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coddoc11's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
Thomas is about halfway through Spook training, Alice's allegiance to the light is still questionable, and the Fiend is out to kill Thomas.
I've enjoyed every one of the titles in this series and the quality of writing is still great! Luckily, the series will continue!
I've enjoyed every one of the titles in this series and the quality of writing is still great! Luckily, the series will continue!
beth82014's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great expansion of the story! Love all this! An easy five star!
lavoiture's review against another edition
5.0
Holy. Cow. I read the entire series in just over a week and now I cannot wait for the next one to come out, because book 5 ends with a big ol' cliffhanger...and as far as I can tell, no word on when book 6 comes out. Dang! Joseph Delaney is a very skilled author, and his level of horror is just right for me, the ultimate horror wimp. In this book, I came to really enjoy the character of Grimalkin, the witch assassin. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter really add to the books, and they are creeeeeepy.
This book introduces more about the concept of good vs. evil and how we all have some of each in us. It's what wins out that really matters. And Tom is battling--is the Spook correct in that you should never, ever use the dark to battle the dark, or is Alice correct when she says that you sometimes have to do anything necessary to win the battle against the dark? Complex moral issues, here!
People have compared them to Harry Potter, but I don't think there's any comparison--these are much darker and present a much harsher world than HP. And Tom isn't a wizard (although we did learn about some exciting new possible "powers" he has in book 4), and he doesn't have a lot of fun.
Fantastic book overall.
This book introduces more about the concept of good vs. evil and how we all have some of each in us. It's what wins out that really matters. And Tom is battling--is the Spook correct in that you should never, ever use the dark to battle the dark, or is Alice correct when she says that you sometimes have to do anything necessary to win the battle against the dark? Complex moral issues, here!
People have compared them to Harry Potter, but I don't think there's any comparison--these are much darker and present a much harsher world than HP. And Tom isn't a wizard (although we did learn about some exciting new possible "powers" he has in book 4), and he doesn't have a lot of fun.
Fantastic book overall.
readamuffin's review against another edition
Enjoyed that plot twist at the end! I usually see things coming when I read a book so I was pleasantly surprised by not seeing that coming! Already on the next one.
karimb1105's review against another edition
5.0
This book does a good job at continuing the plot from the previous book surrounding the theme; it starts off slow but quickly becomes fast paced after about 200 pages. It also leaves the book of on a wonderful cliffhanger. I haven't gotten bored of this series yet, and so far all of the books have been wonderful.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
"The difference between the word fiend and friend is merely one letter. I could easily be the latter. If you knew me better...”"
Oh Tom. This is a tough 6 months for him. As we continue the series, he is exposed to more witches and things that creep in the night. The boy can barely sleep or eat (always fasting), as each new battle comes as the fiend sets his sights on him.
But now he is 14 and edging towards 15. It's good to read his growth and see the things he's learned. There was also growth in him knowing more about himself as he explored his relationship with both The Spook and Alice. He is also sent away to learn new training from another - Spook Arkwright - and his moral compass is put into question as well as his obedience to learning. It's another great addition to the series, although now I can understand the 2 titles for one book. I heavily agree with the other title.
Oh Tom. This is a tough 6 months for him. As we continue the series, he is exposed to more witches and things that creep in the night. The boy can barely sleep or eat (always fasting), as each new battle comes as the fiend sets his sights on him.
But now he is 14 and edging towards 15. It's good to read his growth and see the things he's learned. There was also growth in him knowing more about himself as he explored his relationship with both The Spook and Alice. He is also sent away to learn new training from another - Spook Arkwright - and his moral compass is put into question as well as his obedience to learning. It's another great addition to the series, although now I can understand the 2 titles for one book. I heavily agree with the other title.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
A superb series, YA fantasy or otherwise. Filled with suspense, fantasy set in a realistic setting, superb characters both good and evil and in-between.
Young Tom Ward is sent to a past apprentice of the Spook's. He will be gone for six months to toughen up and learn more about the Dark that they all fight.
Tom thinks he is up for the challenge, but learns rather quickly that more is expected of him than he realized. And there's his best friend Alice who is always treading on the thin line between The Dark and The Light.
The perfect series to listen to, so very glad I found it available as such. I have been listening to it completely out of order, but I hasn't diminished my enjoyment. Quickly caught up each time.
Definitely recommend.
Young Tom Ward is sent to a past apprentice of the Spook's. He will be gone for six months to toughen up and learn more about the Dark that they all fight.
Tom thinks he is up for the challenge, but learns rather quickly that more is expected of him than he realized. And there's his best friend Alice who is always treading on the thin line between The Dark and The Light.
The perfect series to listen to, so very glad I found it available as such. I have been listening to it completely out of order, but I hasn't diminished my enjoyment. Quickly caught up each time.
Definitely recommend.