Tag Archives: Australian Authors

The Alchemist’s Key by Traci Harding

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Alchemist's KeyTitle: The Alchemist’s Key
Author: Traci Harding
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would he tell you that?

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Wade Ashby has just inherited his grandfather’s estate in England. The Baronage has a business, manor and large fortune. It’s the biggest break of his life – but Wade is inheriting a lot more than he bargained for…

Constructed over four centuries, Ashby Manor is rich in exquisite art, furnishings, architecture and symbolic mosaics. These beautiful antiquities hold the key to a puzzle that has haunted the Barons of Ashby for centuries and now a strange time phenomenon is taking place within the walls of the Manor. Wade must unravel the enigma of his legacy before all of history’s ghosts are unleashed.

Thoughts

Harding always sweeps me away on an epic journey that is both unexpected and thrilling. Somehow, she not only manages to weave an amazing world of mystery and mayhem, her trips into spirituality and the other leave you thinking about it in a way that no other author is able to inspire. The Alchemist’s Key was definitely such a journey for me, and one that was a little less in depth and intense than some of the other Traci Harding books which grace my shelves.

Although this is primarily set in England, I love that the main character is an Aussie. It’s nice to have Australian main characters, and focusing on someone whose family immigrated from England is something that I can completely relate to – my family (on both sides) immigrated from England. It also helped to make Wade a little more of a fish out of water – the Australian culture and way of life doesn’t exactly suit the aristocracy. And it’s always fun to see how someone who is very much an easygoing Aussie being thrust into a world of class and caste.

Although this is the second time that I have read this novel, the thing that jumps out most at me is the assumptions that are made about Wade and Hugh from the very beginning. Although this story is about a family history, mystery and time travel, there is a lot about the assumptions that we make about people on their appearances. First impressions and prejudice run amuck in the character’s relationships, and it’s fun to see how long it takes for this to be sorted and these prejudices to be removed.

 <- The Storyteller’s Muse Review Book of Dreams Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Sister of the South by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Sister of the SouthTitle: The Sister of the South
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #4, World of Deltora #15
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘No, Kree!’ she exclaimed.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELOTRA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

With the aid of Deltora’s last dragons, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have destroyed three of the Four Sisters, evil Shadow Lord creations which are poisoning their land. Their quest will end in the city of Del, where the Sister of the South lies hidden.

Del is the companions’ home, but it has changed. Fear now stalks the streets, treachery lurks behind smiling faces and evil prowls the palace. Burdened by a terrible sense of foreboding, Lief knows that every step he takes leads closer to disaster. Yet he cannot stop, he cannot turn back.

And in the Shadowlands the Enemy gloats, waiting for the terrifying end.

Thoughts

I was kind of sad to finish this story – after all, it is the very last of the Deltora Quest tales and it completely ties up the tale of Lief, Barda and Jasmine. But it’s also nice when an author finishes off such a long series in such a way. It doesn’t make you constantly wonder “what happened” and gives everyone their nice, happy, ride off into the sunset future. Yes, they might be kind of cheesy, but I still like the happily ever after endings…

I love how the use of fairy tales throughout the Deltora Quest stories inform the quests that the trio take in their modern days. It was a story that sends them on this final quest, and it ties in beautifully at the end of this tale to create one, last hurdle. Unless you’ve read Tales of Deltora, the ending isn’t exactly obvious – the entirety of the folktale isn’t revealed. But if you have, there is a great hint in there.

Although this is a happy ending, there is a sense of sadness to the finishing of this. Not just because the series is finished, but also because not everyone gets that happily ever after. Although it sounds horrible, I liked the fact that it wasn’t so cut and dry – there is a level of complexity in Rodda’s storytelling that I completely missed as a child, but thoroughly enjoy as an adult.

 <- Isle of the Dead Review Tales of Deltora Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Isle of the DeadTitle: Isle of the Dead
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #3, World of Deltora #14
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Seven long days, and still the witch lives, watered and fed by her creatures.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Aided by the mysterious magic of Deltora’s last dragons, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have found and destroyed two of the Four Sisters, evil Shadow Lord creations which have been poisoning Deltora. Now, aware that time is running out for the kingdom’s starving people, the companions are racing to their next goal, on the wild west coast.

But the Shadow Lord has become aware of their quest. And, somehow, he knows every move they make. Terrible dangers from the present and the past lie in wait for them. And the greatest shock of all lurks in the lair of the ferocious Kobb, on the desolate Isle of the Dead.

Thoughts

The trap is almost sprung. Or at least that’s how it’s feeling when you read the third story in this quartet. The horrors of the past clash against the trials of the present as the four hurry towards the Sister of the West. And this is probably my favourite evil guardian so far. He is so incredibly obviously evil, and also sinister. Yet, as with everything in this series, a great commentary on a social manifestation – in this case greed.

There are a few mysteries in the greater Deltora series that are unveiled in this. The tale of the slightly weird Tom. The hidden horrors of Bone Point Lighthouse… there are so many ways in which the past and present intermingle in this story. I love how it all combines to create this great story. It also ties the hooks of the trap that is about to be sprung tighter around the trio. Now I can’t wait to see what will happen when the Shadow Lord is defeated (or not) in the final story of this entire series…

 <- Shadowgate Review The Sister of the South Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Shadowgate by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ShadowgateTitle: Shadowgate
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #2, World of Deltora #13
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Bess is being very pleasant to Uncle Berry,’ Jasmine said in a low voice, breaking off part of her cake and cautiously slipping it beneath her jacket for Filli.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The Four Sisters, evil creations of the Shadow Lord, are poisoning Deltora and starving its people. Lief, Barda and Jasmine have found and destroyed the first of the Sisters. Now they must find the second, hidden within the mountains that border the Shadowlands itself. And they know that only the Dragon of the Emerald can help them.

The Shadow Lord is now aware of their quest. Deep in the Shadowlands, he plots their destruction. Hidden enemies and trickery await as the companions travel towards the Sister of the North and its terrible guardian, in the dread place called Shadowgate.

Thoughts

The second tale of the Four Sisters raises the stakes yet again. It also introduces a completely new cultural group into the stories. The Masked Ones. Who are kind of cool (in that they seem based around the idea of gypsies). But also incredibly creepy. And almost evil in what they do – but you’ll just have to read this novel to find out why they give me such a mixed reaction.

The evils of love and lust are explored in the second Guardian – in a way that is kind of completely unpredictable. Although, as with everything that Rodda writes, there are great little hints throughout which highlight who the real evil is – and the trap that is being laid by the Shadow Lord. There is a feeling that the trap is far more complex and sinister than just the four sisters.

I love how each of the dragons in this series emphasises the characteristics that the gem of their territory highlights. In this tale, there is the singing Lapis Lazuli dragon, and the honourable (albeit grumpy) Emerald dragon. The distinctness of their characters makes me wonder what the next three dragons will be like…

 <- Dragon’s Nest Review Isle of the Dead Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dragon’s Nest by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Dragon's NestTitle: Dragon’s Nest
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #1, World of Deltora #12
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The great topaz shines for you.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The evil Shadow Lord has been banished, but famine still stalks Deltora, and only monsters thrive. As the starving people weaken, Lief, Jasmine and Barda discover a terrible secret. The Enemy left the seeds of death behind him. Four vile creations of sorcery called the Four Sisters are hidden in the land. They are slowly killing it while the Shadow Lord gloats, awaiting his triumphant return.

The companions must find the deadly Sisters and destroy them. Their only clue is a fragment of an ancient map. Their only hope of help lies with seven unlikely allies – the last of Deltora’s dragons.

Thoughts

I love dragons. That is always a good place to start with a series for me. Something that has dragons in it. So the final of the Deltora Quests, and its focus on dragons… yes, I would love to read this. Quickly and before I go to sleep most nights. Because then I have beautiful dreams of dragons.

At the end of the Deltora Shadowlands series, it seemed like everything was going to be okay for Deltora. After all, the Shadow Lord’s tyranny had ended and the slaves are freed. But then the most terrifying enemy rears its ugly head – that of famine. When the world itself has turned against the people of Deltora. Luckily there will be dragons to save the day. Like I said, dragons are awesome.

Superstition and people’s prejudices seem to play a large part in the creation of this newest threat and the removal of its potential solution (the dragons). I love the idea of the antagonist using superstition and gossip to not only remove a threat to his evil plan. But also to convince the garden of the first sister to do his bidding – it shows that sometimes we should also keep our minds open.

 <- The Shadowlands Review Shadowgate Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

The Shadowlands by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The ShadowlandsTitle: The Shadowlands
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Shadowlands #3, World of Deltora #11
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: The cave-dwellers had scattered, burrowing into the mounds until they were invisible.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Lief, Barda and Jasmine have two parts of the fabled Pirran Pipe. Now they must seek the final part on the emerald isle of Keras. The Pipe is their only chance of saving the thousands of Deltorans enslaved in the Shadowlands, for it is said to be the only thing the Shadow Lord fears in his own domain.

But can the Pipe be made whole? And if it can, will its ancient magic still prevail against the Enemy’s sorcery? Or are the companions walking into a trap? Filled with doubts they move on, knowing that, whatever happens, their quest will end in the darkness and horror of the Shadowlands itself.

Thoughts

I love this conclusion to the Deltora Shadowlands. It ties together the three tribes of Pira, highlights the differences and similarities between each and finally reveals all of the secrets that the trio have been keeping from each other.

The plans upon plans which the Shadow Lord has placed to defeat them finally are revealed. Although this is a children’s book, the sinister cunning and plotting of the villain throughout this is kind of overwhelming. One of the things I loved as a child was all of the many, many puzzles which are scattered throughout. Yet it wasn’t until I read this series as an adult that I picked up on all of the evils and potential horrors that the antagonist could unleash.

As with everything in this world that Rodda has created, not everything is as it seems. And although this is probably the third time that I read this story, I was still surprised by the final twists.

 <- The Isle of Illusion Review Dragon’s Nest Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

The Isle of Illusion by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Isle of IllusionTitle: The Isle of Illusion
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Shadowlands #2, World of Deltora #10
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: There was nothing to be seen beneath the dome.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Lief, Barda and Jasmine are desperately searching for the three parts of the fabled Pirran Pipe, their only hope of saving the thousands of Deltorans held captive by the evil Shadow Lord. They have already risked their lives to gain the first part of the Pipe. Now they must find the second.

As their loved ones left behind in Del struggle in a thickening web of rumour, suspicion and treachery, the companions move on to the mysterious island of Auron. They have been warned that terrible dangers await them. But nothing can prepare them for the reality of what is to come.

Thoughts

As Lief, Barda and Jasmine travel further underground, they encounter more confusing and confronting truths. This is probably my favourite story in this trilogy – it seriously focuses on the idea of truth, honesty and not lying, even to oneself.

It’s the inner truth that the characters must confront not only to understand why there is such a distance between each of them, but it also highlights why it is important to keep certain things from people. The idea of the greater good. Yet the flip side to this – sometimes doing something for ‘the greater good’ can seriously harm the minority. I like that when many of the truths come to light, it isn’t just black and white and easy to see who is good or evil.

After fighting through the isle of illusion, there is one more journey to make, and it is at this point that you leave the trio. Wondering what they will battle through next. Whether everyone will survive. And if the slaves will eventually be freed…

 <- Cavern of the Fear Review The Shadowlands Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

Cavern of the Fear by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Cavern of the FearTitle: Cavern of the Fear
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Shadowlands #1, World of Deltora #9
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Equal shares for four people.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideSynopsis

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The Shadow Lord’s evil tyranny over Deltora has ended. He and the creatures of his sorcery have been driven back across the mountains. But thousands of Deltorans are still enslaved in the Shadowlands, the Enemy’s own terrifying and mysterious domain.

To rescue them, Lief, Barda and Jasmine, heroes of the quest for the Belt of Deltora, must find a weapon powerful enough to combat the Shadow Lord’s magic on his own ground.

According to legend, the only thing the Shadow Lord fears is the fabled Pirran Pipe. But does the mysterious Pipe still exist? And if it does, what dangers will the companions have to face to find it?

Thoughts

The first book in the follow-up series to Deltora Quest is really quite good. Normally with a young children’s book / series like this, the original tale is really good, and then the rest kind of fall flat on their face. Not so with the World of Deltora. After becoming king and restoring the belt to its former glory, Lief has to deal with the hardships that a evil reign of tyranny have left behind. The secrets and the division that this has caused not only leads the trio on yet another incredibly dangerous quest, but it also causes large divisions in the trio themselves.

I like the completely different nature and setting of this quest. Where the length and breadth of Deltora, Deltora Shadowlands takes you underground and across the border. A completely different world that begins a new journey. A short tale that I managed to start and finish within 24 hours – easy, fun and with just enough of a twisting plotline to keep me coming back to the story again and again and again.

Secrets are not a good thing, although sometimes they are necessary. And it’s this idea that is the main driver for the beginning of the tale. It hurts when you know that someone you love is keeping a secret, but as I’m sure everyone can attest to, sometimes it is necessary to help and protect them. And as the story unfolds, it becomes more and more apparent that the secrets kept between friends might actually be a necessary evil. Albeit one that can be exploited.

 <- Return to Del Review The Isle of Illusion Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

Kangaroo Dundee by Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Kangaroo Dundee

Title: Kangaroo Dundee
Author: Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies, Conservation
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Back to working seven days a week, dealing with massive overheads, busting my back, sweating like a pig.

Synopsis

When Chris Barns, AKA Brolga, stopped at a roadside to tend to a kangaroo lying there, he found that she was already dead – another victim of speeding cars in the remote Australian outback. But as he gently moved her body, he discovered still tucked up within the pouch a tiny pink baby kangaroo, injured but alive. So began an extraordinary and life changing journey.

Brolga’s deep love and respect for animals went back to childhood, but for years he had led a nomadic life drifting from one job to the next never settling. This moment was a turning point. Brolga tenderly nursed the baby joey back to health and realised that if he could save one orphan then he could save another.

Over the years Brolga has watched how kangaroo mums care for their young. He now uses what he’s learned to give these helpless creatures a second chance; feeding them, bathing the, doing everything a mother would.

Living simply in a one-room tin shack in Alice Springs, this tough, 6’7″ Australian has dedicated his life to painstakingly caring for his kangaroo ‘mob’ before releasing them into the sanctuary he has created.

Here, Brolga describes life with the joeys and how through his care and love for them a lifelong bond is created. We meet Roger and Ella and the other kangaroos, and come to understand how this unique relationship between one man and these beloved animals not only saved their lives, but gave purpose to his.

Thoughts

I’ve had this book on my shelf for ages. I went looking for Australiana books while I had a friend over from overseas and just thought that this looked a little interesting. The other night I decided to pick it up. Which was great, but also a mistake. I didn’t put it back down again. Something about the familiarity of our beautiful country, Brolga’s passions and the great Aussie voice completely reeled me in and made it just impossible to put this down. Or sleep. Even though I was absolutely buggered…

My family has always rescued birds (and the occasional possum) found on the side of the road. So many of the things that Brolga goes through are kind of familiar. The heartbreak of losing something because of human stupidity, or just a simple accident. And the joy at nursing something back to health, just to return it to the wild and a life that they can now live. It’s all familiar, and incredibly heart-warming to read about in someone else’s words.

This story takes you all along the western coast of Australia, to the Top End, and back down to central Australia. Mostly throughout the outback and more intense parts of our country, but I loved the vividness and realism of Barns’ descriptions. This is definitely a book that I’m going to be recommended to others, and reading a few more times.

 <- Journeys to the Other Side of the WorldThe Emotional Lives of Animals (Revised) ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Red Queen by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Red QueenTitle: The Red Queen
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #7
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: When the govamen signals God that the world is clean, the Tumen will open the wall.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

I saw the moon crack and open like an egg, and a seethe of transparent beasts emerged…
I heard a sound like thunder inside the earth and the ground shook and broke open like a vast stony maw. It spat out fire and I saw wolves falling into a molten gold stream…
I made my way along the ancient tunnel, following Maruman, who ran lightly ahead of me. I did not ask how he had come to be here. He was the Moonwatcher as I was the Seeker.

This was where we had been destined to come together. Before Elspeth Gordie can continue her journey to find Sentinel and prevent it unleashing the horrors of the Great White, she must fight free of a strange prison, where people are laid to sleep forever or cling to a suffocating existence, believing the world beyond their walls is already utterly anihilated.

But at the end of her journey, nothing is as she imageind. She is drawn into the struggle for a kingdom, only to find the Destrooyer is at the heart of the turmoil, waiting for her.

Somehow she must do what she has sworn to do, for the sake of the world and all of its creatures. She must complete her quest, no matter what it costs…

Thoughts

I finally finished the series! Not only was this one of those series that was a long time in the making (and completion), but it was also one of those series that I bought the last book, and then left it on my shelf for 2 years. Partly because I wanted to reread the entire thing before I put my hands on the final book, but it’s a fairly complex and convoluted series all up. And, quite honestly the last two books kind of drag for me. To the point that I actually skim read The Red Queen. It was okay, but it wasn’t enough to fully draw me into the story and make me just completely digest and absorb every single word.

I liked that this was the complete conclusion to this series. It was the end of Elspeth’s long journey, and the end of an era of my literary life. (I can remember reading Obernewtyn when I was much younger, and it was part of growing up for me). However, I found a lot of the storyline quite distracting and not as concise as the first half of the series. Mostly I got lost in the storyline. Still amazingly written, but not as captivating as some of the past stories.

All in all, I’m glad that I read this. It made me feel satisfied that I finally finished a series I started long ago. But, it’s probably not one that I would read again in a hurry. There are many other books that I would much rather drown myself in.

<- The Sending Review The Dark Road Review ->
Image source: Penguin Books Australia