Loukas and the Game of Chance
These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they?
Book Description:
While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they?
A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
Reviews for the Book
"Loukas and the Game of Chance" is enthralling enough to read in one afternoon, the characters are fun, the setting is vivid, and the adventure the character embark on is full of surprises and action. We loved that there is an element of mystery to the story, in that the main character finds magical characters along the way which may help him in his quest. Like all great fantasy novels, there is an exploration of good and evil, and it will be nice to witness the growth of the main character as the story continues. An enjoyable read which middle-grade readers will love and young-at-heart adults will also enjoy."--Reading with Your Kids "Author Anthony L. Manna is an experienced and award-winning storyteller with a penchant for Greek folklore. Music is woven buoyantly and continuously throughout the tale. Intriguing and captivating characters are in abundance, such as the flamboyant Keeper of the Forest--the sage offering counsel from middle to end. Perseverance is a key theme--when Loukas thinks about giving up, he is driven by hope. Readers will discover that only those that are willing and brave enough to enter the depths of their despair will be healed. Donald Babisch's pen and ink illustrations add to the level of mysticism with their alluring tangled patterns. If a story steeped in Greek folklore that demonstrates how personal growth will flourish from mutual respect and kindness appeals to you, Loukas and the Game of Chance will certainly fit the bill." - Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review "Anthony Manna, the author, has the talent to take you places and hold your attention. The way he created the flow of the story will keep you wanting more while being inspired. It might be based on a Greek tale but the author was able to make this story his own. It's so rich in color you would think it is one of the classics. Loukas and the Game of Chance is definitely a must-read. Children will have a fun but meaningful time with this story. The adults too because this story is definitely for everyone!" -Readers Favorite "With a goodhearted serpent, a benevolent goddess, and a flawed but determined hero, Loukas and the Game of Chance offers excitement, magic, and, most of all, hope that it is never too late to make things right." - Vivian Turnbull, Foreword Reviews "Loukas and the Game of Chance is an intriguing tale full of magic, whimsy, and surprises. Loukas shows readers about kindness, courage, faith, and the power of an unwavering resolve, but he also shows readers the dangers of pride and greed." -OnlineBookClub - 4 out of 4 stars
About the Author: Anthony L. Manna
Anthony L. Manna draws on his experiences and passion as an award-winning educator of fifty years to inspire kids and teens to become confident, skilled, and happily motivated readers and writers. He has taught in schools and universities in Turkey, Greece, Albania, and the United States where he immersed kids, teens, and young adults in powerful multicultural books and entertaining, action-packed activities to help them enjoy the discoveries about themselves and others that great books and their own writing can encourage them to explore. Manna is the award-winning author of Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece, and Greek Folktales: A Treasury of Delights. Loukas and the Game of Chance, a middle-grade fantasy, will be available in October, 2019, wherever books are sold.
Anthony L. Manna’s first collaboration with Soula Mitakidou, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, illustrated by Giselle Potter, was an ALA-ALSC Notable Book, a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award winner, and a New York Public Library Best Book for Children. Another collaboration of theirs, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece, illustrated by Giselle Potter, was a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2012. They also collaborated on the anthology, Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights. Anthony has worked with children and teens in drama and storytelling; has been an actor, director of children’s theater, vehicle repossessor, and janitor; and has taught in schools and universities in Turkey, Greece, Albania, and the United States. He divides his time between Ohio and Arizona.
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