Books in the series The Wardstone Chronicles

The Spook's Apprentice is a gripping and atmospheric dark fantasy that introduces readers to Thomas Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son. Apprenticed to the local Spook, Tom must learn the dangerous trade of protecting the County from ghosts, boggarts, and malevolent witches. This chilling tale is perfect for children who love eerie mysteries and are ready for a story that isn't afraid to be truly frightening. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in folklore, supernatural creatures, and the classic struggle between light and dark.

As Tom faces his first real test against the terrifying Mother Malkin, he discovers that being a Spook's apprentice requires more than just physical strength—it demands immense courage and a sharp mind. Joseph Delaney crafts a world that feels both historical and magical, making it a great choice for fans of high-stakes adventure. Parents looking for a series that will keep their teens hooked will find this first installment of The Wardstone Chronicles to be a compelling entry point into a vast and immersive world.

Highlights:

• A masterfully built world filled with unique folklore and terrifying creatures.
• A relatable protagonist who must overcome his fears to protect others.
• The perfect blend of suspense, horror, and coming-of-age adventure.
• Ideal for fans of dark fantasy series like Ranger's Apprentice or Percy Jackson.

The Spook's Curse is the spine-chilling second installment in Joseph Delaney's acclaimed Wardstone Chronicles. This dark fantasy adventure follows Thomas Ward, a young apprentice to the local Spook, as he travels to the city of Priestown. Deep within the catacombs of the cathedral lurks a terrifying entity known as the Bane, a creature of pure malice that even Tom's master has failed to defeat in the past. As the duo prepares for a life-or-death confrontation, they must also navigate the dangers of the Quisitor, a man who hunts those who deal with the supernatural.

Perfect for children who love dark fantasy and ghost stories, this book offers a masterclass in atmospheric tension and world-building. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in folklore, monsters, and the classic struggle between light and shadow. Fans of series who are looking for something significantly darker and more suspenseful will find themselves gripped by Tom's journey. With its high stakes and eerie encounters, it is a great choice for brave young readers who enjoy a genuine scare.

Highlights:

• A terrifying and atmospheric sequel that expands the lore of the County.
• Explores complex themes of duty, fear, and the weight of responsibility.
• Features a memorable and truly menacing villain in the form of the Bane.
• Perfect for fans of supernatural suspense and dark folklore.

In The Spook's Secret, the third chilling installment of the Wardstone Chronicles, young apprentice Tom Ward faces his most atmospheric challenge yet. As winter approaches, Tom and his master, the Spook, retreat to the desolate winter house in Anglezarke. This is no ordinary home; it is a place of shadows and buried memories. Tom soon discovers that the moor is teeming with secrets from the Spook's mysterious past—secrets that threaten to unleash chaos across the entire County. This dark fantasy adventure is perfect for children who love eerie atmospheres, supernatural creatures, and high-stakes storytelling.

Ideal for readers interested in folklore and the battle between light and dark, Joseph Delaney crafts a world where danger lurks in every corner. Parents looking for a gripping series that encourages bravery and critical thinking will find this a great choice for their middle-grade readers. It is a masterclass in building suspense, making it a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and legendary monsters.

Highlights:

• A haunting and atmospheric setting that brings the winter moors to life.
• Deepens the lore of the Spook's past and the history of the County.
• Features terrifying encounters with boggarts, witches, and ancient entities.
• Explores themes of loyalty, the weight of secrets, and the growth of a young hero.

The Spook's Battle is the fourth gripping installment in Joseph Delaney's world-renowned Wardstone Chronicles. In this dark and atmospheric tale, Tom Ward, the Spook’s apprentice, faces his most harrowing challenge yet. As the powerful witch clans of Pendle unite to summon an unimaginable evil, Tom and his master must venture into the heart of enemy territory. This book is a perfect choice for children who love high-stakes fantasy and aren't afraid of a few chills along the way.

Ideal for readers interested in supernatural lore, ancient magic, and the classic struggle between light and dark, Delaney crafts a world that is as dangerous as it is immersive. Parents looking for a series that encourages bravery and moral growth will find Tom's journey particularly compelling. It is a great choice for fans of dark folklore and those who enjoy a story that keeps them on the edge of their seat until the very last page.

Highlights:

• A terrifying expansion of the Wardstone Chronicles lore featuring powerful witch clans.
• Explores deep themes of courage, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility.
• Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson looking for something darker and more atmospheric.
• Features a relatable protagonist growing into his role as a protector against the dark.

The Spook's Mistake is a chilling and atmospheric addition to Joseph Delaney's acclaimed series, perfect for children who love dark fantasy and spine-tingling suspense. In this installment, apprentice Tom Ward is sent far from home to the bleak, northern marshes to train with Bill Arkwright, a battle-hardened Spook with a harsh and unforgiving teaching style. As Tom faces terrifying water witches and ancient blood-thirsty creatures, he must also survive the brutal methods of his new master.

This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in folklore, supernatural creatures, and high-stakes adventure. Delaney masterfully builds a world where danger lurks in every shadow, making it a great choice for fans of gothic horror and epic quests. The story explores deep themes of resilience and the moral complexities of fighting darkness, ensuring that readers remain gripped from the first page to the last.

Highlights:

• Intense and atmospheric world-building set in haunted marshes and mills.
• A darker, more challenging chapter in Tom Ward's journey as an apprentice.
• Fascinating new creatures and lore based on traditional folk horror.
• Explores the difficult and complex relationship between a mentor and a student.

In The Spook's Sacrifice, the sixth installment of the chilling Wardstone Chronicles, Tom Ward faces his most personal and perilous mission yet. As the Spook's apprentice, Tom is used to battling boggarts and witches in the County, but now his mother, Mam, calls him to her homeland of Greece. A terrifying ancient deity known as the Ordeen is poised to return, threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness. With the Devil himself roaming free and seeking an unholy alliance, the stakes have never been higher for young Tom.

This dark fantasy adventure is perfect for children who love high-stakes supernatural battles and eerie atmospheres. Ideal for readers interested in mythology, folklore, and the classic struggle between light and shadow, Joseph Delaney crafts a world where every choice carries a heavy price. Fans of the series will be gripped by the deepening lore of Tom’s family and the escalating danger that tests his courage to the limit. It is a great choice for those who enjoy stories that don't shy away from the darker side of magic.

Highlights:

• An epic journey to Greece featuring ancient gods and dark mythology.
• High-stakes conflict involving the Devil and the return of the Ordeen.
• Deep exploration of Tom's family history and his mother's mysterious past.
• A perfect blend of horror, suspense, and coming-of-age character development.

The Spook's Nightmare is the gripping seventh installment in Joseph Delaney's world-renowned Wardstone Chronicles. In this dark and atmospheric tale, the County is under threat like never before. The Spook’s legendary library has been reduced to ashes, and his old nemesis, Bony Lizzie, has escaped her confinement. Most troubling of all, the Spook himself is plagued by terrifying visions and waning strength, leaving his young apprentice, Tom Ward, to step into the light and face the encroaching shadows alone.

This book is perfect for children who love dark fantasy and are looking for a story that isn't afraid to be truly spooky. Ideal for readers interested in folklore, monster-hunting, and the classic struggle between good and evil, it offers a high-stakes adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It is a great choice for fans of series like Percy Jackson or Ranger's Apprentice who are ready for a slightly darker, more gothic tone.

Highlights:

• A chilling atmosphere perfect for fans of supernatural horror and suspense.
• Deepens the bond between master and apprentice as Tom faces his greatest challenge.
• Features iconic villains and rich folklore-inspired world-building.
• A fast-paced plot that explores themes of courage and overcoming fear.

The Spook's Destiny is a gripping and atmospheric installment in Joseph Delaney's acclaimed series, perfect for children who love spine-tingling adventures and supernatural mysteries. As war ravages their home, the Spook, Tom Ward, and Alice are forced to flee to Ireland. However, their safety is far from guaranteed. They carry with them a fragile bloodjar—the only thing standing between them and the wrath of the Fiend himself. This high-stakes journey is ideal for readers interested in folklore, ancient magic, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.

This book is a great choice for fans of immersive world-building and complex characters. Tom must navigate a landscape filled with new dangers, from Celtic myths to treacherous enemies, all while keeping his allies close and the precious jar intact. It is a masterclass in suspense that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, making it a fantastic recommendation for those who enjoy dark fantasy with a gothic edge. Parents looking for a series that grows with their child will find this volume particularly compelling as it deepens the lore and emotional stakes of Tom's journey.

Highlights:

• A dark and atmospheric journey through a war-torn landscape and mystical Ireland.
• High-stakes tension centered around the protection of a fragile, magical artifact.
• Explores deep themes of loyalty, destiny, and the burden of being a hero.
• Features terrifying creatures and legends rooted in Celtic mythology.

I Am Grimalkin is a gripping and dark entry in the acclaimed Wardstone Chronicles, shifting the perspective to one of the series' most complex and terrifying characters. Grimalkin, the deadly witch assassin, has dedicated her life to a singular, brutal goal: avenging her son's murder by destroying the Fiend. This chilling tale follows her as she forms an unlikely alliance with the Spook and his apprentice, Tom Ward, to ensure the Fiend's spirit is bound forever. It is a high-stakes race against time and ancient evils that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Perfect for children and teens who love dark fantasy and are looking for a story with a powerful, unconventional protagonist. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in folklore, dark magic, and intense action. Fans of the Seventh Son movie or series like Ranger's Apprentice who are ready for a spookier, more mature challenge will find this installment particularly captivating. It is a great choice for those who enjoy stories where the line between hero and monster is blurred.

Highlights:

• A unique perspective from a formidable and feared witch assassin.
• Intense, atmospheric world-building rooted in dark folklore and horror.
• High-stakes action and a relentless pace that drives the overarching series plot.
• Explores complex moral themes of revenge, justice, and sacrifice.

The Spook's Blood is a gripping and atmospheric dark fantasy novel that serves as a pivotal chapter in Joseph Delaney's acclaimed series. As the final battle against the Fiend looms, Thomas Ward finds himself increasingly isolated and burdened by the weight of his destiny. This installment introduces Siscoi, a terrifying Vampire God, pushing Tom to his absolute limits. It is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy high-stakes supernatural battles and stories where the line between light and dark is dangerously thin.

Ideal for fans of gothic horror and epic quests, this book explores deep emotional territory as Tom learns that defeating ultimate evil requires a sacrifice far greater than he ever anticipated. Parents looking for a series that combines folklore, suspense, and character growth will find this an excellent addition to a teenager's bookshelf. It is a great choice for those who loved the Seventh Son movie or readers interested in dark, immersive world-building.

Highlights:

• Intense supernatural action featuring a formidable Vampire God.
• Deep exploration of moral dilemmas and the cost of heroism.
• Atmospheric and spooky setting rooted in dark folklore.
• A crucial turning point in the long-running Wardstone Chronicles.

Slither's Tale is a chilling and atmospheric entry into the world of Joseph Delaney's dark fantasy universe. Unlike previous installments, this story is told from the perspective of Slither, a haizda mage—a creature that survives by drinking human blood. When a local farmer dies, Slither finds himself bound by a promise to protect the man's daughters and escort them to the mysterious City of the Petrified Tree. This gripping narrative blends high-stakes adventure with the eerie, unsettling tone that fans of the series have come to love.

Perfect for children who love dark folklore and intense supernatural stories, this book offers a unique perspective by putting a monster in the role of the protagonist. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in moral ambiguity and high-fantasy world-building. Parents looking for a spooky yet sophisticated read for their teens will find this a compelling addition to their library. Great choice for fans of The Last Apprentice or those who enjoy stories where the line between hero and villain is blurred.

Highlights:

• A unique perspective from a non-human, blood-drinking protagonist.
• A dark and atmospheric journey through a world filled with dangerous creatures.
• Explores themes of honor, survival, and unexpected alliances.
• Part of the acclaimed Wardstone Chronicles series but offers a fresh narrative arc.

Step into the chilling and atmospheric world of Alice, a gripping installment in Joseph Delaney's acclaimed series. This dark fantasy novel follows Alice, a powerful young witch who has long fought alongside the Spook and Tom Ward. Now, she finds herself trapped alone in the terrifying realm of the dark, surrounded by the very creatures she once helped banish. To save the world from eternal despair, Alice must embark on a perilous quest to find the final weapon capable of destroying the Fiend once and for all.

This book is a perfect choice for readers who love high-stakes adventures and eerie, supernatural settings. It explores deep themes of sacrifice and the thin line between light and dark, making it an ideal pick for fans of dark folklore and epic battles. Parents looking for a compelling story about a strong female protagonist facing impossible odds will find this a great choice for their teens. It is a masterclass in building tension and exploring the consequences of one's choices in the face of overwhelming evil.

Highlights:

• A dark and immersive journey through a supernatural underworld.
• Features a complex and courageous female lead character.
• High-stakes conflict involving ancient magic and legendary villains.
• Perfect for readers who enjoy spooky, atmospheric fantasy series.

The Spook's Revenge is the heart-pounding conclusion to Joseph Delaney's acclaimed series. Thomas J. Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son, has spent years training as the Spook's apprentice, learning to protect the County from ghosts, ghasts, and witches. Now, the stakes have never been higher as Tom and his allies prepare for a final, world-altering confrontation with the Fiend. This dark fantasy epic is perfect for children who love high-stakes battles, supernatural mysteries, and stories where the line between light and dark is constantly blurred.

Ideal for readers interested in folklore and grim adventures, this book delivers a satisfying and intense resolution to Tom's journey. Parents looking for a series that grows with their child will find this an excellent choice for teens who enjoy atmospheric writing and complex character development. It is a great choice for fans of series like Percy Jackson but with a much darker, more gothic twist that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Highlights:

• The epic finale to the long-running Wardstone Chronicles series.
• A dark and atmospheric world filled with unique folklore and terrifying creatures.
• Deep exploration of destiny, sacrifice, and the burden of being a hero.
• Perfect for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural horror.