Middle Grade Monday: The Silver Mask by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

The Silver Mask by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. 232 p. The Magisterium series #4. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., October, 2017. 9780545522366. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review)

Here's what went on the morning announcements: Middle Grade Monday features The Silver Mask by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. This is book four in the Magisterium series so if you haven’t read the series, go start it right now with The Iron Trials. If you’re a fan of this terrific fantasy series, you need this book! The only problem with it is that we have to wait for another year to find out what happens in the fifth and final book of the series.

Fuller review: It is six months after the conclusion of The Bronze Key. Aaron is dead and Call is a prisoner in the panopticon. He's basically in isolation - no visitors, chained, 24/7 guards who keep their distance from the Enemy of Death. Oh, and he's interrogated. Frequently. 

He's surprised to be visited by Jasper, of all people. Then it's Jasper's turn to be surprised as he's caught up in a jail break when Tamara shows up to spirit Call away. Only, they are betrayed and they all end up prisoners on an island with Alex and Master Joseph. Call is tasked with finishing Constantine's work. He has to find a way to bring the dead to life. 

The pace is whiplash fast. This installment hits the ground running and doesn't leave you much room to breath as plot twists and surprises abound. Tears threatened and big questions were asked and not quite answered. Fans of this series will not be disappointed. They have been panting for this installment and will be gasping for the final installment. Too bad it'll be at least a year before we find out what's in store for Callum Hunt.