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kellyjmac's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ebook copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book. The idea of being about to travel into a painting and the system of magic the author created from there was quite imaginative and novel. I really enjoyed looking up the paintings and artists mentioned to get a fuller picture of the scenes and characters. The story had good pacing and felt mostly resolved by the ending clearly leaving it open to further books. I appreciated the author’s note at the back about her own childhood and family and their relationship with art as well as faith. I’m not a religious person but I was able to enjoy the book as the mentions of God or Jesus or religion were done in a welcoming and open way. The illustrations were amazing! I am a huge fan of Vivienne To and thought they added to the book greatly. The only thing that I would mention that I didn’t enjoy was that the tone seemed dark at times while most of the book seemed to target a younger audience. It felt discordant at times. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those interested in learning more about art while enjoying the story.
I really loved the concept of this book. The idea of being about to travel into a painting and the system of magic the author created from there was quite imaginative and novel. I really enjoyed looking up the paintings and artists mentioned to get a fuller picture of the scenes and characters. The story had good pacing and felt mostly resolved by the ending clearly leaving it open to further books. I appreciated the author’s note at the back about her own childhood and family and their relationship with art as well as faith. I’m not a religious person but I was able to enjoy the book as the mentions of God or Jesus or religion were done in a welcoming and open way. The illustrations were amazing! I am a huge fan of Vivienne To and thought they added to the book greatly. The only thing that I would mention that I didn’t enjoy was that the tone seemed dark at times while most of the book seemed to target a younger audience. It felt discordant at times. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those interested in learning more about art while enjoying the story.
gretchenlouise's review against another edition
5.0
Beneath the Swirling Sky is a brilliant representation of the intrinsic power of art and the ageless importance of creativity. The first in The Restorationists, a new series by Carolyn Leiloglou, it's YA fiction that should be read by all ages.
Carolyn skillfully weaves historic details about artists and their pieces into a fantasy tale that will captivate young and old. I learned about Van Gogh and his Starry Night along with other artists I'd barely heard of. And the illustrations from Vivienne To really make the book come alive!
As a second-generation homeschool mom, I especially appreciated the way Carolyn portrayed the homeschooled heroine. I also enjoyed the sibling and cousin relationships between Vincent, Lili, and Georgia.
But what I loved best about Beneath a Swirling Sky was the way it so beautifully portrayed how "art expresses beauty and truth."
Well done, Carolyn! I can't wait to read the next book.
Carolyn skillfully weaves historic details about artists and their pieces into a fantasy tale that will captivate young and old. I learned about Van Gogh and his Starry Night along with other artists I'd barely heard of. And the illustrations from Vivienne To really make the book come alive!
As a second-generation homeschool mom, I especially appreciated the way Carolyn portrayed the homeschooled heroine. I also enjoyed the sibling and cousin relationships between Vincent, Lili, and Georgia.
But what I loved best about Beneath a Swirling Sky was the way it so beautifully portrayed how "art expresses beauty and truth."
Well done, Carolyn! I can't wait to read the next book.
kmp's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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