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The Last of the Spirits
Sam and Lizzie are freezing and hungry on the streets of Victorian London. When Sam asks a wealthy man for some coins, he is rudely turned away. Months of struggle suddenly find their focus, and Sam resolves to kill the man. Huddling in a graveyard for warmth, Sam and Lizzie are horrified to see the earth around one of the tombs begin to shift, shortly followed by the wraithlike figure of a ghostly man. He warns Sam about the future which awaits such a bitter heart, and so begins Sam's journey led by terrifying spirits through the past, present and future, after which Sam must decide whether to take the man, Scrooge's, life or not.
A perfectly layered, tense and supremely satisfying twist on one of Dickens' most popular books, cleverly reinvented to entice a younger readership.
A perfectly layered, tense and supremely satisfying twist on one of Dickens' most popular books, cleverly reinvented to entice a younger readership.
180 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2014
15 people are currently reading
1702 people want to read
About the author
Chris Priestley
57 books389 followersHis father was in the army and so he moved around a lot as a child and lived in Wales. He was an avid reader of American comics as a child, and when he was eight or nine, and living in Gibraltar, he won a prize in a newspaper story-writing competition. He decided then “that my ambition was to write and illustrate my own book”.
He spent his teens in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before moving to Manchester, London and then Norfolk. He now lives in Cambridge with his wife and son where he writes, draws, paints, dreams and doodles (not necessarily in that order). Chris worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for twenty years, working mainly for magazines & newspapers (these include The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal) before becoming a writer. He currently has a weekly strip cartoon called 'Payne's Grey' in the New Statesman.
Chris has been a published author since 2000. He has written several books for children & young-adults, both fiction and non-fiction, and
has been nominated for many awards including the Edgar Awards, the UKLA Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In recent years he has predominantly been writing horror.
Ever since he was a teenager Chris has loved unsettling and creepy stories, with fond memories of buying comics like 'Strange Tales' and 'House of Mystery', watching classic BBC TV adaptations of M R James ghost stories every Christmas and reading assorted weirdness by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Ray Bradbury. He hopes Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror will haunt his readers in the way those writers have haunted him.
He spent his teens in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before moving to Manchester, London and then Norfolk. He now lives in Cambridge with his wife and son where he writes, draws, paints, dreams and doodles (not necessarily in that order). Chris worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for twenty years, working mainly for magazines & newspapers (these include The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal) before becoming a writer. He currently has a weekly strip cartoon called 'Payne's Grey' in the New Statesman.
Chris has been a published author since 2000. He has written several books for children & young-adults, both fiction and non-fiction, and
has been nominated for many awards including the Edgar Awards, the UKLA Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In recent years he has predominantly been writing horror.
Ever since he was a teenager Chris has loved unsettling and creepy stories, with fond memories of buying comics like 'Strange Tales' and 'House of Mystery', watching classic BBC TV adaptations of M R James ghost stories every Christmas and reading assorted weirdness by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Ray Bradbury. He hopes Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror will haunt his readers in the way those writers have haunted him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 21, 2022
واریانتی است از "سرود کریسمس" چارلز دیکنز که به شکل لطیفی نوجوانانه شده است .
یک روز تمام دارم فکر می کنم اسکروچ پیر و خسیس چطور می تونه اینهمه و خیلی زیاد تغییر کنه !؟ آدم ها رو گاهی مرگ هم نمی تونه تغییر بده ...
یک روز تمام دارم فکر می کنم اسکروچ پیر و خسیس چطور می تونه اینهمه و خیلی زیاد تغییر کنه !؟ آدم ها رو گاهی مرگ هم نمی تونه تغییر بده ...
November 29, 2020
This was an interesting take on the much beloved A Christmas Carol from Charles Dickens. It was told from the perspective of some new characters but the author wove their story seamlessly with the classic tale. The writing was great, I loved the story and it was such a super quick read.
My only issue was that it was much darker than I expected for a childrens/middle grade book. I would hesitate to recommend it for younger readers .
My only issue was that it was much darker than I expected for a childrens/middle grade book. I would hesitate to recommend it for younger readers .
March 23, 2021
آخرین شبح کریسمس
حس ها به خوبی منتقل شدند ، این خیلی مهم بود برام
ولی مشکل اصلی این بود که شخصیت پردازی و فضا سازی ضعیف بود.
نه اینکه بگم افتضاح بود اصلا نخونین ، نه.
ارزش یک بار خوندنو داره به نظرم داستان سرسری نوشته شده بود.
نقطه قوت اصلیش این بود که رمنس نداشت😁😁
از این نظر خیلی خوشحال شدم ، موضوعش برام جالب بود ، هنوزم هست ، کای خب اولش گل و بلبل بود ، آخرش خورد تو ذوقم:/
حس ها به خوبی منتقل شدند ، این خیلی مهم بود برام
ولی مشکل اصلی این بود که شخصیت پردازی و فضا سازی ضعیف بود.
نه اینکه بگم افتضاح بود اصلا نخونین ، نه.
ارزش یک بار خوندنو داره به نظرم داستان سرسری نوشته شده بود.
نقطه قوت اصلیش این بود که رمنس نداشت😁😁
از این نظر خیلی خوشحال شدم ، موضوعش برام جالب بود ، هنوزم هست ، کای خب اولش گل و بلبل بود ، آخرش خورد تو ذوقم:/
April 24, 2015
Omanlaisensa versio Charles Dickensin kuuluisasta Joulutarinasta ja hyvin katkeransuloinen ja kaunis sellainen.
En ole lukenut alkuperäistä kertomusta, mutta olen nähnyt vuoden 2009 Saiturin joulu -elokuvan, joten tarina oli sitä kautta tuttu. Chris Priestley lisää maustetta tarinaan kertomalla sen kahden orvon katulapsen näkökulmasta ja kuinka Ebenezer Scroogen kylmän sydämen sulaminen vaikuttaa heidän elämiinsä.
Tykkäsin tästä kovasti. Kansi huokuu timburtonmaisuutta ja ensimmäisenä minulle siitä tuli mieleen Corpse Bride. Kansi kyllä sopii erittäin hyvin kirjan henkeen, joten iso plussa siitä.
Neljä tähteä!
En ole lukenut alkuperäistä kertomusta, mutta olen nähnyt vuoden 2009 Saiturin joulu -elokuvan, joten tarina oli sitä kautta tuttu. Chris Priestley lisää maustetta tarinaan kertomalla sen kahden orvon katulapsen näkökulmasta ja kuinka Ebenezer Scroogen kylmän sydämen sulaminen vaikuttaa heidän elämiinsä.
Tykkäsin tästä kovasti. Kansi huokuu timburtonmaisuutta ja ensimmäisenä minulle siitä tuli mieleen Corpse Bride. Kansi kyllä sopii erittäin hyvin kirjan henkeen, joten iso plussa siitä.
Neljä tähteä!
December 11, 2014
This is definitely my favourite book from Chris Priestley I’ve read up until now. Whether or not you’ve read A Christmas Carol you will be familiar with the tale and this book is a captivating ghostly tale in its own right, with of course a nod to the original that inspired it.
Sam and Lizzie are cold and hungry. On Christmas Eve they ask a wealthy man for coins to buy food. This man is Scrooge and you can imagine what he says. Sam heart is hardened by his and Lizzie’s life on the streets and now his hate has found a face. They follow Scrooge home, which is how they become caught in Scrooge’s ghostly journey.
Chris Priestley weaves Sam and Lizzie’s journey into the familiar tale of A Christmas Carol brilliantly. The book is a quick read but the story doesn’t feel incomplete. The writing is great. Chris Priestley has this knack for making books feel haunted, like the ghostly wisps are coming of the page.
The Last of the Spirits certainly should be added to Christmas lists for years to come. I know I plan on reading every winter.
Sam and Lizzie are cold and hungry. On Christmas Eve they ask a wealthy man for coins to buy food. This man is Scrooge and you can imagine what he says. Sam heart is hardened by his and Lizzie’s life on the streets and now his hate has found a face. They follow Scrooge home, which is how they become caught in Scrooge’s ghostly journey.
Chris Priestley weaves Sam and Lizzie’s journey into the familiar tale of A Christmas Carol brilliantly. The book is a quick read but the story doesn’t feel incomplete. The writing is great. Chris Priestley has this knack for making books feel haunted, like the ghostly wisps are coming of the page.
The Last of the Spirits certainly should be added to Christmas lists for years to come. I know I plan on reading every winter.
August 18, 2022
I thought this was ok. It is written in an older style, so you get the feel of reading a classic similar to A Christmas Carol. It is a great concept and has similar themes as A Christmas Carol, but I just didn't love the telling. There were a couple of parts that I was uncomfortable reading with my grandson and we read it out loud which led to some tripping over words due to unusual sentence formations.
October 7, 2022
End. 1400/12/22🧚🏻♀️
حوصله سربر بود بنظرم چندان خلاقیتی نشون نداد.
تا آخر هم نخوندم چون میدونستم چی میشه و وقتی هم نگاهی به صفحه های آخر انداختم کاملا بهم نشون داد که همونی که فکر میکردم هست.
بنظرم نویسنده باید بیشتر از ذهن خودش استفاده میکرد بیشتر خلاقیت میداد
حوصله سربر بود بنظرم چندان خلاقیتی نشون نداد.
تا آخر هم نخوندم چون میدونستم چی میشه و وقتی هم نگاهی به صفحه های آخر انداختم کاملا بهم نشون داد که همونی که فکر میکردم هست.
بنظرم نویسنده باید بیشتر از ذهن خودش استفاده میکرد بیشتر خلاقیت میداد
April 14, 2015
The library where I live really needs to sort out its books, I found this in its kids section. There is no way I would give this book to a child, given some of the topics in it.
It is however beautifully written and an intriguing read. It's a take on A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens. I must say it surprised me how well the author stuck to the original tale, even through the eyes of a little boy.
It is however beautifully written and an intriguing read. It's a take on A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens. I must say it surprised me how well the author stuck to the original tale, even through the eyes of a little boy.
February 14, 2018
Book- The Last of the Spirits.
Author - Chris Priestley
Genre- Classic Adaptation, Children's Book, Ghosts, Supernatural, Fantasy.
Publisher- Bloomsbury
Pages - 180
*REVIEW*
{Introduction} - It's a great children's book, a reinvention of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It revolves around two poor young children who face the odds of life and learn about humanity and importance of joy and merriness in one's life. A hint of supernatural and memorable moral values are highlights.
{Storyline}-
{Characters} - The book has three prominent characters, a brother sister duo, Sam and Lizzie and an old man named Scoorge. Other character include relatives, Ghosts, street ghasts and Christmas Spirits (The Past, The Present and The Future) each having a different and a unique appearance. I love how characters show heterogenity, very different from each other in the beginning and slowly, as the chapters progress, get very much like each other, budding with happiness, helpfulness and joy. In the beginning these characters vices and sins are depicted. Their hatred towards each other is clear but as they come to know about humanity life, their benevolence is awakened and their character begins to transform. Sam and Lizzie's miserable lifestly is truly pitiable, it reflects the conditions during early ages in England and how Christmas brought cheer to everyone. The enitre story takesplace within a few days off Christmas when the town is full with joy. The Christmas Spirits are like mentors, elders who guide our young and old characters, show them life's worth and make them relaize their mistakes and get better. It all is supported by a strong backstory. Many characters are adorable, some scary, some pitiable. I loved humans interaction with guiding Spirits. These Spirits also play a central role in development of story. A very memorable happy ending.
{Scenes} - Scenes in the book are of survival, dreams and merriment. Mostly in the first half of the book characters and their situations are introduced. Young protagonists survival and their lifestyle is highlighted along with Christmas joy in the town. The scenes show interaction with other characters. Houses, towns, emotions, feelings are all described very well in the scenes. Some scenes may frighten very young children as they relate with Ghosts rising up from the graveyard, all of them benevolent. Later on, in the second half of the book, the characters get into action and elate with each other more joyfully. I loved the dream sequence and the idea of travelling in the past, present and future in order to learn about humanity mistakes and worth of human life. It has taught me many lessons and I've realized the value of human life. The ending is very joyful. If you are a sad person who needs some inspiration in life, is so the perfect book for you, pick it up without hesitation. The scenes cheered me up for sure! A very memorable happy ending.
{Locations} - Locations include churches, roads, pavements, graveyards, spring gardens and snowy houses. These locations have been described very well. Some locations are very close to selective characters and play an important part in development of story. But, locations have not been treated as the most important part in the book, just complimentary and delightful.
{Speciality} - The book has very specialities, all of which will amaze the readers. This book, even though is a classical reinvention meant for younger readers can be enjoyed by elders alike. The language is lucid, simple, entertaining and joyful. It radiates positivity, the dialouges are enlightening and philosophical. Surprisingly, the Ghosts and Christmas Spirits are helpful (not haunting). It teaches many moral values and has a lot of wisdom hidden in it. Younger children shoudl absolutely read this novel and treasure it. It tells how you can overcome you hardships through positivity and good behaviour towards others. It also has suspense, emotional trauma, mystery, action, horrors that will keep you entertained. Go for it! I just wish there would be some illustrations. Reading in Hardcover recommended. A very memorable happy ending.
{Notes} - Keep in collection. Best when read at night by the candlelight.
{Remarks} - Suitable for younger readers. Delightful narration. Loved it!
{Rating} - 5/5
Author - Chris Priestley
Genre- Classic Adaptation, Children's Book, Ghosts, Supernatural, Fantasy.
Publisher- Bloomsbury
Pages - 180
*REVIEW*
{Introduction} - It's a great children's book, a reinvention of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It revolves around two poor young children who face the odds of life and learn about humanity and importance of joy and merriness in one's life. A hint of supernatural and memorable moral values are highlights.
{Storyline}-
{Characters} - The book has three prominent characters, a brother sister duo, Sam and Lizzie and an old man named Scoorge. Other character include relatives, Ghosts, street ghasts and Christmas Spirits (The Past, The Present and The Future) each having a different and a unique appearance. I love how characters show heterogenity, very different from each other in the beginning and slowly, as the chapters progress, get very much like each other, budding with happiness, helpfulness and joy. In the beginning these characters vices and sins are depicted. Their hatred towards each other is clear but as they come to know about humanity life, their benevolence is awakened and their character begins to transform. Sam and Lizzie's miserable lifestly is truly pitiable, it reflects the conditions during early ages in England and how Christmas brought cheer to everyone. The enitre story takesplace within a few days off Christmas when the town is full with joy. The Christmas Spirits are like mentors, elders who guide our young and old characters, show them life's worth and make them relaize their mistakes and get better. It all is supported by a strong backstory. Many characters are adorable, some scary, some pitiable. I loved humans interaction with guiding Spirits. These Spirits also play a central role in development of story. A very memorable happy ending.
{Scenes} - Scenes in the book are of survival, dreams and merriment. Mostly in the first half of the book characters and their situations are introduced. Young protagonists survival and their lifestyle is highlighted along with Christmas joy in the town. The scenes show interaction with other characters. Houses, towns, emotions, feelings are all described very well in the scenes. Some scenes may frighten very young children as they relate with Ghosts rising up from the graveyard, all of them benevolent. Later on, in the second half of the book, the characters get into action and elate with each other more joyfully. I loved the dream sequence and the idea of travelling in the past, present and future in order to learn about humanity mistakes and worth of human life. It has taught me many lessons and I've realized the value of human life. The ending is very joyful. If you are a sad person who needs some inspiration in life, is so the perfect book for you, pick it up without hesitation. The scenes cheered me up for sure! A very memorable happy ending.
{Locations} - Locations include churches, roads, pavements, graveyards, spring gardens and snowy houses. These locations have been described very well. Some locations are very close to selective characters and play an important part in development of story. But, locations have not been treated as the most important part in the book, just complimentary and delightful.
{Speciality} - The book has very specialities, all of which will amaze the readers. This book, even though is a classical reinvention meant for younger readers can be enjoyed by elders alike. The language is lucid, simple, entertaining and joyful. It radiates positivity, the dialouges are enlightening and philosophical. Surprisingly, the Ghosts and Christmas Spirits are helpful (not haunting). It teaches many moral values and has a lot of wisdom hidden in it. Younger children shoudl absolutely read this novel and treasure it. It tells how you can overcome you hardships through positivity and good behaviour towards others. It also has suspense, emotional trauma, mystery, action, horrors that will keep you entertained. Go for it! I just wish there would be some illustrations. Reading in Hardcover recommended. A very memorable happy ending.
{Notes} - Keep in collection. Best when read at night by the candlelight.
{Remarks} - Suitable for younger readers. Delightful narration. Loved it!
{Rating} - 5/5
January 19, 2019
I received this book in a subscription book box and was excited to add it to my holiday reading list. The Last of the Spirits by Chris Priestley is a dark and familiar journey into the literary world of an old classic Christmas story. A retelling of a Dickens A Christmas Carol, Priestly manages to make something old, new again while honoring the original source material—an enticing ghost story we have all grown to love.
The new characters and storylines intermingle with the story of old seamlessly and provide the reader with another view of Dickens beloved tale. Priestley’s story focuses on two forgotten street urchins and how their fight for survival is intricately intertwined with both Marley and Scrooges lives—past, present, and future. It is a creative retelling that gives the reader a new twist to enjoy as they take a familiar walk through a literary tale that has been a Christmas classic for generations. It is a quick read and I highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR list.
The new characters and storylines intermingle with the story of old seamlessly and provide the reader with another view of Dickens beloved tale. Priestley’s story focuses on two forgotten street urchins and how their fight for survival is intricately intertwined with both Marley and Scrooges lives—past, present, and future. It is a creative retelling that gives the reader a new twist to enjoy as they take a familiar walk through a literary tale that has been a Christmas classic for generations. It is a quick read and I highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR list.
December 4, 2021
I went into this book with fairly low expectations, but I ended up really liking it. It was a very well done Christmas Carol retelling. I loved that Sam and Lizzie were Ignorance and Want with Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present. I thought the author did a really good job weaving these new characters into the existing story, complete with quotes from the original text.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Christmas Carol fan-fiction that tells the story of the two children that show up with the ghost of Christmas Present. Also, imagines what happens to Marley after he leaves Scrooge.
Not as good as Dickens, but still a solid 4-star read.
Not as good as Dickens, but still a solid 4-star read.
January 23, 2023
An interesting re-imagining of A Christmas Carol
December 25, 2023
Enjoyable at times but overall left me desiring more
Definitely not a kids book lol
Definitely not a kids book lol
December 11, 2024
A short retelling of A Christmas Carol through the eyes of a homeless brother and sister (later appearing as ignorance and want with The Ghost of Christmas present).
January 3, 2024
عاشق داستان های بازنویسی شده‌ام
ممنونم ریحانه عزیزم
ممنونم ریحانه عزیزم
December 17, 2016
"What is it to you if they're sad? Maybe they deserve to be sad, eh? Maybe they were horrible people when they were alive.""But I think that's why they're sad. I think they want to help people now and they can't."
See Reviews first on my blog
Sam and Lizzie are two street children who have very little and will most likely pass away very soon, if they don't get help from someone. Because of this Sam is a very angry young man who is trying his best to protect/support Lizzie, but it isn't going well. So Sam decides that he is going to take something from Mister Scrooge. Except somehow things go wrong and instead he gets taken along by the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future and sees not only his own life, but parts of scrooges as well. Along the way Sam starts seeing that his choices haven't also been the best and that what he is about to do will not only end up hurting himself, but making Lizzie have to do things as well in order to stay alive.
"It is about everyone Scrooge can affect. If his future is changed, then so is theirs. We do not visit him because he is deserving, but because he is not. A bad man turned to good is benefit to all."
Overall I really loved this story. As a kid I would wonder who those children were that were under the presents robes, where did they come from, did they have any connection to scrooge or were they just to be used as an example? This book not only satisfied my childhood curiosity, but also made me realize some other things as well.
We know that the children represent "Ignorance and want: beware them both, but beware ignorance most of all." and that we should try to help them. But this book not showed the background of the children, but what made them get into this type of situation and how not only what there father had done, but what their mother choose as well ended up making them suffer. Plus Sam being so angry at the world all the time didn't really help matters either. Going through the journey of past, present and future of Sam and some parts of scrooge. Not only shows us how we all affect others, but how starting to be more aware and changing things for the better not only helps ourselves but those all around us as well. It's also a good reminder at this time of the year of how we all need to do more, not just around Christmas time, but all the time.
"He brought guilt to the feast, because we are all too aware that few of us know how to 'keep Christmas' in the way that the reformed scrooge did in later life."
This might be a middle grade book, but I think it is one that all should read, because it is a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
See Reviews first on my blog
Sam and Lizzie are two street children who have very little and will most likely pass away very soon, if they don't get help from someone. Because of this Sam is a very angry young man who is trying his best to protect/support Lizzie, but it isn't going well. So Sam decides that he is going to take something from Mister Scrooge. Except somehow things go wrong and instead he gets taken along by the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future and sees not only his own life, but parts of scrooges as well. Along the way Sam starts seeing that his choices haven't also been the best and that what he is about to do will not only end up hurting himself, but making Lizzie have to do things as well in order to stay alive.
"It is about everyone Scrooge can affect. If his future is changed, then so is theirs. We do not visit him because he is deserving, but because he is not. A bad man turned to good is benefit to all."
Overall I really loved this story. As a kid I would wonder who those children were that were under the presents robes, where did they come from, did they have any connection to scrooge or were they just to be used as an example? This book not only satisfied my childhood curiosity, but also made me realize some other things as well.
We know that the children represent "Ignorance and want: beware them both, but beware ignorance most of all." and that we should try to help them. But this book not showed the background of the children, but what made them get into this type of situation and how not only what there father had done, but what their mother choose as well ended up making them suffer. Plus Sam being so angry at the world all the time didn't really help matters either. Going through the journey of past, present and future of Sam and some parts of scrooge. Not only shows us how we all affect others, but how starting to be more aware and changing things for the better not only helps ourselves but those all around us as well. It's also a good reminder at this time of the year of how we all need to do more, not just around Christmas time, but all the time.
"He brought guilt to the feast, because we are all too aware that few of us know how to 'keep Christmas' in the way that the reformed scrooge did in later life."
This might be a middle grade book, but I think it is one that all should read, because it is a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
July 24, 2019
The last of the spirits
'No. The chains aren't to bind me. They're to remind me.'
'These are the chains I forged for my soul in life & these are the chains I'm bound to wear in death. Every link on them I made myself -- not by a blacksmith's skill & honest labour, but rather through my own greed & selfishness. Never was there a more pointless existence. These links aren't forged in Hest, but by cold hearts. Money-making gives you the means to be heartless, but it doesn't give you a monopoly on heartlessness.
The chains are not to bind me. They're to remind me. The word 'remind' echoed round the graveyard, bouncing from tombstone to tombstone.
Ignorance & want : beware them both, but beware Ignorance most of all.
For what would Christmas be without a ghost story?
An amazing, inspiring, beautiful & spectacular retelling of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles dickens. Sam and Lizzie are freezing and hungry on the streets of Victorian London. When Sam asks a wealthy man for some coins, he is rudely turned away. Months of struggle suddenly find their focus, and Sam resolves to kill the man. Huddling in a graveyard for warmth, Sam and Lizzie are horrified to see the earth around one of the tombs begin to shift, shortly followed by the wraithlike figure of a ghostly man. He warns Sam about the future which awaits such a bitter heart, and so begins Sam's journey led by terrifying spirits through the past, present and future, after which Sam must decide whether to take the man, Scrooge's, life or not. A perfectly layered, tense and supremely satisfying twist on one of Dickens' most popular books, cleverly reinvented to entice a younger readership.
'No. The chains aren't to bind me. They're to remind me.'
'These are the chains I forged for my soul in life & these are the chains I'm bound to wear in death. Every link on them I made myself -- not by a blacksmith's skill & honest labour, but rather through my own greed & selfishness. Never was there a more pointless existence. These links aren't forged in Hest, but by cold hearts. Money-making gives you the means to be heartless, but it doesn't give you a monopoly on heartlessness.
The chains are not to bind me. They're to remind me. The word 'remind' echoed round the graveyard, bouncing from tombstone to tombstone.
Ignorance & want : beware them both, but beware Ignorance most of all.
For what would Christmas be without a ghost story?
An amazing, inspiring, beautiful & spectacular retelling of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles dickens. Sam and Lizzie are freezing and hungry on the streets of Victorian London. When Sam asks a wealthy man for some coins, he is rudely turned away. Months of struggle suddenly find their focus, and Sam resolves to kill the man. Huddling in a graveyard for warmth, Sam and Lizzie are horrified to see the earth around one of the tombs begin to shift, shortly followed by the wraithlike figure of a ghostly man. He warns Sam about the future which awaits such a bitter heart, and so begins Sam's journey led by terrifying spirits through the past, present and future, after which Sam must decide whether to take the man, Scrooge's, life or not. A perfectly layered, tense and supremely satisfying twist on one of Dickens' most popular books, cleverly reinvented to entice a younger readership.
December 28, 2019
3 1/2 stars.
This was an interesting twist on a Christmas Carol but I feel to truly enjoy it you need to know the original fairly well. Whilst there is fun to be had here for those who cannot spot the references to Charles Dickens classic those that know it well will delight in spotting classic characters and quotes as well as enjoy seeing the story from a different perspective.
The story follows two children and their struggle to survive on the streets of London on a particular christmas eve. They soon find themselves mixed up within Scrooge's redemption and, this being a Chris Priestly book, the tale takes several twists and turn before arriving at its final destination. It's a great new take on the tale and an interesting read.
So what are my issues? Well, it is predictable. I suppose that's what happens when you base a story around the most famous Christmas tale of all time. In addition to this the moral for me is questionable. It comes down to money a little too much and although the writer clearly makes his beliefs clear in regards to the way it is used I still wonder if it was entirely necessary for it to play as prominent a role as it did in this happy ending.
In conclusion, The Last of the Spirits is a fabulous take on a Christmas classic. Fan of Dickens' original will delight in spotting the crossovers and clues as the two stories interwoven whilst those not familiar are still in for a chilling and extremely effectively written tale. A great Christmas book for those wanting a dark and intricate festive treat.
This was an interesting twist on a Christmas Carol but I feel to truly enjoy it you need to know the original fairly well. Whilst there is fun to be had here for those who cannot spot the references to Charles Dickens classic those that know it well will delight in spotting classic characters and quotes as well as enjoy seeing the story from a different perspective.
The story follows two children and their struggle to survive on the streets of London on a particular christmas eve. They soon find themselves mixed up within Scrooge's redemption and, this being a Chris Priestly book, the tale takes several twists and turn before arriving at its final destination. It's a great new take on the tale and an interesting read.
So what are my issues? Well, it is predictable. I suppose that's what happens when you base a story around the most famous Christmas tale of all time. In addition to this the moral for me is questionable. It comes down to money a little too much and although the writer clearly makes his beliefs clear in regards to the way it is used I still wonder if it was entirely necessary for it to play as prominent a role as it did in this happy ending.
In conclusion, The Last of the Spirits is a fabulous take on a Christmas classic. Fan of Dickens' original will delight in spotting the crossovers and clues as the two stories interwoven whilst those not familiar are still in for a chilling and extremely effectively written tale. A great Christmas book for those wanting a dark and intricate festive treat.
December 14, 2024
I’m a sucker for Christmas Carol retelling usually but this was too much so. I like stories that follow the story with a slight twist. This just felt like a gimmick.
November 21, 2015
When I received this book, 'The Last of the Spirits', from Goodreads I was a complete newcomer to Chris Priestly, but no more, this one has me hooked. While based on Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', this has its own unique storyline beautifully linked to the traditional tale of Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas.
On a freezing winter's night in London Sam approaches a wealthy man begging for help. When Scrooge, for this is indeed who the man was, roughly turns him away Sam vows revenge. Sam takes his sister to find refuge in a graveyard where, in the middle of the night, they encounter the ghost of Jacob Marley.
The two youngsters become embroiled in Scrooge's visits from the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. As children, their fears and fascinations grip the reader more than those of Scrooge himself, adding an additional depth to the Dickens narrative.
Growing up I saw BBC adaptations of this story, and have since read the original, so I am able to appreciate the quality of Priestley's writing. If I had not read Dickens then this book would have given me the necessary push to do so. I think that this would be an excellent way to convince younger readers to give those old classics a try.
On a freezing winter's night in London Sam approaches a wealthy man begging for help. When Scrooge, for this is indeed who the man was, roughly turns him away Sam vows revenge. Sam takes his sister to find refuge in a graveyard where, in the middle of the night, they encounter the ghost of Jacob Marley.
The two youngsters become embroiled in Scrooge's visits from the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. As children, their fears and fascinations grip the reader more than those of Scrooge himself, adding an additional depth to the Dickens narrative.
Growing up I saw BBC adaptations of this story, and have since read the original, so I am able to appreciate the quality of Priestley's writing. If I had not read Dickens then this book would have given me the necessary push to do so. I think that this would be an excellent way to convince younger readers to give those old classics a try.
December 30, 2020
First of all, it is a very very short read with less than 200 pages. It is exactly 180 pages long. Also it has small chapters so you just fly through the pages. It is a short and fast-paced read and also really enjoyable one.
I gave it 4 stars because at some points the story didn’t made sense to me. Like somewhere they were just interacting to their parents and the very next moment they are in a conversation with some other ghost. They all were not making any sense but when they actually started relating to the characters and the story it became a beautiful one. Also one more thing that impressed me was how from the very start you could not judge it to be a happy ending but the end of the story leaves you in shock. It was not possible to judge beforehand if the story would have such a happy ending.
Also it was a whole new concept and I haven’t read any such plot before. Like obviously there are similar plots but the way it was written to stand out and to be it’s own plot was amazing. I enjoyed the last part a lot. It is a must read I would say.
I gave it 4 stars because at some points the story didn’t made sense to me. Like somewhere they were just interacting to their parents and the very next moment they are in a conversation with some other ghost. They all were not making any sense but when they actually started relating to the characters and the story it became a beautiful one. Also one more thing that impressed me was how from the very start you could not judge it to be a happy ending but the end of the story leaves you in shock. It was not possible to judge beforehand if the story would have such a happy ending.
Also it was a whole new concept and I haven’t read any such plot before. Like obviously there are similar plots but the way it was written to stand out and to be it’s own plot was amazing. I enjoyed the last part a lot. It is a must read I would say.
January 4, 2025
2016
There were a few passages I could relate to. Definitely a book to re-read a few times.
2025
I don't remember previously reading this book but I have grown to love the classic 'A Christmas Carol's and while I can't read the very original version, the retelling novels of it, I enjoy so much more as each year passes.
This retelling in particular was from the perspective of 2 characters who have never appeared in other retellings of this story. I really enjoyed how well it blended into the original storyline while still being original itself.
I can't say exactly how much I adore the colours of the cover! My Autism especially loves them.
Chris Priestley is one of my favourite middle grade authors so I'm not surprised I enjoyed this so much.
Will definitely be rereading it in the future.
There were a few passages I could relate to. Definitely a book to re-read a few times.
2025
I don't remember previously reading this book but I have grown to love the classic 'A Christmas Carol's and while I can't read the very original version, the retelling novels of it, I enjoy so much more as each year passes.
This retelling in particular was from the perspective of 2 characters who have never appeared in other retellings of this story. I really enjoyed how well it blended into the original storyline while still being original itself.
I can't say exactly how much I adore the colours of the cover! My Autism especially loves them.
Chris Priestley is one of my favourite middle grade authors so I'm not surprised I enjoyed this so much.
Will definitely be rereading it in the future.
December 24, 2021
Hey, I was just here for the A Christmas Carol vibes.
Unfortunately, The Last of the Spirits was quite dumb. I realize that the author had the thought, "What if Scrooge is going to die, not because of old age, but because someone is going to kill him if he doesn't change?" and ran with it. I like that thought, but, I think the author failed to capture the true essence of the A Christmas Carol. The message of A Christmas Carol is almost undermined as two starving orphans who are LITERALLY children are held to the same level of accountability as Scrooge. I mean, I'm sorry, are we literally blaming children for the failures of adults? In A Christmas Carol retelling, no less? Seems a bit antithetical, if you ask me.
I don't know. The Last of the Spirits is not for me.
Unfortunately, The Last of the Spirits was quite dumb. I realize that the author had the thought, "What if Scrooge is going to die, not because of old age, but because someone is going to kill him if he doesn't change?" and ran with it. I like that thought, but, I think the author failed to capture the true essence of the A Christmas Carol. The message of A Christmas Carol is almost undermined as two starving orphans who are LITERALLY children are held to the same level of accountability as Scrooge. I mean, I'm sorry, are we literally blaming children for the failures of adults? In A Christmas Carol retelling, no less? Seems a bit antithetical, if you ask me.
I don't know. The Last of the Spirits is not for me.
April 19, 2016
This was such a great quick read. This story is told from the perspective of two children who meet Scrooge on Christmas Eve. They encounter the same spirits that Scrooge does and they see their own past and futures.
I really enjoyed this Priestley entwined Dicken's story really well with his own. I really enjoy the story of a Christmas Carol and this was an interesting take on the story. I thought it was done really well and I would liked to see more from this author.
One thing to note is that it is classified as a childrens book but I am not sure if it is suitable for young children as some of the themes are quite dark and it could be a bit scary for younger children.
I really enjoyed this Priestley entwined Dicken's story really well with his own. I really enjoy the story of a Christmas Carol and this was an interesting take on the story. I thought it was done really well and I would liked to see more from this author.
One thing to note is that it is classified as a childrens book but I am not sure if it is suitable for young children as some of the themes are quite dark and it could be a bit scary for younger children.
December 4, 2018
Based on Dickens Ignorance & Want, from Christmas Carol, this book is a delight to read .......but I may well be biased as Christmas Carol is probably my favourite book! I greatly enjoyed finding out what happened to well loved characters like Tiny Tim in future years and the descriptive language used was very powerful, causing me to shiver in my warm home, imaging I could feel the bitter cold of Dickens London nibbling at my very bones.
December 18, 2020
این کتاب من یک روز تموم کردم کتاب کوتاهی بودش
ولی زیاد نتونستم باهاش ارتباط برقرار کنم:)
زیاد قشنگ نبود ولی درباره دو بچه به اسم لیز و سام اونا ها خیلی فقیر بودن که در خیابان ها اواره بودن و نه خانه داشتن در این سرما گرم شون کنه نه غذایه گرمی برای خوردن و نه خانواده ای
ولی اسم کتاب که اخرین شبح کریسمس بود من توقع داشتم یخورده ترسناک باشه ولی هیچ هیجانی نداشت🤷🏻♀️
ولی باز میگم زیاد جالب نبود کتابش:)
ولی زیاد نتونستم باهاش ارتباط برقرار کنم:)
زیاد قشنگ نبود ولی درباره دو بچه به اسم لیز و سام اونا ها خیلی فقیر بودن که در خیابان ها اواره بودن و نه خانه داشتن در این سرما گرم شون کنه نه غذایه گرمی برای خوردن و نه خانواده ای
ولی اسم کتاب که اخرین شبح کریسمس بود من توقع داشتم یخورده ترسناک باشه ولی هیچ هیجانی نداشت🤷🏻♀️
ولی باز میگم زیاد جالب نبود کتابش:)
November 26, 2016
Good story to read at Christmas.
October 7, 2022
From the cover alone, I went into this thinking it would be a lot spookier and fitting for Halloween than it actually ended up being. And sure, I knew it was inspired by A Christmas Carol, but I didn’t think it would basically be… A Christmas Carol. Like, I was hoping that it would at least be it’s own story, but this was more just a smaller story within the larger story of A Christmas Carol. This was, in essence, the Lion King 1 1/2 version of A Christmas Carol.
This was also one of my main issues with this book: it attempts to rewrite the original story by having Sam and Lizzie pop into well-known scenes and even interact with both Jacob Marley and Scrooge, and now all of a sudden it turns out that Jacob Marley plays a big role in Sam and Lizzie’s story, and that just feels cheap. Not to mention it doesn’t really feel like it’s their story. Their story is more just situated in the middle of A Christmas Carol and as a result feels overshadowed by this larger story that we’re all familiar with. Not to mention, if I had to break it down, their story probably makes up maybe 10% of the book, and the rest is A Christmas Carol. There could’ve been so much more detail and flashback given to their story, and a lot of what we are given of their backstory in the book is very, very brief and a lot of “telling vs showing.”
Long story short: just give them their own original story that is completely separate from the events of A Christmas Carol. It would’ve made this book so much stronger and stand out on its own. Like, I get the inspiration behind this book and wanting to retell A Christmas Carol from a different angle. And sure, it’s fine for younger readers and to help them learn about A Christmas Carol in a different way. This is by no means a bad book. But I just…would’ve taken this a different route. If you want to read A Christmas Carol, go and read A Christmas Carol or one of the many wonderful adaptations that have been made for young readers. But this didn’t give Sam and Lizzie’s individual story a fair chance.
All of that aside, I guess I don’t really understand the point of why this was written? I hate to sound harsh, but what is the message here? Yeah, I guess it’s cool to teach children at a young age that murder and vengeance aren’t the answer. But like, are we really out here trying to tell impoverished children not to have hate in their heart and be angry for…being poor? Like, I’m sorry, but I think you’d be a tad resentful too if both your parents died and left you to sleep on the frigid streets of London, unable to feed yourself. Are we really out here trying to shame homeless children and teach them not to sweat the small stuff?
This was also one of my main issues with this book: it attempts to rewrite the original story by having Sam and Lizzie pop into well-known scenes and even interact with both Jacob Marley and Scrooge, and now all of a sudden it turns out that Jacob Marley plays a big role in Sam and Lizzie’s story, and that just feels cheap. Not to mention it doesn’t really feel like it’s their story. Their story is more just situated in the middle of A Christmas Carol and as a result feels overshadowed by this larger story that we’re all familiar with. Not to mention, if I had to break it down, their story probably makes up maybe 10% of the book, and the rest is A Christmas Carol. There could’ve been so much more detail and flashback given to their story, and a lot of what we are given of their backstory in the book is very, very brief and a lot of “telling vs showing.”
Long story short: just give them their own original story that is completely separate from the events of A Christmas Carol. It would’ve made this book so much stronger and stand out on its own. Like, I get the inspiration behind this book and wanting to retell A Christmas Carol from a different angle. And sure, it’s fine for younger readers and to help them learn about A Christmas Carol in a different way. This is by no means a bad book. But I just…would’ve taken this a different route. If you want to read A Christmas Carol, go and read A Christmas Carol or one of the many wonderful adaptations that have been made for young readers. But this didn’t give Sam and Lizzie’s individual story a fair chance.
All of that aside, I guess I don’t really understand the point of why this was written? I hate to sound harsh, but what is the message here? Yeah, I guess it’s cool to teach children at a young age that murder and vengeance aren’t the answer. But like, are we really out here trying to tell impoverished children not to have hate in their heart and be angry for…being poor? Like, I’m sorry, but I think you’d be a tad resentful too if both your parents died and left you to sleep on the frigid streets of London, unable to feed yourself. Are we really out here trying to shame homeless children and teach them not to sweat the small stuff?
December 27, 2021
What a gorgeous re-telling of A Christmas Carol. Since Dickens’ original novel is a ghost story at heart, why not delve into that? Show more of the spirits power? Bring to light the deeper emotions at play?
Chris Priestley is my favourite author. I’ve read almost everything he’s written. He has such a way with words that just grip me and hold me until I exhale the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. Tension, intrigue, horror; Priestley can write it all, even for younger audiences. Though this, and most of his other books, are aimed at younger readers than I, I still enjoy them immensely. I think I will make it a tradition of reading this book every Christmas because it’s stunning. The descriptions of the cold Winter nights, our protagonists Sam and Lizzie fighting their way through life, the chilling ghosts with their cryptic visions. Everything about it was beautiful to read and I found myself gasping at certain quotes just because of how it was worded. You know when a certain sentence is formed with words that could only be in that order to evoke that specific emotional response? I experienced that on almost every page.
Another triumph from Priestley. A modern, haunting Christmas classic.
Chris Priestley is my favourite author. I’ve read almost everything he’s written. He has such a way with words that just grip me and hold me until I exhale the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. Tension, intrigue, horror; Priestley can write it all, even for younger audiences. Though this, and most of his other books, are aimed at younger readers than I, I still enjoy them immensely. I think I will make it a tradition of reading this book every Christmas because it’s stunning. The descriptions of the cold Winter nights, our protagonists Sam and Lizzie fighting their way through life, the chilling ghosts with their cryptic visions. Everything about it was beautiful to read and I found myself gasping at certain quotes just because of how it was worded. You know when a certain sentence is formed with words that could only be in that order to evoke that specific emotional response? I experienced that on almost every page.
Another triumph from Priestley. A modern, haunting Christmas classic.
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