I’m rereading this series right now. I know I said I probably wouldn’t post full reviews this month, but after reading it, I decided “why not?” This review is posted on Goodreads as well.
Another excellent entry in The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney. In this one, Tom and the Spook go to Priestown (it’s what it sounds like) to face the Bane, one of the most evil creatures the Spook has ever encountered. While there, they run afoul of the corrupt Quisitor (think Matthew Hopkins), who habitually burns innocent “witches” at the stake in order to profit from their deaths. Not only is he after the Spook, but he has Alice.
Alice is still my favorite character. The Spook himself is still frustrating at times, and my only complaint is how quick he is to anger in this one. He doesn’t always seem to tell Tom everything he needs to know. And while I understand why he doesn’t trust Alice, his treatment of her (and some of his comments about women in general) can be irritating. Still, that’s a fairly small complaint.
Although longer than its predecessor, Curse of the Bane is just as quick of a read, and it’s hard to put down. If you enjoyed the first one, you’ll like this too. But if you’re new to the series, start with the first one. These books are best read in order.
YA Horror 