THE LOST AMULET

In this debut fantasy set in Australia, three children with magical powers must locate a powerful amulet before their enemies do.

As babies, Alexandra, Jake and Kian were transported from their home world and brought to Earth, a world in which magic fades in the presence of adults. Raised in an orphanage, the three are adopted into different families by parents who are also from their home world; they’re magical creatures disguised as humans to guard the children. Each child is a royal heir and Stone Bearer chosen to wield the protective magic of one of the four kingdoms in their magical lands. But until they can find the lost Amulet of Hazar and a way to keep it safe from the evil Lord Paragon and his minion, Colt, the children can’t return to their true parents. Along with being enrolled in a private school, which others from their world also secretly attend, the three children train in magic and combat under the tutelage of their guardians. Overtones of Hogwarts are clear, including a playful equivalent of Diagon Alley that even mundane humans can visit and a multiple-choice quiz that sorts the children into four houses represented by mythical animals. But the story takes on too many perspectives—including those of the children, the adults and their nonmagical friends—and there are several holes that astute readers will notice. Why were the children not raised by their guardians in the first place rather than at an orphanage? Why is the green Stone Bearer’s identity hidden from the children (but not the readers)? And if the magical beings from the Land of Four Stones are able to pose as humans and infiltrate the school, why is this important quest being handed to the young Stone Bearers? Still, even with these issues, Farrugia creates an interesting world, and Alexandra in particular is a strong female lead determined to do what it takes to keep both Earth and the Land of Four Stones safe from Paragon’s plots.

An entertaining series starter that will appeal to young readers craving more magical school stories.