Clock Hands

by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi (Illustrator)

One small voice has the power to change everything in this dazzling middle grade graphic novel from INew York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and artist Sylvia Bi. The stand-alone companion to the acclaimed Ink Girls is a perfect fit for fans of Wendy Xu and Molly Knox Ostertag.

Vale has always dreamed of being a metalworker’s apprentice. But in Siannerra, the guilds rule with an iron fist, and their apprenticeship fees are impossibly high. So Vale and their guildless family must make do with the pennies and scraps they’re able to cobble together with work on the docks or in the market.

Until Maestro Giuseppe arrives from abroad, determined to build the city’s first astronomical clock. He doesn’t care for fees or exclusionary practices—and he sees Vale’s talent. He invites Vale into his workshop, and for a while Vale believes all their dreams are coming true. But everything in Siannerra belongs to the guilds, and if anyone tries to break free, there are consequences. Sometimes the gravest of consequences. Still, Vale refuses to stop dreaming. Or fighting. With the help of their friends, they plan to take on the might of the guilds. And together, they may just be strong enough to bend iron to their will.

With nuanced and instantly loveable characters and a fully realized, vibrantly illustrated setting, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and illustrator Sylvie Bi show once again how anyone—no matter their age—can change their world. An excellent choice for fans of the Lightfall and Wingbearer series.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 21, 2026

About the author

Marieke Nijkamp a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, geek.

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Please note I don't respond to friend requests or messages on GR, but you're always welcome to tweet or email me. :)

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the town of Siannerra, there are those who are in a guild, and those who are not. The guild is like a union, making sure everyone is treated equally, and paid accordingly. But those who are guildless, those who have never and can’t ever be in a guild are treated like scum of the earth. They get paid whatever people feel like paying them. And while this wasn’t ok, this is the way it was, and accepted, until Maestro Giuseppe came to town, and didn’t care about people being in a guild or not, and so employs Vale, one of the guildless, as an apprentice.

This outrages the guild, who seek revenge.

Despite all the bad things that happen to those around Vale,because he is guildless, it really is a feel-good story. Yes, things go badly for him, but he doesn’t give up, and keeps pushing, and makes people realize that without the guildless that nothing gets done.

I enjoyed this story, full of good and evil and those in-between. I’m glad the in-between people got included, because no one is always all bad or all good. Good introduction on how to work within and outside of the system to get what you want.

This story takes place in the same society as the author's first graphic novel, but can be read on its own.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 21st of April 2026.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Clock Hands" is a stunning new middle grade graphic novel following a band of kids as they fight against injustice in their city. I immediately knew I needed to read it as I remember loving "Ink Girls" by this author/illustrator duo. "Clock Hands" takes place in the same fictional city as "Ink Girls" (you even get to see some of the "Ink Girls" characters) and follows Vale and friends as they work to become recognized and fight for equal right with the guilds.

The artwork in this graphic novel is phenomenal. It is bright and colorful, which I think would appeal to the target audience, and super detailed. I found it to be a very appealing art style and would love to see more graphic novels by this author/illustrator duo in the same style.

The story was your typical "fight against those in power". A group bands together to fight for equal rights; If you like those kind of stories, you will love this one! They even included a character with non-binary pronouns(Vale, the main character, uses "they") and it was seamlessly integrated into the story. Extra points for adding some representation! The story flowed really nicely and I feel like there was a really well developed plot - nothing felt rushed and everything made sense. All the panels were easy to understand what was going on due to the incredible art.

I think this is perfect for middle grade readers and highly recommend it! Can't wait to see what this team does next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[miki larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and powerful graphic novel about a city where guilds are abusing their power, and how one person can spark a movement of change to benefit everyone. Inspiring and necessary.