Of Clockworks and Daggers:

by Sarah Everest

A ghost from Zenith’s past has resurfaced, threatening everything he holds dear.
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With the impending return of the Sky Manor games, Zenith feels drawn back to his old ways, but his heart is torn. As much as he wants to move on to create a future with Jessie, he worries that he will never be able to separate himself from his upbringing as an assassin.
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Upon learning that the timepiece he has carried since childhood holds the key to a device capable of mass destruction, Zenith must find a way to eliminate the threat before his entire world comes to ruin.

Genres: Fantasy

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I've never read anything by Sarah Everest before, nor have I read One Must Die, so this is a huge leap in the dark for me. But when I saw this book it somehow looked like something I'd enjoy... so I have it a shot, and I'm so glad I did!

Zenith reminded me a little of Lever from the P.D. Atkerson Castling series—the assassin slowly turning from darkness to the Light—and of course I LOVED that. The villain was scary and enjoyable; the kids were so sweet; I wanted to get to know Jessie and Mable and Camilla and Rupert and everyone else; and did I mention I really, really loved Zenith?

Steampunk is a new genre for me but I enjoyed it, particularly the wardrobe and pocket watch, and the whole cryptography part. The plot was gripping and though a lot was referenced from, I assume, One Must Die, it never made it very hard to piece together an understanding—and it certainly made me desperate to read OMD!

Overall, it's just a lovely assortment of vibes and emotions, with some deep and beautiful truths, and I just thoroughly enjoyed it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Jennifer Hunt]

We loved it! (Myself and 13 year old daughter). Great to see OMD characters again and get more insight into their motivations and backstory. Very exciting story that kept us hooked from beginning to end.

[Stephanie Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic next installment for One Must Die readers. Great backstory for these characters, immersive writing that brings the steampunk setting to life, and tons of adventure-packed plot points that whisk the reader into mysterious adventure. Loved the era-appropriate contraptions and complicated character relationships that leave us ready for the next book in the series.

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is I want more.
This book was sooo much more clear than the other one, focusing more on one particular character and his friend. The plot was straightforward but fast paced. I really loved it and can't wait to read more about Zenith and Jessie in a highly anticipated sequel to the first games book. If I don't get to read another book about these two, I will say the main plot is wrapped up, it's just that there is so much...potential...in the development of Zenith and Jessie's relationship. Clean, exciting, steampunk. What more could you want?

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading One Must Die, I wanted more from all of the characters. So when I heard that Zenith and Jessie were getting more “screen time” in this book, I said sign me up! And I wasn’t disappointed! This book dove a little more into Zenith’s past with a surprise character that stirred up a lot of mixed emotions. I love seeing his character arc from the first book, and watching his growth as he questions everything he’s ever known. I’m in awe of the author’s ability to put so much emotion into such a small book. And now of course…I want more!

[funkelbunt.liest · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I wrote my review for One Must Die I mentioned that I would definitely read a sequel and I am not disappointed that especially Zenith and Jessie were the firsts to get their own story.

While I enjoyed OMD I have to say I enjoyed OCAD even more, probably because the focus here is on the backstory of the characters, on their motives, their growth.
Zenith has a fantastic redemption story, where he tries to distance himself not only from his mother and his past, but from his previous life as an assassin altogether. He realizes what he’s done, is disgusted with himself and tries to do better. There is one very significant situation that’s part of his character arc, but you have to read it for yourself. Suffice it to say I really loved Zenith and was rooting for him all the way!

There are romantic elements, but it stays completely clean, as there even never is a kiss.
I loved the mystery part of this book and the story kept me hooked throughout it all. It’s a high stakes story but never gets gory.
It’s a book I would gladly give my kids in a few years!

I’m still curious about the mystery of Sky Manor. There are mentions of it and I really liked that there are brief appearances of the different participants from the last book, but my questions from the first book - who and how and why… - are not answered. So I’m looking forward to the next books in the series, hopeful to get other amazing character arcs and of course a better understanding of this steampunk world, the flying castle and its secrets.

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[Ursi Engebretsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, a sequel to the multi-author steampunk mystery story One Must Die, was a fantastic follow-up for the characters of Zenith and Jessie! (It also provided little glimpses of most of the other characters, which I really appreciated!) Zenith was by far the most mysterious character in One Must Die--I didn't know what to make of his character then. I really appreciated the way this book, mostly from his perspective, illuminated his character--the conflict of his past life as an assassin with the new life he was trying to live; his astonishment and disgust at the sudden appearance of his mother, long presumed dead, an even deadlier assassin; and his worry for Jessie's disappearance. The characters and setting were vivid, and I loved all the cool steampunk inventions! I read almost the entire book in one sitting (staying up way too late) because I couldn't put it down--five stars from me!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the steampunk world of this series, a sort of Dickens-meets-H.G. Wells vibe with some fantasy twists here and there. This book ponders some pretty deep issues, like being the adult child of abusive parents, how to deal with the wrong in your past when you want to change for the better, and personal sacrifices big and small. It starts a little slowly, but builds to a really thrilling climax. I happen to enjoy books that ease me into the world and the characters, so I liked that.

[Bryanna Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was so good! My poor boy Zenith cannot catch a break though.

[Candice Yamnitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is such a thrilling read that will make you want to continue until you finish. It's a continuation of One Must Die, and it's very satisfying getting to know the characters better.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

intense

This short but intense adventure had clean romance, an intricate puzzle box, dastardly characters as well as unlikely heroes, and a very satisfying ending!

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo Zenith has met his match! I loved seeing through his eyes where you learn why he is the way he is and how he thinks. Some of the plot twists were definitely twisting, which was also really fun. This series has not disappointed me yet.