Although it is intriguing at the start, the story becomes slow and confusing. The main character tries to figure things out but I took the option of closing the book and giving up on the story.

One of the stranger books I've read. It's an odd combination of familiar mythology with invented worlds and mythology. Some elements are telegraphed pretty hard, like the old woman's identity. It's obscured only by backwards writing. It moves slowly with a lot of waiting and not much action. THere's plenty of atmosphere. It is likely to be a hard sell for middle grade readers.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an early copy in return for an honest review.

First of all, I like the lesson of the book that without pain, there isn't joy. Clo was bothered by Mischief's actions until she realized that they were in fact necessary. Until she learned the importance of looking at the tapestry as a whole.

I mostly enjoyed the book but I'm not sure how it will land with the intended audience. The vocabulary was more advanced than a younger middle grade reader would know but I don't think the plot/characters are intended for an older audience. I look forward to having some of my students who enjoy reading Greek mythology books read this to hear what they think!

Rating - I would give this 3.5/5 stars but am not able to give half stars.

3,5/5 stars.

I received this ARC copy from NetGalley.

I mostly enjoyed this novel which is inspired by Greek mythology. I loved that aspect of the book as I have always loved the Greek myths. The writing is engaging, lyrical, and highly descriptive. The imagery is quite vibrant and I had no trouble imaging the story in detail.

The book is written for middle-grade readers but, in my opinion, the vocabulary is advanced and more suited for high school and up. Yet, the plot and the protagonist's ages are perfect for younger readers. The middle of the novel was slow for me. Clothilde's reluctance to understand the importance of the tapestry grew tedious to read. She gets a little whiney with her grandmother and, while appropriate for her age and circumstances, I disliked it.

I really liked the overall lesson - that without pain, there can be no joy. Instead of choosing an easy, pain-free existence on the island, Clothilde and Cary risk potential pain and suffering to experience the joy found in life in the world.

I received this e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Clothilde, Clo for short, has lived and traveled with her sometimes thieving father all her 12ish years. When her father doesn’t return one day, Clo waits for him at the designated spot at the edge of the forest. Instead of her father, a boy arrives with a satchel, a ticket for “half paffage,” and a note from her father. Reluctantly, Clo follows her father’s directions and her “half paffage” takes her to an island where the natives, including one particular old woman, were apparently expecting her. She doesn’t understand their language or what is requested of her – something to do with the island’s strange fish. The old woman, with whom she now lives, weaves an enormous gray tapestry. Clo doesn’t see the point of it all until an accident changes everything.

I learned of this book through a middle-grade Zoom panel where the author was featured. When you think about books based on Greek mythology, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series comes to mind. Don’t get me wrong, I love Percy Jackson, but this book is quite different. Those familiar with this genre will pick up on those details but not until later in the book. I would recommend this book for grades 4 and up.

#SpindlefishAndStars #NetGalley

Clo's life is somewhat of a mystery. Her father is an old ex-painter (is he?) who restores (and possibly steals!) works of art. One night when he doesn't come home Clo sets off to find him and ends up on an adventure. This story includes references to many Greek myths and was quite strange. I enjoyed it, but I honestly don't know if the target audience will understand the book or have the patience to stick with it.

Interesting and sometimes haunting story that combines a number of greek myths in an original story. Beautifully done but ultimately sad and with a conclusion that, at least for me, failed to hit the mark

This was a curious book. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit but will the intended audience "get it"?
Clo's life has been in the shadows - her father is an old ex-painter who restores (and steals) works of art. One night when he doesn't come home Clo sets off at their meeting spot. When he still doesn't arrive a messenger gives her a note from her father and a ticket. Clo doesn't understand at all what is happening especially when she arrives on an island where she can't understand anything and is put to work carding and spinning. Eventually after nearly drowning and eating a strange soup she begins to understand. She is living with her grandmother and Mischief the cat who weave (or damage in the cat's case) a tapestry. But what exactly is the tapestry and how does it fit in with Clo's past and maybe her future.
On the island Clo meets Cary who at first is the only one who understands her. Together the two friends rescue each other and set out on a new life.
The cool parts - the tie in to Greek mythology Fate and Icarus for example. The language on the island was a neat trick (spoiler - it was written backwards). it took me awhile to figure out and then I went back to read it all. Will readers pick up on it? It was a bit bizarre though... curious to see what my readers think.