Currently reading
Frackistan: The Promise and Peril of America’s Energy Revolution
Savaging the Dark
The End-of-Life Handbook: A Compassionate Guide to Connecting with and Caring for a Dying Loved One
Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life
A Better Way of Dying: How to Make the Best Choices at the End of Life
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness
Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success
S.
Dances in Two Worlds: A Writer-Artist's Backstory
Tigers in Red Weather
The Spook's Mistake
With many series, it's fairly easy to map the course of events for every book before even cracking the spine. You know the hero will follow her or his patterns from previous books. The books become almost formulaic. I thought I had figured out the formula to The Last Apprentice: Tom and his master would go someplace to rid the area of evil, Tom would allow either his emotions or his devotion to his master to get in his way, trouble would ensue, the Spook would be detained and Tom would have to figure out how to solve his problem, probably with the help of his friend Alice, and all would be well in the end, mostly. That's not how Wrath of the Bloodeye goes, though Alice does show up to help with the final battle.
I'm always surprised with this series. I feel like I have a handle on the story and then it goes in a different direction. Furthermore, I enjoy not having to wait for the main characters to "catch up" with what I've already figured out. Once I know something, the characters usually know it within the chapter. That's refreshing.
This volume continues Tom's story nicely, allowing him to grow, stretch himself and learn more about his abilities, his loyalties and his beliefs. I don't always agree with Tom, but I respect him as a character.