I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl and her supernatural golden dolphin must use the artifacts they uncovered together to help ensure the future of the ship Kronos and her crew against a deadly threat in author Matthew Rudd Reynolds’s “Map of a Soundless Clock”, the second book in The Books of the Golden Dolphins series.
The Synopsis
Lost. There’s no other word for it; the sailing ship Kronos is lost — in deep space, no less! Months after leaving Earth, tensions on the ancient ship are running high. Much is expected from twelve-year old Andi and her supernatural golden dolphin, Lux. Beset by disaster, an angry crew questions the mission and an assassination attempt on Andi’s life sends the pair away — only for a malevolent figure known as Mynost to pursue them across the stars, seeking to obtain the long-lost artifacts found by the pair that could hold the answers. A hard choice must be made that will determine the future of the Kronos forever — a decision not all will survive.
The Review
This was such an incredible follow-up to the author’s first YA/Middle-Grade level sci-fi and fantasy series the author began previously. The world-building and action are of course so well done here, and the bond between Lux and Andi seems to play an even more integral role in the narrative this time around, with their partners through this journey becoming the foundation of their power as well as the core of the personal conflicts they face together from the crew of the Kronos.
Yet to me, the true heart of this narrative was in fact the character growth of Andi. The young woman is not even a teen yet, and yet she must not only hone her skills and powers to help protect her ship but must discover the true heart of what it takes to lead people on a life-or-death mission. The mystery behind their new threat and the atmosphere the author crafts to build the tensions that arise help to draw the reader further and further into the narrative.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Matthew Rudd Reynolds’s “Map of a Soundless Clock” is a brilliant new addition to the Golden Dolphins Books series. Breathtaking imagery in the author’s writing brought this cosmic journey to life so eloquently, and the rich dynamics between the protagonist and the crew of the Kronos made for some great tension buildup and themes of identity and leadership in Andi’s character arc that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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