The Spook's Sacrifice

The sixth novel in ‘The Wardstone Chronicles’ series continues to see the light battle against the dark. Just as protagonist, seventh son of seventh son, Tom Ward, has developed and grown during his tutelage under the Spook, here the forces of darkness are also expanded as they form new allegiances.

Creating its own mythology around English and Greek folklore, with Mab and the Ordeen, this novel is a rich, densely packed offering that is accomplished in its tone. The threat is largely impending rather than immediate which allows more space for manoeuvre and the development of characters, most notably Mam and thereby Tom himself whose lineage is necessarily affected by some of the revelations brought to the fore here.

The strength of each of the Wardstone novels is the standalone quality that Delaney achieves. That he successfully develops the back story and ensures character progression and development alongside this makes these titles appeal equally to old as well as new fans.