Magisterium: The Iron Trial
by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare (Scholastic, 2014); audiobook read by Paul Boehmer (Bolinda, 2014)
Some surprises on a micro level but the plot as a whole is blandly predictable. The characters are the usual one-trick ponies and Black and Clare play fast and loose with how long it takes events to happen outside of Call’s viewpoint.
Clockwork Angel
by Cassandra Clare (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010); audiobook read by Jennifer Ehle (Bolinda, 2011)
The characters, setting and premise entice, yet this first book is overlong for what it offers, the story moves haltingly (even the action scenes suspend themselves for conversation and reflection) and the not-quite-smouldering not-quite-romance goes nowhere, left hanging along with everything else.