Review: Pages Became Pictures
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2011
To be honest, I was going to give this novella four stars, but a story that continues to creep back into your mind has to be awarded a five. Formed of Clay is one of the most vivid pieces I have ever read - sights, smells, sounds were presented beautifully and held me captive. The writing is dramatic and lofty. Every scene was quite powerful.Since I am unfamiliar with Egyptian history I was lost in a more than a few spots. Terms such as: Set, kamut, hedj shentis, kalasiris flew over my head. Mythology involving Ma'at's feather, the eye of Horus, and the scales of Anubis are also unknown to me. Ms. Atkinson gives hints to the meaning of these things most of the time... others not. I wonder how much more I would have loved this book if I knew what she was talking about 100% of the time.I plan to add Pray for Reign to my TBR list. I know a more about that time in history.Despite my confusion in places, I learned a lot about ancient Egypt. The facts are weaved beautifully into the story - kings as gods, hierarchy of the harem, scribes, priests, spells, and burial rituals.Thea Atkinson's writing can be brutal and quite dark. I found myself cringing at the images she painted in my head. Bravo. That being said, I couldn't help thinking that Thea would make an excellent middle grade or young adult author. I was completely sucked in as a reader. The pages became pictures. A person who can do that should write for kids.Formed of Clay is an amazing story. Go, buy, read.* This review was based on a complimentary ebook offered to me by the author. It did not affect my feedback in anyway.~ Jenna