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Lost Legends #2
Diamond in the Rough
The second book in a new middle grade series that features the adventures of Disney's most lovable roguish heroes as kids! Before he defeated Jafar…Aladdin was just a poor boy in streets of Agrabah. "Do you trust me?" Twelve-year-old Aladdin has spent his entire life roaming the desert as a part of a tribe of nomads. He has nothing to his name except the stars in the sky, the clothes on his back, and a peculiar necklace left to him by his late mother. But that doesn't bother Aladdin—he doesn't want much. If he had three wishes, he would only ask for one thing: a home. A place to belong. When Aladdin is separated from his tribe in Agrabah, he feels drawn to the city's bustling streets. This is a place of possibilities, one that Aladdin might even be able to call his own. Facing a whole new world with magic lurking around every corner, Aladdin soon joins a group of "collectors" who teach him what it means to be a street rat. Aladdin will need to put those skills and his good heart to the test when whispers of a mysterious "diamond" catch up with him and threaten to destroy his new home. Filled with heart-pounding perils and rambunctious mischief, the Lost Legends series explores the untold origins of Disney's most infamous rogue boys.
222 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2022
20 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Jen Calonita
110 books3,665 followersHi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 2, 2022
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Jen Calonita
Who doesn't love Aladdin? I know that I grew up on Disney's characters and he was one of my favorites. In this book, 12-year-old Aladdin is orphaned by his parents but taken in by nomads. After the tribe travels to Agrabah, he meets up with someone that was supposed to be his guardian, but because of a mix-up, he just didn't make it.
In this story, Aladdin learns about the love of a family and how to belong to various groups.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
Jen Calonita
Who doesn't love Aladdin? I know that I grew up on Disney's characters and he was one of my favorites. In this book, 12-year-old Aladdin is orphaned by his parents but taken in by nomads. After the tribe travels to Agrabah, he meets up with someone that was supposed to be his guardian, but because of a mix-up, he just didn't make it.
In this story, Aladdin learns about the love of a family and how to belong to various groups.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
October 10, 2023
This was actually a fun little story! I loved the cameos of some beloved characters from the stories/movies.
I think my favourite part, was meeting Abu - I won’t tell you any more, but just know, this part is something you never knew you needed until now.
“Seek thee out; the Diamond in the rough”… this book gives us much more of a background regarding this statement - and it’s done in a very unique way, in my opinion.
While Aladdin is only 12 in this book, don’t think you cannot read/love it if you’re my age (almost mid thirties). It’s a fun, light, short read.
Overall, this is getting 5*’s because it’s perfect; and I really do think I’ll read it again!
I think my favourite part, was meeting Abu - I won’t tell you any more, but just know, this part is something you never knew you needed until now.
“Seek thee out; the Diamond in the rough”… this book gives us much more of a background regarding this statement - and it’s done in a very unique way, in my opinion.
While Aladdin is only 12 in this book, don’t think you cannot read/love it if you’re my age (almost mid thirties). It’s a fun, light, short read.
Overall, this is getting 5*’s because it’s perfect; and I really do think I’ll read it again!
January 6, 2023
A fun look at Aladdin at age 12. Aladdin isn't my favorite Disney movie but I am always up for a new Disney story. This one was a good read even if I didn't love it.
November 24, 2024
Diamond in the Rough, the 2nd book in Jen Calonita's Lost Legends series, is based on the oldest movie so far. Disney's original animated Aladdin movie was first released in November 1992. That was more than 30 years at this point. While I'm reading Diamond in the Rough in 2024, it first came out in 2022. I can only imagine that if was to coincide with that year marking the movie's 30th anniversary. (And as I recently learned, Aladdin was the biggest animated movie of all time when it first came out. But it wouldn't hold onto that title for long. Because it was dethroned-pun totally intended-less than 2 full years later, when The Lion King came out in June 1994. And the latter film held onto that title until Finding Nemo came out in 2003. In turn, Finding Nemo got knocked off by Frozen in 2013, which then got bested by it's own sequel, Frozen 2, in 2019. Just this very year, however, the newest all-time highest-grossing animated movie became Inside Out 2. But TLK still remains the most successful hand-drawn animated movie ever, even after 30 years, and adjusted for inflation.)
Getting back to Diamond in the Rough. Aladdin isn't my most favorite Disney movie. (That would be The Lion King) But it's still one that I enjoy very much. You could argue that it's because of this movie that I later got into movies such as Indiana Jones and The Mummy. As is the MO of the Lost Legends series, Diamond in the Rough follows the adventures of Aladdin as a 12-year-old boy. We learn how he arrives in Agrabah, plus how he meets his money friend, Abu. Anyone who's seen Aladdin knows that a famous phrase from the movie is "Diamond in the rough," which is the title of this book. There's more to that phrase that meets the eye, at that's the point of the saying. The description of the book begins "Before he defeated Jafar...Aladdin was just a poor boy on the streets of Agrabah." Jafar, of course is the villianous sorcerer who serves as the Sultan's Grand Vizer in the movie. In this book, young Aladdin does battle with another Grand Vizer. His name is Nasir. And here's the interesting part. Nasir is Jafar's brother! He's also very ambitious. Remember how Jafar had a parrot named Iago? Well, he originally served Nasir. And this book explains how he could talk. That made me kinda sad, since it's been 2 years since the death of Gilbert Gottfried, who famously voiced the character. (Additionally, 2024 also marked the 10th anniversary of Robin Williams, whose performance as the voice of The Genie, is iconic. While The Genie doesn't appear in this book, it still made reading this book rather bittersweet.) Like The Rise of Flynn Rider had foreshadowing and Easter Eggs for Tangled, Diamond in the Rough does the same for Aladdin. I really liked this book.
Getting back to Diamond in the Rough. Aladdin isn't my most favorite Disney movie. (That would be The Lion King) But it's still one that I enjoy very much. You could argue that it's because of this movie that I later got into movies such as Indiana Jones and The Mummy. As is the MO of the Lost Legends series, Diamond in the Rough follows the adventures of Aladdin as a 12-year-old boy. We learn how he arrives in Agrabah, plus how he meets his money friend, Abu. Anyone who's seen Aladdin knows that a famous phrase from the movie is "Diamond in the rough," which is the title of this book. There's more to that phrase that meets the eye, at that's the point of the saying. The description of the book begins "Before he defeated Jafar...Aladdin was just a poor boy on the streets of Agrabah." Jafar, of course is the villianous sorcerer who serves as the Sultan's Grand Vizer in the movie. In this book, young Aladdin does battle with another Grand Vizer. His name is Nasir. And here's the interesting part. Nasir is Jafar's brother! He's also very ambitious. Remember how Jafar had a parrot named Iago? Well, he originally served Nasir. And this book explains how he could talk. That made me kinda sad, since it's been 2 years since the death of Gilbert Gottfried, who famously voiced the character. (Additionally, 2024 also marked the 10th anniversary of Robin Williams, whose performance as the voice of The Genie, is iconic. While The Genie doesn't appear in this book, it still made reading this book rather bittersweet.) Like The Rise of Flynn Rider had foreshadowing and Easter Eggs for Tangled, Diamond in the Rough does the same for Aladdin. I really liked this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
The Lost Legends series is suited to middle grade readers and features the adventures of Disney’s most lovable roguish heroes as kids. Following the dynamite first book Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider comes the second equally enthralling read, Lost Legends: Diamond in the Rough. In this story, author Jen Calonita introduces us to the early days of Aladdin from Disney’s Aladdin. Filled with heart-pounding perils and rambunctious mischief, Diamond in the Rough is the long-awaited and highly satisfying Aladdin origin story.
There are lots of cleverly incorporated references to the Aladdin storyline without detracting from young Aladdin’s own exciting tale. These references are more like bonus features, so despite Aladdin’s story being a prequel to the popular Disney film, Calonita’s book charts its own course. For example, at one point in the story, plans for a future suitor for Princess Jasmine are mentioned – however, this is but a passing comment because, at this point in the story, Jasmine is only ten years old. Up until this point in the book, I had more or less forgotten all about the princess because I was engrossed in shenanigans had by Aladdin and his fellow street rat friends. Given the fast-paced fun therein, readers are immersed in this story – not awaiting that which unfolds in the Aladdin film.
Above and beyond Aladdin, Lost Legends: Diamond in the Rough works wonders in developing Aladdin’s character. While he is still the loveable, charming rogue we know from the film, Calonita molds him into a relatable, and sometimes insecure, young man. She does this by fleshing out tidbits from the film – like Aladdin’s desire for a place to call home and a sense of belonging. There is much more to this guy than just a riff raff street rat.
From living as an orphaned nomad to being ushered into the bustling streets of Agrabah, there is never a dull moment in this book. The story, continuity and characters are thrilling throughout which makes Lost Legends: Diamond in the Rough just so much fun. Calonita nails the voice, tone and whimsy of a young boy who dares to dream. She did it in book one, Flynn’s story, and does so again in Aladdin’s, communicating the same warm-fuzzy, exciting storytelling with every turn of the page. Each book stands alone as its own great whimsical tale and continues to set the Lost Legends series one jump ahead.
There are lots of cleverly incorporated references to the Aladdin storyline without detracting from young Aladdin’s own exciting tale. These references are more like bonus features, so despite Aladdin’s story being a prequel to the popular Disney film, Calonita’s book charts its own course. For example, at one point in the story, plans for a future suitor for Princess Jasmine are mentioned – however, this is but a passing comment because, at this point in the story, Jasmine is only ten years old. Up until this point in the book, I had more or less forgotten all about the princess because I was engrossed in shenanigans had by Aladdin and his fellow street rat friends. Given the fast-paced fun therein, readers are immersed in this story – not awaiting that which unfolds in the Aladdin film.
Above and beyond Aladdin, Lost Legends: Diamond in the Rough works wonders in developing Aladdin’s character. While he is still the loveable, charming rogue we know from the film, Calonita molds him into a relatable, and sometimes insecure, young man. She does this by fleshing out tidbits from the film – like Aladdin’s desire for a place to call home and a sense of belonging. There is much more to this guy than just a riff raff street rat.
From living as an orphaned nomad to being ushered into the bustling streets of Agrabah, there is never a dull moment in this book. The story, continuity and characters are thrilling throughout which makes Lost Legends: Diamond in the Rough just so much fun. Calonita nails the voice, tone and whimsy of a young boy who dares to dream. She did it in book one, Flynn’s story, and does so again in Aladdin’s, communicating the same warm-fuzzy, exciting storytelling with every turn of the page. Each book stands alone as its own great whimsical tale and continues to set the Lost Legends series one jump ahead.
October 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed reading this one! The story was very warm and I loved seeing some of the movie’s characters. My favorite moment was when Aladdin meets Abu! Even though I loved the book I cant give it 5 stars because I didn’t felt so connected with Aladdin like I felt with Flynn and Kristoff but that’s just me! Overall I would recommend this book to any disney fan!
October 25, 2022
If you ever wondered what Aladdin was like when he was a teenager and before the movie, then you should read this book. Aladdin meets new friends and even meets Abu for the first time in this book. This book has a whole new journey that brings readers back to Agrabah! :)
January 25, 2023
Jen Calonita brought me nostalgia of watching Aladdin for the first time on tv with her book Lost Legends Diamond in the Rough. We get to meet Aladdin as he’s growing up and we see Abu too. If you love Disney as much as I do, this is a definite must read!
March 15, 2025
Cute reimagining of what Aladdin’s story was before we get to see him in the movie. Explains why he’s special, how he got to Agrabah and even how Abu teamed up with him.
Wish it told more about his mother and tied into the Broadway song “Proud of your boy”, but overall fun story.
Wish it told more about his mother and tied into the Broadway song “Proud of your boy”, but overall fun story.
November 5, 2022
This is a fun addition to the Aladdin franchise!
did-not-finish
December 27, 2022DNF’d at page 79 - 37%
I just didn’t care.
I just didn’t care.
May 22, 2023
It was decent it wasn’t all time favorite book but it wasn’t the worst book I read . I did enjoy the backstory on Aladdin but I thought there would be more to the story I didn’t wow me
June 15, 2023
Aladdin went on one heck of an adventure full of magic and wonders and the future being foretold. Good read.
September 17, 2023
This book has a lot of magic in it. The interesting part is that it's hard to decide whether or not most of the items described in it are really magical.
November 7, 2023
Twelve year old Aladdin arrives in Agrabah with his adopted family. When a sandstorm separates him, Aladdin finds a new family of street rats that show him how to survive.
December 13, 2023
I really enjoyed Aladdin's backstory and the connections to the movie. Well done! I am looking foward to the next book in the series.
March 27, 2024
3.5⭐️
Want to read
June 21, 2024O
August 17, 2025
Diamond in the Rough
💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎
Rating: 🍄🍄🍄
177 in TBR List
49/25 in 2025
Format: 📱
Pages: 222
Days to read: 9
Song to go with: “One Jump” by Brad Kane
Vibes: Unlikely hero, morally grey MMC, fairytale vibes, witty banter, cozy vibes, mystery, magic, found family, coming of age, fast paced, Disney Channel vibes, Fairytale retelling, adventure, world building, middle grade, Disney, legacy, fable, happily ever after (HEA), lore, the Arabian Nights Retelling
Review: This was very sweet and very easy to read. I really enjoyed the plot line of the ‘diamond in the rough’ and the world building of Agrabah. It just felt really rich and grand.
💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎
Rating: 🍄🍄🍄
177 in TBR List
49/25 in 2025
Format: 📱
Pages: 222
Days to read: 9
Song to go with: “One Jump” by Brad Kane
Vibes: Unlikely hero, morally grey MMC, fairytale vibes, witty banter, cozy vibes, mystery, magic, found family, coming of age, fast paced, Disney Channel vibes, Fairytale retelling, adventure, world building, middle grade, Disney, legacy, fable, happily ever after (HEA), lore, the Arabian Nights Retelling
Review: This was very sweet and very easy to read. I really enjoyed the plot line of the ‘diamond in the rough’ and the world building of Agrabah. It just felt really rich and grand.
January 31, 2024
Officially past our halfway point, I made my third wish to read @jencalonita’s “Diamond In The Rough”! This is the sequel novel in the Lost Legends series, which focuses on the origin stories of some of our favorite heroes and legends. These books are written in mind for middle school readers but are fun for Disney fans of all ages.
DitR introduces us to a young nomadic Aladdin, an orphan with nothing to his name but half of a charm necklace left by his long-since-passed parents. Taken in as a baby by traveling merchants, Aladdin is grateful for the tribe, but still trying to find his place in the world. All of this changes when the merchants stop in the bustling metropolis that is Agrabah. Aladdin instantaneously feels at home. Though beyond the allure of the sparkling dome palace lies a threat to Aladdin, Agrabah, and all things magical in the world. It’s up to Aladdin, a sticky fingered monkey, some street rats, and a mysterious mentor to save everything, that is, if they don’t catch him first.
—
Approaching this novel, I had reservations given my experience with its predecessor. While the initial book was charming, it didn't quite captivate me as I'd hoped. However, the instant I delved into Aladdin's tale, I was ensnared by its rich mysticism and tales of destiny. I was so engrossed that I finished it in less than 24 hours (even listening to the audiobook while at work)! The stakes are incredibly high, and Calonita masterfully unravels the true meaning behind "diamond in the rough." It's an illuminating, thrilling, and perfectly plausible prequel to the 1992 animated film.
If we were ever so lucky, I’d love an entire story about Mukhtar, Diamonds, and the Night Bazaar. It’s so unbelievably interesting and has the potential for a prequel about the prequel!
I enjoyed myself thoroughly and I can’t wait to read the newly released (this week!) Kristoff origin story, “Fixer Upper.”
DitR introduces us to a young nomadic Aladdin, an orphan with nothing to his name but half of a charm necklace left by his long-since-passed parents. Taken in as a baby by traveling merchants, Aladdin is grateful for the tribe, but still trying to find his place in the world. All of this changes when the merchants stop in the bustling metropolis that is Agrabah. Aladdin instantaneously feels at home. Though beyond the allure of the sparkling dome palace lies a threat to Aladdin, Agrabah, and all things magical in the world. It’s up to Aladdin, a sticky fingered monkey, some street rats, and a mysterious mentor to save everything, that is, if they don’t catch him first.
—
Approaching this novel, I had reservations given my experience with its predecessor. While the initial book was charming, it didn't quite captivate me as I'd hoped. However, the instant I delved into Aladdin's tale, I was ensnared by its rich mysticism and tales of destiny. I was so engrossed that I finished it in less than 24 hours (even listening to the audiobook while at work)! The stakes are incredibly high, and Calonita masterfully unravels the true meaning behind "diamond in the rough." It's an illuminating, thrilling, and perfectly plausible prequel to the 1992 animated film.
If we were ever so lucky, I’d love an entire story about Mukhtar, Diamonds, and the Night Bazaar. It’s so unbelievably interesting and has the potential for a prequel about the prequel!
I enjoyed myself thoroughly and I can’t wait to read the newly released (this week!) Kristoff origin story, “Fixer Upper.”
December 21, 2025
I loved this book, it was a fun look into agrabah and Aladdin's childhood.
I love that the scarb got more lore with it in this story
I love that the scarb got more lore with it in this story
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews