Release Date: 27/09/12
Book Blurb:
My name is Slither, and before my tale is finished, you'll find out why...Slither is not human. Far from the Spook-protected County, he preys upon humans, sneaking into their homes to gorge upon their blood while they sleep. When a local farmer dies, it's only natural that Slither should want to feast on his lovely daughters. But the farmer has offered him a trade: in return for taking the younger girls to safety, Slither can have the eldest daughter, Nessa, to do with as he wishes...Slither's promise takes him and Nessa on a treacherous journey where enemies await at every turn. Enemies that include Grimalkin, the terrifying witch assassin, still searching for a way to destroy the Fiend for good. The latest instalment of the "Wardstone Chronicles", the series that inspired the forthcoming movie "The Seventh Son", starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes and Julianne Moore.
Review:
A whole new tale in the world of the Spooks and one that was not only refreshing but one that I had a lot of fun with. Whilst our usual heroes didn’t raise their heads in this title, an old friend does and through her we get to see a world far to the north of the County in a new light as things that go bump and how they’re handled differs.
It’s a very cunning tale, wonderfully written with a whole rich new myth set for the author to play with. Add to this a lead antihero character that seeks to do right by a bargain as well as maintaining his own standard of honour and it’s a tale that really does keep you glued from start to finish. Add to the mix cracking prose, a great understanding of pace and of course enough action to keep you more than happy. Great stuff all in.
Release Date: 01/09/11
BOOK BLURB:
'I am Grimalkin, and I have already chosen those I will kill...' Grimalkin has made it her lifetime ambition to destroy the Fiend, avenging the brutal murder of her son. Having grudgingly joined forces with the Spook and his apprentice, Tom, and assisted them in the binding of the Fiend, she is now on the run. And her mission is deadly. She has to help them bind the Fiend's spirit for ever no matter who - or what - comes after it ...This latest chilling instalment in the "Wardstone Chronicles" follows Grimalkin, the terrifying witch assassin, feared wherever she is known.
REVIEW:
The latest book in the Spooks series and the first that has the tale told by another character, in this case Grimalkin the infamous witch assassin who fights against the fiends cronies who seek to reunite his head with his body. It’s cleverly written and the reader gets a real sense of the body count that is going to be coming in the final few instalments and sadly it appears that not everyone is going to survive.
As with the other stories its wonderfully written, the cast is delightful (and freakishly scary where they have to be) and when you add to the mix local knowledge of the area’s where the battles play out, the reader is in for a real treat. Finally add to this cracking prose and pace as well as a dark foreboding history and the reader has a real treat in store. Cracking.
Release Date: 26/06/11
BOOK BLURB:
WARNING: NOT TO BE READ AFTER DARK
'You belong to the blade now. You'll belong to it until the day you die . . .'
The Spook, Tom and Alice travel to Ireland, fleeing from the war in the County. There, Tom must tackle a group of evil mages who are desperate to rid their land of the Spook and his apprentice, and to increase their own dark powers.
His dangerous mission against the mages leads Tom to the Destiny Blade - a sword with a dark side, and a thirst for blood . . . Will this new weapon give him a fighting chance against the Fiend?
If he's to survive, he'll need training, and only one person can help - Grimalkin, the witch assassin. The dark against the dark . . .
The eighth volume in the terrifying Wardstone Chronicles. Read on if you dare . . .
REVIEW:
I’ve been a huge fan of Joseph’s series for quite some time now and it’s been a long wait in-between titles (or at least it’s felt like it.) So what has Ireland had in store for our daring trio who escaped the war in the County? Well in short, more danger, ancient heroes and of course deities set on revenge commandeered by those with associations with the Dark. As usual it’s gripping, the characters fun to be around and when you add a wonderful sense of dread that burns its way into your imagination (in much the way that the Fiend burns hoof prints into wood floors) it’s a title that will stay with you for quite some time.
All in this is a cracking series and for anyone from the “County” (Lancashire) then it’s definitely a series that will have repercussions long after the final page, after all is that knocking you’re hearing the water pipes or is it a boggart. Great stuff.
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: 07/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
This is a companion title to the phenomenally successful Spook's Apprentice Series . Discover how to bind a boggart and deal with a dead witch in this fascinating and lavishly illustrated Spook's own 'notebook'. This is a must for die-hard fans of the series and an irresistible introduction to the Dark and the dangerous for new recruits. 'My name is John Gregory. What follows is my Bestiary - my personal account of the denizens of the dark I've encountered, together with the lessons I have learned and the mistakes I have made. I have held nothing back, and my hope is that the spook who follows me will continue to keep this record of the practical ways in which we deal with the dark'.
REVIEW:
I’m going to admit straight away that I’ve only read Spooks Stories: Witches and now that I’ve been looking at this title feel that I really should be getting the other storiesin the series as this “guide” is beautifully put together.
Drawing from a rich heritage of county folklore, Joseph’s offering could be quite easily adapted for a guide for adults into the area’s old wives tales. It’s definitely creative, it brings creatures to the fore and above all else it’s a title that is easy to dip into. All in a great offering but when backed by Julek Hellers artwork takes this from a good book to a substantially unmissable title. The only change that I’d have made to this personally would have been to include a map with the creature attacks being recorded in easy reference. Even missing this its still a ton of fun and a novel that makes me wish that I had the rest of the series to enjoy now.
