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Lucina in Humbra Land a young girl opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, she is suddenly transported into a magical world filled with enchanted creatures and perilous journeys. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Originally I wanted to write about girls having a tea party with their grandma because I grew up loving tea parties. I came up with the idea for the ruby necklace because both a ring and shoes had been used in other famous tales. Ruby is my birthstone and has always been my favorite stone. I wanted Lucina to travel to a fantasy land because that is what children dream about. The characters in the forest mirrored the characters from the grandparents’ farm. The grammy’s art studio is like my art studio.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The farm in my story is my sister’s farm. I chose the 50s as the time period because I think that would have been one of the best times to grow up. Tea parties happened in the 50s; we need children to spend time having a tea party with their grandparents. I love to take walks in the forest, enjoying the colors, creatures, and fresh air. The setting morphed from being fun to mysterious to creepy to loving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme of my book that I want to promote is the theme of family togetherness. It’s very important to spend time with your family. I use Lucina as an example of someone who has courage and strives to do the right thing, not just for herself, but for others. I encourage the theme of working together, and I promote the Celtic or Irish theme because it is my heritage.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story
There is a sequel coming to my Lucina in Humbra Land Book. The story is not complete yet, but I’m hopeful that fans will be equally enchanted with the next book.
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The story unfolds as Lucina, guided by the wise and sturdy Noak, attempts to unite the inhabitants of Humbra Land, including the ethereal Cinda, the mischievous Nutty, and the formidable vine monsters led by Crag. The fate of this enchanting realm rests on their shoulders, and Lucina becomes the linchpin in their efforts to avert disaster.
The urgency to save Humbra Land is intensified by torrential rains, thunderous storms, and a relentless flood that threatens to erase the magical realm. With determination and courage, Lucina faces the challenge of convincing the vine monsters, lost in a misunderstanding, to join forces with the other inhabitants.
As Lucina and her newfound friends embark on a mission to transport a gigantic granite boulder up the Shannon River, they encounter numerous obstacles and confrontations. The story weaves themes of cooperation, empathy, and friendship, emphasizing the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.
Lucina’s journey is not merely a quest to save Humbra Land; it becomes a personal odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Alongside the fantastical elements, the narrative explores family bonds, as Lucina’s commitment to saving her Grammy’s farm becomes a driving force for her.
Amidst the adventure, suspense, and remarkable encounters, Lucina’s character evolves, demonstrating the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The book captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
“Lucina in Humbra Land” offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers. With its richly developed world, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, this enchanting tale promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
Lucina in Humbra Land
Lucina in Humbra Land starts off with a sweet, cozy birthday story—Lucina is turning ten and heading to her Grammy and Grandpa’s farm with her three sisters. Then we find out the farm is in danger of being taken away. And just when you think it’s a heartfelt family tale, Lucina opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, and suddenly she’s transported into a magical world called Humbra Land. It’s like The Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland, but with Irish folklore vibes, talking animals, and a bee queen. I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this little story.
The writing has this warm, nostalgic energy that made me feel like I was back in my own childhood. The scene where Lucina and her sisters have tea with Grammy using whimsical teapots—including one that sings Danny Boy—had me smiling ear to ear. And Grammy’s storytelling was wonderful. But what really got me was when Lucina overhears that Grandpa is about to lose the farm. The way she throws herself onto Grammy’s futon and cries was raw. And it sets up the emotional core of the book.
The whole middle chunk of the book is wild in the best way. Lucina meets Nutty the squirrel, gets chased by a terrifying sand octopus thing, gets flown by a majestic bluebird named Lofty, and ends up having to make a moral decision about freeing creepy vine monsters in order to save an entire magical land from a flood. The stakes get high, but it’s all still grounded by Lucina’s big heart. I loved how she never goes full hero mode—she’s scared, confused, unsure—but she keeps pushing forward.
I didn’t expect to cry while reading a book about a girl riding a squirrel through a magical forest, but here we are. Lucina is such a wholesome mix of family, imagination, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. The ending made me all misty-eyed. I think this book would be perfect for kids around 8-12, especially dreamy, book-loving ones. If you’re a nostalgic adult who grew up on fairy tales and still believes in magic tucked between the pages—this one’s for you too.
Pages: 91 | ASIN : B0DP68NC75
LITERARY TITAN 