nightshade_novels's review against another edition
4.0
So far I have found the plots of this series rather predictable, but this was not the case with this book. For once there was more to the story and plenty of plot twists that kept me interested. I certainly did not expect Tom’s Mam’s trunks to contain
The storyline, for me, was more realistic as the Spook and Tom were facing several clans of witches. Up until now they have just been facing one or a couple of enemies at a time, meaning it was fairly easy to overcome them and win. However finally they were put into a situation where things were beyond their control and skill and even though they did a good job, they did not succeed in stopping the witches from raising the Devil. This will no doubt lead onto further storylines in the next books.
This book finally introduced an enemy who had the potential to be properly scary. This was the witch assassin Grimalkin, who favours torturing people by cutting up their skin and bones using her collection of scissors and knives. In my opinion Grimalkin was underused, but as she survived this book there is potential for her to return. The one thing that annoyed me was how easily Tom seemed get the better of her near the end of the book despite her being portrayed as very strong and cunning.
There seemed to be a lot of setting up of the relationship between Tom and Alice in this book. Alice saved Tom a couple more times and he saved her, further building the trust between them. It was also revealed that when Alice dug her nails into Tom’s arm in the first book she somehow claimed him as her own so that no other witch can claim him. There was also a lot of emphasis on the prophecy that Alice will love Tom, betray him and then die for him. This seems likely as most of the other prophesies have so far come true, despite the Spook not believing in them. Something that was different in this book was that at the end of the story after Tom had signed off there was an extra chapter from Alice’s point of view. This chapter explained what happened to her when she journeyed to Pendle alone. I enjoyed this as Alice is my favourite character in the series. I like her no-nonsense approach and the way she is fighting to be good despite her dark upbringing. I also like the way that she speaks, often adding the verb at the end of the sentence instead of the beginning, for example: “Got you now, Tom, I have!” and “Ain’t good enough, that.”
This book was the best in the series so far, with some more realistic danger and interesting plot and therefore it receives four stars.
Spoiler
her two feral lamia sisters.The storyline, for me, was more realistic as the Spook and Tom were facing several clans of witches. Up until now they have just been facing one or a couple of enemies at a time, meaning it was fairly easy to overcome them and win. However finally they were put into a situation where things were beyond their control and skill and even though they did a good job, they did not succeed in stopping the witches from raising the Devil. This will no doubt lead onto further storylines in the next books.
This book finally introduced an enemy who had the potential to be properly scary. This was the witch assassin Grimalkin, who favours torturing people by cutting up their skin and bones using her collection of scissors and knives. In my opinion Grimalkin was underused, but as she survived this book there is potential for her to return. The one thing that annoyed me was how easily Tom seemed get the better of her near the end of the book despite her being portrayed as very strong and cunning.
There seemed to be a lot of setting up of the relationship between Tom and Alice in this book. Alice saved Tom a couple more times and he saved her, further building the trust between them. It was also revealed that when Alice dug her nails into Tom’s arm in the first book she somehow claimed him as her own so that no other witch can claim him. There was also a lot of emphasis on the prophecy that Alice will love Tom, betray him and then die for him. This seems likely as most of the other prophesies have so far come true, despite the Spook not believing in them. Something that was different in this book was that at the end of the story after Tom had signed off there was an extra chapter from Alice’s point of view. This chapter explained what happened to her when she journeyed to Pendle alone. I enjoyed this as Alice is my favourite character in the series. I like her no-nonsense approach and the way she is fighting to be good despite her dark upbringing. I also like the way that she speaks, often adding the verb at the end of the sentence instead of the beginning, for example: “Got you now, Tom, I have!” and “Ain’t good enough, that.”
This book was the best in the series so far, with some more realistic danger and interesting plot and therefore it receives four stars.
slothsocks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
phona's review against another edition
3.0
Some themes/issues are bothering me more than when I last read the series:
- "Taking inspiration" from Harry Potter. One scene was uncannily similar to the Horcrux Cave and the behavior of Inferi-type characters. This novel was published two years after the respective installment of Harry Potter. This author could've been WAY more subtle.
- A majority of women are seen as scheming, manipulative through their appearances, and never to be trusted. It's giving kind (and child-appropriate) incel. I didn't notice this when reading as a child because I was a child. There's almost a superiority complex that results in some condescending behavior and typical kindness/humanity; I don't think these attitudes are intentional. Witches are in the book and they are characteristically nefarious. My issue is that there's a lot of taking the witches' characteristics and attributing them to ALL women.
These are themes that have been building over the last four books. Not specific (except for the Harry Potter example above) to this one.
I'll keep reading the series because I enjoy the overall story, but dude.
- "Taking inspiration" from Harry Potter. One scene was uncannily similar to the Horcrux Cave and the behavior of Inferi-type characters. This novel was published two years after the respective installment of Harry Potter. This author could've been WAY more subtle.
- A majority of women are seen as scheming, manipulative through their appearances, and never to be trusted. It's giving kind (and child-appropriate) incel. I didn't notice this when reading as a child because I was a child. There's almost a superiority complex that results in some condescending behavior and typical kindness/humanity; I don't think these attitudes are intentional. Witches are in the book and they are characteristically nefarious. My issue is that there's a lot of taking the witches' characteristics and attributing them to ALL women.
These are themes that have been building over the last four books. Not specific (except for the Harry Potter example above) to this one.
I'll keep reading the series because I enjoy the overall story, but dude.
cbsears104's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
This was my favorite one so far even though it took me forever to get through.
This was my favorite one so far even though it took me forever to get through.
just_tommye's review against another edition
5.0
SPOILER FREE
The Spook’s Battle by Joseph Delaney is the perfect example of children’s fantasy being able to accomplish something epic! When I was first reading these books as a kid, this was always my favourite.
So much happens in The Spook’s Battle! We follow Thomas, Alice, and the Spook to Pendle, and as we all know, Pendle is crawling with witches. The set up of the three clans, the map of Pendle, and the influx of new characters and creatures is outstanding.
Reading about the inter-clan politics and learning about new creatures, lore, and mythology, while simultaneously following a terrifying story is exactly what you get with this fourth entry in Joseph Delaney’s The Wardstone Chronicles.
Thomas really starts to come into his own in The Spook’s Battle. For plot reasons, Thomas has to be separated from the Spook a lot so we can see him develop under extreme pressure, and he does just that.
He faces witches, a creepy spider-like blood-sucking creature, and the most terrifying threats he has ever had to face before. He’s in over his head and he knows it, but that doesn’t stop him fighting for what is right, as well as fighting to survive.
The story with Alice is intriguing as she is a witch, and now has to face the life she left behind. It’s fascinating to see how she copes with the temptation and threats from the Dark.
The Spook’s Battle is the book where this series really starts to become huge in scale. The first three books introduce us to the main characters, the magic-system/lore/mythology, and foreshadows threats to come. The Spook’s Battle is where those elements come together and create an epic start for an epic series.
View the full review at The Fantasy Review
The Spook’s Battle by Joseph Delaney is the perfect example of children’s fantasy being able to accomplish something epic! When I was first reading these books as a kid, this was always my favourite.
So much happens in The Spook’s Battle! We follow Thomas, Alice, and the Spook to Pendle, and as we all know, Pendle is crawling with witches. The set up of the three clans, the map of Pendle, and the influx of new characters and creatures is outstanding.
Reading about the inter-clan politics and learning about new creatures, lore, and mythology, while simultaneously following a terrifying story is exactly what you get with this fourth entry in Joseph Delaney’s The Wardstone Chronicles.
Thomas really starts to come into his own in The Spook’s Battle. For plot reasons, Thomas has to be separated from the Spook a lot so we can see him develop under extreme pressure, and he does just that.
He faces witches, a creepy spider-like blood-sucking creature, and the most terrifying threats he has ever had to face before. He’s in over his head and he knows it, but that doesn’t stop him fighting for what is right, as well as fighting to survive.
The story with Alice is intriguing as she is a witch, and now has to face the life she left behind. It’s fascinating to see how she copes with the temptation and threats from the Dark.
The Spook’s Battle is the book where this series really starts to become huge in scale. The first three books introduce us to the main characters, the magic-system/lore/mythology, and foreshadows threats to come. The Spook’s Battle is where those elements come together and create an epic start for an epic series.
View the full review at The Fantasy Review
duffypratt's review against another edition
3.0
Another solid installment in the continuing adventures of Tom Ward. This book worked less well as a stand-alone, mostly because the characters mainly fail to achieve the goals they set for themselves at the beginning. And when there is success, it comes more from some outside agency than from the initiative of the characters themselves.
The other thing that bothered me here was, for the first time, I think this book suffered from the "Red Shirt of Death" syndrome. I get the feeling that the last thing anyone should want to be is an old friend of the Spook's at the start of one of these books.
Once again, I thought the writing was straightforward and solid. The characters are staying true to themselves for the most part. In this book, Tom comes across as a bit stupider than in the earlier ones, but to a certain extent that may just be the combination of awakening hormones and the "glamour" that witches use on him. There are at least two times when Tom should have been much more wary that he is. His tendency to rush off to try to help people by himself is part of his character. But by now he should have enough experience to know that he often needs help.
All in all, I thought this was a slight step down from the last two books, but its still quite good, and I'm looking forward to getting my copy of the next one, hopefully before Christmas.
The other thing that bothered me here was, for the first time, I think this book suffered from the "Red Shirt of Death" syndrome. I get the feeling that the last thing anyone should want to be is an old friend of the Spook's at the start of one of these books.
Once again, I thought the writing was straightforward and solid. The characters are staying true to themselves for the most part. In this book, Tom comes across as a bit stupider than in the earlier ones, but to a certain extent that may just be the combination of awakening hormones and the "glamour" that witches use on him. There are at least two times when Tom should have been much more wary that he is. His tendency to rush off to try to help people by himself is part of his character. But by now he should have enough experience to know that he often needs help.
All in all, I thought this was a slight step down from the last two books, but its still quite good, and I'm looking forward to getting my copy of the next one, hopefully before Christmas.
taterlocust's review against another edition
5.0
Easily one of my favorite YA series. Tom Wards courage and cunning easily make this book a page tuner. Joseph Delaneys writing never seems to let me down.
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
3.0
The Spook's Battle, the fourth book in The Wardstone Chronicles, was action packed and fast paced, whilst still being very plot driven and fun to read. In saying that, it still fell short of the 4 star rating that I gave the other books, as I wasn't completely absorbed as I had been before. However, the 3 stars I've given it is considered a high 3.
The cover was really creepy and mirrors what the story tells within, because pretty much from the first few pages I was over come with a feeling of dread! It was an increasingly dangerous time for the County and I knew that bad things were bound to happen!
Tom's luck really seemed to turn for the worst in this installment, and I was always left wondering "WHERE THE HELL IS GREGGORY!?". Seeing Tom fending off the dark on his own though was really inspiring to see and gave him further depth and development.
I liked the introduction to another family member of Tom's and more characters in general as it put more weight on the risk of Tom failing against evil!
The contents of Mam's trunks were such a surprise!!
There was a gollum like character in this that was really creepy and some of the prophecies it spoke were really unsettling!
One thing that annoyed me about the book is that some locations seemed far away at one point and then seemingly close when it was convinent, so I lost a sence of destination length.
Finally, I really enjoyed Alice's entry at the back and all the new things Tom learned. I feel like there was so much more detail in his diary, this time around.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
The cover was really creepy and mirrors what the story tells within, because pretty much from the first few pages I was over come with a feeling of dread! It was an increasingly dangerous time for the County and I knew that bad things were bound to happen!
Tom's luck really seemed to turn for the worst in this installment, and I was always left wondering "WHERE THE HELL IS GREGGORY!?". Seeing Tom fending off the dark on his own though was really inspiring to see and gave him further depth and development.
I liked the introduction to another family member of Tom's and more characters in general as it put more weight on the risk of Tom failing against evil!
The contents of Mam's trunks were such a surprise!!
There was a gollum like character in this that was really creepy and some of the prophecies it spoke were really unsettling!
One thing that annoyed me about the book is that some locations seemed far away at one point and then seemingly close when it was convinent, so I lost a sence of destination length.
Finally, I really enjoyed Alice's entry at the back and all the new things Tom learned. I feel like there was so much more detail in his diary, this time around.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
syncup's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lynn_k's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent entry in The Last Apprentice series. The cast of characters grows as does the lore. Even though this is the fourth book it feels like a bridge between the previous two books in that it sets up a much bigger bad for the Spook and Tom to tackle in the future. We learn a lot more about the different witch clans and even some different types of witches! A thoroughly enjoyable middle grade fantasy/horror book.