The Apprentices (The Apothecary Series)

This non-stop thriller for teens manages to fit in an amazing amount of serious information about the political situation in east Asia and the Pacific islands in the decades after World War II. Also about the class structure of small towns in New Hampshire. And it continues the hilarious exploits of Pip, the Cockney urchin. I really enjoyed reading it.The story is reminiscent of a James Bond movie (any James Bond movie), with valiant heroes and heroines, dastardly villains, betrayals and rescues, and exotic tropical settings. Unfortunately, along with the exotic settings come some cartoonish racial stereotypes that made me a bit uncomfortable. I would not be surprised if teens of Asian and Pacific island heritage are considerably more uncomfortable -- or angry. The author should think a little more about stereotypes when planning future books.

The Apprentices is a worthy sequel to Maile Meloy's The Apothecary. This is a book that adults as well as teenagers, from middle school age and up, will find both engrossing as well as educational. Meloy has chosen a setting in not too distant history that has been largely neglected by writers for young readers. She gives a background to the Viet Nam conflict, the development of present day China and even difficulties with North Korea.The characters in this book are well developed and their plans are constantly being derailed (as is often the case in life) and yet they continue to push on. Virtues of persistence, dedication, love and sacrifice are held up as ideals in her book. There are some very good individuals and very evil ones, along with a couple of characters who start out bad and redeem themselves.Ms. Meloy is a mature writer, she has written books for adults for years. Her descriptions and plot development show that maturity and bring younger people a fine example of good writing.I remember hearing my great uncle preach a sermon when I was young. I told him after church that I usually couldn't understand what preachers said but that his lesson was really interesting. He replied, "If you get it down where the calves can get it, the cows can get it too." Maile Meloy has done that. The Apothecary and The Apprentices are books for all ages.

The book "The Apprentices" is exciting and full o surprises. Just as good as the first book in the series called "The Apothecary." Even without reading the first book though, you could still understand "The Apprentices, though.This book is about an 16 year old American girl named Janie, who first lived in Hollywood, then moved to England, and then back to America. She meets a boy in England named Benjamin (1st book), and lives a whole exciting adventure with him in Nova Zembla. Then, when she moves back to America (2nd book), and separates from him, they keep contact. Later, Janie gets in trouble, and Benjamin tries to travel to rescue her, without his parents. But the story doesn't go as you expect it, and the whole thing is suspenseful and fun.To know more, buy this book and enjoy its content that will make you keep on reading on and on.I personally loved this book and suggest it for anyone from age 10-12 who has interest in adventure, fun, and, love.

So on one hand, you have a perfectly entertaining Nancy Drew meets adventure YA novel with a large cast of interesting character and a plot that moves along at a nice clip. On the other hand, the plot relies heavily on the damsel in distress trope. The heroine Jeanie is smart and ambitious but is constantly in danger thanks to powerful villainous men, while hero Benjamin and friends are having adventures and are in danger because of their bravery. The female character Jin Lo is more courageous and well rounded. Jeanie's roommate Opal meanwhile is "not smart", "not good at math". "All the boys know where she lives." And she's frequently seen crying and lamenting the fact that her father thinks she is stupid and not the daughter he would have wanted. Another minor character Charlotte, gets her boyfriend or husband into a pickle because she's so bored, and it is implied, more rich than sensible. There is also a few scenes with cannibalistic Pacific Islanders, another horrible stereotype. This is all a shame because the book is otherwise imminently readable and easy to follow even if you haven't read the first book in the series.

I gave this book 5 stars. It was a really great read. I love the love, adventure, science, and humor elements used throughout the story. I will admit that the beginning of the book is a bit slow but not enough to detract much from the overall quality of the novel. It is a great read for anyone in middle school or early teenage years. I as a teenager found it quite age appropriate and true to the attitude of the age of Janie and Benjamin the main characters. It is a great sequel the the fantastic book The Apothecary. It also leaves room for another installment to the terrific series. Recommend it for anyone who wants a entertaining read.

We listened to the whole series - really great!

I never give 5 stars, but this series is just too epic! I remember buying the first book out of curiosity in primary school during a book sale and I fell in love with it despite not being that well versed or interested in books like this. Unfortunately, I lent it to someone and they never gave it back. I couldn't find it in libraries and the thought never occured to me to buy it, but here I am finally buying book number 2 after years.This is by far my favourite series!I ordered this book as 'new' and came in great quality. I've ordered the first book as 'used' and it'll arrive in a few days, so I'll leave a review for that one when it arrives.From the writing style to the characters and the plot, this series is by far legendary!

Loved this, even though it's a Young Adult book. now my daughter has read it too and she is on the next book in the series.

After reading The Apothecary, I was desperate to read more. I was delighted to find a sequel! Whislt it wasn't quite as good as the first, it certainly kept me going. A brilliant series of stories that I will read again in the future. I highly recommend this series!

Just read it. You'll see what I mean! A perfect balance of thrill, mystery, and botanical magic. Also shows the differences between rich and poor perfectly!

It's really good and exciting blah blah yada yada yada and some other stuff. It was good book yay ya