Having read the first thirty pages of this book, I can safely say that I am utterly captivated.
It has been a while since a writer's manipulation and use of the English language has got me truly excited, but Jamison Shea has succeeded! The juxtapositions used in the excerpt I read are just stark and fabulous - "vultures" and "cotton candy," "ballet" and "warfare."
It is very refreshing to read a story that doesn't sugar coat the world of dance - for every mention of the glamour, grace, pink and blush, there is the sharp comparison of the jealousy, competition, back stabbing, sexism, body shaming and racism that is sadly all too present in the industry. This adds a stark sense of realism to Shea's story, whilst keeping the reader engaged and hungry for more.
I love the dark, supernatural undercurrent already running through the story - the mentions of witchcraft, spells, the moon, stars and rituals keeps the writing fresh and snappy and ensure that it appeals to a wider audience - not just those who want to read a story about ballet.
Laure, the main character, is intriguing and I look forward to reading further on in the book to see her develop further and her secrets reveal themselves.
Overall I was very impressed with the extract that I read and I look forward to being able to read more.
It has been a while since a writer's manipulation and use of the English language has got me truly excited, but Jamison Shea has succeeded! The juxtapositions used in the excerpt I read are just stark and fabulous - "vultures" and "cotton candy," "ballet" and "warfare."
It is very refreshing to read a story that doesn't sugar coat the world of dance - for every mention of the glamour, grace, pink and blush, there is the sharp comparison of the jealousy, competition, back stabbing, sexism, body shaming and racism that is sadly all too present in the industry. This adds a stark sense of realism to Shea's story, whilst keeping the reader engaged and hungry for more.
I love the dark, supernatural undercurrent already running through the story - the mentions of witchcraft, spells, the moon, stars and rituals keeps the writing fresh and snappy and ensure that it appeals to a wider audience - not just those who want to read a story about ballet.
Laure, the main character, is intriguing and I look forward to reading further on in the book to see her develop further and her secrets reveal themselves.
Overall I was very impressed with the extract that I read and I look forward to being able to read more.