You've read my review for Dance of Shadows already - but how about a new format?
Sneak Peak is a fun YA program at my library where the new books are all brought out at one time, red carpet style, with book talks as the entertainment. This year our super YA librarian, Joan, wanted to intermix some media into the program and asked me to film myself.
If I had more time to spend on this, it could have been really polished - but it turned out pretty awesome as it is! Stay tuned for more book talks and book trailers soon!!
I read this without following my typical review format - so I thought I'd include my book talk on this here instead. This is a sneak peak because I won't give my book talk for a few more days.
The New York
Ballet Academy. Dancers spend years dreaming of what it would be like to
attend. They admit the most dedicated, talented, and graceful dancers each
year. That was my sister – Margaret was amazing and dedicated and passionate.
Which is why I know she didn’t run away like everyone has said. It is my turn
to go, I’ve been admitted and it isn’t my passion for dance that brought me –
but my dedication for finding my sister.
Before I can
start looking I’m pulled out of bed in the middle of the night for what I
thought was a hazing. The masked dancers hold out a scalpel that we are to
slice into our own feet and drag a line of blood across the practice hall
floor.
Barefoot, I
stepped forward. The upperclassmen closed in around me, chanting in English.
You’re not good enough. You’re not worthy. The words came out low and muggy
through their masks. You will never be a dancer.
They’re right, I
thought, searching their hollow faces. I gripped the knife and slashed the ball
of my foot. The chanting grows louder all around me, words now in French that I
do not understand. They grow louder, louder, until the words pounded through my
head.
Later I discover
their meaning, “Run Away, Flee for your life. Save your soul.”
Only a few days
later my friend goes missing. A boy who is equal parts mysterious and dreamy
starts seeking me out. Our instructor goes from demanding to sadistic. I’m cast
in a lead role that seems cursed. First my sister, now my friend, maybe others
have disappeared too - and instead of saving them, I might be next.
