Book Review: The Great Forest by Valinora Troy

Things have improved so much for the five orphan children since we first met them in The Lucky Diamond. They’ve a new home, found family, and their ability to use their magical gifts is growing. 

However, some things haven’t changed, and the children continue to be in peril from their enemies. 

Days before the ceremony that will unite the kingdom (which also happens to be their 11th birthday), twins Cathy and Alan are kidnapped and taken into the Great Forest. 

Meanwhile, in the neighboring kingdom of Kyle, Susan and Vicky encounter some scary fog while traveling with Prince Paul. 

Who is behind these unpleasant events? Will the children be able to stop the villain before more people disappear? More importantly, will Cathy and Alan get home in time for their birthday party?

I’ve been a fan of Troy’s middle grade fantasy series since The Lucky Diamond. The children are believable and I love their different characters (my favorite is dress hating, adventure seeking Vicky). The land is full of magic, and the stories are so much fun. There are also the Diamonds, sentient, immensely powerful precious stones that are the guardians of Nivram. They’re the most original fantasy creature I’ve ever come across, and I love the ridiculously powerful, grumpy King of the Diamonds who never wants to leave his home (I’m with you, King!). 

It’s fitting that the trilogy, which started with the children having to fend for themselves after their uncle is thrown to the monsters in the Great Forest, ends with Cathy and Alan, the youngest of the five, tasked with healing the wound that caused the darkness to overtake The Great Forest.   

The children have some new abilities in this book. Whether it’s because they’ve learned how to better use their magical gifts, or because the proximity to the Diamonds has activated their Diamond blood, I’m not sure. However, it read as a natural progression that built on the developments in the second book, and I loved it. 

I also loved that the children had a much more active role in this book. Not to say they’re passive in the other books, but in The Lucky Diamond they are finding their feet in a world which they didn’t know existed. In Revenge of Queen Rose, they are fighting back against an enemy who has trapped them. In The Great Forest, they are taking the fight to the enemies. I love this character arc throughout the trilogy. The character growth over the three books is very satisfying. 

The Great Forest is also quite scary in places. I genuinely feared for Vicky and Susan in one scene, and Cathy and Alan have some very grown up choices to make. I didn’t think Revenge of Queen Rose could be topped, especially with the wonderful character of Ches, but The Great Forest is definitely my favourite book in the trilogy. 

Troy’s world is so fascinating, and the characters so lovable, I really hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Nivram, the Diamonds and the five orphans