CLOCK STRIKER, VOLUME 2

In this second series entry, Cast’s STRIKER journey continues as she focuses on desperately trying to save her friend.

Cast and her SMITH mentor, Philomena Clock, set out for the Kingdom of Alter hoping to find and rescue Klaus, who’s been kidnapped by a group of Demon Bandits at the behest of the king. The king of Alter, who’s feared by his subjects, possesses powerful thermoelectric crystal technology despite his denouncing many technological advances. Cast and Philomena have their work cut out for them, not least because other SMITH engineer warriors are in turn on the hunt for them. Cast finds it strange that in the Kingdom of Alter the residents share all their possessions. Even more surprising, she meets members of the Miner’s Syndicate, a resistance group protesting the hazardous work conditions of the kingdom’s crystal mining industry, who regard her as their savior due to her connection to Klaus. They hope that Klaus will bring needed reforms. This volume brings new characters, both enemies and allies, into the mix as Cast and Philomena find themselves caught up in plots that raise the stakes. The action scenes, political scheming, humor, and heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments will keep the pages turning. The detailed illustrations immerse readers in a story that centers on an appealing Black girl hero and explores themes of social class divisions and rebellion against social hierarchies.

A worthy sequel that will keep readers intrigued and engaged.