skconaghan 's review for:

The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare
4.0
adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This second story was a more developed plot, intriguing, and a far deeper dive into the muddled complexities of these budding characters. 
 
Callum is conflicted. He loves his new friends, but there’s a darkness within that is trying desperately to rule him. This story is a middle battle to discovering his true nature, pitting him against even people he thought he could trust, and discovering what lies behind deceptive appearances. 
 
The magic is unique in comparison to other books of this genre, and though these children battle dark forces and study in deep caves, they face trials many a preteen can relate to in the real world. 
 
A fast-paced, quick-read adventure with more to come...
 
(A bit dark for -9s, I think, but a worthy adventure for 10+, boys and girls alike.)