The Alchemaster's Apprentice [Paperback]

Not including the yet untranslated 'Ensel und Krete', The Alchemaster's Apprentice is the fourth novel set in Moers' wonderful world of Zamonia. Fans of the series will already have a good idea what to expect, but both long time fans and new readers may be surprised with this latest adventure.

I'm sure you've read the synopsis here on Amazon, and so have an idea of the plot. What makes The Alchemaster's Apprentice stand out against the other books in the series, is that this adventure is entirely localized. Where Bluebear ventured across the whole of Zamonia, Rumo fought his way into hell - literally, and Optimus Yarnspinner got lost in the labyrinth beneath the city of Bookholm, Echo - the protagonist in this story - remains largely in one location for the whole of the novel.

That's not to say that each page isn't filled with wonderful environments, dungeons, secrets and everything Zamonia fans have come to expect from Moers' unique creative mind, but what really drives this story forward is the characters. In particular, it's the relationship between Echo and Ghoolion the Alchemaster. What made this novel feel a bit more sophisticated than Moers' other work is the evolving relationship between an inquisitive Crat and an inhuman tyrant. Through Echo we see Ghoolion begin as a lonely, sadistic dictator, but through gaining a single friend, his 'human' side begins, very gradually, to shine.

But how can you be friends with someone who you've agreed to let murder you at the next full moon? And inversely, having made a single, close friend, can you really go through with your plan to kill them after only one short month? Moers juggles this dilemma beautifully, and in true Zamonian style, shows how Echo has absolutely no intention of fulfilling his end of the contract.

This novel is perfect for those readers who are new to Zamonia. It doesn't back-reference the other stories very often (Only twice, if I recall), and explains itself very well as it goes. As per usual, many pages are filled with Moers' wonderful illustrations, which by now are brilliant drawings in their own right and do assist in fueling the imagination. For fans of the series, it will come as no surprise that once again, Moers' culinary knowledge shines through. The man evidently loves his food, and takes great pleasure in describing it in great detail, going as far as to describe the book as 'A Culinary Tale from Zamonia'.

It should also come as no surprise to fans of the series that this novel is as dark as those that have come before. Like a true German fairytale, there are plenty of grizzly and gruesome scenes, as well as one particularly horrendous monster, but they're never 'too much' and it's still very much suitable for kids and grown-ups alike.

I can't finish without giving credit to John Brownjohn for his extraordinary translation from Moers' German text. As with the other novels, at no point did I think that I was reading a translated novel. It flows beautifully, is consistent with the previous books in the series and is simply a joy to read. The man deserves a medal for bringing these stories to those of us of the English persuasion. Long may his and Moers' partnership continue!

To summarize, if you're new to the world of Zamonia, you will lose out on nothing by starting with this novel. By all means, if you intend to read them all, begin with Bluebear and go from there. However this is an excellent story in its own right, so don't hesitate to pick it up if the plot has you intrigued. As for Zamonia fans - I don't really need to say anything; the fact it's the newest novel in the series means they've probably bought it already!

I hope this review is somehow helpful. I'm already on tenterhooks to see what Moers will come up with next! See you next time!

Of course for someone like Walter Moers, saying that this book is not his best is a tad unfair; its still far better than anything Joanne Rowling could churn out and hence the four star rating. Nevertheless this book pales alongside his other Zamonia books, and has the feel of a footnote as opposed to an entire book; Whilst Captain BlueBear, Rumo and the City of Dreaming Books wholly engross the reader and suceed in creating an entirely new world, this seems to rest on the laurels of those former creations. Entertaining and certainly page turning, but for anyone yet to discover the oeuvre of Moers this is definitely one to leave toward the end.

Having read all Walter Moers previous books I waited with much anticipation for this new adventure.
As a stand-alone book, and for those new to Moers, this is an enjoyable yarn that creates a fantastic image of a fantastical land. Where Moers previous efforts have succeeded though is in taking the reader on a journey across many, many different cities and landscapes to meet multitudes of colourful and interesting characters. The Alchemasters Apprentice is hampered by it's inability to escape the confines of Maleasia. Also, I felt that there were opportunites to present a far more satisfying ending (in keeping with the theme of the book) rather than the safe but 'seasoning free' finale.
However, this book only suffers in comparison to Moers other work and is still a page turning, thouroughly enjoyable, individual piece.