CLOCK HANDS

In this stand-alone companion to Ink Girls (2023), Vale lives with their grandparents in the community of guildless Margini people in the city of Siannerra, inspired by medieval Italy.

The Margini can’t afford the fees required for them to become apprentices in one of the guilds that dictate access to skilled work and education in the city. When clockmaker Maestro Giuseppi, who refuses to join a guild, arrives in town with his daughter, Stella, Vale at last has the opportunity to learn a trade. But violence against the guildless grows, until the only option is for Vale and their community to begin fighting back. The community of the Margini is aspirational and supportive, full of aid amid their hardship. But the story, while providing a worthwhile lesson in the importance of organizing, lacks engaging character development. Vale and Stella form a fast friendship, but readers learn little about them beyond their desire to fight for what’s right. The world of Siannerra remains a highlight, however: It’s rich, lived-in, plausible, and filled with culture. Bi’s artwork is detailed, vibrant, and immensely visually appealing. Seeing the ways in which the underclass gets by, an element that’s often forgotten in fantasy stories, is worthwhile. Vale is nonbinary and has light brown skin and a mop of black hair with an undercut. Stella is pale-skinned and freckled with red hair. The supporting cast is diverse in appearance.

A solid second outing in the city of gold.