Title: Grimalkin the Witch Assassin
Author: Joseph Delaney
First published September 1, 2011
387 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062082077 (ISBN10: 0062082078)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
“I’m coming for you, and nothing living or dead can stop me.” Those are the words that strike fear into the hearts of all who dare to cross her path. Grimalkin is not just any witch, she is the most feared, the most ruthless, and the most deadly of them all.
And now, in Grimalkin the Witch Assassin, for the first time, you will hear her tale from her own point of view.
Grimalkin’s only ally is Tom Ward, the Spook’s apprentice. Together, they will take on the Fiend, the most terrifying evil the world has ever known.
The Fiend once did Grimalkin great wrong, and now she is determined to make him pay. But as they embark on this dangerous journey, Grimalkin finds herself hunted by creatures of darkness seeking revenge.
Grimalkin has never been defeated, but can she survive an enemy created solely to destroy her? Fans of the Last Apprentice series will love this thrilling new installment, told from the perspective of the one and only Grimalkin.
About the Author
Joseph Delaney, a Lancashire-based author, is renowned for his books such as Wardstone Chronicles, Starblade Chronicles, Arena 13, Aberrations and his latest release, Brother Wulf, which came out in April 2020. Brother Wulf is a new addition to the Spooks series and features Tom and Alice alongside a new character, a young monk called Brother Wulf.
Joseph’s inspiration for the Spooks series came from a local boggart he discovered when he moved to his current village. He wrote down an idea in his notebook, “a story about a man who hunts boggarts,” which he later developed into the first book of the series, The Spook’s Apprentice.
Joseph draws inspiration from Lancashire’s local folklore and landscapes, and many of his fictional locations are based on actual places in the County.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Joseph worked as a teacher of English, Film, and Media Studies. He used to write every morning before work, and after the Americans bought his series, he gave up teaching and started writing full-time.
Joseph’s method of writing involves a process of discovery, where he doesn’t plot too far ahead and makes up the story as he goes along. He enjoys writing dialogue more than descriptions, which he keeps minimalistic, leaving much to the reader’s imagination.
Joseph is a proud grandfather of nine and a sought-after public speaker who is available for conferences, library events, and bookshop events. His books have been shortlisted for the Lancashire Children’s Book of the Year Award, and he has won both the Sefton Book Award and the Hampshire Book Award.
Editoral Review
Grimalkin the Witch Assassin by Joseph Delaney is a gripping tale set in the dark and mysterious world of witchcraft and sorcery. First published on September 1, 2011, this novel is a part of the popular Spook’s series, which is known for its powerful storytelling and intense focus on mystical elements.
Joseph Delaney, the author of Grimalkin the Witch Assassin, is a celebrated British writer, who has won many accolades for his work. Delaney is best known for the Spook’s series, which has captivated readers around the world with its powerful narrative, vivid imagery, and imaginative characters.
Grimalkin the Witch Assassin is a story about the eponymous assassin, who is a witch herself, and her quest for revenge against the evil witch, Ordeen. The book follows Grimalkin’s journey through treacherous terrains and dark forests as she seeks to destroy Ordeen and her army of minions.
The setting of the novel is a fantastical, medieval world that is steeped in magic and lore. The world-building is impressive, and Delaney’s detailed descriptions of the landscape and the characters create a deeply immersive experience for the reader.
One of the major strengths of Grimalkin the Witch Assassin is its characterization. Grimalkin is a complex and fascinating character, and the author does an excellent job of fleshing her out through her actions, thoughts, and dialogues.
The other characters in the book, such as the Spook, Tom, and Alice, are also well-developed and have distinct personalities that set them apart. The pacing of the book is also impressive, with Delaney expertly balancing action-packed sequences with moments of introspection and reflection.
The plot structure is tight and effective, and the story moves seamlessly towards its climax. The themes of revenge, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored in Grimalkin the Witch Assassin with poignant sensitivity.
Delaney’s writing is evocative and lyrical, and he uses his prose to create a rich and immersive world that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, Grimalkin the Witch Assassin is an exceptional achievement in the world of fantasy literature.
It is a compelling, well-crafted, and imaginative novel that will delight fans of the Spook’s series, and anyone who enjoys a well-told story filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. However, the book’s only limitation is that it can be a bit too dark and intense for younger readers.
The violence and gore depicted in the book might not be suitable for all audiences. In conclusion, Grimalkin the Witch Assassin is a must-read for all fans of fantasy literature.
It is a remarkable novel that showcases Joseph Delaney’s incredible talent as a writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping, thrilling, and thought-provoking reading experience.
I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its exceptional storytelling, vivid imagery, well-rounded characters, and masterful prose.
