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I would like to start this review by stating that I am not an artist. Art was one of my worst subjects in school. While I love the creativity involved in writing, if you give me a canvas and paints, I feel completely lost.
And so, even though Carolyn Leiloglou is a wonderful author friend and fantastic writer (and was even so gracious to endorse Road Trip Rescue), I felt apprehensive about her new middle grade series, The Restorationists, which is a fantasy adventure with lots and lots of art.
But I had no reason to worry.
Beneath the Swirling Sky (Amazon Affiliate Link) by Carolyn Leiloglou, the first book in The Restorationists series, has it all.
Deep and believable character transformation, beautiful descriptions, complicated villains, powerful scenes, life-or-death stakes, and more.
And even though art has never been my forte, I loved the way Carolyn wove famous paintings into the story. She does it in a way that is interesting even for readers who are out of touch with the world of visual art, which makes it a bonus learning opportunity too!
So, what’s the story about?
Beneath the Swirling Sky is the story of a boy named Vincent who goes with his little sister, Lili, to spend spring break with his great-uncle, an art conservator.
Because of some past experiences, Vincent wants nothing to do with art. But then, Lili disappears. Vincent discovers he has the power to travel through paintings. And he has to do exactly that if he wants to save his sister.
Reading this story had me thinking a lot about the greatest artist of all time—our Creator.
God created us. He created us with the ability to create paintings and stories and other forms of art. We are uniquely and wonderfully made, and because of this, we have the ability to make wonderful things too.
God created us with the ability to be brave, even when our own lives are at stake. We are made in the image of God, and because of this, we can love sacrificially.
Beneath the Swirling Sky has helped me appreciate creation in all of its forms, especially in remembering the goodness of our God. I highly recommend it for the young readers in your lives—for those who love art, and even for those who might be more reluctant artists.
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Never forget . . . you are wonderfully created.
Love,
Becca
