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emileereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Vincent and his sister Lili are sent to spend spring break with their great uncle. Vincent is done with art in his life, but it's kind of hard to avoid when his great uncle is an art conservator and his house is filled with works of art. And then when Lili disappears into one of the world's most famous paintings, Vincent learns the secrets his parents have been hiding from him... They are the last of a secret society called The Restorationists, who can travel through paintings and is tasked with protecting them from evil.
Vincent has to trust his spirited cousin Georgia to help him navigate this new world and find Lili. Along the way he has to deal with his past, his apparent new reality and future, and what it means that his parents kept this secret.
_____
This book is such a genius concept. It rolls family dynamics, secret societies, good vs evil, and art history together in one immersive package. I felt like I was being pulled through these paintings with Vincent and Georgia. It's been a while since I read it and I can still picture some scenes the way my mind's eye conjured them up. They have stuck with me.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series and I hope that this series gets a long run. It has so much potential.
Bonus: Michael Crouch is such an excellent narrator. I don't praise narrators I love enough, but he does such an excellent job with all the middle grade books I have heard him narrate!
_____
This is the first in a new middle grade series called The Restorationists.
Vincent has to trust his spirited cousin Georgia to help him navigate this new world and find Lili. Along the way he has to deal with his past, his apparent new reality and future, and what it means that his parents kept this secret.
_____
This book is such a genius concept. It rolls family dynamics, secret societies, good vs evil, and art history together in one immersive package. I felt like I was being pulled through these paintings with Vincent and Georgia. It's been a while since I read it and I can still picture some scenes the way my mind's eye conjured them up. They have stuck with me.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series and I hope that this series gets a long run. It has so much potential.
Bonus: Michael Crouch is such an excellent narrator. I don't praise narrators I love enough, but he does such an excellent job with all the middle grade books I have heard him narrate!
_____
This is the first in a new middle grade series called The Restorationists.
christian_faith_and_fiction's review against another edition
4.0
Story Enjoyment Rating: 8/10 Christian Faith Rating: 1.5/3
Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou is marketed on Amazon as a middle-grade book. It follows Vincent, who used to like art but now doesn’t. He and his sister are sent to stay with a relative, who has many paintings on the walls. Vincent discovers he can travel into the paintings. Then his sister disappears, and he has to get her back.
I liked the creativity of this book. I liked the magical elements of being inside a painting, and I think there is scope for that to be developed further in future books. I enjoyed the character growth of Vincent and his cousin. I liked their friendship, and I also enjoyed finding out about the world.
The book feels part fantasy, part contemporary, part mystery and suspense, and part dystopian.
I enjoyed reading it as an adult.
There were a couple of moments where the Christian faith came through into the plot. I’m not sure whether this is aimed at Christians or those who are seeking faith but find church boring.
**Content for children (**contains possible spoilers) — the book contains some violence and some themes of bullying/school troubles. There is a brief discussion about nudity in art, and the story also mentions the death of loved ones. Some of the things they experience in the paintings feel a bit creepy and a little unsettling.
Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou is marketed on Amazon as a middle-grade book. It follows Vincent, who used to like art but now doesn’t. He and his sister are sent to stay with a relative, who has many paintings on the walls. Vincent discovers he can travel into the paintings. Then his sister disappears, and he has to get her back.
I liked the creativity of this book. I liked the magical elements of being inside a painting, and I think there is scope for that to be developed further in future books. I enjoyed the character growth of Vincent and his cousin. I liked their friendship, and I also enjoyed finding out about the world.
The book feels part fantasy, part contemporary, part mystery and suspense, and part dystopian.
I enjoyed reading it as an adult.
There were a couple of moments where the Christian faith came through into the plot. I’m not sure whether this is aimed at Christians or those who are seeking faith but find church boring.
**Content for children (**contains possible spoilers) — the book contains some violence and some themes of bullying/school troubles. There is a brief discussion about nudity in art, and the story also mentions the death of loved ones. Some of the things they experience in the paintings feel a bit creepy and a little unsettling.
gwyyy's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for an advance copy of this book in exchange of an honest review!
3.25 stars!
Beneath the Swirling Sky tells the story of Vincent who comes from a family of Restorationists, a secret society with the power to travel through paintings and restore (or save) them. After a horrible experience from his past, Vincent swears he's done with art. That is, until Lili disappears into one of the most famous paintings that he has to pick up his brush and face his past.
It feels good to read a book that awakens the inner child in me. The fact that I cannot put this book down, finishing this in just a day, tells how much I enjoy this book. To some, art is boring (no offense, but in reality, this is how others view art especially paintings). So it's a wonder how the author will execute art into a novel and make it interesting. Every time an art is mentioned, I head to Google right away and search. I can't help but get curious on how the paintings actually look like outside of the author's imagination [and description]. Love the system of magic and worldbuilding. The book's just in a right pace. I cannot find a part where the story may have lagged or rushed.
Vincent paints to impress. That's how the problem starts. Artists put emotion to their creations and that is something Vincent lacks and fails to recognize. As the story progresses, he must learn the true meaning of art if he ever wishes to go back to that path again. So aside from rescuing Lili, Vincent aims for self-discovery as well.
I love the dynamic duo of Vincent and Georgia. They are opposite sides of a coin. One cannot pass through the hurdle without the other. But are 12 year-olds supposed to be as whiny as Vincent? Sometimes I can't stand him yelling at Georgia when things don't go the way as planned, but their rocky relationship improved eventually. I only thought (first impression and all) that Georgia tend to be the reckless one between the pair. Vincent is more on talking and less on thinking. Georgia's more adventurous, but is the rational one.
Vincent's reaction to his first travel inside the painting is monotonous. For something strange, he accepted it quite easily. Although it was later on revealed that he thought of it as a dream. It was even harder for me accept Uncle Leo's letting Vincent and Georgia go to rescue Lili themselves without so much of a fight. Like as a responsible adult--even though he cannot Travel himself and if he had any sense in him--wouldn't he be defiant and wait for Georgia's parents to arrive like originally planned? I had one eyebrow raised knowing he's OK with it. It may just be me but sneaking off would be a lot more sensible and exciting, no matter how cliche that may be. You know... heroes breaking rules and sneaking into the night to save the world.
Right. Dangerous people. All the more reason Uncle Leo should have allowed them to go.
By the end of the book, a few questions still lingered that I think are not properly addressed. What is Adelaide's real purpose? How did those children end up in those paintings? It isn't clear if they are children who carry genes of Distortionists or Restorationists. But I'm betting they are from the former because because it is stated in the book that Vincent's family is the only living Restorationists. Another possible explanation is that there is a magic anomaly. I don't know why we didn't get the answers to this but I think the author chose to hide it on purpose since this book will be a part of a series.
As for the ending, it simple that I think it didn't the book's conclusion a justice.
If you're looking for a fun and easy read, then be sure to check out this book.
Quotes: ✨✨✨
~Boredom breeds creativity
~"Van Gogh felt closer to God through nature," she said. "That's why the sky is so alive but the church is dark."
~"Pottery is what I do. And I don't care about being cool. I think it's more important to do what you like and not worry what other people think."
~It takes practice. Art isn't about being perfect.
~"Art is powerful. It has always had the power to draw people in."
~Art expresses beauty and truth," Georgia said. "It's a gift. It's meant to be experienced and interacted with, not use."
~But wasn't hiding from danger what made his mom keep this world from him in the first place? He was done hiding.
~Mom had told him that all people wanted to leave their marks and that some people thought that was the whole point of making art. But she believed the best art created when artists forgot about themselves and just focused on the truth they were trying to capture.
~"There's a difference between making art and making a name for yourself. Making art focuses outside yourself, on the art itself and the people who will experience it. Making a name for yourself just focuses inward, on what the art can do for you."
3.25 stars!
Beneath the Swirling Sky tells the story of Vincent who comes from a family of Restorationists, a secret society with the power to travel through paintings and restore (or save) them. After a horrible experience from his past, Vincent swears he's done with art. That is, until Lili disappears into one of the most famous paintings that he has to pick up his brush and face his past.
It feels good to read a book that awakens the inner child in me. The fact that I cannot put this book down, finishing this in just a day, tells how much I enjoy this book. To some, art is boring (no offense, but in reality, this is how others view art especially paintings). So it's a wonder how the author will execute art into a novel and make it interesting. Every time an art is mentioned, I head to Google right away and search. I can't help but get curious on how the paintings actually look like outside of the author's imagination [and description]. Love the system of magic and worldbuilding. The book's just in a right pace. I cannot find a part where the story may have lagged or rushed.
Vincent paints to impress. That's how the problem starts. Artists put emotion to their creations and that is something Vincent lacks and fails to recognize. As the story progresses, he must learn the true meaning of art if he ever wishes to go back to that path again. So aside from rescuing Lili, Vincent aims for self-discovery as well.
I love the dynamic duo of Vincent and Georgia. They are opposite sides of a coin. One cannot pass through the hurdle without the other. But are 12 year-olds supposed to be as whiny as Vincent? Sometimes I can't stand him yelling at Georgia when things don't go the way as planned, but their rocky relationship improved eventually. I only thought (first impression and all) that Georgia tend to be the reckless one between the pair. Vincent is more on talking and less on thinking. Georgia's more adventurous, but is the rational one.
Vincent's reaction to his first travel inside the painting is monotonous. For something strange, he accepted it quite easily. Although it was later on revealed that he thought of it as a dream. It was even harder for me accept Uncle Leo's letting Vincent and Georgia go to rescue Lili themselves without so much of a fight. Like as a responsible adult--even though he cannot Travel himself and if he had any sense in him--wouldn't he be defiant and wait for Georgia's parents to arrive like originally planned? I had one eyebrow raised knowing he's OK with it. It may just be me but sneaking off would be a lot more sensible and exciting, no matter how cliche that may be. You know... heroes breaking rules and sneaking into the night to save the world.
The book quotes: "Vincent wondered now whether the Distortionists had started the fire that killed his grandmother--Uncle Leo's sister--along with Vincent's grandfather and aunt. He shuddered. These were dangerous people."
Right. Dangerous people. All the more reason Uncle Leo should have allowed them to go.
By the end of the book, a few questions still lingered that I think are not properly addressed. What is Adelaide's real purpose? How did those children end up in those paintings? It isn't clear if they are children who carry genes of Distortionists or Restorationists. But I'm betting they are from the former because because it is stated in the book that Vincent's family is the only living Restorationists. Another possible explanation is that there is a magic anomaly. I don't know why we didn't get the answers to this but I think the author chose to hide it on purpose since this book will be a part of a series.
As for the ending, it simple that I think it didn't the book's conclusion a justice.
If you're looking for a fun and easy read, then be sure to check out this book.
Quotes: ✨✨✨
~Boredom breeds creativity
~"Van Gogh felt closer to God through nature," she said. "That's why the sky is so alive but the church is dark."
~"Pottery is what I do. And I don't care about being cool. I think it's more important to do what you like and not worry what other people think."
~It takes practice. Art isn't about being perfect.
~"Art is powerful. It has always had the power to draw people in."
~Art expresses beauty and truth," Georgia said. "It's a gift. It's meant to be experienced and interacted with, not use."
~But wasn't hiding from danger what made his mom keep this world from him in the first place? He was done hiding.
~Mom had told him that all people wanted to leave their marks and that some people thought that was the whole point of making art. But she believed the best art created when artists forgot about themselves and just focused on the truth they were trying to capture.
~"There's a difference between making art and making a name for yourself. Making art focuses outside yourself, on the art itself and the people who will experience it. Making a name for yourself just focuses inward, on what the art can do for you."
mrst's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kstephensreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a delightful adventure. I’ve read several “other world” type stories for older children this year, including CS Lewis’s Magician’s Nephew and ND Wilson’s 100 Cupboards. This book had beautiful elements of both with such an imaginative twist with the way Leiloglou ties in art, art history, and even the philosophy behind what art is and how it should be engaged. This book will be a home run for any adventure-loving kids, with an especially strong appeal to those who have any background understanding of classic works of art.
smorrison4's review against another edition
4.0
This was a cool story; I loved how much of this story took place in and around art. I also loved how much information about art Carolyn Leiloglou was able to fit into this story and still keep you interested in what happened to the characters.
The idea of restorationists and distortionists was unique and I am looking forward to reading future books in this series to learn more about what they can do.
The idea of restorationists and distortionists was unique and I am looking forward to reading future books in this series to learn more about what they can do.
alangmaack's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Based on the tried and true theme of good and evil, Beneath the Swirling Sky tells the story of a young boy, Vincent, who goes on a journey to save his sister with the help of his cousin. It's a story that explores family legacy, art and history and of course a little bit of magic! As Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, work to rescue little Lili, Vincent must also confront some lies he came to believe about himself and the gifts he'd been given by God.
This story was fast paced, engaging and I enjoyed it! It would make for a great read aloud, and I loved the illustrations throughout! My daughter is always looking for chapter books with illustrations, and this will be a book she'll read over and over again!
This story was fast paced, engaging and I enjoyed it! It would make for a great read aloud, and I loved the illustrations throughout! My daughter is always looking for chapter books with illustrations, and this will be a book she'll read over and over again!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Kidnapping
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
4.0
Vincent is determined to have nothing to do with art. Unfortunately, it's going to be tough this week because he and his sister, Lili, are staying with Uncle Leo, whose house is filled to overflowing with artwork.
It won't take long before Lili surprisingly disappears inside of a famous painting! Now Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, must join forces to rescue her. On their mission, Georgia will introduce Vincent to his family's secret history as the last of the Restorationists - a secret group with the power to travel through paintings.
Now Vincent must confront his own anger while trying to make sense of everything he learns about his family. Who will he become now that he knows there is more to his artistic gifts?
Honestly, I completely enjoyed this book. I absolutely love the connection to famous paintings because it opens so many possibilities for deeper learning and discovery as you read this story with kids. I imagine that my kids and I would have looked up the paintings as we encountered them in the story though I appreciate the complete list included at the end.
The world-building in this first fantasy story was well done. It took me a little bit to picture the way things worked inside the paintings, but I stuck with it and was able to create the images in my mind. The overall concept felt similar to the Pages & Co.: Book Wanderers series but with an art twist. (I say this as a good thing as I loved the Book Wanderers)
NOTE: There is a very clear Christian moment in this book. Vincent and Georgia enter Rembrandt's, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" painting. Vincent makes eye contact with Jesus and feels like Jesus can see in his soul. He feels a sense of love and acceptance instead of the disgust he thought Jesus might feel when he saw how much anger was there.
This Christian moment is brief, and while I am a Christian and liked this portrayal of Jesus, it also felt a bit forced. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to it, but the appearance of Jesus didn't feel natural to me even though it was a painting of a biblical scene. That said, it is a very small moment in a fantastic story.
*If I wasn't a Christian, I would use the painting to talk about this biblical story, the historical figure of Jesus, and some of his followers' beliefs.
Honestly, I highly recommend this book as a fun fantasy adventure story with an amazing art connection that the homeschooling mom in me adores. Definitely pair this up with some learning about Vincent VanGogh and a visit to the art museum!
It won't take long before Lili surprisingly disappears inside of a famous painting! Now Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, must join forces to rescue her. On their mission, Georgia will introduce Vincent to his family's secret history as the last of the Restorationists - a secret group with the power to travel through paintings.
Now Vincent must confront his own anger while trying to make sense of everything he learns about his family. Who will he become now that he knows there is more to his artistic gifts?
Honestly, I completely enjoyed this book. I absolutely love the connection to famous paintings because it opens so many possibilities for deeper learning and discovery as you read this story with kids. I imagine that my kids and I would have looked up the paintings as we encountered them in the story though I appreciate the complete list included at the end.
The world-building in this first fantasy story was well done. It took me a little bit to picture the way things worked inside the paintings, but I stuck with it and was able to create the images in my mind. The overall concept felt similar to the Pages & Co.: Book Wanderers series but with an art twist. (I say this as a good thing as I loved the Book Wanderers)
NOTE: There is a very clear Christian moment in this book. Vincent and Georgia enter Rembrandt's, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" painting. Vincent makes eye contact with Jesus and feels like Jesus can see in his soul. He feels a sense of love and acceptance instead of the disgust he thought Jesus might feel when he saw how much anger was there.
This Christian moment is brief, and while I am a Christian and liked this portrayal of Jesus, it also felt a bit forced. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to it, but the appearance of Jesus didn't feel natural to me even though it was a painting of a biblical scene. That said, it is a very small moment in a fantastic story.
*If I wasn't a Christian, I would use the painting to talk about this biblical story, the historical figure of Jesus, and some of his followers' beliefs.
Honestly, I highly recommend this book as a fun fantasy adventure story with an amazing art connection that the homeschooling mom in me adores. Definitely pair this up with some learning about Vincent VanGogh and a visit to the art museum!
themagicalinbetween's review against another edition
4.0
"There's a difference between making art and making a name for yourself. Making art focuses outside of yourself, on the art itself and the people who will experience it. Making a name for yourself just focuses inward, on what the art can do for you." - Beneath the Swirling Sky
What a creative and interesting adventure story about discovering your gifts while learning to overcome fear. The plot was unique and believable while leaving room for the imagination and a bit of magic/unexplainable. I loved the use of actual works of art and the author's ideas of the importance of creating and preserving art! Especially in how we reflect God's image by being creative and adding beauty to the world rather than taking and destroying. This was a fun read with lots of plot and a few twists and turns. While it felt like there could have been some more character development overall, a fantastic read and I'm excited there will be more in this series.
What a creative and interesting adventure story about discovering your gifts while learning to overcome fear. The plot was unique and believable while leaving room for the imagination and a bit of magic/unexplainable. I loved the use of actual works of art and the author's ideas of the importance of creating and preserving art! Especially in how we reflect God's image by being creative and adding beauty to the world rather than taking and destroying. This was a fun read with lots of plot and a few twists and turns. While it felt like there could have been some more character development overall, a fantastic read and I'm excited there will be more in this series.
nkbullard's review against another edition
5.0
The story of Vincent and his cousin Georgia traveling through famous art pieces to rescue Vincent’s lost sister will keep readers turning the page. Plenty of twists and turns happen along the way, and readers might even learn a little art history. This book is a great read for middle grade kids.