The Star Locket by Natalie Jane Prior
Had I read the cover of this book carefully when I catalogued it last year, it would have lept to the top of my reading list. Several years ago I read Fireworks and Darkness and absolutely loved it. Many times I have passed the book on the shelf wishing there was another book in the series. Well now there is…
The Star Locket is a fantasy adventure set in eastern Europe during the 19th century. In a small duchy, there arrive two 15 year old girls, absolutely identical in every way, including a star shaped pendant necklace. Eventually the two girls encounter each other and together they try to solve the mystery of their origins. Without telling too much of the story, the two girls are actually one child whose spirit and body was divided as an infant. Now magical powers are seeking them and the locket, which is in itself a source of power. If found, one of the two girls will simply disappear, but which one?
I fully enjoyed this adventure story, which is really what it is. There is naturally some family drama, and even a pretty good chase scene, and this book, unlike it’s companion, is firmly set in a historical period and that period influences some of the characters.
Unfortunately the publishers have sold this book short once again. The cover with the picture of the two young girls makes this whole book appear to be for the sweet little darlings in year 5 or 6. But instead it is really a tale of death, adventure, dark powers and even a touch of first love. A stronger cover to attract more mature readers is really what this book needs.
