The Mad Apprentice by Django Wexler | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.

Why Did I Listen To This Book?

Last year I read and really enjoyed Django Wexler’s The Forbidden Library, a book about a girl named Alice who is sent to live in Pittsburgh with her Uncle Geryon and who then discovers that she has this magical ability which makes her a Reader. The Mad Apprentice is a sequel to The Forbidden Library and given how much I enjoyed the first book, I was excited to slip back into that world. I was even more excited to experience Wexler’s world via audiobook. Cassandra Morris is such a competent narrator that I was quite optimistic about listening to The Mad Apprentice.

What’s The Story Here?

Alice is given a mission by her Uncle Geryon to help capture an apprentice rogue in one of the books. The apprentice is a rogue because his master reader has died. And so, Alice goes. She is not alone though, she has a whole team of reader apprentices with her. This team is much different from the masters. The masters are all mistrustful of each other, but the youths want to forge a different path. Alice soon finds that it is more dangerous than she had anticipated – Torment, the magical creature who is charge of the library she has read herself into, is mad. And so, with assistance from the apprentices, the Dragon, and even Ending, Alice sets out to conquer the library. What she uncovers are a few truths about her missing father and about her magical abilities.

How Is This Book As A Sequel?

I thought that Wexler’s follow up, The Mad Apprentice, really added to the storyline built in The Forbidden Library. I felt like the world building became more solid. I loved that there was more teamwork in this book. I liked reading about the other apprentices. I thought that the action seemed to have higher stakes this go around. I also liked having more information on what may have happened to Alice’s father. I also think that the door has been opened for another sequel.

How’s The Narration?

I had read the first book via physical book and not via audiobook. On audiobook, it is quite a different experience. For one, I did miss the illustrations a little bit. I think that they add something special to the story. However, I liked Morris’s narration. She really sells it as Alice and the various other characters. Her voice is well modulated. And like many of the audiobooks I have been listening to lately, this one is of excellent caliber.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

Obviously this book is on par with The Pagemaster.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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