Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Imaginative, action-packed fantasy in medieval-type setting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As THE COUNTERCLOCKWISE HEART opens, a giant statue, dubbed the Onyx Maiden, arrives without warning in the village of Somber End. It cannot be moved, but it seems to grant prosperity to the town as long as someone sits and talks at it each day. Meanwhile, as rumors of gathering warriors at the empire's borders grow stronger, young Prince Alphonsus sends Birgit, a huntress, to find out who designed the magical clock that ticks backward in his chest. Elsewhere, a young magic-using Hierophant named Esme heads toward a showdown with an evil enchantress. Can heroes and villains break out of their respective roles and bring peace to themselves and the community?
Is It Any Good?
"Be true to yourself" is a common piece of advice, but the cliche is given new potency in this action-packed middle-grade fantasy. In The Counterclockwise Heart, author Brian Farrey spins a fable-like tale of misdirected fear and confusion, as vibrant characters come to understand each other. Magic, betrayal, reversals, and battles are described in exquisite detail, with plenty of humor. Readers will enjoy Farrey's deft approach to fantasy, served in a satisfying, stand-alone portion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Counterclockwise Heart examines the dangers of misinformation. How do leaders control their followers by putting out false stories that spread through social media?
Is it healthy to hold on to anger? What do bitterness and envy do to people over time?
Why are people frightened by those who are unusual in any way?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Algonquin Young Readers
- Publication date : February 21, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate