In the far reaches of Northern Joya, most of the inhabitants wear skates, for without these sharp, silver blades it would be too slippery to traverse the shimmering ice fields.

When the King and Queen find a frozen girl child in a snowbank, everyone stops and tries to thaw her out.

A gigantic bonfire is lit, which brightens the night sky, but soon the ice fields of Joya are melting.

A trickling stream becomes a rushing river, then suddenly, a deluge. Leaving the comforts of their dry, warm stable, Lee Rumsey and Little Marvel are swept away on a torrential adventure.

Their dog friends, Garbonzo & Beanie, follow.

Together this foursome explores the dank underworld of Joya as well as its most fragrant gardens.

Throughout her journey to the Treasure House, Lee is compelled to follow the cries of her baby sister, but first she must help release Spigot Von Glume, and tame a tribe of terrible teasers.

Finally, Marvel and Lee outwit an even more dangerous foe.

This wild fantasy also deals with serious issues, like the emotional pull between family and friends.

The characters grapple with loyalty and betrayal, with deep feelings of connection and the fear of losing love, but through the humorous, often playful antics of the characters, Leezie and Marvel overcome all obstacles, and their unique friendship wins out.

Marvel the Marvelous is the second young adult novel written by Laura Chester.

Hiding Glory, which appeared in 2007, from Willow Creek Press, also took place in the land of Joya.