Clock Hands: A Graphic Novel

by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi (Illustrator)

One small voice has the power to change everything in this dazzling middle grade graphic novel from New 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

Kindle Edition

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.

[Leonie]

3.75 stars.

[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.

[Ashley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is mostly about a family who is new to town, especially a girl named Stella. Stella and her family live in a clocktower. Her family offers another character, Vale, a job as a metalworker. When Vale starts the job, they realize that people are secretly watching them. Later, someone from the metalworkers’ guild comes after Stella’s father because he does not have permission from the guild to create metalwork in the new town. Things get very intense when spies set Stella’s home on fire. The people in the town rush in to help and rescue Stella’s father, but he gets hurt. After that, Vale bravely speaks in front of the metalworkers’ guild to stand up for Stella’s family.

This book is adventurous and full of unexpected twists. My favorite character was Stella because she is wild and doesn’t care what other people think about her. My favorite part of the book was when Stella and Vale met for the first time. I was very surprised when the fire happened, and that was also the scene I would be most excited to watch if this book were made into a movie.

While reading, the book made me feel both sad and calm. I think people who enjoy unexpected twists and exciting moments would really like this book. I would give this book 5 billion stars because I really liked it.

Thank you to Marieke Nijkamp, Harper Collins Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this historical graphic novel set in the same world as Ink Girls, an all-time fave. Vale is a teen jewelry maker, but with grandparents to support and not much money, they can’t afford to join a guild to practice the trade and must take whatever work they can find. Until a clock maker comes to town and asks Vale to apprentice along with his daughter. The guilds do not accept this, demanding that the clock maker stop working and kick Vale out of the business. What follows is an action-packed and thoughtful story of friendship and solidarity in fighting for the right to take care of oneself. Sylvia Bi is such a brilliant artist – the illustrations of vibrant, beautiful, and feel so alive, completely transporting us to Renaissance Italy. And the story is incredibly interesting, centering on the complicated politics of guilds and labor rights during this time. I had always assumed guilds were like our modern unions, protecting workers’ rights, but in many ways they were exclusionary and inaccessible, particularly when the were run by the employers rather than the employees. Marieke Nijkamp includes an excellent author’s note on this issue.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice.
A very simple story about workers rights and striking that's both easy to digest for younger readers and manages to avoid falling into the trap of acting like all problems in the city are fixed when demands are actually met. It was nice. It handles class disparity and privilege in a way that was realistic despite its simplifications.
I enjoyed the queer normative world this story was placed in as well. I'd like more historical fiction that focuses on time centered issues independent of cisheteronormative amatonormaitivity.
Overall a very good story.
I received a free copy for review

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clock Hands (Paperback)
by Marieke Nijkamp
The book uses cartoon presentation to show children some of the medieval practices and politics. The questioning of guilds, and the desire at that time to label, compel and provide for people because of gilds. not only providing security of jobs, but quality control. This book shows that the system is closed and causes social problems for those not included, because of wealth and opportunity to join and participate in guilds.

[Kristen Newlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clock Hands is beautifully illustrated and a great read for any middle-grade reader looking for a quick and easy to follow graphic novel! I enjoyed reading it!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

This is set in the same historical, fictional world as Ink Girls, so readers who enjoyed the girl power and workers' rights themes in that graphic novel will want to pick this one up as well.

https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A fantasy story about the importance of workers' rights. Gorgeously illustrated, the story shows the importance of not giving up on your dreams and fighting back against oppressive systems.

[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.

[Steff Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're the clockwork of the city.
Because a good clock doesn't just tell the time...it tells a story.

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this one. I loved the world and the characters and I was enthralled from beginning to end. The characters were layered and I just loved it so much. I wasn't sure where it would take me at any point during the story and I was surprised in a good way page after page; it was just such a good story with really great characters. I just love when a graphic novel makes me feel so many things. So good. I will be reading this again and I'm excited to read its companion!