The Nine Pound Hammer: Book 1 of the Clockwork Dark

by John Claude Bemis

Book Overview

What if John Henry had a son?

Twelve-year-old Ray is haunted by the strangest memories of his father, whom Ray swears could speak to animals. Now an orphan, Ray jumps from a train going through the American South and falls in with a medicine show train and its stable of sideshow performers. The performers turn out to be heroes, defenders of the wild, including the son of John Henry. They are hiding the last of the mythical Swamp Sirens...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375855653
• ISBN13: 9780375855658
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

FANTASTIC READ!!!

I got this book on a Saturday at a book signing and COULD not put it down! I will have to tell you that the amount of fantastic characters and plot were amazing! The elements of surprise were very well done written. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out. I even loved it so much I let my big sister read it too! I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys mystery, fantasy and even a scary every once and a while. The fact that that I have to wait for 1 whole year to read the next installment is horrible!

a mysterious, magical and lively adventure

I am in the sixth grade and I read a few books every day and this book I got and finished yesterday is a rare find. It was fantastic and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a mysterious, magical and lively adventure. While reading this story I really felt like one of the characters in that place and time. This book is different from the fairy tale magic we are used to, it is more realistic and is about the magic in ourselves. I will reread it often while waiting for the next book in the series.

A fun, folkloric fantasy

A beautifully-imagined and well-written novel. The plot twists captivated me, and the characters had me rooting for them. I particularly loved the very American setting and plot, as well as the multiracial cast of characters. Bemis did a great job drawing on African American folklore in particular. I can't wait for the next two in the series!

Great fantasy read

I just read the book in a few hours, it was such a great read. I loved the local southern folklore given an otherworldly twist. My only regret is that I did not wait for the other books to come out to read the whole set, because it will be hard waiting for the others to come out!

An American Adventure

Fantastic adventure that all ages can appreciate. A book to read to, and with your kids, while learning about some of the stories at the roots of American folklore. Can't wait for book 2!