I’ve looked forward to this fantasy story since I first heard about it from the author, MMGM frequent contributor, Valinora Troy. It was worth the wait.

Lianna at just 13-years-old has lost her father. She’s sent to live with her uncle to the far away land of Nivram. Her assumptions that it will be a terrible place are correct. No one there seems to like her because of what her father supposedly did. This includes that uncle who is also a judge.

She feels hopeless until a hombit, a glass bird, comes alive steps into her life. Hombit is one of the most appealing and surprisingly fun non-human character I have come across. Their conversations with each other are memorable.

They agree to help each other. Lianna will assist the bird with a secret mission, so secret that the Hombit doesn’t even know what it entails. In return this magical creature will help Lianna get back to her original home.

That proves to be a huge task with a creature that is slowly invading Lianna’s body and turning her to stone. Uncovering family secrets and the truth about her father will have to happen if she is to stay alive.

Lianna is a fabulous character and very believable new teen in her thoughts and actions. She’s stubborn but also frequently debates the actions she chooses to take. Lianna is one you will not soon forget.

Family, friendship, bravery, and many magical moments make LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT an appealing choice.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 29, 2026 PAGES: 268

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: LIANNA AND THE HOMBIT by Valinora Troy

1. The world building is excellent as readers will envision this new place right along with Lianna. From the coastal waters to the land of Nivram there are many surprises that will keep you turning the pages to learn more.
2. The pacing in the 34 chapters is never slow and the events unfolding in each chapter have their own magic in creating an engaging plot.
3. The uncle has a character arc that is both surprising and believable. His level of likeability rises as you discover the truth about the judge’s dislike of his brother, Lianna’s father. Great reveals throughout this superbly written story.
4. Small and full-page illustrations appear throughout, adding even more appeal to the reading experience.
5. The ending is heartwarming but not one you ever expected. The power of excellent writing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valinora Troy comes from a family of writers and artists. She holds a MA in Creative Writing (Children’s & Young Adults), and lives in Ireland.

Valinora has recently been short-listed in The Staróg Prize. Her books have all been well-received, and recognised in several awards.

Valinora’s first story, started at the age of five or six, featured a girl finding a magic diamond. It took her all summer to write the first few pages.

Since then, she has written many stories, both short and full length novels. The magic diamond, however, continued to call to her, and The Lucky Diamond was published in November 2021. The story changed greatly since she was six – but the Diamond, the five children, the canoe, and the evil Queen Rose insisted on staying.

You can find more about Valinora on her Author website and on Twitter @ValinoraW

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