Title: Attack of the Fiend
Author: Joseph Delaney
First published January 1, 2007
546 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060891275 (ISBN10: 0060891270)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
“Your future is shrouded in darkness. Your mentor will fall, and you will be left to face the looming threat alone.
It would have been better if you had never known of the looming danger.” Thomas Ward, the apprentice of the Spook, is no stranger to danger. With spirits and ghouls lurking in every corner, he has always been prepared to face the unknown.
But now, a new terror is brewing, as the witches’ covens unite to summon a demon of unimaginable power. Tom and his mentor must stand together to thwart their plans, but when the Spook’s life is put in peril, Tom finds himself forced to confront the witches alone.
With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, Tom must find the courage to face his most powerful foe yet.”
About the Author
Joseph Delaney is a Lancashire-based writer who dedicates himself entirely to his craft. He resides in the midst of Boggart territory and has authored several books, including the Wardstone Chronicles, Starblade Chronicles, Arena 13, Aberrations, and his latest release, Brother Wulf, which debuted in April 2020.
Brother Wulf is a new addition to the Spooks series and features the beloved characters, Tom and Alice, alongside a new character, a young monk known as Brother Wulf.
Joseph’s inspiration for the Spooks series came when he moved to his present village and discovered the existence of a local boggart, which he felt was necessary for a man like him. He jotted down the idea of “a story about a man who hunts boggarts” in his notebook, and years later, when he had to come up with a fresh idea at short notice, he developed it into the first book in the series, The Spook’s Apprentice.
Joseph continues to draw on the folklore of Lancashire and has accumulated a great deal of local knowledge over the years, which he modifies to create his fictional universe. Lancashire’s diverse and atmospheric landscape has also inspired him, and many of the County’s settings are based on actual places in Lancashire.
In the early days of his writing career, Joseph was a teacher at a Sixth Form College, where he taught English, Film, and Media Studies. He used to wake up early every morning to write before work, which enabled him to produce a book per year.
However, his efforts were repeatedly rejected until the Americans purchased the series. Joseph then made the decision to abandon teaching and become a full-time writer.
In his twenties, he worked as an engineer and completed an apprenticeship, similar to Tom Ward in the spook’s books.
Joseph describes his writing process as a journey of discovery. He does not plan too far ahead and frequently does not know what will happen until he writes it down, making it up as he goes along.
He favors writing dialogue over description and claims to be a minimalist, leaving much to the reader’s imagination.
Joseph is a proud father of three children and nine grandchildren. He is also an excellent public speaker and is available for conference, library, and bookshop events.
His books have been shortlisted for the Lancashire Children’s Book of the Year Award, and Brother Wulf is the recipient of both the Sefton Book Award and the Hampshire Book Award.
Editoral Review
“Attack of the Fiend” by Joseph Delaney is a thrilling addition to the dark fantasy series, “The Last Apprentice.” First published in 2007, the book is the fourth installment in the series and continues to captivate readers with its blend of horror, adventure, and suspense.
Delaney is a prolific author who has gained a reputation for his ability to create immersive worlds filled with terrifying creatures and characters. His writing style is engaging, and his storytelling is fast-paced, making readers feel as though they are right in the middle of the action.
The plot of “Attack of the Fiend” follows the adventures of the young apprentice, Tom Ward, as he battles a powerful witch named Ordeen and her army of monsters. Tom is joined by his mentor, the Spook, and a host of other characters, including Alice, a witch who is both friend and foe.
The setting of the book is a fictionalized version of medieval England, where magic and superstition are prevalent. The conflicts in the book are both external and internal, as Tom struggles with his own fears and doubts while facing the dangers that threaten his world.
One of the strengths of Delaney’s writing is his ability to create well-rounded and believable characters. Tom is a relatable hero, who is both brave and vulnerable.
The Spook is a complex character, who is haunted by his own past and the mistakes he has made. Alice is a fascinating character, who is torn between her loyalty to her family and her love for Tom.
The pacing of the book is excellent, with the action moving quickly from one scene to the next. The plot structure is well-crafted, with enough twists and surprises to keep readers engaged.
The themes of the book, including the dangers of power and the importance of friendship, are relevant and thought-provoking.
One of the weaknesses of the book is that it relies too heavily on familiar tropes and clichés of the fantasy genre. The villains are often one-dimensional, and the plot can be predictable at times.
However, these flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, “Attack of the Fiend” is a thrilling and well-written addition to “The Last Apprentice” series. Fans of dark fantasy will appreciate the world-building, well-crafted characters, and suspenseful plot.
The book is recommended for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy a good scare and a thrilling adventure. The book gets a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and thought-provoking themes.
