The Last Apprentice: Rise of the Huntress (Book 7)
#7 of 17 in The Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
After a long journey and a hard battle, the Spook and his apprentice, Tom Ward, have returned home to find their county overrun by enemy soldiers and their house in ruins. The Spook's boggart has fled and the witches they had imprisoned have escaped. Tom, Alice, and the Spook are forced to flee across the ocean to the island of Mona where they face an old, powerful enemy. They must fight against the dark and an evil that crawls beneath the ground itself, but at what cost? Things can never be the same again.
Character compass
Thomas Ward
Alice Deane
John Gregory
Bony Lizzie
Mr. Gregory
Thomas J. Ward
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in Tom Ward's character? How do you think these qualities help him on his journey?
How do the challenges Tom faces in the book compare to challenges we face in the real world? What can we learn from his responses?
The Spook's role is to guide and teach Tom. Can you think of someone in your life who helps you grow and learn? How do they do it?
If you were in Tom's shoes, how would you handle the encounters with the dark? What strategies would you use?
What lessons about trust and friendship can we learn from Tom’s interactions with other characters throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, encourage your child to think about the characters' motives and actions deeply to understand their underlying lessons.
Relate themes from the book to personal experiences or current events to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios for critical moments in the book. Discuss how different decisions might have changed the outcome of the story.
Encourage your child to express which parts of the book they felt were most impactful and why they think that scene was powerful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist, Tom, confronts various challenges and threats with bravery. His journey illustrates that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to face it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their fears and stand up in difficult situations, whether it’s trying out for a school play, facing bullies, or standing up for what they believe is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of responsibility
Explanation: Tom is tasked with crucial responsibilities as an apprentice. His growth into these responsibilities underscores the role of duty in personal development.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of fulfilling obligations, such as completing homework, performing household chores, or caring for siblings and pets.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Tom frequently relies on his friends and allies to overcome obstacles. The narrative reinforces that many challenges are easier when faced together.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of cooperating with others, whether in group school projects, sports teams, or during playtimes, fostering interpersonal skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Tom’s journey is filled with learning opportunities from errors he makes. These instances teach him to evolve and not repeat the same mistakes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to view mistakes as learning opportunities, promoting resilience and a growth mindset in overcoming academic or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: No matter the setbacks Tom faces, he persists in his mission, demonstrating that steadfastness can lead to overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children the importance of persisting with tasks or learning modules even when they seem difficult, cultivating determination and tenacity.