What do you think?
Rate this book
Del Ryder #1
Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed
Darkness is spreading across mystic Azdia. Soon, all of life will stop glowing with light. Soon, the trees will no longer spring to life. Even the mighty feldroes will cease to roam the forests. Already, many lumens, the shape-shifting caretakers of Azdia, have lost faith in their provider and protector, the mysterious Mr. Thicket. The only hope for the creatures of Azdia are the awaited chosen ones sent from another world called Earth.
Del Ryder, an ordinary eleven year old girl with something to prove and looking for a place to belong, leads her three best friends through the magic portal into Azdia. There they meet Crimson, a lumen full of hope, who believes Del and her friends are the ones they have been waiting for. Unwilling to accept their destiny, the children still manage to enlist Crimson’s help in what becomes a fight for their own survival. Held hostage by living trees, battered by storms, and caught in a stampede of feldroes, the darkness of Azdia blocks them at every stage of their adventure. But Del and her friends persevere, following the clues of a cryptic riddle, in the hope that it leads them home.
The adventure begins with Book One in the Del Ryder Series: Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed.
Del Ryder, an ordinary eleven year old girl with something to prove and looking for a place to belong, leads her three best friends through the magic portal into Azdia. There they meet Crimson, a lumen full of hope, who believes Del and her friends are the ones they have been waiting for. Unwilling to accept their destiny, the children still manage to enlist Crimson’s help in what becomes a fight for their own survival. Held hostage by living trees, battered by storms, and caught in a stampede of feldroes, the darkness of Azdia blocks them at every stage of their adventure. But Del and her friends persevere, following the clues of a cryptic riddle, in the hope that it leads them home.
The adventure begins with Book One in the Del Ryder Series: Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed.
246 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2015
170 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Matthew David Brough
11 books51 followersOn a road trip across western Canada, a boy and his two older sisters listened as their mother read them The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Although he knew he loved the story, and as a teenager went on to fall even more in love with The Lord of the Rings, it wasn’t until the year he was turning 40 that Matthew David Brough felt the full force of these books. He sat down to write a story and out came Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed, the first book in a fast-paced fantasy adventure series for ages eight and up.
Matthew is a pastor who doesn’t like preachy books, but loves stories of hope. He lives in Winnipeg, Canada with his wife, Cheryl and daughter, Juliet.
Matthew is a pastor who doesn’t like preachy books, but loves stories of hope. He lives in Winnipeg, Canada with his wife, Cheryl and daughter, Juliet.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 12, 2019
This was a good story for kids and teens. It didn't get weird some like fantasy books do. It was just right! I've already bought the second one, and I'm about 20% into it.
July 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this middle ager fantasy. So much so that I bought and read the second book in the series immediately upon finishing this one. I don't do that very often because I have so many books on my "to read" already.
September 25, 2015
One of my favorite things about this book is that it takes very normal children and pulls them into a world full of fantasy. The first scenes present kids as they are - they're arguments made me smile because I don't know how often I've heard my kids in the same sort of head-to-head. The main character, Del Ryder, presents herself as more mature than the rest right off the bat and sticks to this role throughout the story (mostly).
Although I personally found the writing a little rough at times, the story is packed full of adventure and emotions which drive it forward from the first page on. Once I got into the book, I couldn't really put it down simply because I did wonder if everything would pull through in the end.
I can recommend this series to young readers who love fantastical worlds and enjoy meeting characters who have to find their way through even the most difficult of odds.
Although I personally found the writing a little rough at times, the story is packed full of adventure and emotions which drive it forward from the first page on. Once I got into the book, I couldn't really put it down simply because I did wonder if everything would pull through in the end.
I can recommend this series to young readers who love fantastical worlds and enjoy meeting characters who have to find their way through even the most difficult of odds.
June 12, 2016
From the very first page, I was hooked. It starts with tension right off the bat as four kids – a girl named Del and her guy friends – start running. They’ve been seen by a cleric in a cemetery they’re trespassing in. Del finds a hiding place, and in it is a small, glowing object. She starts out on an adventure, one that will challenge her to find faith – and hope. As I read the story, I felt like I was back to my childhood days, with delightful, unique characters that are so true to life.
Best quote: “It is less about what you will see with these,” he said, pointing to his eyes, “and more about what you will see with this.” He pointed to his heart.
Recommended for: Anyone who can read a chapter book, from kids to grannies and granddads.
For fans of: The Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, A Series of Unfortunate Events
You’ll also like: The sequel, Del Ryder and the Rescue of Eleanor
Best quote: “It is less about what you will see with these,” he said, pointing to his eyes, “and more about what you will see with this.” He pointed to his heart.
Recommended for: Anyone who can read a chapter book, from kids to grannies and granddads.
For fans of: The Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, A Series of Unfortunate Events
You’ll also like: The sequel, Del Ryder and the Rescue of Eleanor
November 1, 2015
This was a great read aloud book with my girls. Loved Del and can't wait to read more adventures in the next book. The magical world of Azdia is full of mysterious and wonderful creatures and plants. There is also a lot to consider - light, dark, evil, goodness, family, friendship and much more. Highly recommended!
August 8, 2016
Great read.
This is just a great story, new and different fun for reading to youngsters and it's a story that all ages would enjoy.
This is just a great story, new and different fun for reading to youngsters and it's a story that all ages would enjoy.
September 25, 2016
Awesome
I like how their was a adventure and riddles and all sorts of things that made this book awesome if you like adventures this is a book for you!!
I like how their was a adventure and riddles and all sorts of things that made this book awesome if you like adventures this is a book for you!!
April 15, 2019
Very fun. I thought it was better than my least favorite of the Narnia books. Might have loved it more if it had more references to the Bible, but that is pretty minor.
August 25, 2019
I like the book it is interesting I recommend buying it
I rate this 5 stars you guys did a great job on this book I love it thx again love it
I rate this 5 stars you guys did a great job on this book I love it thx again love it
September 10, 2017
One scene made me laugh out loud. I won’t give away any spoilers but it was a foot chase. The author creates a wonderful and fantastic world where clever and bright young people take up a fantastic challenge. The character, Del and her three best friends, are good hearted and adventurous. I was pretty upset about one betrayal which is funny, because I know this is just a story. This book is one of hope and would make a GREAT animation movie.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes, the illustration fits the book perfectly. Trees and limbs are major players.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes, the illustration fits the book perfectly. Trees and limbs are major players.
April 16, 2019
Fun adventure read for kids
The story is about a girl named Del who finds a magical doorway under a hedge in a church graveyard. She rounds up her three best friends, all boys, and they go an adventure. The story reminded me of Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, one of my favorite books as a kid, and The Silver Chair crossed with a fairy land of shapeshifters. If you liked either of those books, then you’ll probably like this story, too. I took off one star because I felt like the children could have done more to rescue themselves out of some of their predicaments, but that didn’t distract me too much from an enjoyable read. I will probably end up reading the next in the series. Overall, a good adventure read for kids and I plan to recommend to a few kids I know who love reading.
The story is about a girl named Del who finds a magical doorway under a hedge in a church graveyard. She rounds up her three best friends, all boys, and they go an adventure. The story reminded me of Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, one of my favorite books as a kid, and The Silver Chair crossed with a fairy land of shapeshifters. If you liked either of those books, then you’ll probably like this story, too. I took off one star because I felt like the children could have done more to rescue themselves out of some of their predicaments, but that didn’t distract me too much from an enjoyable read. I will probably end up reading the next in the series. Overall, a good adventure read for kids and I plan to recommend to a few kids I know who love reading.
February 12, 2019
Looking now at the author's other books, I suppose it should have been apparent to me sooner that this was going to be a work of religious (Christian) allegory. Further note: here on Goodreads it is classified as "Christian," something I didn't see on the site I got the book from. It was free, so really I shouldn't complain. Mea culpa.
On the technical side, I think the writing is shaky, with repetitive descriptions and trite verbiage that was more distracting as the book went on. I don't know if there was more of it or I just started to notice it more. I also felt that this book was talking down to the reader, which also increased my annoyance as I read.
On the technical side, I think the writing is shaky, with repetitive descriptions and trite verbiage that was more distracting as the book went on. I don't know if there was more of it or I just started to notice it more. I also felt that this book was talking down to the reader, which also increased my annoyance as I read.
August 23, 2020
Decent young adult reading
This book is fine for the younger reading set. There is a strong influence of the "Narnia" ssries, by C.S. Lewis, which is why I gave the star rating of four. Plus there are some Tolkieneske touches throughout, along with several other similarities to other famous, and familiar, reads. It was almost fun identifying the similarities since there were so many. I came close to giving it three stars, but stayed with four because I felt it would still appeal to readers.
This book is fine for the younger reading set. There is a strong influence of the "Narnia" ssries, by C.S. Lewis, which is why I gave the star rating of four. Plus there are some Tolkieneske touches throughout, along with several other similarities to other famous, and familiar, reads. It was almost fun identifying the similarities since there were so many. I came close to giving it three stars, but stayed with four because I felt it would still appeal to readers.
March 30, 2019
I am glad I found this story on Amazon! A great Fantasy novel for tweens, teens, and adults! 11-year-old Del and her friends find themselves in a fairytale world that has walking, attacking trees. The unusual people have unusual talents. Del finds herself in an "Alice in Wonderland" type of world, with hints of Jurassic Park and some "Wizard of Oz" thrown in. Delightful! Entertaining!
May 4, 2020
Really good book. I love it. 😍
This book is cool I love it. I really want to get the other book. But it does not matter I can read the same one over and over again. I never get tired of it.😎
This book is cool I love it. I really want to get the other book. But it does not matter I can read the same one over and over again. I never get tired of it.😎
April 12, 2019
Pretty solid read.
September 1, 2019
Excellent tale!
Great story. Highly recommend. I think I might just read this one to my kids. I look forward to the next part of the adventure.
Great story. Highly recommend. I think I might just read this one to my kids. I look forward to the next part of the adventure.
June 2, 2021
My daughter loved it
November 14, 2015
Upon finishing the last page of this first Del Ryder adventure my first reaction was to look and see if adventure two was out yet. Even though it’s not I did find a prequel story to tide me over til it is. I then proceeded to follow the author on Amazon, twitter and joined his mailing list to receive all the latest info.
I guess you could say I enjoyed it.
Del Ryder is a young girl of ten who has become much wiser and mature than her age. Living with her mom who is more interested in finding a new man after her divorce and a sister who only wants to be mean to her bratty little sister Del spends the majority of her time with her three best friends. These boys and her do everything together.
When she finds a weird object while hiding the first thing she does is share the discovery. The boys not believing make her guide them back to see and quickly they find themselves sucked into a new world much different from our own.
This world is wondrous and scary. It isn’t long before they need help and a local named Crimson finds them, tells them the story of Azdia and informs them they are there to save it.
The adventure that follows has many twists and turns, makes you worry, then smile and a few times tear up. It’s an adventure these kids and the reader will not soon forget. The descriptions of Azdia, it’s people and creatures are perfect and make you feel like you are a part of the action. By the end you find out the strength these children, the people of Azdia and especially Del have. They are going to need it.
I can’t wait to read more. A wonderful debut novel from Matthew David Brough. My highest recommendation whether you are a middle grader or an adult.
I guess you could say I enjoyed it.
Del Ryder is a young girl of ten who has become much wiser and mature than her age. Living with her mom who is more interested in finding a new man after her divorce and a sister who only wants to be mean to her bratty little sister Del spends the majority of her time with her three best friends. These boys and her do everything together.
When she finds a weird object while hiding the first thing she does is share the discovery. The boys not believing make her guide them back to see and quickly they find themselves sucked into a new world much different from our own.
This world is wondrous and scary. It isn’t long before they need help and a local named Crimson finds them, tells them the story of Azdia and informs them they are there to save it.
The adventure that follows has many twists and turns, makes you worry, then smile and a few times tear up. It’s an adventure these kids and the reader will not soon forget. The descriptions of Azdia, it’s people and creatures are perfect and make you feel like you are a part of the action. By the end you find out the strength these children, the people of Azdia and especially Del have. They are going to need it.
I can’t wait to read more. A wonderful debut novel from Matthew David Brough. My highest recommendation whether you are a middle grader or an adult.
March 1, 2025
Lacked Depth and Pacing Issues
Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The concept of a young hero setting off on an adventure involving a powerful crystal seed has potential, but the execution felt flat and underdeveloped.
The world-building is sparse, and I found myself struggling to visualize the setting or fully immerse myself in the story. The magic system, while intriguing, didn’t get enough explanation or exploration to make it feel rich or engaging. I wanted more depth in both the world and the characters, but everything felt a bit rushed and superficial.
Del, the protagonist, lacked the depth I expected from a main character. His motivations weren’t always clear, and his journey didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped. The pacing also felt off, with some sections dragging on unnecessarily, while others seemed to rush through important plot points without much development.
The writing style, though clear, didn't do enough to pull me into the story. I found myself disconnected from the events, and by the end, I wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome.
Overall, Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed has potential, but it falls short in terms of character development, world-building, and pacing. It didn’t capture my attention the way I had hoped, and I’m unsure if I’ll continue with the series.
Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The concept of a young hero setting off on an adventure involving a powerful crystal seed has potential, but the execution felt flat and underdeveloped.
The world-building is sparse, and I found myself struggling to visualize the setting or fully immerse myself in the story. The magic system, while intriguing, didn’t get enough explanation or exploration to make it feel rich or engaging. I wanted more depth in both the world and the characters, but everything felt a bit rushed and superficial.
Del, the protagonist, lacked the depth I expected from a main character. His motivations weren’t always clear, and his journey didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped. The pacing also felt off, with some sections dragging on unnecessarily, while others seemed to rush through important plot points without much development.
The writing style, though clear, didn't do enough to pull me into the story. I found myself disconnected from the events, and by the end, I wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome.
Overall, Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed has potential, but it falls short in terms of character development, world-building, and pacing. It didn’t capture my attention the way I had hoped, and I’m unsure if I’ll continue with the series.
November 20, 2015
SOOO GOOD!
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more by this author. As an adult I was a little hesitant when I started this book for fear it was more a kids book. I was wrong. Sure this story will appeal to kinda but it also held my interest-in fact, it was such a good story I hated putting it down and wanted to get back to it. I actually turned off the tv so I could read this book instead. I loved the end and the fact that even though the story continues it doesn't leave you hanging. You should definitely get this book. I guarantee you'll be glad you did. I do recommend this book for everyone. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :)
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more by this author. As an adult I was a little hesitant when I started this book for fear it was more a kids book. I was wrong. Sure this story will appeal to kinda but it also held my interest-in fact, it was such a good story I hated putting it down and wanted to get back to it. I actually turned off the tv so I could read this book instead. I loved the end and the fact that even though the story continues it doesn't leave you hanging. You should definitely get this book. I guarantee you'll be glad you did. I do recommend this book for everyone. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :)
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, and I loved how the world works. The emotions are powerful and realistic. Pacing was very good, and I feel like he pulled off his goal of a story of hope. The prose did need a little work-- I feel like descriptions could have been done better (may I recommend Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively ?). Overall I would recommend it, especially to young Narnia fans.
May 31, 2016
I had been craving a good read from start to finish and this book completely delivered. It has a youthful tone, which I believe to be received well by people of all ages. The story captures your attention where you can't help by continue to turn the page. The best part is that the themes of faith and realizing the important things in life is something which should be learnt by youth, but reinvested in by older adults. This is why Del Ryder and the Crystal see is such a fantastic read for someone of any age. I can't wait to read what follows!
July 21, 2015
Great great book. Very worth the read. It reminds me a little bit of the earthiness of some of Tamora Pierce's circle of magic books.
August 6, 2015
Great book! Exciting adventure, along with inspiring coming of age and development of inner strength.
March 20, 2016
We can't wait for book 2 to come me out May 19 (2016).
July 7, 2016
Fun and unique
July 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The characters the land beyond and the unusual setting. Sorry I have to hunt for book 2 now-- but a hunting we will go!
August 13, 2016
Great book
This was a very good book. It reminded me a lot of the Narnia books. Where a group of kids find their way into a different world and have to battle evil
This was a very good book. It reminded me a lot of the Narnia books. Where a group of kids find their way into a different world and have to battle evil
October 7, 2015
Fun read....very LOTR and Narnia like
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews