A great second book in the series. Lots of character development. You learn more about the Spook's past, and also about Tom's mam. The seeds for a much larger story are planted, but this book ends satisfactorily with little to no loose ends. The last chapter also gives us a hint at where the next book is going. Overall, a quick, fun middle grade horror book. ( )

The second installment in The Last Apprentice series is a good old fashioned horror story about evil spirits who take over the minds of local priests, witches, and an evil Quisitor who is making it his mission to kill as many women as possible, in the name of ridding the world of witches. This is truly horror, with lots of scary and gruesome scenes. We listened to this on audio, and while I didn't love the voices the actor used for everyone (I found his Alice voice particularly annoying) it helped pass the time on a very long car ride. ( )

The characters and the plot is so dull that I can't be bothered anymore. This is more of a children's book than YA, or a very child friendly YA. If there were good jokes of ij the writing style was better and accentuated the creepy stuff more I would probably like it. Overall, its boring. ( )

I was happy reading this book. I was impressed with the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for the third time. I find it surprising it's marketed for kids but w/e.

I also listen to it on audiobook and I loved the Bane's voice as done by the narrator. RIP
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Q: I am reading "The Old Gods" section pg. 53 and you are saying how The Bane looks like a goat why did you make The Bane look like a goat?
A: The Bane does not usually look like a goat! Did you read the section in the Bestiary carefully and look at the illustrations (page 56)? The Bane is a shape-shifter; it sometimes looks like a dragon or a gargoyle above a church door. It also takes on the form of a large dog. So it has many shapes. It could appear as a goat if it wished! ( )

Tom Ward is called to try to save the Spook's estranged brother, who is being slowly killed by an evil spirit. He is too late, and when Tom and the Spook try to attend the funeral, the Spook is imprisioned, put on trial, and sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Alice too is to be burned, and Tom has to rescue her. Alice then enlists the ultra-evil Bane to help rescue the Spook. Eventually, Tom and the Spook have to rid Alice of this menace, who is the Spook's long-time nemesis. ( )