BLURB:
As danger increases in the County, Tom is sent far north by his master to be trained by Bill Arkwright, another Spook. Arkwright lives in a haunted mill on the edge of a treacherous marsh and his training methods prove to be harsh and sometimes cruel. But he has toughened up many previous apprentices and now he must do the same for Tom and prepare him for the gravest dangers of his life. But when the Fiend sends his own daughter, the ancient powerful water witch Morwena, to destroy Tom, Arkwright makes an error of judgement and Tom finds himself facing his enemies alone. The Spook and Alice realising his danger, hasten to his aid but will even their combined strengths suffice in the face of such terrible dark power? And what is the Spook's mistake, the consequences of which might give final victory to the dark?
REVIEW:
The fifth part in the spectacular Spook series and one that continues to build upon not only the success of the previous titles but one that maintains its pace as well as building the suspense. Each title has its own brand of magic which when backed with additional elements as well as fascinating characters the reader really has a special treat in store. Finally back that up with local knowledge, great prose and a magical dialogue all of its own and the reader really does have a treat in store.
Release Date: 05/03/09
BOOK BLURB:
This is the fourth instalment of the Wardstone Chronicles . In Pendle the witches are rising and the three most powerful witch clans are rumoured to be uniting in order to conjure an unimaginable evil. Together they will be capable of raising the dark made flesh - the Devil himself. Tom and the Spook need to set off for Pendle to avert the unthinkable. But before they go, the Spook tells Tom to journey home and collect the trunks Mam left behind for him. But what dark family secrets are contained in the trunks? And will they place Tom's family in even greater danger or provide the help Tom and his master will need in Pendle?
REVIEW:
The fourth part in this delightfully delicious series and one where all hell breaks loose literally. As with the other titles, its addictive, the characters stand on their own and the fact that each continues to grow really makes this something special. Add to the mix some secrets from the past rearing their head, some truths that the readers may have suspected and of course a peril that will keep you glued to the last page and you know that you’ve gotten something special.
Finally add a few more dangerous situations, a growing number of surviving enemies and the peril that our hero faces will be something that will endanger him when his apprentice not only ends but when he’s out on his own. A seriously great arc and a very scary future prospect is cleverly delivered.
Release Date: 05/03/09
BOOK BLURB:
The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward, deal with the dark. Together they rid the county of witches, ghosts and boggarts. In this third and terrifying instalment in the Wardstone Chronicles, the nights are drawing in and it's time for Tom and his master to move to Anglezarke, the Spook's winter house. Tom has heard it will be a sinister and menacing place but nothing could fully prepare him for what he finds there. For this house, and indeed the whole of Anglezarke moor, is full of secrets about the Spook's past. Secrets that are about to come to the surface and could wreak havoc on the whole County.
REVIEW:
I’m really getting into these title now so it’s been a lot of fun and a real journey as the job of a spook is not only scary but one that has many repercussions regardless of whether you did the right thing or not. It’s well written, the characters continue to grow as well as expand their world and there is something for everyone whether you want a strong female heroine or a strong male lead. Add to this great interaction, some magical touches of the authors own (almost as if he’s casting glamour’s) and when you add all this to a cracking pace alongside seriously good story telling, you know that you’ve got something special.
Definitely a title that continues to work the titles premise, expands the world and adds a flavour all of its own in its own unique voice. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/03/09
BOOK BLURB:
The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward have travelled to Priestown for some unfinished business. For, deep in the catacombs of the cathedral, lurks the Spook's nemesis - The Bane. A creature he has never been able to defeat. As Thomas and his master prepare for the battle of their lives it becomes clear that The Bane isn't their only enemy in town. The Quisitor has arrived, searching the county for those who meddle with the dark - witches, warlocks and Spooks! When the Spook is arrested and sentenced to death it's up to Thomas, with a little help from his old friend Alice, to rescue his master and destroy the curse of Priestown.
REVIEW:
Having loved the first novel, I really couldn’t wait to get into the second, so after a few hours sleep I picked up this one and dug straight in. As with the first the characters have a great realistic quality, friends and foes (and those inbetween) return to the reader and of course, you know that the story weaving is expertly done.
Within is another top notch story that will keep you glued to the final page, with some great dialogue, some wonderful twists and a mystery or three that need solving. Add to the mix that the reader is never sure which way of the coin certain friends will land and you know that the tale is a close step from tragedy from the outset. A great tale and one that really kept my mind working overtime to try and figure out what was going to happen. The third is only minutes away so I’ll have to run to enjoy.
Release Date: 05/03/09
BOOK BLURB:
This is a terrifying series about a young boy training to be an exorcist. Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son and has been apprenticed to the local Spook. The job is hard, the Spook is distant and many apprentices have failed before Thomas. Somehow Thomas must learn how to exorcise ghosts, contain witches and bind boggarts. But when he is tricked into freeing Mother Malkin, the most evil witch in the County, the horror begins.
REVIEW:
Having become very interested in this series having read the Spook Bestiary, I really was excited when the whole lot landed for pure delectation on the build up to the holiday period. Not sure what to expect I cracked open the first cover (after dark as I was feeling brave) and started the title. A few hours later I closed the last page and had the opportunity to consider what I’d read prior writing this review.
What occurs within this, the first book in Joseph’s Wardstone series, is a title that not only introduces the darker world beneath our own to the reader but does it in such a way that it’s a journey of discovery along with the stories principle character. It’s definitely fun, it’s definitely a story that will grip the reader and above all else for those who live within a certain county, a lot of it is easily recognisable.
Add to this a gripping story, a great sense of pace and some top notch dialogue and the reader really does have a great treat ahead. If the other titles build as much as this one has, you know that its going to be something really special to enjoy especially during a holiday period when the dark nights creep in with those noises outside could be a boggart or two on their own forays into the towns.
Release Date: 28/12/10
BOOK BLURB:
She can control her pack, but not her heart ...'I wanted him to kiss me?wished he could smell the desire that I knew was pouring off me. You can't, Calla. This boy isn't the one for you.' Calla Tor has always known her destiny: graduation, marriage and then a life leading her pack. But when she defies her masters' laws to save a human boy, she must choose. Is one boy worth losing everything?
REVIEW:
A book of Were’s, magic and also love. Beautifully woven this title by Andrea is one that will help the young adult get into the Urban Fantasy genre with all the elements that a number of adult titles have been developing over the past few years. A great leader to writers such as Kelley Armstrong and one that will keep the readers glued as Andrea’s writing not only keeps the reader glued but also makes the reader think about events and how they could affect them emotionally. As is becoming more common in Young Urban Fantasy, the readers are given characters to care about, they’re allowed to grow emotionally and above all else the reader is treated to some great prose and dialogue. A real treat and one that I’ve surprised myself by loving. Great stuff.
Release Date: 01/11/10
BOOK BLURB:
The Wombles live in a beautifully snug, well-ordered and cosy burrow underneath Wimbledon Common - the perfect base from which to sort and recycle all the rubbish that unthinking humans constantly drop. But the Wombles' peaceful and harmonious existence is suddenly under threat. The heavy lorries that thunder along the roads near the Common make the burrow shake and tremble so much that it is no longer safe for the Wombles to live there. With a heavy heart, Great Uncle Bulgaria decides that the Wombles will have to move from the burrow that they have lived in for many, many years. And it is up to young Bungo and Orinoco to bravely sally forth and try to locate a new home for the Wombles...
REVIEW:
To be honest we were sad to hear of the passing of Elizabeth so when we were given the opportunity to review one of these magical books of the Eco-Friendly characters we jumped at the chance. Whilst some of the language may be a little dated, the story telling that has always been prevalent recaptures the readers imagination as the wombles find their way to solutions as well as pass on their ecological message.
Beautifully told, backed with reasonable dialogue alongside some good prose and hopefully these characters will continue to fascinate another generation. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke - around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life.
REVIEW:
A debut novel and one that delves into the mind of the youth of today in a whimsical tale of discovery. It’s definitely well written, the characters are vibrant and above all else the principle character is a real joy to hang out with. Add to this a story arc that will appeal to readers of all ages as well as allowing the reader to take a journey emotionally alongside experiencing all sorts of events and you have a book that will keep the readers imagination fired long after the final page it turned. All in, a delight to read and one that we’ve no problem recommending to others.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Dylan, the daughter of the scientist who created the Medusa gene for psychic powers, has never felt she really fits into the crime-fighting Medusa Project. But then she makes a discovery about her father's death which changes everything. As she and the other Medusa teens search for the truth, Dylan meets Harry - a boy who seems to know more about Dylan's past than she does. But can Dylan trust him? While Dylan searches for the mysterious legacy that her father has left her from beyond the grave, her dad's killer closes in. But just how far is the murderer prepared to go to keep Dylan from finding out the truth?
REVIEW:
To be honest I was apprehensive about this title, especially after reading the previous and discovered that this one was to feature Dylan as the principle player as, to be frank, I really haven’t liked her in the other titles as I felt that she was a little to selfish and self-centred to allow the reader to connect on a personable level.
Whilst this can seem a little strange, Sophie does her best to allow the reader to get to grips with Dylan as well as allowing them to understand some of her motives for being the way she is. The fact that Sophie also allows Dylan to grow as well as develop into a character with more complexities and nuances demonstrates a masters touch. All in a great title for the series and one that will hopefully take the next book to another level as the characters within seek to find their own place in the world as a group.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Seven years after the events of The Shadow Dragons, John, Jack and Charles are finally able to return to their beloved Archipelago of Dreams. But even as their return is celebrated by old friends, new concerns shadow the reunion, namely the threat of Echthroi, the primordial Shadow, but, perhaps even worse, the apparent splintering of Time itself. Now, the Caretakers must fight against their most fearsome enemy ever and attempt to restore Time. They must journey through a forgotten door from the destroyed Keep of Time in order to seek out the Dragon's Apprentice. If they fail, it will mean the end of both of the worlds. But success will carry its own price - a price that may be too high even for the Caretakers to bear.
REVIEW:
James writing to me is like a huge slice of cake, there’s so much decoration as well as great ingredients that it’s impossible to take it all in on the first reading. As such I just love the chance to reread the whole series just prior to starting the next title in order to refresh my memory as well as having the chance to enjoy the magical world unveiling itself.
What James also does well is give the reader a world full of imagination backed with some great prose alongside some seriously delightful dialogue. Back that up with a master’s touch and understanding of pace as well as characters that you just can’t let go after the final page is turned and you’ve got a real gem of a series to enjoy. Great stuff.
Release Date: 04/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
The Faeman Girl is Mella, daughter of Lord Henry and Queen Holly Blue, half faerie, half human and all trouble. When Mella accidentally travels to the country of Haleklind, she discovers rebel forces preparing an invasion using magical manticores. Old favourites are here - Brimstone, Lord Hairstreak and Pyrgus - but readers will identify immediately with Mella, whose stubborn streak and feisty daring must save the faerie realm from mass destruction.
REVIEW:
An unusual title and one that I started worried about how it would turn out as jumping in on a series so far in, could leave the reader worrying about how much they’ve not only missed but also how much of the world building just won’t make sense.
Unfortunately, for me, jumping in on the fifth book was just a bridge to far and whilst I could figure out what was happening within I felt that I’d lost a lot of not only the bigger picture but a lot of the delightful world building that you get when you start a series at the beginning. The book itself is well written, the characters felt like they were trying to break out and whilst the prose and pace were acceptable, I just couldn’t wrap my head around the events and previous history that occurs. A shame but when I get the time I will go back and pick up the first title so that I can start where I should have done with this series.
Release Date: 04/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Robert: Left on the steps of a church as a baby, Robert was often hungry but never stole food like the other orphans in town. Introverted and extraordinarily intelligent, he knew all the Latin prayers and hymns by heart by the time he was five years old. Georgette: Her own mother died in childbirth, leaving Georgette with a father who, seventeen at the time, had neither experience nor aptitude as a nurturing parent, and a brother known in town as Le Fuer - The Spitfire - for his terrible temper. Perhaps to replace something missing from their own lives, both Robert and Georgette are drawn to the news of a crusader, twelve or thirteen, no older than themselves, travelling down through France with thousands of followers - all, unbelievably, children too. Of those thousands, this is the incredible story of two. A story of hardship, loss and of love.
REVIEW:
With older readers fascinated with the Crusade, there are very few titles aimed at the younger market to allow them to get a flavour of the time. Here within this title, Linda explores the famed Children’s Crusade and brings to life this journey of thousands of miles to the reader. Each word is carefully sculpted to help bring this time period to life, each sentence beautifully constructed to allow the descriptiveness of the time to be brought to them. Back that up with some great characters that the reader can understand as well as care about you know that this story is one that deserves the young adults reading time. A real gem and one that I completely loved.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Anna O'Neill knows her family is a little crazy. But when she goes to visit her aunt and uncle for the summer and learns that her uncle's charred body has been found, her life reaches a new level of insanity. According to the local town gossip, all the O'Neill women are psychic or psychotic, and with her erratic aunt's 'psychic' abilities, exaggerated by grief, making her more unstable than ever, perhaps even dangerous, Anna is struggling to pick up the pieces and establish any sense of normality. Anna desperately wants to trust Zack, the cute boy next door, but it seems even he might know more than he's letting on. But when Anna starts to feel an unexplainable pull to the site of her uncle's murder, she begins to believe that maybe her family's supernatural gifts are real after all. Torn between loyalty and suspicion, Anna is certain of only one thing; she must discover who killed her uncle before she ends up in ashes herself...
REVIEW:
The new offering from Elizabeth Chandler and whilst the others have been compendiums this one is a standalone repackaging. The tale is reasonable, the characters do what you expect and whilst they’re not as rounded in this offering as the previous I suspect its due to not having to do a lot of the work as the readers are already hooked upon them.
All in, it’s reasonable and adds more layers to the previous two titles which will keep the younger teen reader happy.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Ben Tomlin has been an only child for thirteen years. So when his research-scientist parents bring home a baby chimp to raise as a human child, Ben's life is turned upside-down. Teaching a baby chimp how to understand language is not his idea of fun, especially when he's trying to settle in at his new school. But it isn't long before Zan's infectious personality endears him to everyone and he becomes a real member of the family. But just what will happen when he grows up and the experiment comes to an end? Ben must take dramatic steps, and the repercussions ricochet through home and community with devastating results. This phenomenal novel is a thought-provoking story of relationships and family, first love and growing up, ethics and dilemmas.
REVIEW:
This was a title that I wasn’t sure which way it would go. It had potential to be a story of eco discovery, the potential to be a tale of emotional as well as worldly knowledge as well as possibly becoming a hodge podge of too many idea’s and not enough substance.
What actually happens within is a novel that takes the reader through the emotional wringer and also has a message about mankind’s influence on nature and what we should be doing rather than what we are.
This is a title that’s more for the older reader and one that will play with the heartstrings, emotional, inventive and about all else one that will make you think.
Release Date: 04/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Zara and Nick are soul-mates - they're meant to be together for ever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, Nick is dead, and has been taken to Valhalla, a mystical resting place for warriors. If they can find the way there, Zara and her friends will try to get him back. But even if they do, Zara has turned pixie - and now she's Astley's queen! Meanwhile, more teenagers go missing as a group of evil pixies devastates the town of Bedford. An all-out war seems imminent and Zara and her friends need all the warriors they can find...
REVIEW:
Having read the other two titles in this series I was pretty sure what I was going to get.
What actually unfurled was a story that builds on the previous two, adds extra layers tot eh established cast and demonstrates that Teen readers want titles that are not only as complex as most adult ones but that rely on strong storytelling alongside some serious emotional context.
All this and more is within and when added to the authors own writing style alongside cracking prose with good dialogue, it leaves the reader with a sense of fulfilment that is going to be hard to beat. The only downside is if you haven’t read the other titles in the series you really won’t get the most out of this and will have missed some of the best recent YA Teen fiction in memory.
Release Date: 30/09/10
