Tag Archives: World of Deltora

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 ->
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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 ->
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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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‘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 ->
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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.

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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 ->
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