I’ve gotten to know Valinora through her frequent participation and support for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (MMGM). I was thrilled when she asked if I would be a part of her cover reveal for Lianna and the Hombit. The new book will be out on January 29th, 2026. Preorders are available at Lianna and Hombit – Valinora Troy.

So… here’s what to expect:

***************************************

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young? Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity. 

To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father? 

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

***************************************

That sure is a great sounding plot! And now take a look at the equally powerful cover:

A stunning accomplishment for sure and one that will grab young reader’s attention. Best of luck on your new book Valinora. I can’t wait to read it myself!

About Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.