Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Tempests and SlaughterTitle: Tempests and Slaughter
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Numair Chronicles #1, Tortall #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mages, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Lothian
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Chioke was still present, reading in Ozorne’s chair, when they entered the room.

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Synopsis

THREE STUDENT MAGES, BOUND BY FATE… FATED FOR DANGER

Arram Draper is on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness – and for attracting trouble. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the ‘leftover’ prince’ with secret ambitions.

Together, these friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. But as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram realises that soon he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

Thoughts

This book was either going to be amazing or amazingly crap. Mostly because it is dealing with the backstory of one of my favourite characters in this series. That, and it is a bit of a departure from Pierce’s normal stories – it features a male protagonist going through his coming of age story, instead of a female. But, all in all, I was MADLY IN LOVE with this tale. I read it in 2 days… it would have been one, but my partner told me that I had to sleep…

The first in this trilogy follows Arram Draper as he begins to learn of his powers and make two incredibly powerful friendships. I found one of these friendships a little difficult since I know that the child eventually turns into a horrible man. Yet, the foundations for this are already there. Along with the reasons why the two became friends in the first place. It’s a great reminder that not only is Tamora Pierce GREAT at characterisation, she’s also fantastic in revealing that there is a reason for every character’s decisions. Although Ozorne makes some truly horrible ones, in the beginning they don’t necessarily come from horrible places. Just places of fear, spoiltness and an inability to be understood and loved by others.

Although I love the person that Arram eventually ends up with, his relationship with Varice is quite cute. It is the epitome of young love and shows how two young people growing up next to each other an change and still accept one another. Which, honestly is what I think love is – accepting the change in another person and seeing them for who they truly are, not who you want them to be. It’ll be interesting to see how this relationship develops in the rest of the series. Now it’s just a long wait for the next story…

 <- Lioness Rampant Review The Exile’s Gift Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

MastiffTitle: Mastiff
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Beka Cooper #3, Tortall #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “She needs to sniff the riverbank,” Tunstall said.

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Synopsis

THE HUNT IS ON!

Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost’s Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiance is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off.

It is as Beka is facing these feelings that Lord Gershom appears at her door. Within hours, Beka; her partner, Tunstall; her scent hound, Achoo; and an unusual but powerful mage are working on an extremely secretive case that threatens the future of the Tortallan royal family, and therefore the entire Tortallan government. As Beka delves deeper into the motivations of the criminals she now Hunts, she learns of deep-seated political dissatisfaction, betrayal, and corruption. These are people with power, money, and influence. They are able to hire the most skilled of mages, well versed in the darkest forms of magic. And they are nearly impossible to identify.

This case – a Hunt that will take her to places she’s never been – will challenge Beka’s tracking skills beyond the city walls, as well as her ability to judge exactly whom she can trust with her life and her country’s future.

Thoughts

I love this conclusion to Beka’s tale. From the very first page, you know that she is the famous ancestress of George Cooper and there is an allusion to the fact that she was incredibly famous. Terrier and Bloodhound both make you think that this could be the tale. But Mastiff is so amazingly obviously the reason why Beka is so famous. It’s a great tale of betrayal and trust, fate and destiny. But also, just a great crime story and hunt. After all, Beka is a dog on a mission.

I really loved Master Farmer in this story. He’s an incredibly unorthodox magician, and someone that I steadily fell in love with more and more throughout every scene. Although Beka is quite rigid and an adamant pursuer of justice, Farmer is quite possibly completely cracked. He pokes fun at everyone and manages to find a way to seemingly enjoy himself every step of the way. The balance between the characters is really well written. Not only did it help to round out the cast, but it was also a fantastic way in which to balance out Beka’s quite intense characterisation. Although I do enjoy her intensity and independence, it was nice to have a more obviously humorous character throughout this hunt.

One of the things that I really love about this series is that it starts with Eleni Cooper’s introduction to Beka’s past. Throughout the storyline, she meets with many other ancestors of the characters which I have begun to know and love throughout the tales of Tortall. Ending the tale with George’s impression of his ancestor and her famous cat really helped to bring this full circle. The fact that it is so seamlessly woven throughout her tale just makes the mastery of Pierce’s work even more enthralling. It provides an extra layer to the tale of Tortall and gives it a function and form that spreads over generations, rather than characters in the same years.

 <- Bloodhound Review Student of the Ostriches Review ->
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