Title: The New Apprentice
Author: Danielle Morrone and Vincent Morrone
Genre: YA Fantasy
Book Blurb:
For fourteen years, Z has wondered where she came from, why strange things occur around her, and what happened to her family. When she runs into an old bookstore to hide from a horde of school bullies, she starts to find the answers with the cantankerous owner, Barnabus Krane.
Barnabus becomes her guardian, her magical instructor, and the family she's never had. He teaches her how to bring out the magic from within her 'Ka' and about the mystical world she never knew existed. But Barnabus also hides secrets. His connection to her past, his hunt for the warlock Blackwell, and the darkness that threatens to consume them all.
The hardest lesson for Z to learn is to trust in her bond with Barnabus and believe that their relationship goes beyond family. For he's not just another magician. He is the Grand Master Sorcerer, and Z is the New Apprentice.
My Review:
Being an orphan is not what it’s cracked up to be. Z spends her days hiding out from a gang of bullies and her nights wondering where she came from. But all that changes when she ducks into an old bookstore to escape the bullies chasing after her. The bookshop’s owner, Barnabus, is a mysterious old man but offers her a job. So, every afternoon she works in his bookshop, doing whatever he needs, including feeding and caring for a menagerie of animals. She distrusts everyone but soon learns she can completely trust Barnabus. He opens her eyes to the world of magic and soon learns why she’s an orphan. Barnabus has secrets of his own and when an evil man named Blackwell comes after her, she’ll have to trust Barnabus with her life. Can she embrace her new role as the new apprentice or will she be thrust into the darkness, never to escape?
The New Apprentice is a brand-new series from a father-daughter writing team and I can say, hands down, this is the next series every Harry Potter fan should read. From the very beginning, Z reminded me of Harry. Her acceptance of the magical world, her distrust of everyone, her power within, all combine to make her a heroine to root for. Z’s relationship with Barnabus is such fun to read, it reminded me of Harry’s relationship with both Hagrid and Dumbledore. The plot moves at a nice easy pace to start then speeds up about halfway through. The magical world is so well-crafted, it was easy for me to escape the mundane and dive into this world. Several classic magical beings make an appearance along with plenty of twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, this is a must-read. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
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Author Biographies:
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Vincent Morrone now resides in Upstate NY with his wife. (Although he can still speak fluent Brooklynese.) His twin daughters remain not only his biggest fans, but usually are the first to read all of his work. Their home is run and operated for the comfort and convenience of their dogs. Vincent has been writing fiction, poetry and song lyrics for as long as he can remember, most of which involve magical misfits, paranormal prodigies and even on occasion superheroes and their sidekicks. As they say in Brooklyn: Yo, you got something to say?
Vincent would love to hear from you at Vincent@vincentmorrone.com You can check his website http://vincentmorrone.com / or connect with him on Twitter https://twitter.com/Vince524 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Morrrone
Danielle Morrone was born in Brooklyn but didn’t stay there for long, moving to upstate New York as a baby. She grew up with her twin sister- who is not, despite what she says, older- loving parents, and spoiled dogs. Later in life, their family was added to by several amazing foster siblings.
Always an avid reader, Danielle was rarely caught without a book in her hands. Her journey as a writer started in 5th grade as she watched her father, Vincent Morrone, work on his own books. Inspired, Danielle started writing, and fell in love with the art of it. It was the summer before her sophomore year of high school when her father approached her with an idea- they should write a book together. Thus, The Krane Chronicles were born.
About to graduate college, Danielle’s current focus is on delving into her writing, both The Krane Chronicles and her other works. Her other hobbies include all things nerdy, training in capoeira, and catering to the every whim of her boxer puppy.
Feel free to reach out on this website or by emailing Danielle at daniellemorrone.write@gmail.com
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Reviewed by: Mrs. N