The Mad Apprentice

By: Django Wexler

Narrated by: Cassandra Morris

The dark and thrilling sequel to the book Kirkus called, "Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and Inkheart all rolled into one"

When Alice's mysterious Uncle Geryon sends her to help capture a rogue apprentice--a boy who has the same ability Alice has to Read himself into stories--she knows to expect a wild and unpredictable trip. But even though Alice has visited the magical realms inside libraries before, this adventure is far more dangerous. Because Torment, the magic creature holding this library together, has gone mad.

But he might also have information about Alice's missing father.

Critic reviews

"Wexler is an able builder of magical worlds and creatures, with labyrinths, an enchanted library, and a feisty, swashbuckling heroine at the center. A story rich in action and allegory—fantasy fans will want to hang on for what comes next."—Kirkus

"Full of action and adventure, this tale will enthrall fans of the first novel."—School Library Journal

"With an original concept, a brave and spirited heroine, and tantalizing incipient relationships among the apprentices (including Alice’s hot-and-cold friendship with Isaac, who tricked her in the first volume), Wexler’s series grows stronger by the book."—Horn Book

Praise for The Forbidden Library:
"Working in the grand tradition of children's fantasy, Wexler's off to a promising start."—Kirkus

"A charming, adventuresome fantasy from a promising new author."—Booklist

"Reminiscent of Cornelia Funke's Inkheart (Scholastic, 2003) and Neil Gaiman's Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002)."—School Library Journal

Great second book

I think Wexler did a fantastic job of building on the existing characters while introducing fun new ones.

intensely fun

This sequel was engaging from cover to cover. The author's unique sense of mystical imagery catapults ALICE's ensuing journey of self-discovery, unwitting cohorts of acomplising characters, and morally complicated conflicts into the stratesphere of epic classical literature.
It is claimed that the good 'copy' the greats, and the greats simply 'steal' from those more talentedly experienced. This tale accomplishes grandeur without 'copying' or 'stealing' from the greats which have come before it (Lewis, Rowling). Instead, it simply steals the essence of nonsensical dystopian fairtales and, in turn, the hearts of all who dare the reader's journey.

loved it

I've really enjoyed the series of the books. I love reading them to my little girls

Suitable for pre teens it was just OK

The first book was more engaging It just didn’t hold my interest struggles to finish