The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy

The dream team of Vashti Hardy and accessible publisher Barrington Stoke are back with the new Relic Hunters adventure series. Vashti’s signature story elements shine through: a passion for STEM, the strength and intelligence of her characters, empowerment of girls, and inspiring adults who challenge young people to be true to themselves.

Mabel and Will are the children of history professors with a keen interest in the past. Their Aunt Lucy, a relic hunter, is taking them on a great adventure to search for the legendary lost town of Umber – home of the invention of clockwork. As always, it all starts with a map – but this isn’t an ordinary map. They must locate the key to the map and try to find what they’re looking for before anyone else. Travelling by train and airship, this is a quest they’ll never forget.

Of course, there’s a villain who wants to find the lost town first. Byron Cogsworth is searching for fame and fortune rather than the preservation of history and science. Mabel’s impulsiveness and Will’s hesitant thoughtfulness are the perfect combination to defeat him and discover something magical.

The Clockwork Key is Indiana Jones with clockwork. Adventure, peril, puzzles and success lie around every corner. There’s sure to be a need for Aunt Lucy’s emergency confetti (I think I’ll start carrying some around in case of an unexpected celebration!). I’m looking forward to book two – The Amulet of Hath – already!

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