Thomas Ward is the seventh son of the seventh son born for one reason – to be the last apprentice to the current spook. When he innocently lets loose a bound evil witch, he must set things right, but does he have any chance of success without the help of the Master Spook? With so little training?

First of all, I loved the illustrations. As far as the writing, I liked that the boy was the main reason things were resolved in the end and not a grown-up or outside help. I enjoyed his friendship with the witch’s niece and the strong sense of right and wrong. It took me a long time to read this story, because the plot moved along incredibly slowly. It didn’t help that the boy was not the brightest crayon in the crayon box. He was courageous but witless.

I would love to imitate the interesting and intricate use of the various magic myths, but I would definitely improve the pace and personality of the main character.

I don’t think I would recommend this book as there are more interesting books out there and less bloody ones too.

Enjoyment Level: 2/5
Beginning: 1/5
Middle: 2/5
Ending: 4/5

The writing was really clear with short crisp sentences:
“The Spook laughed softly. ‘That’s one of the first and most important lessons an apprentice has to learn,’ he said; ‘the difference between waking and dreaming. Some never learn that.”

Happy Readings!
Kate

The Last Apprentice (Revenge of the Witch) by Joseph Delaney
© 2005, Harper Collins
Publisher Reading Level: Ages 9-12
ISBN: 0-06-076618-2
340 pages