"Thank you very much for transporting me to the desert to explore the legendary Queen Sorrea’s tomb! I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure at the heart of your book, and felt that the characters were all believably drawn and easy to relate to. The archaeological excavation setting was true-to-life and interesting, and the descriptions of the mask and mosaic very captivating."
Nikki Milsted, Editor YAC, Young Archaeologist Magazine

What readers are saying about
 The Obsidian Mask....

Hello, this is Alicia H,I wanted to say that i have read your book and it was AMAZINGGGGGG. I loved it soooo much in fact i found myself staying up one time to read it. I loved the characters ; Alex, Natasha, Lorenzo, and Gabriella; and also the setting and how it was like having a history lesson, only in the form of a very suspensful, interesting, and very, veryyyyy well written book. I found the topis very interesting, especially the mask and Queen Sorreah and even the kidnapping which added a lot of suspense. I have to admit, at first I didn't want to read it but after several chapters i couldn't stop reading! I would like to say thank you soooo much for the book, I really enjoyed it!!!! -Alicia

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The Obsidian Mask by Caroline Ludovici  is a book to rival any suspenseful young adult novel.  It is a gripping story of two groups of children brought together by their respective parents' love of archeology and subsequent love of one another...
 An historic story starting in ancient times, with a nobel queen and her peoples' demise; culminating in the fantastic discovery of her remains and her plight. The children, two English, two Italian come together haltingly, yet as true friendships form they wend their way into a harsh desert landscape which is usurped by even harsher people and dangerous intrigue.  This is a story of heroics, love, and friendship. Not a werewolf or vampire in sight!  A page turning adventure of the highest caliber. Caroline Ludovici has written a story worthy of E. Nesbit or Caroline Keene..... She brings storytelling back to reality without sacrificing story, intention, character...or excitement!
Regina S, Chestnut Hill

I loved the fast pace child into adulthood aspect of this book, it gave you a reminiscent snap shot of teen awkwardness and first crushes while the history and excitement of buried lives and secrets gripped you to read on. The characters were realistic enough to beleive you could have bumped into them on the street and the spark which ignites your interest in archaeology is wonderful.When is the next one out???
Elspeth, mother of three.

"The Obsidian Mask was wonderful. It was a very smooth and enjoyable read. WOW."
Rosalyn, Blogger

"An exciting tale of two single-parent families coming together and an old culture meeting our modern day. Set in an archaeological dig set up in search of a Warrior Queen at a location explained in the prologue, a tale of intrigue and danger throws the teenagers together. Reading this with my daughter gave us much to think about and discuss, from appreciating how advanced ancient cultures were, who should own the ancient artifacts from real digs that are in the museums in our European city, to contemporary family challenges around happiness and kindness. We are looking forward to the next book in the series." LBJ

I'm a Dad who bought the book for my daughter and I must have a mental age of 13 too, as we both cant wait for the next book! A great book, well written. Thanks! 
G. Grant

Brendon, 14, wrote,
  "My name is Brandon, I’m 14 years old and I recently read your novel, The Obsidian Mask.  
First, I truly enjoyed reading your novel because the plot was unique and combined aspects of ancient history and modern culture.  It also provided a unique glimpse into the archeological process.
My favorite aspect of your story was probably the way you slowly introduced and developed characters.  When you introduced the odd woman and Yanni, I thought they would be very insignificant because you didn’t describe them in great detail.  You slowly developed the characters and their importance, however, and I was captivated as I tried to guess how they would eventually impact the story.  It was also effective because it conveyed how the characters, especially the four children, were hesitant of each other at first but eventually became very close.  As a reader, I had the same experience because, over time, I learned more about the characters and grew to appreciate them.
Additionally, the subject of this book related fantastically to what I am learning about in high school.  Just as I began reading this, my class had finished learning about prehistory, ancient civilizations, and Ancient Egypt.  It was funny how I could recognize the characteristics of a failing ancient civilization, references to King Tut’s tomb, and then general desert setting.  In science, we have just finished learning about minerals and have begun to learn about rocks.  We have mentioned obsidian in our notes, so this small connection was amusing.  Though the plot relates to high school, I actually think this is more geared to young middle school-ers.  I believe this was your opinion, but I just wanted to confirm your idea by saying that the setting is applicable to all teenagers.  Also, the themes and diction aren’t too complex and sophisticated, so I think it would be a good book for a young teenager to read for pleasure."

This book is great for all you mystery,action,and history lovers out there. I would say readers from age 10, would enjoy the Obsidian Mask. Younger readers could be challenged a bit by the language. I thought this book was a great page turner and just never got boring. This book was not a waste of time. I learned about some places, people and  things I hadn't known about before. I recommend that as soon as possible you get your hands on this book. I absolutely loved  it  and it is only 290 pages.  

-Dante, 11

Simonetta, 12, wrote,
"Thank you for sending me The Obsidian mask. I really liked reading it and I really like Natasha. I felt like she could be one of my friends. That’s the worst thing about reading some books you get to like the people, but they’re only in books. So I would like to read the next one if you can send it to me.
I’m not very good at history at school, but your book made me interested. It made me think about people who lived thousands of years ago which I never do. When Natasha was looking into the tomb I knew exactly what she was thinking.  It felt real to me. When she thought she was breathing dead peoples air I knew what she meant exactly. Does she get together with Yanni in the next book? Please can you send that one? I was really upset about her plait. That was horrible. She was really brave, and so was Gabriella. I felt sorry the way Lorenzo always felt he had to protect everybody, and try to impress his Dad. I felt sorry for him when he cried. But its nice to have a book without the special effects. I really liked it and now my friend Charlotte wants to read it I hope that’s OK.
 Thank you,
 from Simonetta."

"hi! i am Isabella,  i went to the mall one day and my mom and i had wondered into nestology. i had read your book and it was FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!! some parts were okay, but most of it was great! i might have been the first autographed book you have ever gave. sorry i took so long for me to reply i just have been so busy, doing some things. you know the usual. and btw this book would make a great movie!!!!!!"

"....I was interested to read it too and we (my daughters,10, 14, and I) liked the teens in the book very much and felt we got to know them well. Very often you read a book and dont care much for the teenagers in it. Are any of the characters based on any real people, they seemed very realistic, including Marcello, I think Julia will have her hands full with him! A great book. My 1o year old will be taking the book at school to spread the word about it to her class."
Laura C, 
April 1st 2012

 "I can honestly say I loved the obsidian mask. It is an amazing tale of adventure and history. I felt that it was just so...well realistic, and I felt like the characters were in front of me,and it was just so entertaining. I can also say that I am more interested in archaeology, now that I read The obsidian Mask,and I cant wait for the next book in the series." Jake

Thank you very much for transporting me to the desert to explore the legendary Queen Sorrea’s tomb! I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure at the heart of your book, and felt that the characters were all believably drawn and easy to relate to. The archaeological excavation setting was true-to-life and interesting, and the descriptions of the mask and mosaic very captivating. (NM Young Archaeologist Club Magazine, UK)

Jacob, 14 wrote,
 "This book was very different from what I've ever read before, especially in that it was set in a unique location and that there was a unique storyline.
 I enjoyed all the different personalities of the characters.  I also liked how you developed them slowly.  It was interesting how at first Gabrielle was annoying and immature, but then as the story progressed, the reader could see the reasons why she acted this way, but then she became much more mature.  Your characterization was excellent because you involved physical aspects, other characters' opinions, and life stories. 
I think that this book will appeal to many readers because it has adventure, a little romance, and some history all combined together.  Including all of these pieces made the book more interesting and dynamic.  I'm fourteen, and I enjoyed the book, but I think that it would also be well suited for younger teenagers who like to read and have an interest in history. "

"It made me interested in ancient people who lived hundreds of years ago and I liked the kids in the book. I dont have any Italian or English kids in my schoolso it was cool. I'll get the next one to see where they go next.
Tyler
PS where do I get the next one from?"

Alex, 13, school book review;
"The Obsidian Mask is a fiction book. It is about a brother and sister named Alex and Natasha. Their mother is a paleoanthropologist, and when she takes her kids with her to the Middle East, the kids meet two Italian children, named Lorenzo and Gabriella. The four of them end up going on the journey of their lives in a very spontaneous and amusing manner.There are many reasons why I liked this book. One reason is that the mix of personalities prevents the excitement from going stale and keeps the reader interested. Another reason is that the plot is very well-structured. The events occur at a moderate, steady pace. This makes the book calm and tidy, yet not predictable or boring. The type of suspense is never the same for more than two chapters or so, meaning there is always something to wonder about in the book. The story is very relatable to me (Along with all teens, being the prime demographic target) because the main characters are all teenagers and usually share similar problems to me. 
In conclusion, I thought The Obsidian Mask was a fantastic book with many twists and turns. I strongly recommend reading it.The Obsidian Mask is also the first book in a trilogy. "

"I never realized that archaeologists were that important, and like it says in the book history books can be written and rewritten because of them and what they do. Thats cool. If I was there I would be like Alex, wanting to dig quickly to get at what ever was under there. But now I know why they dont do that. Thanks for that its a good read and I will keep checking the facebook page for news about the next one on sale. It makes you think after you put the book down.

Curtis"

My 13-year-old loved your book, Caroline!
 
 "THE OBSIDIAN MASK is a book full of adventure in far-off lands. When the main characters, Natasha, Alex, brother and sister from London, meet their sister-to-be Gabriella at their mother's archaelogy excavation in the Middle East, their plans change abruptly. The reader sets off for a wild ride, involving a hijacking, a kidnapping, ruthless bandits, a legend of the Warrior Queen of Ashtuk, a secret tunnel and an improbable way of escape. This book is great for youths ready for a page-turning novel, and would be great school-based Lit Circle reading involving foreign adventure. -13-year-old T.K."
Thank you for the great adventure, and my sons look forward to your next!

June 2012
My parents are from Egypt and all I get from them is how gerat Egyptian history is so this is very nice to read about another civilization. My mother probably thought it was about Egypt when she bought it. It is a very interesting story and I like Lorenzo as he is very similar to me. The book was very good and I will pass it onto my friend. I was reading it slowly towards the end as I didnt want to finnish. I want to know the next book in Italy. I read the synopsis. Where is the book available? Ham.


"The coolest book I've read in a long time!" Laura, 14

"Thank you! At last! Something other than fantasy for the YA  market with a fantastically different story line." JS. (Middle School teacher)


"...delighted to find your book, love the story, couldn't put it down." P. Scott, quite old.