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review BY Margaret Reardon
The Obsidian Mask by Caroline Ludovici
Infinity Publishing, 2012
info@buybooksontheweb.com
www.CarolineLudovici.com
This exciting novel takes us from battles over water during the climate change in the Mesopotamia of 3000 BC to the desert region of present day Iraq. An archeological dig for clues to the identity of a warrior queen of that ancient time becomes the setting for an adventure-filled vacation for four young teens, who end up learning a few things about history and archeology and a lot about themselves and each other.
Natasha and her younger brother, Alex, are taken along by their mother , Julia, anepigraphist (an artist who makes detailed drawings of archeological finds—you learn a lot of new words in this book), to the supposed site of the ancient palace of the legendary Queen Sorrea. Leading the excavation is Marcello, an Italian archeologist who, coincidentally—or is it?, has brought his two children, Lorenzo and Gabriella. Natasha is disposed to dislike them, as she disliked Marcello when she met him at home, in London, wherehe showed too much attention to the recently divorced Julia.
Lorenzo (about sixteen) and Gabriella (about thirteen), are still grieving the loss of their mother, who died some time ago. Knowing this makes Natasha more sympathetic and the friendship among the four begins to grow warmer. Another friend who has captured Natasha’s heart is Yanni, a Polish student working as assistant to Marcello. He’s cute and charming and wise and . . . maybe a little old for Natasha, but they have years to get to know one another better.
For young readers interested in history, travel and science and who enjoy a good mystery, there is plenty in this tale to fire the imagination. We are given a gripping account, in a prologue, of Sorrea’s last stand against an invading army that wants her city’s water supply. Climate change has brought severe drought to Mesopotamia and Ashook is one of the few places that has a healthy reservoir (thanks to a brilliant engineer, who offers to share his knowledge with the other city, but is brutally rejected).
Sorrea dies, passing her powers to her young daughter Afsineh. The new queen has her mother’s body lain in a secret tomb and orders a death mask to be carved from the glassy, black volcanic rock called obsidian. Encrusted with precious gems, it is placed over the dead queen’s face and remains there for 5000 years, until Marcello and his team discover it. Even now, however, the palace is under siege. This time it is a gang of thieves who want the mask, though it has been placed in a bank for safekeeping.
What follows is a dangerous, suspenseful adventure for the four young people and a twist in the tale that changes their lives forever.
I enjoyed reading this young adult novel, in spite of my advanced years. The pace never slows, and yet, there is time for reflection on past lives and present relationships with all their complications.
I highly recommend the Obsidian Mask .
2 THOUGHTS ON “REVIEWS”
Infinity Publishing, 2012
info@buybooksontheweb.com
www.CarolineLudovici.com
This exciting novel takes us from battles over water during the climate change in the Mesopotamia of 3000 BC to the desert region of present day Iraq. An archeological dig for clues to the identity of a warrior queen of that ancient time becomes the setting for an adventure-filled vacation for four young teens, who end up learning a few things about history and archeology and a lot about themselves and each other.
Natasha and her younger brother, Alex, are taken along by their mother , Julia, anepigraphist (an artist who makes detailed drawings of archeological finds—you learn a lot of new words in this book), to the supposed site of the ancient palace of the legendary Queen Sorrea. Leading the excavation is Marcello, an Italian archeologist who, coincidentally—or is it?, has brought his two children, Lorenzo and Gabriella. Natasha is disposed to dislike them, as she disliked Marcello when she met him at home, in London, wherehe showed too much attention to the recently divorced Julia.
Lorenzo (about sixteen) and Gabriella (about thirteen), are still grieving the loss of their mother, who died some time ago. Knowing this makes Natasha more sympathetic and the friendship among the four begins to grow warmer. Another friend who has captured Natasha’s heart is Yanni, a Polish student working as assistant to Marcello. He’s cute and charming and wise and . . . maybe a little old for Natasha, but they have years to get to know one another better.
For young readers interested in history, travel and science and who enjoy a good mystery, there is plenty in this tale to fire the imagination. We are given a gripping account, in a prologue, of Sorrea’s last stand against an invading army that wants her city’s water supply. Climate change has brought severe drought to Mesopotamia and Ashook is one of the few places that has a healthy reservoir (thanks to a brilliant engineer, who offers to share his knowledge with the other city, but is brutally rejected).
Sorrea dies, passing her powers to her young daughter Afsineh. The new queen has her mother’s body lain in a secret tomb and orders a death mask to be carved from the glassy, black volcanic rock called obsidian. Encrusted with precious gems, it is placed over the dead queen’s face and remains there for 5000 years, until Marcello and his team discover it. Even now, however, the palace is under siege. This time it is a gang of thieves who want the mask, though it has been placed in a bank for safekeeping.
What follows is a dangerous, suspenseful adventure for the four young people and a twist in the tale that changes their lives forever.
I enjoyed reading this young adult novel, in spite of my advanced years. The pace never slows, and yet, there is time for reflection on past lives and present relationships with all their complications.
I highly recommend the Obsidian Mask .
2 THOUGHTS ON “REVIEWS”
