The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

Fans of Victorian fantasy will enjoy The Clockwork Crow, a series opener with fairies, automatons, and mystery.

The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher. Walker Books, 2020, 208 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-14

Seren Rys was born in India but orphaned at an early age. For most of her life she’s lived at St. Mary’s Home in England. But when she turns 12, fairy-tale news comes from Wales: godparents she’s never known are inviting her to live with them at an estate called Plas-y-Fran. Even better, they have a young son close to her own age. Dreams of this ready-made family receive a jolt at the railway station, when a frightened stranger begs Seren to hold a package for him just before he disappears into the snowy night. When the stranger doesn’t return, Seren reluctantly takes the package with her. It turns out to be a collection of random parts wrapped in newspaper. When assembled, the parts make a mechanical crow who claims to be a prince under enchantment. He’s not happy, but neither is Seren, for there’s no Sir Arthur Jones, Lady Mair, and Master Tomos to greet her when she arrives at Plas-y-Fan. The handful of servants who remain won’t tell her anything. Seren is caught in a curious limbo with only a crotchety mechanical crow to help her solve the disappearance of her new family.

The undertone of menace owing to Welsh folktales is nicely balanced by the sniping between Seren and Crow. Threads are mostly resolved and the story wraps up with a warm Christmas glow. The climactic events seem a bit rushed, but there’s a sequel coming. No doubt further dangers and threats will unfold.

Overall Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• The Perilous Gard*, one of our favorite classic YA novels, also delves into the folklore of the western British Isles.
• Victorian-fantasy fans should also take a look at Wishes and Wellingtons and Sweep*.

*indicates starred reviews.

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