Finally! I finished my next Niffler review...

The Arithmancer's Apprenticeby Alec Dossetor and Teri Krenek

***

JK Rowling has placed many obscure characters in her series, however none stand as overshadowed and threatening as Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, the arch-nemesis of Harry Potter. I have rarely see stories that encompass the life story of Voldemort, and when I do come across them, they are a bit shaky -- some with major plot holes and others forgetting the little bits of information that JKR has shared with the general public.

However, it's about time that one has surfaced in a lake of suspicious plots and Gary Stu's. Enter The Arithmancer's Apprentice.

Aside from perfect spelling and grammar, there are some interesting plot devices at work straight from the beginning. The scene is set during Tom Riddle's third year, during a school field trip to a wizarding country house. The Arithmancy professor, Abbacus Gryme, sends Tom on a mission to recover an object he kept in his old study when he lived there as a librarian.

First and foremost is the impression we receive of Tom Riddle. I, for one, do not believe for one second that Tom had always been a wand-wielding psychopath and still stand my ground against it. Tom, in this story is portrayed as a thirteen year old boy who is a half-blood and in Slytherin. Simple as that.

Abbacus Gryme provides an interesting flavor to the plot -- it is, after all, because of him that Tom must go on the 'mission', and Gryme is a reason that Tom becomes the most evil Dark Lord in a century -- as he does also reappear in Imperius Quidditch.

Gryme and many other interesting characters, combined with a twisty plot and great storytelling make this story truly excellent. I, for one, cannot wait for the next chapter.

Special thanks to a dear friend for her help with this review.