Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Wizards and witches and creatures abound November 6, 2008
First sentence: The witch was chasing me through the dark wood, getting nearer and nearer by the second.
In Pendle, the three families of Witches are joining forces in an effort to raise Old Nick (the Devil). Father Stocks asks Mr. Gregory (Spook), Tom (his Apprentice), and Alice (Tom's friend and a former Witch). Alice is captured by Mab and threatens to kill her unless Tom takes Mab back to his childhood home.
Tom's mother was Greek and an immortal until she married Tom's father. In a locked room, which will protect Tom from evil, are three large trucks that Mab wants for Alice's life. When they arrive at the house, not only are the trunks gone, but so are Tom's brother, sister-in-law and their child. Tom must do what it takes to rescue his family, save Alice, retrieve the trunks and prevent the witches from accomplishing their goal.
A word of caution: this is not a book for very young or sensitive children and is it dark and graphic with elements of horror. That said, for older children and adult fantasy, it's a great book.
The author has a wonderful voice as Tom, the 13-year-old Spook in training. Tom is definitely an apprentice who is still learning his craft and making the mistakes, but he is learning. I do like that his character, and all the relationships, grows and changes with each book. Father Stocks is also interesting in that he had been an apprentice but felt he could do more as a priest.
For those with children, this book is one that would be excellent to read and discuss together. There are lessons that can be taken from the story. It is a series that should be read in order. While this fourth book in the series is complete in itself, it also segues to the next book. It's on my shelf waiting to be read.
 A Rattling good read September 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My son loved this book, and the minute he had finished it said, 'Can we get the rest?'
One cautionary note - it is quite dark in places, with some pretty gruesome imagery - probably why my son enjoyed it so much! - but I would say it's for twelves and up as it does deal with some serious moral questions.
Impressive July 6, 2008
I read this book last night and could not put it down. As with the other books in the series, it was fast paced and exciting. I found myself in a perpetual state of anticipation and that is what I want from any reading experience. It was certainly worth it for any fan of The Wardstone Chronicles.
 Spook's Battle: A Winner? Maybe Not April 19, 2008
I keep trying to really like the Wardstone Series, but every time I finish one I'm sure I won't bother with another. I have actually read them all, at least to this one. The world that Delaney creates/recreates is potentially great fun, exciting and interesting. The same for the characters. But I always end up feeling disappointed. The problem is, unfortunately, the writing. There is something about Delaney's prose which is pedestrian if not edging on boring. He also violates a big issue for me regarding children's books. The main character, whether 12, 13 or whatever, never changes and is not identifiably a kid. If someone didn't tell you, you would never know the main character isn't an adult. As a minor pick at this one specifically: Spook's Battle? The Spook hardily figures in this book, so it's misnamed, more the Apprentice's Battle. The stories are great, it's the delivery I have a problem with, so that the series has been bought for filming is fine. It can potentially make a great film, given the right treatment, of course. As I said, I really wish I could like these books more than I do. Their appeal, or lack of, is also echoed by husband and 11 year old. If you want a really good read, I'd recommend Jenny Nimmo's Charlie Bone series or Paver's Wolf Brother series. Now there are some excellent series.
Review August 19, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I found this book to be very interesing and very well written!!
I have grown fond of his books and other horror stories!
This books gives you a thrill of exciting experinces and hope it does the same for you!!
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