Tag Archives: Australian Authors

Two Moons by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Two MoonsTitle: Two Moons
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Star of Deltora #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Of course,’ said Mab courteously, as Xen’s companions bowed in their turn.

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Synopsis

Aboard the Star of Deltora with her three rivals for the Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship, Britta knows that she has to keep her wits about her. She desperately wants to win the contest, but of course Jewel, Sky and Vashti feel the same, and one of them, she knows, is a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to succeed. Britta is ready for trouble, but as the voyage fails to go as planned, and rumours of evil magic sweep her beloved ship, she starts to wonder if she has more to fear than simple human wickedness.

And nothing can prepare her for the terror that awaits her in the perilous, forbidden swamplands of Two Moons.

Thoughts

Two Moons really helps to expand on the tales of Shadows of the Master. Where the first book is setting Britta up for her epic adventure and trials, Two Moons actually takes you on them. And it becomes very clear very quickly that this voyage isn’t just going to be about the competition to become the next apprentice, but also a re-tracing of her father’s footsteps and the mystery of the staff.

This is such a fun and easy read, and even though I’m reading this series and discovering it as an adult… it’s still a lot of fun. A nice way to spend a quiet night. Especially one of those nights when I really want to read, but can’t quite seem to make my brain function fully. Which, let’s admit, happen often.

My favourite thing about this book is the surprise reveal at the end. But, since I don’t like giving spoilers, you’re going to have to read it to find out just what kind of surprise is in store for this shy little heroine.

 <- Shadows of the Master Review The Towers of Illica Review ->
Image source: Deltora Quest Wiki

Rowan and the Bukshah

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Rowan of the BukshahTitle: Rowan of the Bukshah
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Rowan of Rin #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: His own knife fell from his hand and spun away.

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Synopsis

“Four must make their sacrifice.
In the realm twixt fire and ice . . .
The quest unites both life and death.”
The wise woman Sheba’s ominous words haunt Rowan. The bitter winter has lasted far too long and won’t loosen its deadly hold on the land. As food stores dwindle, the people of Rin flee to the warmer coast.

Rowan and two friends — and a shadow — journey up the mountain that towers over Rin to seek the source of the unending cold. Rowan knows from past experience that the mountain is unpredictable and harbors many dangers. But now waves of freezing air stream down its sides. And ferocious ice creepers — giant eyeless creatures with gaping jaws and teeth like shards of ice — slither from its shadow eager to devour any warm being.

Will Rowan and his friends somehow be able to bring spring — and life — back to the land? Can they survive the perils of the mountain and the attacks of the ice creepers?

Thoughts

The final tale in the saga of Rowan of Rin brings everything full circle. And I love it. it not only ends by giving you hope for the future, but it also completes the journey – not just Rowan’s, but also that of the Bukshah. And the Maris. And the Travelers. And the Zebak. And the people of the Valley of Gold. Which all worked in beautifully. And after closing the last page of this book, I was left with a great, big grin on my face.

This is Rowan’s last epic quest, and it is certainly a lot more intense than the others. Not only because there seems to be more at stake, and the past is coming to life. But because it not only affects one or two of the peoples’ of the land. It affects all of them. And the evil could potentially spread even further than just the Travelers, the Maris and the people of Rin.

As an ecologist, I love the idea that everything serves its place in the system. I thrive on the idea that every moment, every interaction, every creature has a purpose and that just by removing one thing from this, the equilibrium is completely destroyed. Rowan of the Bukshah really reminded me of that. It drives home the fact that everything and anything has a sense of importance and a place in the world. It also reassures me that I too, have a place in this world.

 <- Rowan and the Zebak Review Rowan of Rin Review ->
Image source: Book Depository

Rowan and the Zebak by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Rowan and the ZebakTitle: Rowan and the Zebak
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Rowan of Rin #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: “No,” Zeel broke in.

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Synopsis

When a flying monster kidnaps Rowan’s little sister, Annad, Rowan fears the warlike Zebak people have attacked his village of Rin. And Annad’s capture is only the beginning.

Now Rowan and his companions must make the treacherous journey into Zebak territory, fighting the monsters that guard its city and the enemy people within it. If they fail, Annad will be lost — and so will all hope for the survival of Rin.

Thoughts

The first three Rowan of Rin stories are really quite disjointed. The first features the people of Rin, the second the Travellers, and the third the Maris. But all have the common thread of the Zebak’s invasion in the past. They are all connected across their land. And it really isn’t until the fourth story that the connection between the different groups can really be enjoyed and appreciated.

Rowan and his misfit friends from the previous books are all on the longest and most epic journey yet – they have to travel to the homeland of the people of Rin. And here they get to discover more about their past. More about why Rowan is so different from everyone. By taking the five misfits of the tale and throwing them into the enemies territory, you are not only thrown into a reminder that everyone can find their place, but there are other people just like you… somewhere. Sort of. Or maybe you’re like the Wise Woman, and are just so damn kooky, and completely happy being that way…

I think that this was the favourite so far of the Rowan of Rin stories for me. Maybe because I just don’t remember it as well (or at all). Or just the idea of confronting the past, and coming out with a better idea of the future… either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait to finish off Rowan of the Bukshah tonight, and the end of the series.

 <- Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal Review Rowan of the Bukshah Review ->
Image source: Book Depository

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Rowan and the Keeper of the CrystalTitle: Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Rowan of Rin #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1996
5th sentence, 74th page: Because they knew they were in danger.

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Synopsis

Rowan and his mother have been called to Maris to choose the new Keeper of the seaside village’s precious Crystal, a dangerous task Rowan’s family has been bound to for generations.

But this time, something goes terribly wrong. Rowan’s mother is poisoned and near death, and Rowan must find the antidote, outwit a deadly sea serpent, and pick a new Keeper — before it’s too late.

Thoughts

I haven’t picked up this book in ages. And, after a long Saturday at work, I kind of needed something quick, easy and interesting to read. This was the perfect fit. I spent about an hour just disappearing into the world of Rowan of Rin. The fact that he is so different from everyone he knows and loves always drew me to his stories as a child (I wonder why) and Rodda has an amazing way of telling fantastic stories that draw you in from the beginning.

The idea of deceit throughout the tale, and that Rowan is working with the very people who probably poisoned his mother adds an extra sense of time and difficulty to the tale. Every action and moment that is placed throughout the tale has this extra sense of confusion and mystery to it. Not only does it raise the stakes, but it also makes it far more confusing to understand who will be chosen, and how the story will unravel.

One of the things that I love most about the Rowan of Rin series is that each tale begins with a rhyme that must be unravelled in time. And it is never as expected. And it is always somewhat of a surprise when all of the pieces finally click into place. And The Keeper of the Crystal was no different.

 <- Rowan and the Travellers Review Rowan and the Zebak Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Shadows of the Master by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Shadows of the MasterTitle: Shadows of the Master
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Star of Deltora #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: As the Trader Rosalyn Apprentice I would be taught by the best, and would gain experience that I could not hope to gain any other way.

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Synopsis

Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, sailing the nine seas and bringing precious cargo home to Del harbour. Her dreams seemed safe until her father’s quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Britta’s ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it – whatever the cost.

She has no idea that shadows from a distant, haunted isle are watching her every move.

Thoughts

I keep looking at this book and thinking that I need to read it. And then getting distracted by something else. Because, well, I’m a goldfish. But I finally picked this up. And then promptly read it page to page before putting it back down. I didn’t even need a bookmark to have a pause halfway through.

Shadows of the Master might return to my beloved world of Deltora, but it is into an entirely different world that you are thrown. Actually, I’m still trying to figure out when within Lief’s reign this story takes place. There is a mention of Barda, so I’m sure it’s when they are still alive… I love that this is a storyline that takes place in a world that is already familiar, but its own subset location that I’ve had almost no experience with. Plus, the idea of traders and pirates and the seven seas is incredibly thrilling. This tale may not include much of that yet, but it does set everything up perfectly for the next three books, and a swashbuckling set of tales.

 <- The Hungry Isle Review Two Moons Review ->
Image source: Deltora Quest Wiki

Jodie’s Journey by Colin Thiele

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Jodie's JourneyTitle: Jodie’s Journey
Author: Colin Thiele
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Classics, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Walter McVitty
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: It wouldn’t be ready until four o’clock so she probably would not be home until five.

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Synopsis

When Jodie Carpenter won the Greenvale Junior Show Jumping Championship there were tears of happiness in her eyes. It was a moment that nothing could ever take away from her. She was not to know that she was about to be cruelly struck down by a crippling disease, and that the hurdles which lay ahead of her would be more challenging than those she had just overcome…

Thoughts

I have been hunting for this book for ages. It was the first tale that through me into the world of novels and that I completely loved. This book is honestly the very reason that I became so obsessed with reading. So the fact that I have finally found a copy to revisit this made me one of the happiest girls in the world. And reading this again, also made me deliriously happy. And it also made me cry.

Colin Thiele is such a great Australian writer and one that I have long admired. The fact that Jodie’s Journey is based near my home just made it all the more thrilling. I can see the places in which he talks about, because I’ve been there. I’ve breathed the air and experienced the terror of bushfires. I remember going to a small school, and the town I live in is even mentioned in the book. It all hits so wonderfully close to home and draws this amazing world that sweeps you along as Jodie fights to overcome her illness.

I wasn’t alive when Ash Wednesday swept across the state, but I have experienced that same overwhelming terror and confusion bought about by the presence of a bushfire. The fact that Jodie is crippled and on a farm makes everything all the more scary, but the powerful message in her strength and journey help you to believe that you can do anything. At least, that’s what it did for me as a kid, and it served as a great reminder now that I’m an adult.

<- More Australian author reviews More Classic reviews ->
Image source: AbeBooks

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Daughter of the ForestTitle: Daughter of the Forest

Author: Juliet Marillier

Series: Sevenwaters #1

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Celtic, Fae, Fantasy

Pace: Slow

Format: Novel

Publisher: TOR Fantasy

Year: 1999

5th sentence, 74th page: “You bruise too easily,” he said indistinctly.

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Synopsis

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only duaghter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives: they are determined that she know only contentment.

But Sorcha’s joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell that only Sorcha can lift – by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.

When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all…

Thoughts

I have stopped and started this book a number of times. The first time, I liked it, it was a little slow to begin with, but I just had too much going on to really settle into it. The second time, I got 100 pages in and then a similar thing happened. After two weeks, and a lot of other things going on in my life, I picked it up again. It turns out like 101 pages in the pace of this story changes dramatically. And then I couldn’t put it down…

I recently read a collection of Hans Christian Andersen fairytales. One of them was about a sister whose brothers were turned to swans and she had to stay silent until she could break the curse. Daughter of the Forest follows this storyline. And although I liked the original fairytale, this version with the Celtic folklore, Irish history and amazingly painful and beautiful storyline was ten thousand times better. There was something about the fleshing out of a tale that I already knew in a way that was so realistic, and heart felt. Something about the way that I actually had tears on my cheeks in some of the more horrifying moments, and also at the end when the happily ever after is finally reached. Marillier took a story that I thought I knew and built upon it in a way that took me on an insane roller coaster ride of emotion.

Although there is a love story spun in here somewhere, it is the secondary relationship right throughout. This story is about sibling love and integrity. Honesty and those strings that bind family together. It was nice to have such a change in pace to most stories I read where the romantic one is the primary tale, and it is the familial ties that tend to take a backseat.

 <- Flame of Sevenwaters Review Son of Shadows Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Black Scales, White Fur by Kylie Chan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Black Scales White FurTitle: Black Scales, White Fur
Author: Kylie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #9.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kylie Chan
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: She broke off the kiss and smiled up at him through stinging tears of joy.

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Synopsis

The Demon King’s harem is a dangerous place, with the Snake Mothers constantly battling for prizes and promotion. But the smallest Snake Mother doesn’t want to play the cruel games; she just wants to create beautiful works of art. After a chance meeting with the Celestial Emperor of the West, the White Tiger, she quietly plots to escape Hell and find freedom – and perhaps even love.

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this novella fits towards the end of the Dark Heavens series, I actually thought it sat in beforehand, a bit like Small Shen. But, there is a small mention of Simone as a woman, so I figure it is much later in the overall series. That’s not to say that it really gave anything away, there is a small mention of Emma and John going out for Yum Cha with Simone, but that is the only hint of the future. And to be completely honest, you know that eventually they will get their happily ever after… Chan has just put them through too much to not give them that. Or me. I need that. I haven’t even finished the series. And I know that I need that happily ever after…

Bai Hu’s harem of wives and women is something that is both interesting, and a little concerning to me throughout the rest of the Dark Heavens books. So it was interesting to read a story about a woman (of a sort) that falls for him and is willing to become one of many. Honestly, I understand Emma’s one and only feelings a lot more, even if it means she can’t touch her one and only… But the sweetness of the main character in this, and the way in which Bai Hu is able to completely change her life makes the fact that this does happen make a little more sense to me. The fact that she hangs on to her free will, no matter what the risks also made me love her a little more. After all, falling in love and being swept away by your emotions doesn’t mean that you have to lose your will power and independence.

I really liked this look into Chan’s demonic world. It gave a completely different perspective into a reality that I am already in love with. The fitting of a mythological world on top of our own works beautifully. Actually, this is one of the best ways in which I’ve seen an author do this, and switching from the Celestial, and our world to the Underworld in this novella was a great change of pace. And it still worked fantastically. It made a lot of sense, and the brief appearances of known Celestial characters against he horror of this small Snake Mothers’ real world help to give even more layers which has made me pick up White Tiger again and just devour it.

 <- Black Jade Review Small Shen Review ->
Image source: Smashwords

White Tiger by Kylie Chan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
White Tiger

Title: White Tiger
Author: Kylie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #1, Dark Heavens Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Mythology
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Understood, sir,’ Leo said.

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Synopsis

ACTION, INTRIGUE, DEMONS AND DRAGONS.

Kylie Chan creates a fast and furious story balanced between the celestial and the mortal, the powerful and the innocent…

Emma Donahoe has just started her new job as nanny to Simone, the daughter of John Chen, a very rich Hong Kong businessman. She understands that Simone may be a target for kidnappers but she does not expect to be drawn into a world of martial arts, magic and extreme danger, where both gods and demons can exist in the mortal domain.

When John and his American bodyguard, Leo, teach Emma their particular style of martial arts, they begin to realise that Emma herself is more than she seems…

Thoughts

This was one of the books Mum bought me years ago, back when she still bought me books because I didn’t have the serious bibiliophilic problem that I have today. And I remember giving it to my sister to read when she was younger. It’s the reason that she too has started to create her own library – there’s just something about this fast-paced, fun and intriguing book that has drawn both of us in from the very first page.

Admittedly, I went to reread this book a year ago, and at the time it just really didn’t fit my current mood. I just didn’t want to read a book that featured a woman who is willing to do anything and give up anything for love. However, now I’m in the right mood again. And it was just as amazing as I remember. And just as difficult to put down. And just, really, in general, lots of fun and fantastic. Now that I’m older, I do find Emma’s commitment a little bit more difficult to understand, because I’m not blinded by the idea of true love and the romance of sacrificing everything for somebody else. I still believe in it, I still believe in Emma’s brand of love to be honest, but I don’t think it is as amazing and sweet a choice as I used to. Now I understand just what sacrifice she is making. And this is just the first book!

I’ve already mentioned a bit about how Emma sacrifices a lot to be with the Chen household, but she is also an incredibly strong and great heroine. The story is all completely written from her point of view, and I love the tone and insight that this lends to the tale. You discover the secrets as she does. And the fact that she is Australian lends an extra level of familiarity to me… there are moments of colloquial and cultural understanding that already belong to me, and it makes me feel like I too could travel to Hong Kong, find a rich businessman and fall into a world that is not my own… or not. I could just stay on my comfortable, Australian couch…

 <- Small Shen ReviewRed Phoenix Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

Small Shen by Kylie Chan & Queenie Chan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Small ShenTitle: Small Shen
Author: Kylie Chan & Queenie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Graphic novels, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel, Novel
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: How long before the spirit could be restored and you would become more than an animal again?

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Synopsis

In the tradition of the bestselling White Tiger series, Small Shen follows the adventures of cheeky troublemaker Gold who seduces a dragon princess, fights demons and causes headaches for the gods of Chinese mythology. When Gold is ordered to join the household of John Chen, the Dark Lord of the Northern Heavens, he discovers he will do anything to save John and his family from danger…

Small Shen is a stunning combination of Kylie Chan’s action-packed storytelling and Queenie Chan’s illustrations and manga comics.

Thoughts

I love the combination of mediums in this novel. Flicking between prose and images makes this journey really fun and different. Especially when you place it within the context of the Dark Heavens series. Following Gold through the years and his ability to get into all kinds of trouble is entertaining to say the least. The fact that his numerous mistakes are accompanied by actual facial expressions, well, it’s priceless.

As well as the mixed medium, the storyline jumps between time periods. When it is telling the more modern-day story of Michelle and John, there is only prose. The characters that I have grown to love throughout the series are still only witnessed in my mind’s eye. Which I like, nothing destroys a series I have long loved more than being shown another’s image of what the character looks like… only to find out that someone else’s idea is completely different to my own. Yet, when the past is visited and the Gods are seen, there is some vivid and thoroughly enjoyable pictures which can accompany this. Not only do I like the fact that Leo, Emma and Simone aren’t really witnessed throughout this tale, but using pictures to tell a lot of one storyline and not another help to further distinguish between the two timelines and reduce the confusion.

I can remember reading White Tiger years and years ago. And I did kind of wonder just what Gold and Jade had done to be forced into servitude. I also wondered at what kind of woman Michelle was and how the relationship with her was so different to that of Emma’s relationship. This small prequel helps to answer a lot of the questions that I had when I started this series. It’s enjoyable to read this before or after reading the Dark Heavens trilogy. Or really at any point within the great Dark Heavens series.

 <- Black Scales, White Fur Review White Tiger Review ->
Image source: Goodreads