The Last Apprentice: Grimalkin the Witch Assassin (Book 9) (Last Apprentice, 9) Paperback – Illustrated, April 9, 2013

I have been enjoying Mr Delaney's series for quite a few years and I love it when he utilizes some of his more interesting characters and his ability to swing different personalities and perspectives. Sci fi and fantasy aren't my usual first choice in reading but this is definitely one that I enjoy.

This book is just plain amazing. It is a story filled with excitement, action, horror, and intensity. It is the story of Grimalkin, the fearless witch assassin, who goes on journeys to hunt down and destroy monsters. This book makes you feel like you are inside the character's head. It is told from her point of view as she travels with Tom Ward, Master Gregory and Alice. Along the way they face dangerous monsters, evil minions and bind the Fiend once and for all.I would recommend this book to kids of any age. It is intense but so action packed that you don't want to put it down. There are so many twists and turns of the story and the book has a very well developed plot. It is hard for me to find one book that holds my attention let alone a whole series but I have really enjoyed all the books. When I finish one I am anxioulsy looking to see when the next one is coming out. To the author I must say " you are superb." Joseph Delaney(author) is very skilled and makes you feel like you are in the story. I have loved the books so far but was dissapointed when I heard Joseph will be stopping the books at Book 14. But was happy when I figured out that soon there would be a movie based on the series.

Quick shipping and usage was exactly as described.

Delaney has written another fantastic, tension-filled, intense and suspenseful installment in this terrific series. One reviewer said this is a great book but that it doesn't fit into the overall story of Tom Ward. That's not correct. This book covers what happens with Grimalkin as Tom, Alice and the Spook travel back to Chipenden from Ireland to rebuild his destroyed estate. Everything in this book is integral to the overall plot and it's fantastic to get a chance to spend more time with and learn more about a great character like Grimalkin. Delaney is very talented at creating characters that are multi-layered, neither all nor or all bad and constructing plots that are dense and rich...all in the fewest words possible. He writes with a sense of directness and economy that MANY authors could learn from. Not a single word is wasted in this book and every word means something. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

So far I've read ten of these books and I've loved them all. This, however is my least favorite and it is still getting four stars. I love the character of Grimalkin, the Malkin clan's assassin. Although at the outset of the series she is penned as a villain, throughout the ensuing volumes you come to know her and appreciate her intrinsic goodness as well with this volume being the story behind her roots. Excellent character development on the author's part, for each of his people. They all come alive, their struggles and fears, cares and joys and Grimalkin's no less than anyone else's in this edition of the Wardstone Chronicles!

I started reading this series years ago thinking that it was a little childish for me but the writing was such that I felt compelled to keep reading. The characters and story are so unique and beautifully written that it's easy to forget it's a YA book. This one was no exception. The writing is great and Grimmalkin is absolutely fascinating. I also feel like the books have matured in style a well as subject matter so that now I think that it's a more serious series that can appeal to older audiences. I don't recommend starting the series with this book, it would be best to read a least the prior three if not all of them to really understand what's going on. At any rate I highly recommend this book for adventure seekers a well a horror fans.

I really liked it , pls read it

I had already read this book but I just had to read it again. Not only does Joseph Delaney write the book from grimalkins perspective he introduces new characters and presents old ones in a new light. I'm sure before reading this book a lot of people think that grimalkin is just a ruthless killer and only kills on command. This book truly shows the real nature of grimalkin. Also I like the way the author is going with writing his books from a different characters perspective like his newest book slither. At first you think what does this have to do with any thing but then he includes grimalkin as a very powerful “purra” this book was awesome

The "Spook's" series has long been one of my favourite - it is gritty and realistic without making it unsuitable for younger readers. The use of folklore and the setting of the County of Lancashire a century or two ago make the series much 'realer' than most books in this genre.Without spoiling the plot, the book departs from Tom and the other main characters of the series up to now to follow the witch-assassin Grimalkin. I was positive would hate this and at first intended to skip this book entirely.I am so glad I didn't!As with the other books - it is a first-person account - from Grimalkin's point of view rather than Tom's and it gives great insight into the Witch's life and personality bringing her solidly from a secondary character to someone the reader genuinely cares about and wants to follow. The plot is as tightly written as usual and the pages just fly past. I'd love to read more of this character's early life and hope the author considers it when the "spooks" series eventually raws to a close.In short, I cannot recommend it enough!

I love the character of Grimalkin so giving her a voice and a whole book to herself was a great idea. I couldn't read it quick enough. I love the Wardstone chronicles series and this one did not disappoint. Although you leave Tom and the Spook behind this book does move the story forward. A great idea to actually write Grimalkin's journey rather than just making reference to it during Tom's narrative. I also really enjoyed finding out more about Grimalkin's background and history. This was so good that I kind of want a spin off for her!

I've read this book three times and have loved it more and more!! I am now read in the spooks blood, the next in the series!! I can't wait to see what happens!!! I do highly recommend this book, but you need to read the series in order or none of it makes sense.I like how Joseph Delaney has written this book from the point of view of Grimalkin. It is very well written and I really felt like it was grimalkin telling the story. It really was a great book!!!!!

i am an avid collector of these books but having delayed in getting this book i have actually got the 2nd edition, so if you were hoping to get the 1st edition i would suggest asking for a 1st edition copy, the story itself is thrilling and gives a great insight into this character, the author must have a really great mind to keep pace with everything that is going on in the series, yet again a superb book and throughly reccommended

I was late starting The Wardstone Chronicles series and so far have spaced them out over a few years. I knew when I was ready for another fix! I had t review I am Grimalkin as it is the best in the series by far. Joseph Delaney has really done wonders with Grimalkin's story. Great twists and turns and also great sadness. Looking forward to book 9.