A New Darkness - Joseph Delaney

Tom Ward is the new Spook of Chipenden. His apprenticeship was cut short, but he's trained enough to continue on as a Spook for the County. And things have been relatively quiet as of late. Until girls start dying.

Then Tom meets Jenny who says she knows what is killing the girls and can show him. But she will only show him if Tom will take her on as his apprentice.

I was sad with the end of The Last Apprentice series. It is one of my all time favorite series and I have grown so attached to the characters. The final book was amazing as always, but sad.

I was excited to learn there would be a continuation of the series with Tom Ward. I missed John Gregory and teared up a little each time he was mentioned.

But, there is a new character in this book named Jenny. She's 15, a seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, and wants to become Tom's apprentice. I like Jenny and I like that she was introduced. I think a female spook is definitely interesting. Joseph Delaney writes strong female characters, which is only one of the reasons I love The Last Apprentice and now this new series.

As for this book, I liked it just as much as the books in The Last Apprentice series. It has that same feel from when I read The Last Apprentice books, but it has something new, too. Things have changed a little and that is felt. But I think that's normal. The story in The Last Apprentice series is finished. Some of the characters are gone and while this new series still follows Tom Ward, there is a new story. They no longer have to worry about the Fiend, but something else. 

I thought this book was great and I was happy to be back in the County. But, this one is sad too. And wow, what a cliffhanger! I hope it won't be too long before the next book comes out. I really want to know what happens next.