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Children's reading lists

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

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15 must-read fantasy books for 9-12-year-olds

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Watch a trailer for The Spook’s Blood

Brother Wulf: The Last Spook

Another thrilling and magical adventure from master storyteller Joseph Delaney, set in the multi-million copy bestselling world of The Spook's Apprentice 
 
We are entering a new age of darkness. Hell has grown in power and neither priest nor Spook can do anything about it. So go home now while you can . . . 
 
Years have passed since Wulf and Tilda vanished from the County. Alice and Tom have given up hope of ever seeing them again - until a terrible enemy from the past forces them to take drastic action, and reach out through time in a bid for help. 
 
Now Wulf faces the greatest and most powerful demon who has ever walked the Dark: the Fiend. He will have to use all his powers - and gather some new ones - to have even a chance of survival . . .

Joseph Delaney was the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold millions of copies. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore. Joseph passed away in August 2022, shortly after handing in his last manuscript.

We are entering a new age of darkness. Hell has grown in power and neither priest nor Spook can do anything about it. So go home now while you can . . . 
 
Years have passed since Wulf and Tilda vanished from the County. Alice and Tom have given up hope of ever seeing them again - until a terrible enemy from the past forces them to take drastic action, and reach out through time in a bid for help. 
 
Now Wulf faces the greatest and most powerful demon who has ever walked the Dark: the Fiend. He will have to use all his powers - and gather some new ones - to have even a chance of survival . . .

Brother Wulf: Wulf's Bane

The next thrilling and magical adventure set in the multi million copy bestselling world of The Spook's Apprentice. 
 
Wulf has left behind his life in the monastery and is now the Apprentice to Spook Johnson, assisting him in protecting the County from denizens of the dark - which mainly involves Wulf acting as bait. 
 
But Wulf is captured by Hrothgar, a giant with abilities to conjure subservient creatures - or tulpas - from his imagination. And he strongly suspects that Wulf has these abilities too . . . 
 
Wulf begrudgingly begins training with his new master, but meanwhile, something dangerous is afoot in the County. Wulf's old friends, Tom and Alice, have been imprisoned by an all-powerful witch and her brain sucking minions. And together with Tilda, Tom and Alice's daughter, he needs to rescue them from Circe's enchanted lair before it's too late...

The newest Delaney character returns to steal the limelight ... step forward Brother Wulf.

Wulf has left behind life in the monastery and is now the Apprentice to Spook Johnson, assisting him in protecting the County from denizens of the dark - which mainly involves Wulf acting as bait. 
 
But Wulf is captured by Hrothgar, a giant with abilities to conjure subservient creatures - or tulpas - from his imagination. And he strongly suspects that Wulf has these abilities too . . . 
 
Wulf begrudgingly begins training with his new master, but meanwhile, something dangerous is afoot in the County. Wulf's old friends, Tom and Alice, have been imprisoned by an all-powerful witch and her brain sucking minions. And together with Tilda, Tom and Alice's daughter, he needs to rescue them from Circe's enchanted lair before it's too late...

Brother Wulf

When young novice monk Brother Beowulf is sent to spy on Spook Johnson, he has no idea of the trouble he's about to find himself in. Johnson boasts to Wulf of his battles against demonic creatures, and even seems to imprisons local witches, though Wulf is sceptical - not least because the church has taught him that Spooks are a force for evil, and not to be trusted. But then the monsters Johnson claims to fight turn out to be very real indeed, and soon Wulf is forced to seek help from another young Spook, Tom Ward, who terrifies and charms him in equal measure. 
 
But the forces of the dark are many, and it's not long until Wulf and Tom realise they've bitten off far more than they can chew. A horrifying new enemy is rising - and only Wulf can stop it.

Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and has sold millions of copies. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was turned into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

When young novice monk Brother Beowulf is sent to spy on Spook Johnson, he has no idea of the trouble he's about to find himself in. Johnson boasts to Wulf of his battles against demonic creatures, and even seems to imprison local witches, though Wulf is sceptical. The church has taught him that Spooks are a force for evil, and not to be trusted. But then the monsters Johnson claims to fight turn out to be very real indeed, and soon Wulf is forced to seek help from another young Spook, Tom Ward, who terrifies and charms him in equal measure. 
 
But the forces of the dark are many, and it's not long until Wulf and Tom realise they've bitten off far more than they can chew. A horrifying new enemy is rising - and only Wulf can stop it.

The Witch's Warning

A gloriously spooky horror-fantasy story from Joseph Delaney, the internationally multi-million bestselling author of The Spook's Apprentice 
 
Crafty halted, his heart lurching with fear, his mouth dry. There were bare footprints in the white snow, and each one was smeared with red, as if the owner of those clawed feet had stepped in a puddle of blood . . . 
 
Crafty and his friends have already faced dozens of horrifying aberrations during their time as Castle Gate Grubs - assistants to the mysterious guild of Gatemancers, who fight against the terrifying Shole. But the real battle is only just beginning. New and more dangerous aberrations are appearing all the time, and worse yet, it seems someone from within the Castle is helping them attack. And when an old enemy returns to give Crafty a disturbing warning, it seems time might be running out for all of them . . .

Praise for The Beast Awakens (book one): This is a must for all fantasy and adventure fans

A page turning story that kept you hanging on edge

This book was utterly unputdownable - I loved each and every second of time I spent reading it!

Crafty halted, his heart lurching with fear, his mouth dry. There were bare footprints in the white snow, and each one was smeared with red, as if the owner of those clawed feet had stepped in a puddle of blood . . . 
 
Crafty and his friends have already faced dozens of horrifying aberrations during their time as Castle Gate Grubs - assistants to the mysterious guild of Gatemancers, who fight against the terrifying Shole. But the real battle is only just beginning. New and even more dangerous aberrations are appearing all the time, and worse yet, it seems someone from within the Castle is helping them attack. And when an old enemy returns to give Crafty a disturbing warning, it seems time might be running out for all of them . . .

The Beast Awakens

Calling all budding Stephen King fans... this is the book for you! 
 
The first book in a horrifying new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the internationally multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice. 
 
They heard shouting, and cries of fear. Crafty looked down the slope and realised what had happened to cause so much panic. Without warning, the dark wall of the Shole had advanced. 
 
Crafty can't remember a time before the Shole - the terrifying mist that has engulfed most of Britain, leaving those trapped in it to either die or be transformed into terrifying monsters: the aberrations. 
 
He's been stuck in his family's cellar for nearly a year, his only companions his restless, whispering dead brothers, and an unusually friendly aberration he names the Bog Queen. 
 
But then Crafty's life abruptly changes. 
 
He is ordered to report to the Castle, where he will train as a gate grub - operators of magical portals that allow the mysterious guild of Gatemancers to explore within the Shole. It is a dangerous job, with a very short life expectancy... 
 
To survive, Crafty will have to use every inch of his cunning - whatever the cost.

Praise for The Spook's Apprentice series: Be warned - these books are seriously scary

Packed full of scary creatures and chilling characters, I only wish this had been much, much longer. This is a must for all fantasy and adventure fans

A thrilling fantasy novel full of monsters, action and intriguing characters - I highly recommend it!

This book was utterly unputdownable - I loved each and every second of time I spent reading it! I was torn between wanting to find out what happened and not wanting the book to end!

I think that the Beast Awakens is a fabulous read because it lulls the reader into a never ending journey through the magical kingdom, the Shole, and the people involved

They heard shouting, and cries of fear. Crafty looked down the slope and realised what had happened to cause so much panic. Without warning, the dark wall of the Shole had advanced. 
 
Crafty can't remember a time before the Shole - the terrifying mist that has engulfed most of Britain, leaving those trapped in it to either die or be transformed into horrifying monsters: the aberrations. Crafty has been stuck in his family's cellar for nearly a year, his only companions his restless, whispering dead brothers, and an unusually friendly aberration he names the Bog Queen. 
 
But then Crafty's life abruptly changes. He is ordered to report to the Castle, where he will train as a gate grub - operators of magical portals that allow the mysterious guild of Gatemancers to explore within the Shole. It is a dangerous job, with a very short life expectancy... 
 
To survive, Crafty will have to use every inch of his cunning - whatever the cost.

Arena 13: The Warrior

The third exhilarating instalment in the Arena 13 series by Joseph Delaney, author of THE SPOOK’S APPRENTICE

Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

The third exhilarating instalment in the Arena 13 series by Joseph Delaney, author of THE SPOOK’S APPRENTICE 
 
After everything Leif has been through in Arena 13, it’s finally time for him to fulfil his destiny and accompany his father’s people beyond the barrier that imprisons all mankind. 
 
Meanwhile, Kwin, the girl he loves, is making waves in the arena as the first woman ever to grace its fighting floor. 
 
In their own ways, each of them is fighting to bring down the superhuman monsters that threaten the last people on earth. They might have picked fights they can’t win. But freedom could be something worth dying for. 
 
Books in the series 
1: ARENA 13 
2: ARENA 13: THE PREY 
3: ARENA 13: THE WARRIOR

Spook's: Dark Assassin

The third chilling instalment in the new Spook’s legend . . .

The third chilling instalment in the new Spook’s legend . . . 
 
An assassin lurks in the darkness between earth and oblivion – but who are they, and what is their mission? 
 
The people of the County live in fear of the beasts bent on bringing an epic war to their home. How can they possibly hope to survive when their fearsome enemies are fortified with the power of a god? 
 
Could the assassin that moves in the darkness be the saviour the County seeks? 
 
Praise for book 1 in the series, A New Darkness: 'A solid, suspenseful, and spooky adventure' Publishers Weekly 
Praise for book 2 in the series, The Dark Army: 'Unbeatable stuff for readers who like to be terrified!' Andrea Reece, lovereading4kids

Spook's: The Dark Army

The second terrifying tale in the Spook's spin-off series from bestselling author Joseph Delaney.

Delaney is an expert at keeping tension high . . . Unbeatable stuff for readers who like to be terrified!

The second terrifying tale in the Spook's spin-off series from bestselling author Joseph Delaney. 
 
Thomas Ward was working as the new County Spook, fighting the Dark with his own apprentice. But a new enemy stirred in the north, and Tom’s calling required him to leave his home and lead an uprising against a legion of beasts: creatures of the dark intent on locking the whole earth in a never-ending winter. 
 
Then something went horribly wrong, and now Tom lies cold in a grave, while those who remain are in despair. 
 
Who can now take up the battle? And how much time remains before the dark army brings the fight back to the County, and the world is changed for ever?

Arena 13: The Prey

The second exhilarating instalment in Joseph Delaney's new series, ARENA 13.

Following the first year of his apprenticeship as an Arena 13 combatant, Leif seeks information from his late father's people. There he learns more about the man, who was the greatest arena fighter ever seen. The man who came so close to destroying the demon Hob, but paid a terrible price for every victory. 
 
Leif returns to the fighting floor with a renewed hunger for revenge. But can he remain focused on his training as his passion for his master's daughter, Kwin, grows? And will his place in his master's greater plan help or hinder him in his personal mission to defeat Hob in a fight to the death? 
 
The second instalment in the legend of ARENA 13. 
 
Books in the series 
1: ARENA 13 
2: ARENA 13: THE PREY

Arena 13

The first book in the exhilarating new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice.

Part furturistic dystopia, part Roman epic fantasy, it's gutsy, gory and compelling

The first book in the exhilarating new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice. 
 
Welcome to Arena 13. Here warriors fight. Death is never far away . . . 
 
Leif has one ambition: to become the best fighter in the notorious Arena 13. Here, punters place wagers on which fighter will draw first blood. And in grudge matches, they bet on which fighter will die. 
 
But the country is terrorized by the creature Hob, an evil being who delights in torturing its people, displaying his devasting power by challenging an Arena 13 combatant in a fight to the death whenever he chooses. And this is exactly what Leif wants . . . 
 
For he knows Hob's crimes well. and at the heart of his ambition burns the desire for vengeance. Leif is going to take on the monster who destroyed his family. Even if it kills him.

Spook's: A New Darkness

A brand-new arc in the Spook's stories from bestselling author Joseph Delaney

The ending will shock all Spook’s fans and leave them desperate for the next in this new series

A solid, suspenseful, and spooky adventure with a fiendish cliffhanger

‘It’s a dangerous job, but someone has to do it.’ 
 
For years, the local Spook kept the county safe from evil. But now his time has ended, and there is only one boy who can take over – Thomas Ward, barely more than a child himself. Now he too must take on an apprentice, a girl called Jenny who is untested but willing to be trained in the dangerous life of a Spook. 
 
When girls start dying in mysterious circumstances, they soon find themselves on the path of a terrifying and deadly beast. Monstrous assassins are loose in the County, and far to the north, a new darkness is rising that threatens to engulf the whole world. Do Tom and Jenny stand a chance against the might of the Kobalos? 
 
The first terrifying tale in the Starblade Chronicles, from the bestselling author of The Spook’s Apprentice

The Spook's Apprentice Film Tie-in

Seventh Son

A special bumper movie tie-in edition of The Spook's Apprentice and The Spook's Curse, the first two books in Joseph Delaney's worldwide hit Spook's series. Published to tie in with the release of the movie, Seventh Son starring Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore and Ben Barnes.

'Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who can.' 
 
For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over? 
 
Many apprentices have tried . . . Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope. 
 
But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?

Spook's: Seventh Apprentice

Warning: Not to be Read After Dark! A haunting stand-alone story and a perfect introduction to the terrifying Spook's Apprentice series.

This haunting stand-alone story is a must have for SPOOK'S fans and a perfect introduction to Joseph Delaney's terrifying series which has sold 3 million copies sold worldwide! 
 
The Spook is away on a dangerous job, and left behind, his seventh apprentice, Will, is compelled to help a boy whose father has been kidnapped by a ruthless and bloodthirsty witch who has the body of a woman and the face of a pig. But Will has never encountered a real witch in the flesh before. And dark-fighting skills are not yet advanced enough to fight an enemy of such power . . . 
 
This story will chill your blood and frighten you to your very bones. Just remember not to read after dark. 
 
From the series that inspired the forthcoming movie Seventh Son, starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes and Julianne Moore.

Book 13

The Spook's Revenge

The Spook, his apprentice Tom Ward and Alice have fought evil side by side for years. But can they survive the final destruction of the Fiend? The final battle with the Dark approaches in Joseph Delaney's worldwide hit Spook's series . . .

‘He’s the seventh son of a seventh son. His name is Thomas J. Ward and he’s my gift to the County. When he’s old enough we’ll send you word. Train him well. He’ll be the best apprentice you’ve ever had and he’ll also be your last.’ 
 
These were the words of Tom's Mam to the county Spook some years ago. As Tom, the Spook and their allies prepare to battle with the Fiend on a huge scale, to finally enact their revenge, it now remains to be seen whether Mam's declaration will come true.

The Spook's Apprentice - Play Edition

A play script edition of  this bestselling story about an apprentice being trained to fight creatures of the dark by Joseph Delaney.

Joseph Delaney livesin the middle of Boggart territory and his village has a boggart called the Hall Knocker, which was laid to rest under the step of a house near the church. 
 
Most of the places in the Spook's books are based on real places in Lancashire. And the inspiration behind the stories often comes from local ghost stories and legends.

Joseph Delaney's popular book, The Spook's Apprentice, told the story of Thomas Ward, apprenticed to the local spook to help keep the county safe from the Dark. The novel is the inspiration for the movie Seventh Son, starring Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes and Julianne Moore, but has now been adapted for the stage by Joseph and his son Stephen. 
 
 
Suitable for casts large and small, this script is ideal for use in drama groups, english lessons and school plays.

Book 12

Spook's: Alice

The twelfth instalment of the bestselling Spook's series

Over the years, Alice has fought evil side by side with the Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward. But now Alice is alone – in the realm of the dark. And the creatures she has helped to banish there, now have the chance to take their revenge. 
 
Alice must seek the final weapon needed to destroy the Fiend for good. If she fails, the world will fall into despair and darkness. If she succeeds, it means facing her own death at the hands of her dearest friend. But can she prevent the darkness from overtaking her over completely . . . ?

Book 5

The Spook's Mistake

Warning: Not to be Read After Dark! The fifth installment of The Wardstone Chronicles.

The Spook's Mistake is the fifth book in Joseph Delaney's terrifying Wardstone Chronicles – over 3 million copies sold worldwide! 
 
'The moment of danger is close. Very soon our enemies will be here.' 
 
The Spook has sent his apprentice, Tom, to be trained by another Spook whose methods are harsh and tough. But faced with a powerful water witch, Bill makes a fatal error, leaving Tom to face his enemies alone. Can the Spook get there in time to save his apprentice? Or will his own mistakes give final victory to the dark?

Book 8

The Spook's Destiny

WARNING: NOT TO BE READ AFTER DARK! 
 
The eighth chilling volume in the Wardstone Chronicles, featuring Tom Ward, the Spook's apprentice.

Delaney's mastery of suspense will grip even reluctant readers with his dramatic, beautifully paced prose... Unlike the vampires and so forth, both these novels carry a genuine graveyard chill. Huge fun, and deliciously shivery.

. . . ideal for the reader who has outgrown Harry Potter. Be warned, these books are seriously scary . . . Beautifully produced and consistently surprising the weird and wonderful Wardstone Chronicles are an annual treat.

Christmas traditions have long included the telling of grisly tales and THE SPOOK'S BESTIARY by Joseph Delaney fits the bill. Adding value and context to the popular series, the illustrations and design of this book are stunning. It is a brooding and eerie collection of stories for reading in one sitting or dipping into.

Another breathless thriller from the genius of magic and mayhem!

Fans of Joseph Delaney's fantastic Wardstone Chronicles will need no urging to buy the latest instalment... Gripping, moving and terrifying for anyone of 10+.

Beautifully crafted, genuinely creepy and ludicrously enjoyable, it hooked me: I have since rushed through the entire series so far.

It's a really enjoyable and exhilarating read...Five out of five stars.

Seeped in legend and ghostly tales, the deliciously chilling Wardstone Chronicles reach thei eighth volume

Fabulously dark, this series is an annual summer treat for 10+.

Delaney's latest instalment takes us on a breakneck speed, suspense- packed adventure, introducing a motley collection of hair-raising new enemies and some fascinating interplay on the fight between good and evil. 
 
Ideal reading for the witching hours...

The Spook's Destiny is the eighth book in Joseph Delaney's terrifying Wardstone Chronicles – over 3 million copies sold worldwide! 
 
'You belong to the blade now. You'll belong to it until the day you die . . .' 
 
Tom, the Spook's Apprentice, has travelled to Ireland, where he must tackle a group of evil mages. His dangerous mission leads him to the Destiny Blade - a sword with a dark side, and a thirst for blood. Could this new weapon give him a fighting chance against the Fiend? And dare he accept the help of Grimalkin, the terrifying witch assassin?

Book 1

The Spook's Apprentice

Warning: Not to be Read After Dark! The first book in the terrifying Wardstone Chronicles.

Teenage readers looking instead for total fantasy should hasten to Joseph Delaney's The Spook's Apprentice . . . This terrific novel is as black as David Wyatt's ingenious ink drawings that head each chapter

An absorbing tale with scary scenarios and a great central relationship between Thomas and his master

Wicked and fast-paced, the second instalment in this series is gripping for adults and children alike . . . Beautifully written

Readers seeking lots of up-close encounters with the unquiet dead and other creepy entities need look no further

This thrilling and terrifying book should not be read after dark!

The Spook's Apprentice is the first book in Joseph Delaney's terrifying Wardstone Chronicles – over 3 million copies sold worldwide! 
‘Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who can’ 
For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over? Many apprentices have tried. Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope. But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?

Book 3

The Spook's Secret

Warning: Not to Be Read after Dark 
 
The third chilling tale in The Wardstone Chronicles.

Ideal for the reader who has outgrown Harry Potter. Be warned, these books are seriously scary . . . Beautifully produced and consistently surprising, the weird and wonderful Wardstone Chronicles are an annual treat

The spine-chilling escapades of the Spook and his apprentice continue apace

This is terrific writing coupled with such an exciting and frightening storyline of good versus evil that you really will be hanging on to the bedcovers while reading it

The Spook's Secret is the third book in Joseph Delaney's terrifying Wardstone Chronicles – over 3 million copies sold worldwide! 
 
'It's going to be a long, hard, cruel winter and there couldn't be a worse place to spend it.' 
 
As the nights draw in the Spook decides to travel to his winter house. His apprentice, Tom, hates the desolate place. There are feral witches in the cellar, menacing creatures stirring on the nearby moors and a sinister stranger threatening Tom's master. Is the Spook's past catching up with him? And what dangers will Tom face if his master's secrets are revealed?

Joseph Delaney

Wulf must face his greatest enemy yet - and this time, he's all alone . . . 
 
Wulf is at war - a war against the Dark. As Pan's soldier and champion, it's his responsibility to fight for what is right. An early winter has come to the County, threatening its people with starvation - but there is an even more dangerous foe to face. A demon is trying to become the next ruler of the Dark. He has many names but one of them is Loki, the Trickster God. Loki has many, terrible powers - but his most deadly weapon is the one that controls all Wulf's own power . . . 
 
Featuring fan-favourite characters Grimalkin, Thorne, Jenny and even Slither, Wulf's War is sure to delight - and fright!

Joseph Delaney

Books by Joseph Delaney

Series by Joseph Delaney

Aberrations2 Books

Arena 133 Books

The Spook's Apprentice: Brother Wulf4 Books

The Starblade Chronicles3 Books

The Wardstone Chronicles18 Books

Articles featuring Joseph Delaney

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

15 must-read fantasy books for 9-12-year-olds

Watch a trailer for The Spook’s Blood

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