DigeeBooks

The Newbery Medal–winning author of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! gives readers a virtuoso performance in verse in this profoundly original epic pitched just right for fans of poetry, history, mythology, and fantasy.Welcome to ancient Greece as only genius storyteller Laura Amy Schlitz can conjure it. In a warlike land of wind and sunlight, “ringed by a restless sea,” live Rhaskos and Melisto, spiritual twins with little in common beyond the violent and mysterious forces that dictate their lives. A Thracian slave in a Greek household, Rhaskos is as common as clay, a stable boy worth less than a donkey, much less a horse. Wrenched from his mother at a tender age, he nurtures in secret, aided by Socrates, his passions for art and philosophy. Melisto is a spoiled aristocrat, a girl as precious as amber but willful and wild. She’ll marry and be tamed—the curse of all highborn girls—but risk her life for a season first to serve Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Bound by destiny, Melisto and Rhaskos—Amber and Clay—never meet in the flesh. By the time they do, one of them is a ghost. But the thin line between life and death is just one boundary their unlikely friendship crosses. It takes an army of snarky gods and fearsome goddesses, slaves and masters, mothers and philosophers to help shape their story into a gorgeously distilled, symphonic tour de force. Blending verse, prose, and illustrated archaeological “artifacts,” this is a tale that vividly transcends time, an indelible reminder of the power of language to illuminate the over- and underworlds of human history.

In the enchanting realm of Amber and Clay, readers are captivated by an extraordinary tale of love, mystery, and intrigue. Laura Amy Schlitz weaves a spellbinding narrative that transports readers to a time and place where art and passion collide, forever changing the lives of two remarkable individuals and the people who surround them.

Enter the world of Alaric, a talented young artist struggling to find his place in a society that values wealth and power over creative expression. He finds solace and inspiration in his beloved sister Clara, and together they share a fervent passion for the art that fills their lives.

But their peaceful existence is shattered when tragedy strikes, leaving Alaric alone and facing a world that seems determined to stifle his artistic aspirations. Yet, fate takes an unexpected turn when he meets Agnes, a young woman from a wealthy family, who is drawn to his artistic genius.

Agnes becomes Alaric's unlikely muse, and their relationship sets off a chain of events that will challenge their beliefs, test their loyalties, and ultimately reshape their destinies. As Alaric navigates the complex social and artistic landscape, he discovers the true power of art and its ability to transcend barriers and transform lives.

Filled with vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and unforgettable characters, "Amber and Clay" is a captivating exploration of the transformative power of art and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to pursue it against all odds. Laura Amy Schlitz's compelling storytelling and attention to detail create a rich tapestry that will leave readers spellbound and forever changed.

Join Alaric and Agnes on their enthralling journey as they navigate a world divided by class and prejudice, and discover the extraordinary lengths to which they are willing to go to protect the art they cherish. "Amber and Clay" is a timeless tale that celebrates the human spirit and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.