I first read the Diamond of Drury Lane a few months before the Manchester Book Award started. You can’t really tell what it’s about from the blurb: it’s a bit complicated, but this is what it’s about:

Cat is an orphan living in a theatre. This is simply a story of her “grand” life, of her fights and her uncovering a devious plot to do with a “diamond”…but does “diamond” really mean the jewel???

This book was good but not amazing. Some of it was a bit complicated and some of the ideas in the story seemed a bit random.

But the characters were well thought out and the book fairly well written.

I give it 7 and a half/10 and I recommend it to 11 to 14 year olds.

the diamond of drury lane is a tale of a theatre dwelling orphan,cat royal, she is a very streetsmart character and i thought she was someone i would consider having as a friend if she were real.i thought the layout of the chapters was a little childish.overall i liked this book but its not the best of the 24.
marks out of ten:7/10

This is probably one of my favourite’s books for the long list, its fun and quite fast-paced. My favourite character is probably Lord Francis (though he does sometimes forget reality) because he can be fun and down to Earth and Syd who’s very loyal and protective of Cat. My favourite part is where they are trying to smuggle out Johnny, though I like the scenes Julia Golding’s created.

The Diamond of Drury Lane is set in a theatre in 1790. It tells the story of Cat Royal, who has been adopted into the Theatre Royal. I thought that this book was fun to read and I loved the characters and the setting. I would recommend this book to both young and old readers.

I luv this book! especially the author for she has the same surname as me !!
This book is a great reader for passionate young performers who love to perform!
I also like the chapter layout as it is set in scenes and acts like a real play !!!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS *****

I think this book is ok, it's just not my cup of tea

This book is easily one of the best i’ve read yet. The story line is tres original and Cat is my new favourite person. I loved the way it was realistic in a fantasy way. I know that doesn’t make much sense but it’s a fictional book with a lot of real-life-kind of events. I thought that the theatre in which the book is mainly set, was an excellent place to have Catherine Royal reside. Pedro was a very intriguing character and I became particularly attatched to Syd – The Bow Street Butcher. Johnny was very romantic and i was looking forward to a huge reconciliation between himself and Elizabeth. Overall, i would highly recommend this book to anyone with an imagination – you will love the world you are transported to within the first few lines – and also to those without an imagination because it might just give you one.

this is a great book it should be the winner. of all the books i have read i have not read any like it. i have nearly finished the second book in the series and can’t wait for the 3rd

the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best the best. i dunna wat ta say cos its so gud. iw ont get through cos of ovver peeps views but i really like it. tanx Julia!

i love this book and i think it should win. i really like the plot and the way it is written. its just great. i’d give it 999.999999999 out of 1000

I liked this book as it is completely original. I liked the fact that it is set in the past and in a theatre. I also liked the plot and the twist in it for both the main character and the reader. The characters are good and vary between each other a lot. The set up of the chapters is also interesting, as it is set in acts and plays just like a real theatre performance.

This book is great for kids that love performing. It also shows you a snippit of real life London. Great Book