Official Review: Loukas and the Game of Chance

[Gabriel Merêncio]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Loukas and the Game of Chance" by Anthony Manna.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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It takes very long, maybe an entire lifetime, to build anything valuable and important. Sadly, it’s possible to lose it all with a single bad decision if one starts taking things for granted. That’s a lesson Loukas learned the hard way, and now he must embark on a journey to get everything back. Will he succeed?

Anthony Manna’s Loukas and the Game of Chance is a children’s book that tells the rise and fall of Loukas, as well as his quest for redemption. As a child, the main character met a mysterious snake that always rewarded him with gold coins for his friendship. His family soon became very wealthy. Years later, Loukas ends up blinded by pride and loses everything, including his wife and children, in a game of chance. His only hope is to plead with Destiny, who lives deep within the forest, but her favor is not easily gained.

The author has experience working with Greek folktales, and the story is also loosely based on two such tales. This unique heritage makes the title stand out among fantasy stories, which often use the same familiar elements we’re all used to: fairies, wizards, elves, etc. As a result, the book’s setting feels fresh and imaginative, with lots of interesting characters. The powerful and mysterious Destiny is probably my favorite one.

Unique pen and ink drawings accompany the text, courtesy of Donald Babisch. These illustrations impressed me with their intricate patterns and details. That said, this is not a picture book. Indeed, it’s suitable for more advanced readers from fourth to eighth grades. The language is usually within what you’d expect, but some of the more elaborate descriptions and archaic speech could trouble inexperienced readers.

Loukas and the Game of Chance is a lovely tale filled with adventure and important lessons I can recommend to any young literature lover. Since it’s also exceptionally edited, as I haven’t found a single error, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. There are no profanities, so parents and teachers can rest assured. Younger readers likely won’t enjoy the book as much due to the spare use of illustrations and the occasionally challenging language.

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Loukas and the Game of Chance
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[Erin Dydek]

The fantasy and folklore make this sound like and interesting story. The pen and ink art is also an appealing element in this book. The adventure and life lessons also make for a great read. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[FEislandqueen13]

I'm an adult and a young reader at heart who adores adventure books like this. Should introduce this book to my brother, jump start his love for reading.
ps: the cover art is amazing!

[Amberlily]

Something fresh in the fantasy genre, sounds interesting! I'm sure any kid would love to get lost in this book.

[Faithmwangi]

This book promises leaving its readers with applicable life lessons and the illustrations also bring the book to life. Thanks for the in depth review.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I'm an adult and a young reader at heart who adores adventure books like this. Should introduce this book to my brother, jump start his love for reading.
ps: the cover art is amazing!

Something fresh in the fantasy genre, sounds interesting! I'm sure any kid would love to get lost in this book.

This book promises leaving its readers with applicable life lessons and the illustrations also bring the book to life. Thanks for the in depth review.

The fantasy and folklore make this sound like and interesting story. The pen and ink art is also an appealing element in this book. The adventure and life lessons also make for a great read. Thanks for your wonderful review!

This is certainly a great read for young readers, even for older readers who are young at heart. Thanks for the comments!

[Nisha Ward]

I always like when fantasy and folklore are combined, and it sounds like this one is doing so with Greek mythology in a new, yet familiar way. I'm curious about how Loukas loses, to say the least, and his journey to regain what he lost.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I always like when fantasy and folklore are combined, and it sounds like this one is doing so with Greek mythology in a new, yet familiar way. I'm curious about how Loukas loses, to say the least, and his journey to regain what he lost.

The book definitely made me curious about Greek folklore. If you decide to read this one, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the comment!

[Ogoskino]

Relatable life lessons taught. Great illustrations, excellent review!

[Gabriel Merêncio]

Relatable life lessons taught. Great illustrations, excellent review!

It does have relatable life lessons and interesting illustrations. Thanks for the comment!

[Ria710]

It’s great that the author teaches important lessons through the book. The cover of the book is beautiful as well. Thanks for your honest review.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

It’s great that the author teaches important lessons through the book. The cover of the book is beautiful as well. Thanks for your honest review.

The cover is certainly eye-catching, isn't it? Thanks for the comment!

[adamgreenrock]

I'm always up for a good redemption story. Mostly because I believe that everyone can be a good person if they just try. Thanks for your thoughtful review!

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I'm always up for a good redemption story. Mostly because I believe that everyone can be a good person if they just try. Thanks for your thoughtful review!

I also enjoy redemption stories. Thanks for the comment!