James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra

The author sent an autographed copy of his novel to my twelve year old grandson, Kai O to review:

James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra reminded me a lot of the Harry Potter books. Colm McElwain is an inventive author who can put an interesting spin on a classic story about a orphan destined for more. This book is a page turner, and I was glued to the book.

James Clyde is sprinting as fast as he can with a handful of stolen clothes. James needs these clothes for the winter time, although James doesn’t know that he will not need these extra garments for very long. Soon after, James and his friends, Ben and Mary, visit James Clyde’s grandfather, Wilmore Clyde. A mysterious man named Gilbert attacks the house and injures Wilmore. James (next to his dying grandfather) is given a magical Diamond of Orchestra that has the power to grant one wish. Using his wish, James gains the ability to fly, and he escapes through a secret transporter room with his friends into another world named Orchestra. This is where the story starts to pick up the pace, so you will have to read your own copy of this book from here on.

This book actually made you feel connected to all the characters. Whenever something bad happened or a bad choice was made, you truly wished that you could talk to the characters and help them. In conclusion, Colm McElwain’s James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra was a fantastic book. I would recommend this book to YA readers from the fifth to eighth grade. I think Colm McElwain is a very talented author who wrote an amazing book.

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

Comment: Another excellent review from my grandson, Kai O. I think that it is important for a YA novel ( like the one Colm wrote) to be reviewed by someone who is actually a young adult. This is Kai’s first requested review!