Reviewed
by Kerry Gittins
For most of her short life, Lillian Velvet
has lived with her stern, uncompromising and decidedly unaffectionate
grandmother. Her days are regimented, and she must follow the routine set for
her otherwise there is the sting of a sharp reprimand. But things change
dramatically on the day of her tenth birthday. Grandmother gives Lillian a jar
of gold coins and tells her, ‘Don’t
go out, don’t open the door to anyone – and don’t spend all your coins at
once,’ which seems odd to Lillian as she’s not allowed to go out so how could
she spend her coins? Just when she thinks things cannot get
stranger, she feels an almighty shove and finds herself somewhere very
different to her home in Bomaderry.
Lillian has begun her adventures in the Kingdoms
and Empires series where magic, intrigue and a certain spurious character
called Mr Turtlehaze follow her everywhere. Each time she experiences the shove
she finds herself in another kingdom that costs her more of her gold coins, and
where it falls upon Lillian to save someone from danger. Throughout her
seemingly disconnected forays she encounters Shadow Mages, True Mages, Sparks,
Hurtlings, Spellbinders and even a Queen – all creatures and people she has never
met but who are somehow familiar. Lillian also meets the various members of the
Mettlestone family who are brave, courageous, and kind. They will all play a
key role in helping Lillian discover who – and what - she really is.
This intriguing, character driven plot is
like a puzzle, with each chapter disclosing another piece about Lillian and her
time travels. Readers will be captivated from the very beginning by a fast
paced, compelling, and intricate storyline that will have them on the edge of
their seats anticipating the final, monumental revelation of the Lillian’s
secret. Kelly Canby’s colourful cover design and delightful black and white
chapter illustrations with their Picasso-esque faces are the perfect complement
to a wonderfully quirky and endearing story.
Although this is Book 5 and I read it as a
stand-alone, it only left me wanting to find out more about the wonderful
worlds that came before this one, created by the talented Jaclyn Moriarty. This
was my first venture into the Kingdoms and Empires series, but it won’t
be my last. Highly recommended for ages 10 – 14.
Teaching themes could include magic,
fantasy, quests, spells, humour, courage, resourcefulness, family, friends,
belonging and love.
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