Free (Kindle) Captives of Time by Malcolm Bosse [YA 14th C Clockmaking Adventure]

[ATDrake]

Captives of Time by the late award-winning author Malcolm Bosse (ISFDB, Wikipedia, SFE) is his standalone YA historical adventure/drama/coming-of-age novel set in 14th century Europe (no time travel elements), starring two abruptly-orphaned children who undertake a perilous journey in search of their clockmaker uncle, and find their supposed place of refuge becoming decidedly unsafe as they get caught up in plague and politics during apprenticeship, as you do, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press.

This was originally published in 1987 by Delacorte Press. I've read this a long time ago from the library's YA bookshelves and rather liked it—enough that I still remember the plot premise and story events many years later—but completely forgot the actual name and author for ages and was wondering if I'd ever be able to find it again, and lo and behold, now I have, thanks to the magic of e-book reprints! It's rather grimdark in places, but quite good and the historical bits seemed fairly solid, as I recall, although there is a disturbing scene of sexual violence as well as several more of regular violence, so YMMV.

(And apparently someone wrote a review complaining about the former and also some voluntary sexual activity as well as several things I don't recall at all but am not particularly inclined to take their word upon, since they seem to want this recategorized entirely out of the librarian-provided reach of impressionable teenaged children on the basis of that and not, say, the traumatic depictions of human and animal slaughter which I do vaguely recall, and really, what do they think YA-level readers don't already know and haven't formed their own judgments upon? )

Currently free @ Amazon (available to Canadians & in the UK and pretty much everywhere else worldwide that Amazon sells, since this is being done via their KDP Select exclusive or else program)

Description
Late 14th century Europe.

The lives of sixteen-year old Anne and her mute younger brother Niklas are shattered when they witness the senseless murder of their parents by a band of marauding soldiers.

Now alone, Anne and Niklas begin the perilous journey north in the hopes of finding their uncle Albrecht, a clockmaker – and their only chance for survival.

But medieval Europe is a violent place, and as they forge onwards, Anne and Niklas must beware of the dangers that lurk ahead…

Upon finding refuge with their uncle, Anne soon learns the art of clockmaking – and of her uncle’s revolutionary plans to invent a clock. But these plans soon attract the attention of rival forces who also seek to control the power of time.

With dangerous foes lurking on every corner, as well as the ever-present threat of the Plague, will Anne and Niklas ever find safety?

A gripping tale of survival and bravery, Captives of Time features a colourful cast of characters whilst capturing the harsh realities of life in 14th century Europe.