Fantasy

The Key to Extraordinary

by Natalie Lloyd

2.5
Reviewed May 10, 2026

Ivy found *The Key to Extraordinary* to be a lukewarm read, rating it 2.5 out of 5 — noting that while the story features a brave heroine, magical family legacies, and small-town mystery, it just never quite clicked or fully captured her attention. She acknowledges that fans of old-timey settings and determined heroines on treasure hunts might enjoy it more than she did, but for her, this one landed squarely in "meh" territory.

Ivy's Review

The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd follows 12-year-old Emma Pearl Casey as she tries to have and then follow the Destiny Dream of her ancestors. Emma lives in a small town called Blackbird Hollow with a haunted graveyard as her backyard. Her Grandma Blue runs a cafe called the Boneyard Cafe. Emma lives in a town with magical flora and a magical family. Her female ancestors all had a dream of standing in a big field of blue flowers with an object in it that solidifies their destiny. After her mom dies, leaving Emma and her brother, Topher, orphans, she becomes determined to have to Destiny Dream, hoping it'll fill up the "Big Empty" she has every since her mom died. When she finally has her Destiny Dream, though, it makes no sense. Eventually, she realizes that it is her destiny to find a treasure, the Conductor's treasure, a treasure that will save her beloved cafe from a man named Warren Steele trying to buy it from them. Along with her best friend Cody Belle and new mute friend Earl, Emma embarks on a search to find treasure, solve family mysteries, and save her cafe.

I gave this book a 2.5 out of 5 because it just didn't capture my attention. I've read this book a couple of times, and every time, it makes less and less sense. Natalie Lloyd writes really good books, like A Snicker of Magic, but few of the ones I've read click for me.

If you like mysteries in old-timey settings with a brave and determined heroine who is trying to fulfill her family's legacy, you might like this. I don't know. It's okay.

This is it for today and I know it's been a little bit since I've written so I gave you a good book and a meh book. You're welcome! ;) Bye!

About This Book

The highly anticipated new novel from the author of A Snicker of Magic Everyone in Emma's family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous musicians--every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream. For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough. Right before her mother died, Emma promised that she'd do whatever it took to fulfill her destiny, and she doesn't want to let her mother down. But when Emma's dream finally arrives, it points her toward an impossible task--finding a legendary treasure hidden in her town's cemetery. If Emma fails, she'll let down generations of extraordinary ancestors . . . including her own mother. But how can she find something that's been missing for centuries and might be protected by a mysterious singing ghost? With her signature blend of lyrical writing, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters, Natalie Lloyd's The Key to Extraordinary cements her status as one of the most original voices writing for children today.

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