Please welcome my new tween book reviewer, Luther Matarazzo, as he reviews a fellow MMGM book blogger.
BOOK REVIEW
The Lucky Diamond, by Valinora Troy, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. This book has been created by a truly wonderful writer and her writing style is so interesting. This gem of a book is fairly new, but in my opinion, its author deserves a place with the great writers of the past. One day, this book will be famous and people will talk about Valinora Troy’s excellent book! One of these people will be me, Luther Matarazzo.
The author, Valinora Troy, has been writing since childhood. When she was just six, her powerful imagination formed the story that would one day be this book. She recently completed an M.A. in Creative Writing, specializing in Children and Young Adult fiction. She has written many short stories for adults that have been published in numerous venues. She used to live in Louth, Ireland, then she moved to Dublin for a time but has recently returned to a “magical” writing cottage in the Louth area. This book, The Lucky Diamond, is her first novel to be published.
The remarkable setting for the story takes place in the magical land of Nivram. This is a world of fantasy, filled with spooky forests, enchanted rocks, haunted woods, monsters, castles, witches, and dwarf-like people called Nilkens. The impression I get is the setting for the story is like 16th-century Germany or Ireland, but instead filled with enchanted castles, creatures, and forests.
The story begins with a prologue about a man named Matt, the uncle of five orphaned children. The oldest, Cathy, is only ten. Their uncle was executed for treason, leaving the five to care for themselves. They are unable to leave the town and are hiding from law enforcement which is intent on banishing them. After five years of the children living in secret, Cathy finds a magical, talking diamond named Lucky. Soon after, the children discover that there are evil forces at work that want to kill Lucky and invade their home, the Rock of Diamonds. The children must travel through live rocks that want to crush them; enchanted pools, evil witches, great Forest monsters, and evil Nilkens. They must brave the castle of the witch, Queen Rose. Along the way, they also make new friends including friendly Nilkens. The children must bring Lucky home, and the story ends with a battle of wills between Queen Rose of Cansis, and her evil henchmen, and the Diamonds, and the children. Of course, justice prevails.
I think kids ages 8-15 will enjoy this book just as thoroughly as I did. In my opinion, this story deserves a 4.7-star rating. Other than the fact that the book is without illustrations, it’s one of the best fantasy novels I’ve ever read. I love how the author masterfully combines fantasy, suspense, and mystery into an action-filled story! This book is sure to knock the socks off of its readers, keep them spellbound for hours, and push them to the edge of their seats. Thank you, Valinora Troy, for this great book.
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14 comments:
No
I have not read the books but I am amazed at what a 12-year-old wrote about the books. Where would one buy the trilogy for Christmas? It is always exciting to find new authors and Carol's pages are always enlightening.
Barbara Cantor
Thank you, Barbara. If you follow the link with Vailnora's name There are links under "books" to where you can order them.
Thanks for the great review, Luther. You've gotten me really excited to read Valinora's book. It sounds like it has fantastic world building.
Thanks, Natalie. Your name goes on the giveaway list! I thought Luther's review was very good too.
What a lovely review, Luther! Thanks for sharing your opinion and insights with us!
Thank you for commenting, Faith. I'll add your name to the list. Carol
I'm always looking for MG that excites the reader
Thank you, Chris. Please leave me your email address so I can enter you into the contest.
Excellent job, Luther! You have some talent of your own! Valinora's book has a great, enticing plot that will be a draw for even more young readers. I do want to read the book but will pass on the giveaway as my future read pile is about ready to fall over.
Thanks, Greg. I have some great tween/teen bloggers, don't I?
I only read the beginning because I have this book to read and wasn't sure if there were spoilers. But I am so glad that Luther loved this book. Yay! Thanks for sharing- I can't wait to get to The Lucky Diamond.
Enjoy the book! Thanks for the comment.
Very cool.
I'd love a chance to win.
Sue-I'd love to include your name but I need your email address in case you win. Carol
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