The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

The plot twist that happened wasn’t something I expected, though I feel like I should have guessed it. By the end of the book, I was proud of Barclay and his decisions with what he wanted to do next. I also enjoyed the character development that Barclay went through and the friendships he made throughout his adventure! From the very beginning Barclay was against the Lore Keeper community and going on any type of adventure.

The companionship between Beasts and Lore Keeper is similar to the bond between a Pokémon trainer and their Pokémon. It was interesting to learn about the history of their world and how they trained with their Beasts. My favourite part of this novel is the world building! I enjoyed learning about the different types of Beasts that existed and the different types of Lore Keepers (which is someone who bonds with Beasts). But when he accidentally bonds with a Beast, he has to leave home and try to find a way to break the bond.

As an orphan in a small village, Barclay feels so out of place and believes if he works hard as an apprentice, one day he can become a mushroom farmer and belong in the community. The Accidental Apprentice focuses on a 11 year old boy named Barclay who’s longing to fit in somewhere. After reading this, I can see why fans would love it! I was obsessed with Pokémon when I was younger and reading this brought back the nostalgia of seeing characters go on adventures, befriending creatures, and competing in challenges together! This book is the first in the new Wilderlore series and was marketed as a book for fans of Pokémon and How to Train Your Dragon. But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he's always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.I usually don’t read middle grade books (other than novels by Rick Riordan), so I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoyed reading this book!

Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers. 'To Barclay's horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town's most sacred rule: never EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts. Thankfully, as apprentice to the town's mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself.

Blurb 'The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody