The Counterclockwise Heart, Brian Farrey
The Counterclockwise Heart, Brian Farrey
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

The Counterclockwise Heart

Author: Brian Farrey

Narrator: Kirby Heyborne

Unabridged: 8 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/01/2022


Synopsis

Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . .
 
Time is running out in the empire of Rheinvelt.
 
The sudden appearance of a strange and frightening statue foretells darkness. The Hierophants—magic users of the highest order—have fled the land. And the shadowy beasts of the nearby Hinterlands are gathering near the borders, preparing for an attack.
 
Young Prince Alphonsus is sent by his mother, the Empress Sabine, to reassure the people while she works to quell the threat of war. But Alphonsus has other problems on his mind, including a great secret: He has a clock in his chest where his heart should be—and it’s begun to run backwards, counting down to his unknown fate.
 
Searching for answers about the clock, Alphonsus meets Esme, a Hierophant girl who has returned to the empire in search of a sorceress known as the Nachtfrau. When riddles from their shared past threaten the future of the empire, Alphonsus and Esme must learn to trust each other and work together to save it—or see the destruction of everything they both love.
 

Reviews

Goodreads review by Natalie all_books_great_and_small on February 04, 2022

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Algonquin Childrens books. The Counterclockwise Heart is a middle grade fantasy novel about a prince called Alphonsus, who was adopted as a baby by his mother, who is the Empress......more

Goodreads review by Amy on February 04, 2022

4 stars Ticking clocks, German folklore, and classic storytelling with a self-aware edge...this was a delight. Concepts: ★★★★ Plot/Pacing: ★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Y'all, I have been enjoying the heck out of Algonquin's middle grade line of novels these past few years. There is something about the niche of f......more

Goodreads review by Celia on January 22, 2022

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Algonquin for my honest review! Middle-grade books are impressing me lately; I think those who are passing these books by are missing out on some unique literature. I do love a fluffy book sometimes where the protagonists do act their age, but books on......more

Goodreads review by Julia on January 30, 2022

The Counterclockwise Heart is a middle-grade fantasy by Brian Farrey, published by Algonquin Young Readers on 01 February 2022. The ARC for this book was offered to me, with the words: "Perfect for fans of Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly and The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhil......more

Goodreads review by Alyson on January 17, 2022

Book: The Counter Clockwise Heart Author: Brian Farrey Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars I would like to thank the publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, for providing me with an ARC. Okay, so let me start out by saying that I have been reading a lot of adult titles this year. It did take me some time to get int......more


Quotes

"Kirby Heyborne delivers an enthralling performance of a battle for power in this fantasy . . . Heyborne opens slowly and calmly. His deft voicings and intense emotions build to the dramatic climax." 
—AudioFile Magazine

"Farrey conjures a world bristling with spells and secrets. Readers will revel in this gripping, fable-like adventure." 
--Stefan Bachmann, author of Cinders Sparrows
  "Filled with friendship and magic, mysteries and betrayal, and a race against a ticking clock, this is top-notch fantasy with a heart. I loved it!"   --Adam Perry, author of The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books

The Counterclockwise Heart encourages readers to be true to themselves, and to consider the source when confronted with opinions that contradict their own experience. … [an] entertaining, fast-paced and thoughtful novel … wise.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“A fascinating fairy tale.”
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, “Books to look forward to in 2022”

“Full of drama, twists and turns, and poignant points of view, the novel's storylines converge into an unforgettable ending that will leave readers thinking about the pesky element of time and the role it plays in their lives.”
Booklist

“A pleasing mix of fantasy and mystery with compassion at its (ticking) heart.”
—The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

“Epic…This is a thought-provoking coming-of-age story.”
--Kirkus Reviews

“Unique…a tale of magic, lies, and sacrifice make a standout read for the middle-grade genre.”
—YA Books Central