Tag Archives: Australian Authors

The Sending by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The SendingTitle: The Sending
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The futureteller nodded composedly and said there were other gifts.

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

Synopsis

It came to me then, like a chilly draught from an unseen gap, that I had always known in my deepest heart that it would be like this, a slipping away froma life full of people I had come to love, in a place I had helped to shape, in a land I had helped to free.

The time has come at Elspeth Gordie to leave the Land on her quest to find and stop the computermachine Sentinel from unleashing the deadly Balance of Terror arsenal. But before she can embark on her journey, she must find a lost key. And although she has long prepared for this day, nothing is as she anticipated.

Elspeth’s search will take her where she never thought to go, and bestow upon her stranger companions than any she ever imagined. It will lead her far from her destination to those she believed lost forever.

And it will test her, as she has never been tested before…

Thoughts

Finishing this book has been a long time coming. I started rereading the series when The Red Queen came out, and I hadn’t ever quite gotten to The Sending. Over two years later, I finally managed to find the time to actually sit down and read this story. It is intense and quite a long haul, but it is most certainly worth the time and brain power that I put into it. It is going to take me quite a while to finish The Red Queen as well, over a month (much like The Sending), but it is an epic journey, and sometimes spending the time to take an epic journey is definitely worthwhile.

Up until this moment in the series, Elspeth’s journey has been about finding the clues, but also helping her fellow Misfits. She’s created a home, a life, and a reality in which she is proud to live and love. Yet, there is a constant looming cloud of her upcoming quest. Finally, the moment has arrived, and as with every moment in this series, there are some fantastic conflicting emotions throughout. Yet, that is only the start of the story, really. Although Elspeth slinks away in the  night, she still manages to find herself some unlikely companions. Ones that will make the rest of the battle throughout The Red Queen all the more interesting.

As much as I loved this story, I did find it quite long winded. I think that’s because it is almost a midway point between Elspeth’s life in the Land and the end of her epic quest. There is a lot of setting up throughout this story, and a lot of moving from one point to another. Yet, the actual action is quite light. Especially in comparison to the first five stories. Yet, although it means that I took a lot longer to read this (it was easier to put down), it was still a great tale. One that I truly can’t wait to read the conclusion to.

<- The Stone Key Review The Red Queen Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Deltora Book of Monsters by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Deltora Book of MonstersTitle: The Deltora Book of Monsters
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: World of Deltora Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: I would dearly love to see it for myself.

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

Deltora is a land of magic and monsters.

Here, gathered together for the first time in one volume, are many of the terrifying creatures that prowl Deltora’s forests, mountains and deserts, swim in its waters and patrol its skies. Magnificently illustrated in full colour and filled with fascinating facts, The Deltora Book of Monsters is the work of a brave man called Josef – a Deltoran hero, in his own way – who was palace librarian in the time of King Alton.

That was long ago, but the illustrations are as vivid and compelling today as when they were first painted, and Josef’s words still carry the passionate ring of truth. The editors are honoured to have been able to make this great work available to the public at last. It has been hidden for far too long.

Thoughts

Every time I read a book, I imagine the world, the creatures and the characters that have been laid out before my eyes. However, the world of words will only get you so far. Sometimes, it’s a nice benefit to have a visual representation of what you are reading. After all, why else would people read books with pictures?

Written like an informative booklet, The Deltora Book of Monsters not only provides an insight to the monsters which appear throughout the Deltora Quest books, but also the backstory for Josef and the kingdom. They are a reminder of the dangers that a lack of care and vigilance can leave, and help to further show the depths of planning which the Shadow Lord has commenced.

 <- Tales of Deltora Review The Forests of Silence Review ->
Image source: AbeBooks

Tales of Deltora by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Tales of DeltoraTitle: Tales of Deltora
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: World of Deltora Companion
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Then, adruptly, it toppled and fell.

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

‘This book of tales contains the secret history of Deltora. That is a startling claim, I know, but it is true.’

So writes Josef, the Palace Librarian in the time of King Lief.

Where did the Shadow Lord come from? How did the Ak-Baba come to be? Who are the Masked Ones?

Here, for the first time, are the true stories behind Deltora Quest. Let Emily Rodda take you on a magical journey to discover the secrets of Deltora, land of monsters and magic.

Thoughts

I loved this collection of tales. Not only were they fun and interesting to read on their own, but they built beautifully on the Deltora series (1, 2 and 3). The way in which the tales are broken up into short ‘folklore’ stories means that this book is really easy to read. After all, each short story has its own theme, message and journey. But, read in one big hit, as a whole, and with the rest of the Deltora series in mind, the overarching message and story comes to light.

Tales of Deltora brings Emily Rodda’s world of Deltora alive. Not only through her multi-layered tales, but also the fantastic images that accompany them. Turning the page is like opening a doorway into a whole new world every time. If the words don’t make it difficult to turn away from this book, the picutres make it nigh on impossible.

 <- The Sister of the South Review The Deltora Book of Monsters Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

Return to Del by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Return to DelTitle: Return to Del
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #7, World of Deltora #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Not surprisingly, no-one dared do that.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The seven lost gems have been restored to the Belt of Deltora. Now Lief, Barda and Jasmine must find the heir to the kingdom’s throne. They know that only the true heir can use the Belt’s magic to overthrow the evil Shadow Lord.

But the heir has been in deepest hiding from birth and only the Belt can reveal the hiding place. Shock follows shock as the Deltora quest rushes to its thundering climax and the fury and power of the Shadow Lord himself threaten to destroy its three heroes and everything they love.

Thoughts

This is a fantastic conclusion to the first of the Deltora Quests. The gems have all been restored, but the trio still have to find out where the heir to the crown has been hiding. The path to finding the unknown child is filled with tricks and treachery from the Shadow Lord. Every step feels as thought Lief, Barda and Jasmine have taken one further step into the web of deception that has been spun.

I love the fact that the truth of the heir is under the trio’s noses the entire time. The best place to hide something is in plain sight, and Endon and Sharn made sure that they did this. The surprise heir and ending finishes off the quest for Deltora. But, it makes you feel like there is more to tell. The trio and their friends may have caused the Shadow Lord to flee from Deltora, but he is by no means done with the country.

 <- The Valley of the Lost Review Cavern of Fear Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

The Valley of the Lost by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Valley of the LostTitle: The Valley of the Lost
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #7, World of Deltora #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Barda pushed at the door with his shoulder, but it did not move.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Lief, Barda and Jasmine, searching for the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora have almost reached their goal. Six gems now gleam in the Belt, but the last must be found before Deltora can be freed from the tyranny of the evil Shadow Lord.

The companions have faced many terrors with strength and courage. Now they are about to meet dark mysteries that strength and courage alone cannot defeat. If they fail, their quest will be lost, and they will remain forever trapped in the swirling mists of the Valley of the Lost.

Thoughts

This might be the last gem for the belt of Deltora, but it is definitely not the last step on the journey. The gems may all get restored to the belt, but they still need the heir, and Lief is so very aware of this as they travel towards the Valley of the Lost. But, like the rest of the gems, it is not just a simple means of finding where the gem is hidden – they have to battle the guardian to win it. Just, in this case, the battle is one of wits that the trio can’t afford to lose.

Del’s sister city, Tora is first mentioned in The Maze of the Beast, but it isn’t until the trio travel to the Valley that they truly discover what happened to its people. The scars that the Shadow Lord’s take over have left on the countryside are shown, and the negligence of the royals over generations have huge impacts. Lief, Barda and Jasmine may have begun to heal some of the scars of the past, but there is still a lot of work to do.

The Shadow Lord may have many plots and plans, and the trio manage to uncover yet another deceptive manipulation in their journey to the valley. It makes you wonder and fear for what will be in store in the future – what manipulations are still left in place, and the ways in which the Shadow Lord will prevent the three from finding the heir and saving Deltora.

 <- The Maze of the Beast Review Return to Del Review ->
Image source: Fishpond

The Maze of the Beast by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Maze of the BeastTitle: The Maze of the Beast
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #6, World of Deltora #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: Would I not look beautiful in these?

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 become aware that Lief, Barda and Jasmine are searching for the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora. He knows that if the gems can be restored to the Belt its power will threaten his tyranny.

Five gems have already been found. The next stone lies hidden in the underwater lair of the hideous and ferocious Glus. Already exhausted, pursued by the servants of the Shadow Lord, the three companions will need all their strength and courage to face the Maze of the Beast.

Thoughts

The next step on Lief, Barda and Jasmine’s journey is filled with even more danger, yet again. Not only does it feel like the stakes have been raised, but the enemy’s awareness of their actions have also increased. Not only do the trio constantly face the dangers of recognition, but they similarly need to face the dangers of the maze of the beast. Not only do they not know where the maze is, but they also have no idea how to get there and avoid the dangers of the Ols and constant interaction with more people.

There might be an increased danger of being recognised and caught, but the trio fortunately crosses paths with old faces. Dain and Doom are both shrouded in mystery, and although they have both saved the heroes at one point or another, there is still a sense of mistrust there. Yet, they are important to the journey and, possibly, at finally overthrowing the evil Shadow Lord’s tyranny.

I love that although every gem throughout this series is very much stumbled upon, it is the one in the Maze of the Beast which is almost tripped over. They are literally thrown at it, and the understanding of fate and their place in the saving of the realm of Deltora is highlighted.

 <- Dread Mountain Review The Valley of the Lost Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

Walk in My Shoes by Alwyn Evans

Book Review, ,

Overview

Walk in My ShoesTitle: Walk in My Shoes
Author: Alwyn Evans
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Not wanting to disturb Zahra again, I didn’t speak, but carefully rolled onto my side, untwining myself from her clinging arms and legs, and willing sleep to rescue me.

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

Synopsis

A powerful and moving story of one family’s courageous journey. An inspiring novel for all Australians.

We walked off the ferry along the wide, sloping gangplank, and when my feet hit the firm wooden planks of the juetty I staggered, legs suddenly feeling like jelly… Taking Mum’s hand, I whispered, ‘Are we really safe, here?’

After a perilous and terrifying escape from war-torn Afghanistan, Gulnessa and her family find themselves in Australia, a place they know nothing about. They are exhausted and traumatised, but so full of hope. At last, somewhere safe to call home.

But their struggle isn’t over yet. They are confined in a detention centre for asylum seekers and forced to prove their refugee status. As days drag into weeks and months, Gulnessa is determined to stay strong. She must keep her family together, and fight for her friend Abdul – with whom she has secretly fallen in love. She cannot give up hope for a second chance at life, and the opportunity to build a future in a new land.

Thoughts

I remember reading this book when I was a younger kid. I remember loving it and being a little more aware of the world around me as I read this. However, having reread this story as a more educated adult, I was a little uncomfortable. Which is a good thing, I’m far more socially and politically aware now, and this is a story about refugees and refugee camps in Australia. I think if it doesn’t make you at least a little uncomfortable as a person, or even an Australian, you’re maybe not getting the point of the story…

Although this is a fictional biography, it is based on true events. Evans spent years researching and interviewing refugee experiences in Australia and the camps. The politics, which I was, quite honestly, unaware of are horrific and far-reaching, the experiences worse than anything that I could imagine. Which is where the uncomfortable feelings come from. Yet, for all of the fact that this is quite a scary retelling, this personal story is filled with hope and love. Nessa is able to retell her tale with a sense of joy. Her tale is horrifying, and she talks about her suffering, but she is also able to find her golden memories and keep those. She tells of her hope for the future and a better life. And her love for Abdul.

This story is split into two parts – Nessa’s time in the camp (and flashbacks to their journey to Australia) and her life after the camp. It gives a clear distinction to the experiences of refugees – there is the horror before and during their stay in camps, and then the confusion and feeling of uncertainty that is forced upon them afterwards. Not only are they two different worlds in which Nessa and her family struggle to find their place and learn the new ‘rules’, but they are systems of personal anguish that work at controlling their experiences and dehumanising them to others.

I loved this book, but I think that what I loved most about it was it helped me to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. It’s a great way to experience something that I myself will never experience and enhances the feeling of compassion and care that we should all strive to feel for others.

 <- The Happiest Refugee Review The Freedom Writers Diary Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Stone Witch by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Stone Witch
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: We were, however, tilted heavily to one side.

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

Synopsis

A woman who doesn’t like kids sits on an aircraft, preparing to go on a journey. The flight attendant brings a child traveling alone to take the seat beside her. The woman is none too happy about this turn of events and studiously tries to ignore the little girl. For the most part it seems to be working until the plane hits some major turbulence. Just as it seems the plane is about to crash, the woman is transported into a world that she has dreamed about many times before. The little girl along with another older woman named Rose and her dog are there as well. Rose sends the woman and girl on a fantastical journey to find a stolen amethyst egg. Whether or not they succeed in their mission will ultimately determine their fate and may also teach them a few things about themselves in the process.

Thoughts

Planes, children and death, three things that kind of freak me out, all combined into one very enjoyable short story. But honestly, I didn’t expect anything less from one of my favourite authors!

There always seems to be an underlying story of fate and quests in Carmody’s work, and this story is no different. After Hester’s worst fears seem to be realised, she is sent on a quest with a small child to a potentially glorious future. Ultimately, she is forced to face a decision that makes her face up to her own future, or that of another human being’s.

The vividness of Carmody’s writing stays with me long after I have finished the final page of her stories. The Stone Witch is no different, and I can’t get those final moments of the story out of my mind.

 <- Burning Castles Review Andersen’s Witch Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow by Margo Lanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow
Author: Margo Lanagan
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: It was subtly colorful and delicately patterned; everything that was so ugly when you were down among it seemed from this distance nicely worked, and human effort seemed rather dear and hopeless, even though it had cleared and scarred and excavated such great tracts of land, ruined them every which way.

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

Synopsis

When Pen’s only son married, he and his new bride moved far away. This saddened her, because her son had fallen in love with a young woman she thought was normal and who was afraid of Pen’s magical powers. As the birth of her first grandchild approaches, Pen uses her magic to travel a long distance over sea and land to visit them and offer a blessing for the babe, but when she arrives, she discovers things about both her daughter-in-law and her new granddaughter that surprise her.

Thoughts

Every story about witchcraft that I read, whether it’s entirely fantasy-based or based in Wicca, birth and death are integral to the practice and beliefs. Which is why it is fun to read a short story that is all about birth and the turning of the circle.

Pen embarks on an epic journey across the ocean to visit her daughter-in-law and new granddaughter. She plans to do everything in secret and leave again. To greet the new life and welcome it into her world. But, as with all good stories, nothing goes as planned. Which is where the story becomes far more enjoyable.

The point at which nothing goes as planned is also the reminder of family. How important it is, and how acceptance, even after the fact can heal many wounds.

 <- Great-Grandmother in the Cellar Review Under My Hat Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Dread Mountain by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Dread MountainTitle: Dread Mountain
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Quest #5, World of Deltora #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: But -.

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

Lief, Barda and Jasmine are on a perilous quest to find the seven lost gems of the magic Belt of Deltora. Only when all gems have been restored to the Belt can Deltora be freed from the tyranny of the evil Shadow Lord.

Four gems have been found. Now, though grave news reaches Lief fro home and he longs to return, the quest must continue. To find the fifth stone the heroes must venture almost to the border of the Shadowlands, and plunge into the darkness and terror of the realm of the monstrous toad Gellick – Dread Mountain.

Thoughts

This was a great next step on Lief’s journey around Deltora. As the group continues onwards and their success increases, so does the danger that they find themselves in. This time, they find themselves meeting mysterious legends, finding the true story of Doom’s past and solving the mystery of the Grey Guards’ blister balls.

I loved the Kin – they’re a gorgeous kangaroo-type creature that is believed extinct, and help Lief, Barda and Jasmine on their journey in a fantastic manner. As with everything on this journey, there is a sense of destiny and fate in the path that they take. Not only are they able to uncover the fifth gem, but they also dismantle another one of the Shadowlords plans and schemes. This journey is no longer just about finding the seven gems of the belt, but also showing the extent of the Shadowlords dark tyranny.

I loved the ease with which this book could be read. Yes, I know that it is aimed at a younger generation, but it is the perfect book for late at night when I can’t sleep, but still want to read. It’s easy, fun and has just enough mystery that you still have to think while turning from page to page.

 <- The Shifting Sands Review The Maze of the Beast Review ->
Image source: Goodreads