The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Magisterium series, bk 2. Corgi Books, 2015. ISBN 9780552567718
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Fantasy. Coming of age. This is the second book in the series, following The Iron Trial and the reader is re-introduced to Callum Hunt, who is on his summer break from The Magisterium. His father doesn't like his Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc and when both are threatened with destruction, Cal runs away to Tamara's house where he discovers his friend Aaron being feted as the Makar. But Cal has secrets to hide and things become very difficult for him back at the Magisterium when his father is suspected of the theft of a copper gauntlet called the Alkhahest, which could destroy the power of the Magisterium. Cal and his friends set out to find his father, having many exciting adventures on the way, encountering dangerous enemies and uncovering some of the truth about Cal and his origins.
This is an exciting sequel to The Iron Trial, and builds on the reader's knowledge of the world of the Magisterium, and the way Chaos operates. There is plenty of action as Cal and his friends follow the trail his father has left and the final showdown is action packed and thrilling, with an unexpected twist that will delight readers.
Cal is a very conflicted young man. He is desperately trying not to be an Evil Overlord and contain his chaos tendencies, while trying to hide his nature from his teachers and his friends. He is loyal to his friends and determined to do the right thing as well as use his native intelligence to come up with workable solutions to very desperate situations.
Black and Clare, two best-selling authors, have created a thrilling fantasy series, with very likeable characters and lots of action. The conclusion to The copper Gauntlet sets more obstacles to be faced by the friends and will encourage kids to read the next in the series.
Pat Pledger