The Copper Gauntlet

Magisterium, Book 2

By: Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Callum Hunt's summer break isn't like other kids'. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren't heading back to the magical world of the Magisterium in the fall.

It's not easy for Call...and it gets even harder after he checks out his basement and discovers that his dad might be trying to destroy both him and Havoc.

Call escapes to the Magisterium - but things only intensify there. The Alkahest - a copper gauntlet capable of separating certain magicians from their magic - has been stolen. And in their search to discover the culprit, Call and his friends, Aaron and Tamara, awaken the attention of some very dangerous foes - and get closer to an even more dangerous truth.

As the mysteries of the Magisterium deepen and widen, best-selling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take listeners on an extraordinary journey through one boy's conflict - and a whole world's fate.

©2015 Holly Black (P)2015 Listening Library

mediocre effort

rushed with too many unanswered questions that equate plot holes. unimpressive effort from two writers who could have done better. don't write a series if you can't commit

preteen

this was a delightful story. however, when I went to local to find it, it is the section of 6 and up. in my opinion, the reader should be at least preteen.

Wow and Impressed by the story

I was not sure how i would like this series but I am fully vested.
Subject matters can be a little much for younger reads.
The voice actor is wonderful too!
A good series

Outstanding!

I had a hard time closing my app and stop listening. It kept me wanting to continue.

awsome

I love every thing about this series, the characters, the storie, the tone every thing. also great narator Paul bahmer

Yes, this series is like Harry Potter...

...But, it seems like it might be Black & Clare's take on if Harry had known from the start that he had part of Voldey's soul in him. Both have proven to be masterful storytellers through their other works, so sit back & enjoy the ride. Feeling like it might be a bit bumpy.

Great second book

This story picks up right where the first book of the series left. I love the characters. This story is great. Can't wait to start the next one.

loved it

even my grandson liked and he doesnt like reading . we loved listening to it.

Coppermazing

I really liked it! The suspense and surprise around every corner! I suggest that you listen to all of the magisterium books ! Enjoy

Would an Evil Overlord Scoop Poop?

The highlight of this MG Contemporary Fantasy is Call's ongoing evaluation of his own behavior & choices.

BOOK DETAILS:
The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare, read by Paul Boehmer, published by Listening Library (2015) / Length: 8 hrs 21 min

SERIES INFO:
This is Book #2 of "The Magisterium" series. Book #3, The Bronze Key, is scheduled to be published on 8/30/16. UPDATED - All 5 books are now available.

**This review contains spoilers for the previous book(s).**

SUMMARY:
The Harry Potter similarities & differences were both a bit stronger in this one. I especially felt like the whole issue of Elementals being used as domestic servants (ala house elves) was completely unnecessary. The characters remain unique though. But I am still hoping for more development on the everyone besides Call.

CHARACTERS:
Callum Hunt (Call): In the previous book, Call was told that he is "The Enemy of Death" who placed his own spirit inside the (stolen) body of the infant Callum Hunt. He spends this whole book dealing with this news.

"He'd started making a list in his head - any evidence of him being an Evil Overlord went into one column and any evidence against it went into another. He'd taken to referring to the list before making any and all decisions. Would an Evil Overlord drink the last cup of coffee in the pot? Which book would an Evil Overlord take out from the library? Was dressing in all black a definite Evil Overlord move, or a legitimate choice on laundry day?"

This is fun, but it is also gives great depth to such a young character. And despite this close evaluation of his own behavior, he still occasionally makes selfish decisions, which adds some realism.

WORLDBUILDING:
We learn more about the social and administrative structure of the magic world. I continue to be disturbed by their failure to do more to protect their children.

We also learn more about what The Enemy went through and what he did; and get to meet some chaos-ridden people.

PLOT:
The beginning was well done, establishing backstory & character growth. Once Call left home though, I found the parts before he got back to school to be less interesting.

The story itself takes place over a fairly short period of time (rather than a whole school year). And the ending resolved the issue of the Copper Gauntlet, but left the larger issues unresolved.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--Havoc remains a favorite. I like that he is but isn't more than a wolf.
--When Jasper (Call's sort of nemesis) is called out for certain behavior and Call is forced to recognize that he does something similar.

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: The crush subplot. / The gruesome stuff with severed heads.

OTHER CAUTIONS: The book continues to be pretty dark for Middle Grade.

NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Yes / Emoting = Yes / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual

There was a small error (which may have come from the original) in which he said "Call & Tamara" when it should have been Aaron & Tamara.