I really enjoyed this book, from the story, to the illustrations, to the slightly oversized book itself. Though the setting was in a nunnery in 1348, the story just flowed very easily and was beautifully written. Edyth has synesthesia, which enables her to "see" sounds as colors. She tries to keep this ability hidden as people don't understand and think there is something wrong with her. Together with Mason, a boy from her village, they must uncover what her visions mean before the Plague destroys everything. From the title, A Cloud of Outrageous Blue, I didn't think this story would be as dark as it got, but I still highly recommend it. The author, Vesper Stamper, also did all the illustrations found in the book.

This was an emotional and beautifully written tale following Edyth who lived in a nunnery. The illustrations that were scattered throughout the pages really helped pull the story together that Stamper was trying to tell. It really had a somber feel to it but brings about the theme of hope in the end. I would recommend adding this to your classroom library.

#bookallies Review.

The writing was so lyrical and poetic, I absolutely loved that. And the illustrations were truly stunning, I could have watched them for hours! The story was great too, although I didn't feel like much happened in this story. It was entertaining, but it will likely not stay with me.

I’m not entirely sure how I want to rate this book. I was very intrigued by the idea of it as I’m fascinated by the Middle Ages. I think it was well written, and I enjoyed the illustrations dispersed throughout the book. The characters were written well, and brought a humanity to the people who lived in the nunnery. At times, I had to remind myself that these characters were living in the Middle Ages, and not in modern times. The author was very descriptive so I feel like even without the illustrations that were there, I was able to imagine the layout very similar to the map that was included in the back of the book.

But despite all this, I ended with a feeling of just…meh, and I really can’t say why. I felt like my attention wavered in and out, and sometimes I just had to put the book down for a few days and read something else before I was able to pick it up and continue with the story.

I'm surprised this is considered a YA book. The Amazon listing has it as age 12 or grade 7 and up. I really don't see middle schoolers getting into this book. As for a high schooler, I think it would take someone who is really into the middle ages, and enjoys dark stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for and electronic ARC.

Gorgeous art, darkly and wonderfully written.

The author immediately connects you to the MC and plunges you into this gorgeous world. This story was so much darker and emotional than I first thought, I assumed it would be glossed over but it wasn't and oh man, what a treat.

Despite the darker aspects of loss and grief, this was a tale that also gave a wonderful presentation of hope and faith.

Stamper truly goes above and beyond in this novel and I fell in love from page one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC

A lyrically written, beautifully illustrated, heartbreaking story of life during the Middle Ages. Edyth, the main character, suffers many loses, yet when faced with an opportunity to flee the ravages of the plague on the monastery where she is working, she chooses loyalty and her sense of calling. I love that Stamper shows all sides of the characters in the monastery. As in life, some are sympathetic and have a real faith; some are wounded and wound others. Recommended for YA and adult readers who want an immersive historical read.
Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.

3.5 The artwork is amazing and draws you in. The writing is dreamy and delicious. The story, though, is dark even for a book about the plague and at some points seems to feel more modern vs. medieval both in tone and character motivation.