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Dragons of Deltora #3
Dragons of Deltora #3: Isle of the Dead
Lief, Barda, and Jasmine face their starkest challenge yet as they must travel into the hideous Isle of the Dead in order to defeat the evil Shadow Lord's plan to return to power.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2004
21 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
297 books2,114 followersEmily Rodda (real name Jennifer Rowe) was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 with an MA (Hons) in English Literature. Moving into a publishing career, first as a book editor, and finally as a publisher at Angus & Robertson, Rodda's first book was published in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 29, 2017
چه فایده برای چیزی غصه بخوریم که دست ما نیست؟
...
سومین جلد از مجموعه سوم یکی از پر پیچ و خمترین ماجراجوییهای سری کتابهای دلتورا بود.
بسی دلچسب بود و یک نفس خوندمش!
...
سومین جلد از مجموعه سوم یکی از پر پیچ و خمترین ماجراجوییهای سری کتابهای دلتورا بود.
بسی دلچسب بود و یک نفس خوندمش!
December 19, 2021
When I was 10, I took three of Emily Rodda's books everywhere with me at all times. One of those three I was probably rereading, and the other two, so I could have options in choosing which to reread next.
Here I am at 23, still enjoying them.
Here I am at 23, still enjoying them.
July 6, 2025
کلا این مجموعه اژدهایان رو از دوتا مجموعه قبلی خیلی بیشتر دوست دارم
در جستجوی دلتورا بیشتر آشنا شدن با شخصیتها و سرزمین دلتورا بود و بیشتر اتفاقاتی که براشون میافتاد حی اینکه فقط بر اثر شانس خوبشون هست رو به آدم میداد
تو مجموعه سرزمین سایهها داستان جدیتر شد
ولی تو این مجموعه به ویژه این کتاب اتفاقات و شخصیتها بیشتر پیچیدگیهایی که منطقشون رو دوست دارم هست و بالغ شدن شخصیتهای اصلی.
اینکه همیشه همه چیز بر وفق مراد شما نیست
اینکه خوبی و بدی برای شما هم اتفاق میافته و باید خیلی تلاش کنید تا بتونید به چیزی که میخوایید برسید
در جستجوی دلتورا بیشتر آشنا شدن با شخصیتها و سرزمین دلتورا بود و بیشتر اتفاقاتی که براشون میافتاد حی اینکه فقط بر اثر شانس خوبشون هست رو به آدم میداد
تو مجموعه سرزمین سایهها داستان جدیتر شد
ولی تو این مجموعه به ویژه این کتاب اتفاقات و شخصیتها بیشتر پیچیدگیهایی که منطقشون رو دوست دارم هست و بالغ شدن شخصیتهای اصلی.
اینکه همیشه همه چیز بر وفق مراد شما نیست
اینکه خوبی و بدی برای شما هم اتفاق میافته و باید خیلی تلاش کنید تا بتونید به چیزی که میخوایید برسید
December 29, 2020
I really liked the subplot in this book! It contained lots of puzzles and riddles, but it also wove the past and present together perfectly.
And that ending 😭😭
Can’t wait to read the last one in the series!!
And that ending 😭😭
Can’t wait to read the last one in the series!!
December 28, 2022
the superior verity
November 15, 2021
Definitely the best book of the Dragons of Deltora 4-part series, and parts of it were strongly reminiscent of the old glorious days of the original Deltora Quest.
When I first read this, way back in middle school, I was so creeped out by the dead rotting corpses of Laughing Jack's crew that I couldn't sleep at night for about a week. This is undoubtedly the scariest book in the whole Deltora series (Shadowgate would be second place), and also the most complex, with various storylines weaving together to form a tight net that ultimately concludes in a satisfactory ending.
We get to see more of Tom, who is by far the most intriguing character in Deltora, with his penchant for switching sides at the drop of a hat. We get a tragic story about a lighthouse keeper and his daughter. We get a ghost ship with a luxurious gambling den that the characters become trapped in. We find two dragons, and discover more of Deltora's various monsters. We meet the fabled hero himself. Laughing Jack finally gets his comeuppance.
This book is just great. None of the other books in the later series come as close as this one does to the sweet nostalgic feeling of the Deltora Quest books that I grew up reading. And now, the dead seamen no longer frighten me... although I cannot say the same for Laughing Jack.
When I first read this, way back in middle school, I was so creeped out by the dead rotting corpses of Laughing Jack's crew that I couldn't sleep at night for about a week. This is undoubtedly the scariest book in the whole Deltora series (Shadowgate would be second place), and also the most complex, with various storylines weaving together to form a tight net that ultimately concludes in a satisfactory ending.
We get to see more of Tom, who is by far the most intriguing character in Deltora, with his penchant for switching sides at the drop of a hat. We get a tragic story about a lighthouse keeper and his daughter. We get a ghost ship with a luxurious gambling den that the characters become trapped in. We find two dragons, and discover more of Deltora's various monsters. We meet the fabled hero himself. Laughing Jack finally gets his comeuppance.
This book is just great. None of the other books in the later series come as close as this one does to the sweet nostalgic feeling of the Deltora Quest books that I grew up reading. And now, the dead seamen no longer frighten me... although I cannot say the same for Laughing Jack.
September 24, 2020
Емили Рода ме изненада приятно, като с тази книжка зави доста по посока на хоръра, макар и донякъде да има предвид детската аудитория на поредицата. Действието продължава да тече все така вихрено, а начинът, по който Лийф се справя с предизвикателствата, разчитайки на находчивост и съобразителност, а не на груба сила или магия, правят книгите интригуващи за читатели от всяка възраст. До края на тази серия остава само още една книга и аз нямам търпение да я прочета.
Цялото ревю на линка:
https://citadelata.com/isle-of-the-de...
Цялото ревю на линка:
https://citadelata.com/isle-of-the-de...
December 3, 2022
i was obsessed with this book when I was like eight and it still slaps! Literally so good especially for a middle-grade book.
June 4, 2012
Lief, Barda, and Jasmine set off on the continuation of their journey to destroy the 4 sisters. Lief and the others set off to Bone Point Lighthouse which the arrived at with great speed because of the goblins which had helped them. The goblins flew them across the great land of Deltora and they finally reached Bone Point Lighthouse. While at the lighthouse they learn of its dark history and the magics which fill its halls. The travelers attempted to leave the lighthouse in order to get the an ancient city where the sister of the West was supposedly hiding. When they lept off of the lighthouse tower to try to fly to the ancient city once more a wind caught them and flung them into the sea. While there barda and lief fell together but jasmine was separated from the group. Lief and Barda came across an abandoned ship in the water, when they climbed aboard the discovered that the ship was none other than the Lady Luck. The ship that cheated men and women out of their lives with false promises of wishes, and gold. The Lady Luck was a gambling ship which was run by Laughing jack. The crew and Jack were long gone by the time barda and Lief had climbed on board. They had to gamble with their lives and pay the ship what it demanded along with this they found out the truth behind the disappearance of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter. They traveled to the ancient city and found that the great Doran the Dragon-friend. Lief, Barda and Jasmine reunited and defeated Doran, they gave him a proper burial and found the 4th and final piece of them map, which revealed the location of the last sister is in the city of Del.
The Book Isle of the Dead was very well written and explained. Emily Rodda is an amazing author who is able to write in suc a way that you feel like you are a part of the story. She throws you into the action and allows you to feel what the characters feel and in a sense see what they see. Emily Rodda as always left me speechless with her words. She is one of the only authors that I have found that will portray her stories with such exquisite detail.
I give this book 5 stars. It was a great read and very well written. Emily Rodda always amazes and she has not disappointed with this novel. The Isle of the Dead is an excellent read that i recommend to anyone who enjoys an adventure. I'm excited for the next book in the series.
The Book Isle of the Dead was very well written and explained. Emily Rodda is an amazing author who is able to write in suc a way that you feel like you are a part of the story. She throws you into the action and allows you to feel what the characters feel and in a sense see what they see. Emily Rodda as always left me speechless with her words. She is one of the only authors that I have found that will portray her stories with such exquisite detail.
I give this book 5 stars. It was a great read and very well written. Emily Rodda always amazes and she has not disappointed with this novel. The Isle of the Dead is an excellent read that i recommend to anyone who enjoys an adventure. I'm excited for the next book in the series.
January 11, 2020
4
Unlike in the first two books, in this book, the guardian isn't the main villain of the book. Instead, Laughing Jack returns in this book being an absolute jerk. A thing what these books all focus on is a small part of Deltora's history. In the first book, it's focussed on Broom, Capra and the exile of the Capricorns and what's true and whatnot. In the second book, it partially focusses on The Masked Ones, a travelling circus that is really, really old. In this book, it focusses on the Bone Point Light, which is a lighthouse that attracts boats from the Silver Sea, which light has been turned off to benefit the Shadowlords' plans. No trade means no food, which was the goal.
This book has some pretty mature themes, with actual character death, cheating people of everything, gambling, greed and pride, the importance of making promises and the whole thing. The dragons in this book were actually sweet. The Amethyst dragon isn't all that bad and . The defeat of the sister of the West is somewhat anti-climatic, but also bittersweet
Unlike in the first two books, in this book, the guardian isn't the main villain of the book. Instead, Laughing Jack returns in this book being an absolute jerk. A thing what these books all focus on is a small part of Deltora's history. In the first book, it's focussed on Broom, Capra and the exile of the Capricorns and what's true and whatnot. In the second book, it partially focusses on The Masked Ones, a travelling circus that is really, really old. In this book, it focusses on the Bone Point Light, which is a lighthouse that attracts boats from the Silver Sea, which light has been turned off to benefit the Shadowlords' plans. No trade means no food, which was the goal.
This book has some pretty mature themes, with actual character death, cheating people of everything, gambling, greed and pride, the importance of making promises and the whole thing. The dragons in this book were actually sweet. The Amethyst dragon isn't all that bad and . The defeat of the sister of the West is somewhat anti-climatic, but also bittersweet
February 16, 2012
Summery- In this book Lief Barda & Jasmine destroy the sister of the west and have found where the sister of the west is.I'm not telling where.
Character Trait-Jasmine is smart because...on the isle of the dead she is the one that figured out that the plants were monsters'Lief would have known if he had read the deltoran book of monsters.
Most Importaint Event-They destroy the sister of the west.
Recommendation-I recommend this book to people who like adventure dragons,goast ships and thrickery.
Character Trait-Jasmine is smart because...on the isle of the dead she is the one that figured out that the plants were monsters'Lief would have known if he had read the deltoran book of monsters.
Most Importaint Event-They destroy the sister of the west.
Recommendation-I recommend this book to people who like adventure dragons,goast ships and thrickery.
August 19, 2017
Lots of supernatural horror in this one. Kind of scary at times. I would place this series at a higher age level than previous installments. Maybe 11/12? My son (almost 8) would have no problem reading them, although I read them to him, and luckily he is not easily scared. He has been pretty horrified at times at the prospect of Lief getting injured/disfigured or Barda or Jasmine dying, so we talk about it. But he's pretty young for this stuff. Good thing we are reading them together.
November 27, 2021
I’m once again pleasantly surprised by Rodda. This is an easily digestible, yet invigorating and creative series. Each book has so many interesting characters and creatures despite being for children/teens. I especially love how the simple diction is still able to create lively, believable descriptions and scenes. It’s a very enjoyable, action-filled series for those who are looking for an easy read or who struggle with comprehension but still want a remarkable story.
November 9, 2016
This is definitely my favorite book in the Dragons of Deltora series
July 14, 2021
High rating due to these books getting me sucked into fantasy as a kid
August 27, 2022
I read these books when I was in grade 6-7 and absolutely loved them. I’ve bought the 21st anniversary editions and will be doing another read through. They are fantastic books.
September 1, 2023
De drie series bestaan uit de volgende boeken:
Deltora: 1. Het Zwijgbos; 2. Het Tranenmeer; 3. De Rattenstad (gelezen); 4. De Zandval (gelezen); 5. De Drakenberg; 6. De Doolhof; 7. Het Glazen paleis; 8. Terug naar Del.
Deltora 2: 1. Grot van de Angst; 2. Eiland van Bedrog (gelezen); 3. De Schaduwlanden.
Deltora 3: 1. Het Drakennest; 2. Schaduwpoort; 3. Kristaleiland (gelezen).
Dit laatste boek gaat over de reis van de drie vrienden naar het uiterste westen van Deltora. Ik heb alleen het derde deel van deze trilogie te lezen gekregen en van de andere series ook slechts een paar boeken, maar ik kan het verhaal goed volgen. In deze trilogie komen de vrienden tegenover de Vier Zusters te staan die nadat de Schaduwheer verslagen is (in serie 2) zorgen voor het kwaad in Deltora. Met de hulp van de draken van Deltora, die bij de stenen uit de Gordel horen, kan dit kwaad worden verslagen. Voordat het zover is ontdekken de vrienden verschillende zaken uit het verleden en krijgen ze te maken met tegenstanders die in eerdere boeken ook al ten tonele waren gebracht. Verschillende plaatsen uit de eerste serie waar ze gestreden hebben roepen ook weer herinneringen op. Uiteindelijk krijgt Doran de Drakenvriend zelfs nog een plaats in dit laatste verhaal.
Emily Rodda heeft dus alle losse eindjes van de voorgaande geschreven verhalen aan elkaar vast gevlochten en met spannende gebeurtenissen die met het verleden en met het heden te maken hebben de series verder afgerond. De draken die er in voor komen hebben flink te lijden gehad door de tijd die het heeft geduurd om de stenen van de Gordel te vinden. Het ziet er slecht uit als er van de Kristaldraak weinig over is gebleven. Verder speelt een geduchte tegenstander, Lachende Jaap, een flinke rol in dit verhaal. Het kristaleiland is een grote beproeving en ze vinden er iemand die niemand meer had verwacht.
Uiteindelijk wordt de Zuster van het Westen wel verslagen, maar komt Jord erachter dat de vierde Zuster waar ze het nog tegen op moeten nemen in het uiterste zuiden is. De stad waar hij nu naar toe al moeten, zal hen weer in gevaar kunnen brengen. Maar zoals de draak die hem geholpen heeft op het einde zegt: er is een tijd om pannen te maken, een tijd om de plannen uit te voeren en een tijd om te rusten.
Ik denk dat Emily Rodda het na drie series tijd vond om het verhaal te laten rusten, we kunnen er als lezers wel op vertrouwen dat Jord, Barda en Jasmine ook die laatste Zuster wel zal verslaan. Tenslotte zijn alle avonturen die hiervoor gebeurden ook allemaal tot een goed einde gebracht.
Deltora: 1. Het Zwijgbos; 2. Het Tranenmeer; 3. De Rattenstad (gelezen); 4. De Zandval (gelezen); 5. De Drakenberg; 6. De Doolhof; 7. Het Glazen paleis; 8. Terug naar Del.
Deltora 2: 1. Grot van de Angst; 2. Eiland van Bedrog (gelezen); 3. De Schaduwlanden.
Deltora 3: 1. Het Drakennest; 2. Schaduwpoort; 3. Kristaleiland (gelezen).
Dit laatste boek gaat over de reis van de drie vrienden naar het uiterste westen van Deltora. Ik heb alleen het derde deel van deze trilogie te lezen gekregen en van de andere series ook slechts een paar boeken, maar ik kan het verhaal goed volgen. In deze trilogie komen de vrienden tegenover de Vier Zusters te staan die nadat de Schaduwheer verslagen is (in serie 2) zorgen voor het kwaad in Deltora. Met de hulp van de draken van Deltora, die bij de stenen uit de Gordel horen, kan dit kwaad worden verslagen. Voordat het zover is ontdekken de vrienden verschillende zaken uit het verleden en krijgen ze te maken met tegenstanders die in eerdere boeken ook al ten tonele waren gebracht. Verschillende plaatsen uit de eerste serie waar ze gestreden hebben roepen ook weer herinneringen op. Uiteindelijk krijgt Doran de Drakenvriend zelfs nog een plaats in dit laatste verhaal.
Emily Rodda heeft dus alle losse eindjes van de voorgaande geschreven verhalen aan elkaar vast gevlochten en met spannende gebeurtenissen die met het verleden en met het heden te maken hebben de series verder afgerond. De draken die er in voor komen hebben flink te lijden gehad door de tijd die het heeft geduurd om de stenen van de Gordel te vinden. Het ziet er slecht uit als er van de Kristaldraak weinig over is gebleven. Verder speelt een geduchte tegenstander, Lachende Jaap, een flinke rol in dit verhaal. Het kristaleiland is een grote beproeving en ze vinden er iemand die niemand meer had verwacht.
Uiteindelijk wordt de Zuster van het Westen wel verslagen, maar komt Jord erachter dat de vierde Zuster waar ze het nog tegen op moeten nemen in het uiterste zuiden is. De stad waar hij nu naar toe al moeten, zal hen weer in gevaar kunnen brengen. Maar zoals de draak die hem geholpen heeft op het einde zegt: er is een tijd om pannen te maken, een tijd om de plannen uit te voeren en een tijd om te rusten.
Ik denk dat Emily Rodda het na drie series tijd vond om het verhaal te laten rusten, we kunnen er als lezers wel op vertrouwen dat Jord, Barda en Jasmine ook die laatste Zuster wel zal verslaan. Tenslotte zijn alle avonturen die hiervoor gebeurden ook allemaal tot een goed einde gebracht.
September 4, 2024
4⭐️ me complaining who the fuck laughing Hack was and why we're supposed to know him
Isle of the dead book be like: Alright, strap in people because I'm about to give you a history lesson about this donny so pay attention!!
And yk what, I'm glad they gave more background knowledge on him cause I genuinely don't know this guy😂 From what I gathered in shadowgate, the dude is sketchy with his scamming ass but then learning of his whole character during his time at the lighthouse and his lady luck ship is just fuck up😖😖😖 THIS verity (not the other we shall not speak) deserve justice. The shit she's been through with this donny???? Good on her for putting a curse on them. I mean, there's not much she can do when she's tied to the front of the ship as the head of it. Just looking at the image😭😭 what if this was like the titanic and she gets head crushed first😖😖😖 Also I thought she was 10 years old cause Jack having beef with a literal child is crazy💀 but clearly she's older and can just "oops. guess you're curse now🤭" The whole reason why she got captured was because her dad didn't want to turn off the lighthouse (another thing Jack had beef with) and while it eventually did, I think I forgot how🫢
Moving on, we end up meeting his sister Ava, who is also related to Tom from wayyyyyyy back in the first 8 set books. Guess he wasn't an only child or that he's related to a menace 🫢 Ava is basically the girl version of Tom. That's how I know. "Yep, for sure sibling." Jack is........ far from it. She lend them a boat to take them to where they need to go and of course no journey is easy with some annoying (seas creatures) fucker!! Now my imagination isn't the brightest so when they discribed these creatures that will munch on their skin, I was picturing a lot of tiny slimy things because they said "I didn't notice them on us." so yes naturally I thought that. HOWEVER, that is not the case and looking back at this book cover, I realize those are the things that was eating alive😭😭😭 yeah fuck that. Some nasty looking thing 😖😖😖
I now have 1 more to go🥲 I'm gonna miss it😭😭😭 It's gonna be the end of an era. I'm nervous about how this is gonna end. I need it to be perfect, happy endings, no more death and Lief better get on his knees and propose!! (I say this like I didn't already spoil it myself🤭)
Isle of the dead book be like: Alright, strap in people because I'm about to give you a history lesson about this donny so pay attention!!
And yk what, I'm glad they gave more background knowledge on him cause I genuinely don't know this guy😂 From what I gathered in shadowgate, the dude is sketchy with his scamming ass but then learning of his whole character during his time at the lighthouse and his lady luck ship is just fuck up😖😖😖 THIS verity (not the other we shall not speak) deserve justice. The shit she's been through with this donny???? Good on her for putting a curse on them. I mean, there's not much she can do when she's tied to the front of the ship as the head of it. Just looking at the image😭😭 what if this was like the titanic and she gets head crushed first😖😖😖 Also I thought she was 10 years old cause Jack having beef with a literal child is crazy💀 but clearly she's older and can just "oops. guess you're curse now🤭" The whole reason why she got captured was because her dad didn't want to turn off the lighthouse (another thing Jack had beef with) and while it eventually did, I think I forgot how🫢
Moving on, we end up meeting his sister Ava, who is also related to Tom from wayyyyyyy back in the first 8 set books. Guess he wasn't an only child or that he's related to a menace 🫢 Ava is basically the girl version of Tom. That's how I know. "Yep, for sure sibling." Jack is........ far from it. She lend them a boat to take them to where they need to go and of course no journey is easy with some annoying (seas creatures) fucker!! Now my imagination isn't the brightest so when they discribed these creatures that will munch on their skin, I was picturing a lot of tiny slimy things because they said "I didn't notice them on us." so yes naturally I thought that. HOWEVER, that is not the case and looking back at this book cover, I realize those are the things that was eating alive😭😭😭 yeah fuck that. Some nasty looking thing 😖😖😖
I now have 1 more to go🥲 I'm gonna miss it😭😭😭 It's gonna be the end of an era. I'm nervous about how this is gonna end. I need it to be perfect, happy endings, no more death and Lief better get on his knees and propose!! (I say this like I didn't already spoil it myself🤭)
October 12, 2024
"Lief stared in disbelief. His heart gave a great thud. The next moment, he was scrambling to his feet, shouting, waving both arms wildly above his head. Barda was roaring and waving beside him, but Lief was hardly aware of it. Dizzy with joy, he had eyes only for the black-haired girl in the centre of the shimmering line, and ears only for her thin, distant cries oating to him over the sand."
"This had been the punishment of Doran the Dragonlover. Enslaved by the Shadow Lord’s sorcery, he had been condemned to centuries of half-life as the guardian of the very evil he had tried to destroy."
"The dragon moved closer, bending its neck till its head masked the gure on the throne. It paused for a moment, then drew a deep, shuddering breath. And when it moved back, Doran’s face was peaceful, like a face that was sleeping, and the gossamer threads around his mouth no longer stirred."
"The dragon roared, and in that thunderous sound was all the rage, grief and hatred of its aching heart. Fire gushed from its snarling jaws, and the soft thing on the rock throne writhed and shrank as violet ame engulfed it. Pressed hard against the dragon’s leg, the diamond baby sheltered in the crook of his arm, Lief gripped the amethyst. In a daze of heat and fear, he felt the ancient power of the gem ow through him, pouring strength into the beast. Again Veritas roared, and again, till the throne was a bath of purple fire. The shapeless thing in the fire darkened and smoked. The veins netting its surface swelled. The low ringing sound faltered, and rose to an ear-splitting screech. Lief screwed his eyes shut and pressed his burning face against the dragon’s scales. Then abruptly, the screeching stopped. The dragon, too, fell silent. The cavern seemed to echo with a silence that was somehow more terrible than sound. Lief felt the beast draw a deep breath. Then he heard a long, low hissing and felt a blast of white heat so intense that he fell to his knees. There was a sharp crack. Lief opened his eyes as the hissing sound dwindled and died. The throne had split in two. And where the Sister of the West had been there was only a dull grey stain on the rock. "
"This had been the punishment of Doran the Dragonlover. Enslaved by the Shadow Lord’s sorcery, he had been condemned to centuries of half-life as the guardian of the very evil he had tried to destroy."
"The dragon moved closer, bending its neck till its head masked the gure on the throne. It paused for a moment, then drew a deep, shuddering breath. And when it moved back, Doran’s face was peaceful, like a face that was sleeping, and the gossamer threads around his mouth no longer stirred."
"The dragon roared, and in that thunderous sound was all the rage, grief and hatred of its aching heart. Fire gushed from its snarling jaws, and the soft thing on the rock throne writhed and shrank as violet ame engulfed it. Pressed hard against the dragon’s leg, the diamond baby sheltered in the crook of his arm, Lief gripped the amethyst. In a daze of heat and fear, he felt the ancient power of the gem ow through him, pouring strength into the beast. Again Veritas roared, and again, till the throne was a bath of purple fire. The shapeless thing in the fire darkened and smoked. The veins netting its surface swelled. The low ringing sound faltered, and rose to an ear-splitting screech. Lief screwed his eyes shut and pressed his burning face against the dragon’s scales. Then abruptly, the screeching stopped. The dragon, too, fell silent. The cavern seemed to echo with a silence that was somehow more terrible than sound. Lief felt the beast draw a deep breath. Then he heard a long, low hissing and felt a blast of white heat so intense that he fell to his knees. There was a sharp crack. Lief opened his eyes as the hissing sound dwindled and died. The throne had split in two. And where the Sister of the West had been there was only a dull grey stain on the rock. "
April 24, 2023
Star Rating: 4 stars
Note: This is the 3rd book in the Dragons of Deltora series and the 14th book in the overarching Deltora series so this will not be an in-depth review.
After finishing The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan, which I loved to pieces, I decided that I wanted to read a childhood favorite before tackling my next giant classic epic fantasy and science fiction book. The childhood favorite that I decided to pick up was Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda, book 3 in Dragons of Deltora and 14th in the overarching Deltora series. This book continues the story of Leif, Barda, and Jasmine as they struggle to save and protect their country, Deltora, from the evils of the Shadow Lord by destroying the Four Sisters minions by befriending the last 7 gem dragons of Deltora.
The best thing about this book for me was the themes, which really shouldn’t be a surprise as I have stated in many reviews that I am predominantly a themes reader. (As a child, though, it was probably because of the adventure.) This book touches on/ introduces concepts like death, memory, loyalty, truth, and honor to younger readers as well as introduces them to the fantasy genre. If you are an educator or guardian trying to decide whether this series would be a good fit for your young one, then I would like to say that this series starts out very simple and slowly gains complexity as it progresses so it’s a good stepping stone series. The only slight issue I had with this book was that the ending felt kind of rushed, especially with interesting and engaging the 1st half was.
All in all, this was a nice break between my more complex books and a very nostalgic read. I would recommend to guardians and educators to use this series to introduce the fantasy genre and some of its hallmarks. It’s also a perfect series to transition children into chapter books. 4 stars and a solid childhood favorite!!!!
Note: This is the 3rd book in the Dragons of Deltora series and the 14th book in the overarching Deltora series so this will not be an in-depth review.
After finishing The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan, which I loved to pieces, I decided that I wanted to read a childhood favorite before tackling my next giant classic epic fantasy and science fiction book. The childhood favorite that I decided to pick up was Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda, book 3 in Dragons of Deltora and 14th in the overarching Deltora series. This book continues the story of Leif, Barda, and Jasmine as they struggle to save and protect their country, Deltora, from the evils of the Shadow Lord by destroying the Four Sisters minions by befriending the last 7 gem dragons of Deltora.
The best thing about this book for me was the themes, which really shouldn’t be a surprise as I have stated in many reviews that I am predominantly a themes reader. (As a child, though, it was probably because of the adventure.) This book touches on/ introduces concepts like death, memory, loyalty, truth, and honor to younger readers as well as introduces them to the fantasy genre. If you are an educator or guardian trying to decide whether this series would be a good fit for your young one, then I would like to say that this series starts out very simple and slowly gains complexity as it progresses so it’s a good stepping stone series. The only slight issue I had with this book was that the ending felt kind of rushed, especially with interesting and engaging the 1st half was.
All in all, this was a nice break between my more complex books and a very nostalgic read. I would recommend to guardians and educators to use this series to introduce the fantasy genre and some of its hallmarks. It’s also a perfect series to transition children into chapter books. 4 stars and a solid childhood favorite!!!!
April 23, 2019
I'm not sure how Emily Rodda does it, but each of her books seems to be better than the last! And this one was amazing! So much happened in this short volume, and my head is still spinning after having finished.
April 5, 2020
Diepe dalen en hoge pieken. Ik weet niet of het komt omdat het vorige boek voor lage verwachtingen zorgde of dat dit boek gewoon echt kneitergoed is, maar wat heb ik genoten. Dit is waarom ik zo van Deltora hou. De fantasy was weer helemaal aan. Ook vond ik deze piraten verhaallijn veel interessanter dan die in Deltora Quest 1. Dit had veel meer een Pirates of the Caribean vibe en die films kan ik eindeloos blijven kijken. Ondanks dat ik niet zo fan ben van casino en gangster verhaallijnen, paste het hier naadloos in het verhaal en was het onwijs gaaf.
Piraten, spoken, heksen, zeemonsters, dit boek heeft het allemaal. Niet alleen kan ik de nieuwe legende van The Lady Luck en Kristaleiland enorm waarderen, maar ook oude bekenden die terugkomen waren ontzettend welkom. Ik heb eerder al eens gezegd dat ik Tom een onwijs interessant karakter vind en dat bewijst zich in dit boek des te meer. Ook wordt het verhaal van Doran nog wat uitgediept, fantastisch. Het verhaal van Veritas vond ik een hele goede realitycheck en maakt dit boek nog waardevoller. De plottwist aan het einde had ik nooit kunnen zien aankomen en ik moest er bijna van huilen. Alle puzzelstukjes vallen op zijn plaats en dit is oprecht een staaltje 'eind goed al goed' werk. Alle rode lijnen sluiten perfect op elkaar aan en ik kan er eigenlijk niets op aanmerken. Fantasierijk, spannend, onverwachts, hartverwarmend, meeslepend, geweldig. Vijf sterren, zonder twijfel.
Piraten, spoken, heksen, zeemonsters, dit boek heeft het allemaal. Niet alleen kan ik de nieuwe legende van The Lady Luck en Kristaleiland enorm waarderen, maar ook oude bekenden die terugkomen waren ontzettend welkom. Ik heb eerder al eens gezegd dat ik Tom een onwijs interessant karakter vind en dat bewijst zich in dit boek des te meer. Ook wordt het verhaal van Doran nog wat uitgediept, fantastisch. Het verhaal van Veritas vond ik een hele goede realitycheck en maakt dit boek nog waardevoller. De plottwist aan het einde had ik nooit kunnen zien aankomen en ik moest er bijna van huilen. Alle puzzelstukjes vallen op zijn plaats en dit is oprecht een staaltje 'eind goed al goed' werk. Alle rode lijnen sluiten perfect op elkaar aan en ik kan er eigenlijk niets op aanmerken. Fantasierijk, spannend, onverwachts, hartverwarmend, meeslepend, geweldig. Vijf sterren, zonder twijfel.
April 12, 2020
How this couldn't be everyone's favorite Deltora of all the books, I don't know. The Bone Point Lighthouse, the tragedy of Red Han and his daughter Verity, the cursed crew of the spooky Lady Luck (reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean, mayhaps), and of course, the despicable Laughing Jack, one of Deltora's best villains. Hell, I just realized he has somewhat of a similar name and vibe to the video game Fable's villain, Jack of Blades. But that's neither here nor there.
Oh and how could I forget the new dragons? As I hinted in the last review, Veritas is 100% my favorite of the dragoons. I can't quite explain it but he reminds me of Remus Lupin in a dragon incarnation if that makes ANY sense. And the twist that the diamond dragon is dead but a dragon egg is naturally unearthed beneath and reveals the new baby diamond dragon, loved that. It's fun that the dragon fantasy subgenre (if that is such a thing) almost always has some dragon hatchling or dragon egg in the narrative. Eragon is the natural go-to, but Harry Potter (PS), Tamora Pierce's Immortals series, those Magyk books, A Song of Ice & Fire, Naomi Novik's Temeraire series, and countless others I'm forgetting or that I still have yet to read.
Oh and how could I forget the new dragons? As I hinted in the last review, Veritas is 100% my favorite of the dragoons. I can't quite explain it but he reminds me of Remus Lupin in a dragon incarnation if that makes ANY sense. And the twist that the diamond dragon is dead but a dragon egg is naturally unearthed beneath and reveals the new baby diamond dragon, loved that. It's fun that the dragon fantasy subgenre (if that is such a thing) almost always has some dragon hatchling or dragon egg in the narrative. Eragon is the natural go-to, but Harry Potter (PS), Tamora Pierce's Immortals series, those Magyk books, A Song of Ice & Fire, Naomi Novik's Temeraire series, and countless others I'm forgetting or that I still have yet to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2018
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…
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…
May 21, 2020
Very uneven. The long section on a ghost ship didn't feel "Deltora" much at all, even with the cursed gambling room and the puzzle-painting (notably the longest section without Jasmine appearing that I can recall). The ending happens all in a whirlwind, I actually really loved how they dealt with Jack, and felt it almost made up for the ghost ship earlier, but still didn't like it that much. On to the next one.
February 11, 2025
THIS WAS SO GOOD. Definitely my favorite so far.
The whole beginning with Verity, Laughing Jack, Red Han, and the Lady Luck was awesome.
The amethyst dragon, Veritas, is definitely a favorite! The diamond dragon being dead was devastating, but the reveal of the baby was wonderful.
Tom and Ava having a prominent role in this was not expected, but very satisfying. The trio being reunited with their horses was equally satisfying.
The Doran twist has to be my favorite of the series by far, and he's definitely one of the best characters. It was tragic and honestly unexpected- and the ending of the book brought a lot of closure in multiple ways.
I'm so sad that I'm at the end of the series already! It's been great :-)
The whole beginning with Verity, Laughing Jack, Red Han, and the Lady Luck was awesome.
The amethyst dragon, Veritas, is definitely a favorite! The diamond dragon being dead was devastating, but the reveal of the baby was wonderful.
Tom and Ava having a prominent role in this was not expected, but very satisfying. The trio being reunited with their horses was equally satisfying.
The Doran twist has to be my favorite of the series by far, and he's definitely one of the best characters. It was tragic and honestly unexpected- and the ending of the book brought a lot of closure in multiple ways.
I'm so sad that I'm at the end of the series already! It's been great :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
A much more confusing tale to follow, but also much more exciting. Lief and Barda get trapped on a gambling ship at sea and are almost made part of the crew. But end up escaping which sets up the villain in this one for a cruel punishment. In the mean-time they find the Amethyst dragon, the Diamond dragon - although both have sad stories to tell - and learn that Tom has siblings. No story would be complete without the heroes almost dying - which seems to occur more frequently as they continue their travels. The guardian is the epitome of sadness but brings a conclusion to one of the mysteries of the land.
December 31, 2019
I know I'm not the intended audience, but I can't leave a book on my shelf unread so its time finally came.
As I mentioned in my review of Shadowgate the arc of this story was very similar to the book before it. I personally felt that the ghost part was a little longer than it needed to be, but I liked Laughing Jack's involvement throughout.
As I mentioned in my review of Shadowgate the arc of this story was very similar to the book before it. I personally felt that the ghost part was a little longer than it needed to be, but I liked Laughing Jack's involvement throughout.
January 2, 2024
Reading these because I never read every single book when I was younger. Absolutely loved these when I read them many years ago and even now they're not bad for children’s books.
The Laughing Jack, Tom, and Ava storyline was really great and well thought out. This series is a bit slower than the first and second Deltora series which makes reading a bit less enjoyable, but the story is still just as good.
The Laughing Jack, Tom, and Ava storyline was really great and well thought out. This series is a bit slower than the first and second Deltora series which makes reading a bit less enjoyable, but the story is still just as good.
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