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willrefuge's review against another edition
4.0
4 / 5 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2019/10/02/the-mad-apprentice-by-django-wexler-review/
The Mad Apprentice is the second in the Forbidden Library sequence by Django Wexler. A YA series, it chronicles the adventures of Alice the Reader as she navigates through the world, attempting to find her place in it. Though I was somewhat split over the Forbidden Library—it’s really the sophomore effort that can make or break a possible series. And the Mad Apprentice delivered in a big way.
Little has happened following the events of Forbidden, with Alice continuing to study under her uncle, Geryon, master and Reader extraordinaire. She has heard nothing from Isaac, the boy she bonded the dragon with in the first book, and similarly little from the dragon itself. Other than the vague sense that it lurks within her mind, it might as well have been a dream. So begins Book #2, and Alice is quickly dispatched to deal with the former apprentice of a “friend” of Geryon, who has apparently gone rogue and killed his master. Here she meets with several other apprentices, each sent by their masters to deal with this threat. While a few seem friendly enough, some are decidedly not—including one that Alice has met before. Isaac seems different from when Alice had met him before. He is closed off from her, despite their bond. But when Alice begins to doubt that the danger facing them may come more from without than within, something new reveals itself to her. For the labyrinth itself is home to a far more dangerous creature than Jacob (the apprentice that killed his master). In the darkness lurks the ominous creature Torment. But while this contesting this creature may result in Alice and the other apprentices’ demise, it may instead provide information useful to make the risk worthwhile. Specifically, the details of her father’s disappearance.
So, I enjoyed Apprentice better than the initial Forbidden.
Returning are the elements of intrigue, backstabbing and mystery. The characters are more of a strength than the initial; as both Alice and Isaac return, joined by other apprentices. I’ll be interested to see if any appear further down the line—either as friends or enemies. Though several of the other apprentices do form relationships with Alice. Friendly, or otherwise. Also, the budding romance is still budding, as it were. Little more comes of it, in Apprentice.
The character development is rather minute—but given that it is a YA fantasy, that’s not unexpected. There does seem to be a bit for Alice, a bit of a greater arc, one that is sure to continue. The dragon also appears to have its own story arc, but we won’t get into that. Some more of the magic is explained, as each apprentice seems to manifest a different and unique ability. There’s a bit added to every aspect, in my opinion. Each improved upon by a degree. I liked it more, I hope you will too!
TL;DR
The Mad Apprentice capitalizes on the successes it made in The Forbidden Library, pretty much improving across the board. While it’s by no means perfect, Wexler has crafted an solid YA coming-of-age fantasy, complete with magic and mystery. While before we got very little of what it means to be a Reader past jumping into books, Apprentice expands upon this, introducing more characters each possessing their own unique magical abilities. Alice is an interesting, heart-felt character that continues to shine, and hopefully will continue to into the future of the sequence.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2019/10/02/the-mad-apprentice-by-django-wexler-review/
The Mad Apprentice is the second in the Forbidden Library sequence by Django Wexler. A YA series, it chronicles the adventures of Alice the Reader as she navigates through the world, attempting to find her place in it. Though I was somewhat split over the Forbidden Library—it’s really the sophomore effort that can make or break a possible series. And the Mad Apprentice delivered in a big way.
Little has happened following the events of Forbidden, with Alice continuing to study under her uncle, Geryon, master and Reader extraordinaire. She has heard nothing from Isaac, the boy she bonded the dragon with in the first book, and similarly little from the dragon itself. Other than the vague sense that it lurks within her mind, it might as well have been a dream. So begins Book #2, and Alice is quickly dispatched to deal with the former apprentice of a “friend” of Geryon, who has apparently gone rogue and killed his master. Here she meets with several other apprentices, each sent by their masters to deal with this threat. While a few seem friendly enough, some are decidedly not—including one that Alice has met before. Isaac seems different from when Alice had met him before. He is closed off from her, despite their bond. But when Alice begins to doubt that the danger facing them may come more from without than within, something new reveals itself to her. For the labyrinth itself is home to a far more dangerous creature than Jacob (the apprentice that killed his master). In the darkness lurks the ominous creature Torment. But while this contesting this creature may result in Alice and the other apprentices’ demise, it may instead provide information useful to make the risk worthwhile. Specifically, the details of her father’s disappearance.
So, I enjoyed Apprentice better than the initial Forbidden.
Returning are the elements of intrigue, backstabbing and mystery. The characters are more of a strength than the initial; as both Alice and Isaac return, joined by other apprentices. I’ll be interested to see if any appear further down the line—either as friends or enemies. Though several of the other apprentices do form relationships with Alice. Friendly, or otherwise. Also, the budding romance is still budding, as it were. Little more comes of it, in Apprentice.
The character development is rather minute—but given that it is a YA fantasy, that’s not unexpected. There does seem to be a bit for Alice, a bit of a greater arc, one that is sure to continue. The dragon also appears to have its own story arc, but we won’t get into that. Some more of the magic is explained, as each apprentice seems to manifest a different and unique ability. There’s a bit added to every aspect, in my opinion. Each improved upon by a degree. I liked it more, I hope you will too!
TL;DR
The Mad Apprentice capitalizes on the successes it made in The Forbidden Library, pretty much improving across the board. While it’s by no means perfect, Wexler has crafted an solid YA coming-of-age fantasy, complete with magic and mystery. While before we got very little of what it means to be a Reader past jumping into books, Apprentice expands upon this, introducing more characters each possessing their own unique magical abilities. Alice is an interesting, heart-felt character that continues to shine, and hopefully will continue to into the future of the sequence.
agrissom's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic addition to the series! It gripped me instantly, and I had to ration out the chapters after reading half the book in one night. The whole array of magical creatures in this story is astounding. They're all unique, not just classic magical creatures, but some that Wexler seemed to have pulled from a childhood nightmare. (The thing made of arms and hands actually CAUSED a nightmare. Great job with that one! It sounded like something straight out of the Dark Souls/Bloodborne games.) There's a great group of characters here, and I really hope to see Dex and Soranna again in the next book. Django Wexler, thank you for the opportunity to read another one of your fantastic stories! Looking forward to the next!
jjahnavi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I adored it. Alice is an amazing lead - the sequences where she's her own saviour, often saving others, esp. Isaac - make me smile broadly.
Django Wexler has done a good job of doing justice to a lead without gender bias. I'm glad that such a book was written long before the call-to-arms for writing women-led novels.
It is unassumingly delightful. I enjoyed the fantastical world, its inhabitants & their adventures.
Looking forward to the sequels & more Alice-Isaac comraderie.
Django Wexler has done a good job of doing justice to a lead without gender bias. I'm glad that such a book was written long before the call-to-arms for writing women-led novels.
It is unassumingly delightful. I enjoyed the fantastical world, its inhabitants & their adventures.
Looking forward to the sequels & more Alice-Isaac comraderie.
booksnorkel's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a lot better than the first. Lots of action, you get to meet other apprentices, and you learn a little bit more about how the Libraries are set up and the dangers you can find within. If I had to complain about something it would be how seemingly all powerful the main bad guy is in this book but beyond that it was a great read and has me excited for the third. Alice is more seasoned, but doesn't seem to have many new creatures at her beck and call. We start off with her getting her next one, and then being sent off to capture another apprentice who has killed his own master. Alice meets other apprentices officially for the first time and discovers there are many ways to learn the craft, and many different types of Masters. The pacing in this book was great I never really felt bored with the plot or where it was going. There was always something new to learn, something different to fight, and there is always the mystery of Alice's father's death that we still need to solve.
A great second book for fourth on up looking for action adventure fantasy centered around a library that is also a labyrinth that bored and wants to play with it's food first.
A great second book for fourth on up looking for action adventure fantasy centered around a library that is also a labyrinth that bored and wants to play with it's food first.
macfiar's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series but there were so many errors in this book. Alice uses spike's power after he's dead which isn't possible. Characters are often called by the wrong names and it gets confusing to figure out who is actually doing something or saying something.
davidscrimshaw's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty good engaging read. More fun than the previous book [b:The Forbidden Library|17987501|The Forbidden Library (The Forbidden Library, #1)|Django Wexler|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1372045701s/17987501.jpg|25223481].
But I have two complaints:
1) There's a talking cat, but he's barely involved in the story.
2) There's obviously going to be another book in the series, but we might have to wait a long time and it's not like this is Wexler's only series that needs another volume.
But I have two complaints:
1) There's a talking cat, but he's barely involved in the story.
2) There's obviously going to be another book in the series, but we might have to wait a long time and it's not like this is Wexler's only series that needs another volume.
caffeineandcatnapsreads's review against another edition
3.0
The Mad Apprentice, (The second book in the 4 book series, The Forbidden Library), by Django Wexler.
It's geared more towards kids ages 8-12 I'd say. 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a good middle grade book, (8-12y/o). It was a bit of a slow start but picked up towards the middle.
It's a good read if you're looking for something quick and easy or to brake up more "heavier" topic books.
It's geared more towards kids ages 8-12 I'd say. 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a good middle grade book, (8-12y/o). It was a bit of a slow start but picked up towards the middle.
It's a good read if you're looking for something quick and easy or to brake up more "heavier" topic books.
squishies's review against another edition
4.0
This book was probably more exciting than the first one! So much happens and so much action, I was on the edge of my seat when they entered Esau's library.
Alice has her too-sassy moments, but I'm glad she's not overbearing like some female characters I've read (Miranda, I still dislike you). Meanwhile I love Dex, she's so chill.
Alice has her too-sassy moments, but I'm glad she's not overbearing like some female characters I've read (Miranda, I still dislike you). Meanwhile I love Dex, she's so chill.