Recommended. Give to students who ponder, who like their action-adventure to be served with a careful build-up and on-the-edge-of-your-seat wilderness action.
This book is a part of a larger set of works, dovetailing with Clare’s “Ink, Iron, and Glass” duology. As such, it would be an optional purchase on its own, but a recommended purchase for where the author’s previous works circulate well.
An optional purchase: this book is obviously setting the stage for the series, introducing characters, conflict, and suspense with tidbits of more to come. When the next book comes out, hand both to students. The full series might hook readers of time travel and mystery and ultimately turn into true page-turners.
Teens who love psychological mysteries will enjoy this. Recommend this book to reluctant readers as well; they will quickly be drawn into the psychological suspense.