THE IMPOSSIBLE SECRET OF LILLIAN VELVET BY JACLYN MORIARTY

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is the story of a 10-year-old girl, a pickle jar filled with gold coins, time travel and the incredible worlds of Kingdoms and Empires. It is part of the series that includes The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone.

Lillian Velvet lives a quiet, grey life with her grandmother. It flows with a predictability that would stifle most children, but Lillian Velvet is a different kind of child. She is thoughtful and kind and considering her upbringing, she has a depth of character that somehow ingrained in her. This is Moriarty’s seed that sprouts a wonderous fairy tale.

When Lillian receives a jar of coins for her 10th birthday, she is told she may wish to go to places she’s never been. Considering she has only really ever gone to the corner shop with her grandmother, the possibilities are plenty. Once her adventures begin, Lilian and the reader are drawn into such an imaginative world where so much is possible. But what does it mean? Why Lilian? Who is behind the tragedies that are engulfing the world of Kingdoms and Empires? When Lilian nears the end of her journey and pledge to save a small boy form death, the tension reaches fever pitch. The reader is left to watch on, helpless, as those who wish to manipulate Lilian gain the upper hand.

Jaclyn Moriarty again gives readers an incredible experience. The descriptions of the world of Kingdoms and Empires, the characters living there and what happens when Lilian is there, are absolutely captivating. Lilian’s beautiful character who experiences cruelty, deception, a loveless upbringing and manages to emerge as one of the loveliest characters. The themes of family, time travel, kindness and honour flow through this adventurous tale. Confident Middle Grade readers who enjoyed Tumble Glass by Kate Constable will love this book.

For Ages: 10-14 years

Number of Pages: 544

Published: October 2023 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Family, time travel, kindness.

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Jaclyn-Moriarty-Impossible-Secret-of-Lillian-Velvet-9781761067570/