The topaz quest by Gill Vickery

DragonChild Book 3, Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408188255
(Ages: 7-9) Highly recommended. Fantasy, Quest Adventure, Witches, Magic.
The topaz quest is the third DragonChild fantasy adventure. Tia's quest continues with her search for the third Jewel of Power, a topaz stolen from the DragonQueen's necklace. This jewel has been stolen by the High Witch Luona who controls the townspeople of Stoplar with its weather-altering magic. Tia has bravely gathered the emerald that lets her speak to animals and the opal that lets her change shape. Once again she is accompanied by the jackdaw Loki and her DragonBrother Finn.
This junior novel begins with a recap of her previous quests, this helps the new reader understand Tia's motivation. When they finally reach the cliffs above Stoplar, the trio are stopped by the fierce ice storm. Finn and Loki help with the entry into the town and her quick thinking helps her to find shelter. Her protectors help her gain a work badge and she finds work collecting saffron threads. Of course the news of Tia's search for the jewels has reached the High Witch Luona and she will not let the topaz go without a struggle.
Gil Vickery's novel is imaginatively written and shows her understanding of the young reader's need for magical fantasy and adventure. Mike Love's dark moody black and white sketches create atmosphere and add to the understanding of Tia's journey.
This novel is highly recommended for children from 7-9 years of age. Suitable for a class read.
Rhyllis Bignel