Title: The Apprentices
Author: Maile Meloy
First published May 22, 2013
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399162459 (ISBN10: 0399162453)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Long before Beatrice Prior made her mark, Tobias Eaton was just like any other sixteen-year-old in Abnegation. However, his life was about to change forever when he made the decision to transfer to Dauntless.
It was a chance for him to start anew, to become someone different from the boy his parents raised him to be. Renamed as “Four,” he quickly realizes that he has what it takes to succeed in Dauntless.
But initiation is just the beginning. Four must fight for his place in the hierarchy and make decisions that will have a profound impact on the future of Dauntless and the entire faction system.
Now, two years later, Four is still searching for his place in the world. However, everything changes when the first new initiate jumps into the net.
With her, he starts to see a way to make things right and become Tobias once again. From Veronica Roth, the #1 bestselling author of the Divergent series, comes a thrilling companion volume that delves into the history and heart of Tobias Eaton.
With four gripping stories, including “The Transfer,” “The Initiate,” “The Son,” and “The Traitor,” as well as three exclusive scenes, readers will experience an electrifying journey into the life of one of the most beloved characters in the series.
About the Author
Meet Maile Meloy, a talented author known for her compelling novels and short stories. She has written several books, including Liars and Saints, A Family Daughter, Half in Love and Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It (which was listed as one of the Ten Best Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review).
Meloy has also penned the award-winning Apothecary trilogy for young readers. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the PEN/Malamud Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Meloy was also recognized as one of Granta’s Best Young American Novelists. Her latest adult novel, Do Not Become Alarmed, is set to hit bookstores on June 6, 2017.
Editoral Review
The Apprentices, written by Maile Meloy and first published in 2013, is a beautifully written, coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of adolescence, family, and friendship. As a YA novel, the book is firmly rooted in the genre of contemporary realism and deals with themes such as identity, acceptance, and the challenges of growing up.
The story is set in modern-day Los Angeles, where two teenagers, James and Sheba, become unlikely friends while working as apprentices for a famous artist. James is a talented artist himself, but he struggles with emotional issues stemming from a troubled family life.
Sheba, on the other hand, is an intelligent, ambitious young woman who is determined to succeed in the art world, despite her family’s disapproval. Through their friendship, James and Sheba learn to support each other and find strength in their differences.
Meloy’s writing is nothing short of elegant and precise, and she masterfully captures the nuances of teenage life. Her attention to detail is particularly impressive, as she paints a vivid and realistic picture of the characters’ surroundings, from the hustle and bustle of the art studio to the quiet intensity of family dinners.
What makes The Apprentices stand out from other YA novels is its emphasis on character development. Meloy takes her time to explore James and Sheba’s inner lives, carefully revealing their fears, hopes, and dreams.
This allows the reader to really get to know them and to form a deep emotional connection with their story. The novel is not without its flaws, however.
The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the book lacks a clear central conflict, which can make it feel meandering at times.
Despite these issues, The Apprentices is a book that deserves to be read. Its insightful exploration of adolescence and family dynamics makes it a valuable addition to the YA genre.
For those who enjoy contemporary realism, The Apprentices is a must-read.
