Bibliographical information:

Delaney, Joseph. Revenge of The Witch. New York: HarperCollins, 2005. Book 1 of The Last Apprentice.

Brief summary:

The seventh son of a seventh son and of a mother who can see things other can't, Thomas J. Ward is apprenticed to the Spook. He's anxious about this, both because learning to combat monsters and dark forces is frightening, and because he knows that people's fears will make this an isolated life. But his father thinks this is as good a job for him as any, but his mother believes that he has the "gift and the strength to do what has to be done," as the forces of darkness seem to be on the rise.  In this first novel in the series, the Spook tests him, and he learns to deal with Boggarts. But mistakes in dealing with witches almost cost him, the Spook, and members of Tom's family their lives.

Comments:

Tom's voice is believable, and the story is scary and engaging. My daughter brought this home at the recommendation of a friend, and liked it quite a lot.

Grade/Age level:

Ages 9-12

Cautions:

The story is fairly dark. The monsters and witches are scary (the witches kill children and use their blood and bones as sources of strength). Some of the human relationships are dark as well. Most people don't want those who do the Spook's job around when they're not calling on his expertise, and even Tom's family says that he can't visit overnight once they have a frightening encounter with a witch. 

--Lisa Gordis

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