Five siblings set out on a fantastical quest. Five, strong and smart orphan siblings are trusted to help Lucky, a strange, diamond being escape their miserable city of Lowdar and embark on a magical, fantasy quest. ‘The Lucky Diamond’ by Valinora Troy plunges the reader into a strange world, with great world-building, and transports us across foreign lands as the siblings and Lucky set out on their quest. The inhabitants of Lowdar know that to go beyond the town walls is certain death, but when the siblings must work together and do just that to help Lucky get home, sparkling adventures begin. The beginning of a new series this book reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia. Each sibling is unique, has a strong character and their own ability, helped by the strange gifts left to them by their mother, to allow them to help in any given situation. I can see young middle grade readers picking their favourite characters out as they read. The story flows well, with lots of things to discover with every turn of the page, new characters (and monsters) to encounter, and evils to overcome. I think that this would be a hit for any middle grade readers who like magical quests and fantasy.
When ten-year-old orphan twins Cathy and Alan meet a magical, talking Diamond called Lucky, they and their three older siblings readily agree to accompany the Diamond on her journey home. But what Lucky hasn’t told them is that their route lies across a dangerous enchanted land, and that an evil queen is determined to do anything to stop Lucky and her friends from reaching their destination.
With Lucky’s powers rapidly waning, can five young orphans resist the dark lure of Queen Rose’s magic?
Lucky and the Diamonds value truth and honour above all else, but it’s a struggle for the five orphans to keep their word when Lucky becomes lost in deep sleep. On their own against Queen Rose’s wickedness, can the siblings find the courage and strength to ensure their survival?
First in an exciting new children’s middle grade series, buy The Lucky Diamond now to see if the children can prevail in their battle against evil.
