Two Moons

Star of Deltora #2

by Emily Rodda

Aboard the Star of Deltora with her three rivals for the Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship, Britta knows that she has to keep her wits about her. She desperately wants to win the contest, but of course Jewel, Sky and Vashti feel the same, and of course one of them, she knows, is a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to succeed.

Britta is ready for trouble, but as the voyage fails to go as planned, and rumours of evil magic sweep her beloved ship, she starts to wonder if she has more to fear than simple human wickedness.

And nothing can prepare her for the terror that awaits her in the perilous, forbidden swamplands of Two Moons.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Teen

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

Emily 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.

Reviews

[Z M · Rating 5 out of 5]

حال و هواش دقیقا مثل مجموعه قبلی در جستجوی دلتوراست

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a little bit jealous of Emily Rodda's creativity! Even though she makes some o the twists so obviously foreshadowed that you smuggly think you know everything that is going on (and I was even feeling maybe a little bit superior thinking "Oh at last I have got used to rodda") she managed to throw in a couple of twists (one big one that I would have thought I would spot) that I DID NOT EXPECT!!!

How does she do it? How does she manage to be simply written and brief and surprising and fresh at the same time? There is as usual enough moral complexity to be more than a fairytale and yet the hopefulness and positivity...good always triumphs! I also like that even though Britta is pretty, that is not a big deal about her. And this book promotes reading, the characters get ahead by reading.

Lovely children's series whether you have read Deltora and Rowan, only one of them, or neither!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britta's journey to become the apprentice Trader of the Rosalyn fleet continues through mystery and intrigue, though many of the questions raised in book one are answered. As they sail to the first trading port, Britta suspects someone may be trying to sabotage her, yet the discovery of a link between her and her father may place her in more danger instead.

I really couldn't put this down, something about Emily Rodda's writing just grabs hold of me and won't let go. Her stories are so creative, and despite their simplicity, they teach great life lessons and introduce complex themes to children in a way that is so easy to understand. I loved seeing more of Deltora and the creatures and peoples that inhabit the land.

[Kate (BloggingwithDragons) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Moons is the follow up to Shadows of the Master . Though I found this second entry in The Star of Deltora series to be slower than the first, I still enjoyed Britta’s newest adventure and the mysteries that are continuing to unfold. It seems that Britta is following in her father’s footsteps in more ways than just participating in the Rosalyn contest to become a trader.

“Forget Dare Larsett, she told herself angrily. Forget you ever heard the name! What does it matter what Father wanted, or what his plan was? You have your own life to live! But if that was true, why did she seem to be following in her father’s footsteps?”

I really enjoyed reading about Britta’s new life aboard the ship, The Star of Deltora, which was originally built for her late father. I loved that this ship has an entire reading room and that she often snuck to it late at night after her rivals were asleep. Another thing that I liked about Two Moons was that the novel doesn’t make all of the girls competing for this prized position of trader fast and easy friends. Even Jewel, with whom Britta shares some inkling of trust (and a bedroom), doesn’t fully believe Britta and vice versa. Vashti, one of the other competitors, is even worse, trying to sow discord at every opportunity. These type of uneasy relationships seem much more realistic than other novels for the same age group, which also makes Two Moons a solid read for adults, like myself.

Two Moons also did a great job of building up the dark mystery of the wraiths surrounding Britta and of what exactly happened on her father’s journey. Author Emily Rodda reveals just enough along the way to keep interest peaked. Whether it’s a hidden book, secret organization, a past treasured possession of her father, or a hint that someone knows her true identity, I was always dying for more clues at what really happened and what was going to happen in the future.

“Britta frowned, but the small voice went on remorselessly: Two Moons is different, because Tier’s story is so closely linked with your father’s. Tier created the enchanted island your father now rules and the magic staff your father now wields. Your father came to Two Moons as his last voyage. The seeds of your family’s disgrace lie here.”

And I was once again pleased with Britta’s resourcefulness, fast thinking, and grit in Two Moons. This girl again finds herself in some pretty awful positions, despite her caution, but she is always clear-headed and mindful of her priorities and of what’s truly important in those situations. I honestly wish I had her same presence of mind and poise. Britta will surely make a great role model for young readers.

I’m honestly not sure how this creative series is going to end! I am hoping Britta will finally get some answers about her father, the recognition she deserves as a talented trader and daughter, and that she can make friends with at least Jewel and Sky. I’m immediately starting to read the third book in the series, The Towers of Illica, because I’m so excited to see what happens next.

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[Asami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading Emily Rodda's new series Star of Deltora! I absolutely love the world of Deltora and I am really excited to see and read about what other adventures are taking place outside of Deltora. Speaking of which I really need to read the Rowan of Rin series!

Overall I loved this book. It is an easy read filled to the brim with adventure!

Also the image of Baby Groot comes to mind every time I try to picture the goozli.

I read this book for the Winter Cramathon 2016 and this book completes the challenge:
- Read a book with pictures

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Deltora!! Every time I think I know the plot Emily sneaks in
with something I never thought of...
The characters are a fun mix. I wish there was a little more interaction
between them.
I really like that Sven's book keeps giving Britta good tips, despite how
Mab feels about his book.
The spooks hanging around her are really creepy...
Hmmm, who is attacking Britta?... dun dun dunnnnn.


*SPOILERS*

I love that the turtle people have little golems to help them.
I'm glad Britta descided to help the boy. I'm surprised he wanted his
golem to be hers.
What... Sky is a boy. I'm speechless lol... I never suspected. There didn't seem
to be much foreshadowing to this fact, which would have been fun. But I get it. Surprise! lol...
Britta's dad must have been very greedy to have part with his sphere.
Vashti is a B-word... lol. I really dislike her and her snobbiness and the cheating.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great! The pacing remained constant and well-paced. It flowed really well until the end where it really picked up. The overall mystery still lingered but several questions have been answered and Britta continues her journey. And the twist at the end! I definitely was not expect it. So good!

[Bahman Bahman · Rating 2 out of 5]

در جستجوی دلتورا داستانی فانتزی و متشکل از سه مجموعه، نوشتهٔ امیلی رودا نویسنده ی استرالیایی است. داستان درباره ی سه همسفر است که سرزمین تخیلی دلتورا را به دنبال تکمیل کمربند دلتورا و شکست خادمان ارباب سایه‌های اهریمنی زیر پا می گذارند. نخستین نسخه ی مجموعه ی اول در سال ۲۰۰۰ میلادی در استرالیا به چاپ رسید و اکنون نیز در ۳۰ کشور به فروش می رسد. در فوریه ی ۲۰۱۰ این مجموعه در کل ۱۵ میلیون و در استرالیا ۲ میلیون نسخه فروش داشته‌است. سه مجموعه شامل ۱۵ کتاب می‌شوند که ۸ کتاب اول در جستجوی دلتورا، ۳ جلد بعدی سرزمین سایه‌ها ی دلتورا و ۴ جلد آخر اژدهایان دلتورا نام دارند. تمامی کتاب‌های این مجموعه در ایران با ترجمه ی خانم محبوبه نجف خانی و توسط انتشارات بنفشه به چاپ رسیده‌است . انیمیشن و بازی رایانه ای در جستجوی دلتورا به ترتیب توسط تلویزیون ژاپن و شرکت نینتندو دی اس نیز ساخته شده‌اند.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of Two Moons from Scholastic New Zealand to review. I've already read and reviewed the first book, Shadows of the Master on my blog. You can read that here.

I've enjoyed both book in the Star of Deltora series so far. They're both
under 200 pages but even for such short books a lot happens in them.

Two Moons picks up where Shadows of the Master left off. Britta is on her way to her first location to make her first trade in the competition. But soon things start to go wrong again and Britta suspects one of the other competitors of trying to sabotage her, to knock her out of the running to becoming the next Apprentice.

While in Two Moons Britta discovers a link to her father that may be her undoing. She doesn't want anyone to link her with him in any way.

Just like Shadows of the Master, I couldn't put this down. I was desperate to see what happened to Britta and how she'd talk her way out of trouble this time. I can't believe how addictive these books are. They're full of mystery and magic.

I hope to read the other books in the series when they come out. The third book, The Towers of Illica, sounds just as good as the first two.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Emily Rodda's latest series "Star of Deltora" continues the tale of Britta's quest to win the right to become Apprentice Trader for the Rosalyn fleet.
A few more clues and trails are laid in this novel .... They are ( maybe I am wrong) a little obvious to an adult.... But necessary plot developments all the same.
Twists and turns, stumbles and redemptions ....just what a quest is all about.
Definitely not a stand alone novel....the ending is not an ending....looks like I will just have to keep reading !!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first book, less time spent on exposition and more on the meat of the story. Having recently re-read the Rowan of Rin books I enjoyed the ties with that series, looking forward to book 3!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Rodda was my childhood favourite and I've read Deltora Quest way too many times to count, so I almost know them by heart, so it's really weird and great to read this series in the same style, but without knowing what to expect.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was hard to put down, so I didn't. haha. Very enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Silencia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh no. Oh no. Rodda, what are you doing.

Listen, the plot was pretty good right up until the end; I was on board more or less. I was not happy about the early scene with Jewel and Vashti: I don't care if Vashti provoked it, there are gross racist undertones to the big tall black girl physically assaulting the tiny blonde white girl and then getting blamed for it. But I hoped the book would redeem itself, and it was doing pretty well at that, until...

Well. Until the last chapter. Further discussion thereof is going to be behind a spoiler warning.

The goozli was bad enough. Listen, it was cute and I wish I could like it, but it made me really uncomfortable that the goozli--a type of golem, a specifically Jewish monster--is created by the turtle people: a people that Britta cannot communicate with, who live in swamps, who kill people and are looked down upon as subhuman. I looked it up and Emily Rodda is apparently Jewish, so I have to assume she knows what she's doing irt the golem, but it still made me uncomfortable.

And then Sky. Oh, Sky. I am heartbroken about Sky's story. Rodda took what could have been a really interesting idea and made it painful. Though Sky is never claimed to actually be trans, the final scene is the classic "trans character surprise!outed" that's in so many other books, and that scene is the WORST. I would have actually really enjoyed seeing what Mab would do if a trans girl applied and made it to the finals, but that is...not what happened here, and I'm really not happy with how this whole thing was framed. From the surprise!outing, to everyone immediately switching to "him" pronouns, to Sky being IMPRISONED for it, everything that happened left a bad taste in my mouth. Even if Sky had just come out with it out of nowhere, that would have been better than how it went down.

So yeah, I had some Issues with this one. Maybe you won't! Judging by the rating, I am very much in the minority on this. I'll continue with the series because now I've made a bet on what happens in book 4, but otherwise I would probably stop here. I hope Britta and co. can redeem themselves in book 3.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

First of all, the nice thing about this reread is that I read Rowan of Rin and The Golden Door before, which means that I get all the small references. It's officially confirmed that Rowan of Rin is part of the same world as the Deltora Quest series, and likely it plays at the same time Rowan of Rin series.

Overall, this book is what I love from this author. Britta finally feels competent and has a strong voice, the exploration of Two Moons, which is entirely new, was interesting. I love the way that Rodda adds many creatures to her books, that she actually adds 'silly' things like giant slugs. My main issue of this book is that in some places, it's a little dumbed down. Britta is accompanied by shadows called Wraiths(?) and it's occasionally mentioned. However, on multiple occasions, the author breaks Britta's strong narration to point out that the swamp dwellers could see the Wraiths and were afraid of them, while the humans couldn't. I feel like that it's unnecessary. It was mentioned the moment the ship docked in Two Moons that the swamp dwellers wanted them gone because there was 'evil' onboard their ship, which likely is the Wraiths. This tells the reader that the swamp dwellers can sense, and maybe see, the Wraiths. Pointing it out explicitiy feels a little redudant.

[Armaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

من همین الان تمومش کردم و خیلی هیجان‌زده‌ام!😍

خب از اول شروع کنیم:
اون اوایل که می گفت جزیره ی ماریس اولین مقصده، من هی با خودم میگفتم: لعنتی، جزیره ی ماریسو کجا شنیدم؟ توی سرزمین سایه های دلتورا یه نفر اهل ماریس بود؟ خلاصه هر چقدر به خودم فشار آوردم یادم نیومد که ماریس رو کجا شنیدم.

تا اینکه بریتا یه تیکه از کتاب زندگی یک تاجر (اگه اسمش رو درست یادم باشه) رو خوند که توش میگفت: یکی از اهالی ماریس به اسم نگهبان، کریستال قدرتمندی داره که باهاش میتونه آب و هوا رو کنترل کنه....

اینجا بود که یادم اومد ماریس چیه و کجا دربارش خوندم!
من نه توی مجموعه های قبلی دلتورا، بلکه توی مجموعه ی ماجرا های روون درباره ی ماریس خوندم!
یعنی امیلی رودا یه جورایی دو تا از کتاباشو با هم ادغام کرده! که به نظرم خییییلی جالب و هیجان انگیز بود! ^~^

اما با این حال بازم یه سری سوالات به وجود میاد... توی مجموعه ی ماجرا های روون، برای رفتن از دهکده ی رین به ماریس از راه زمینی رفتن. و هیچ جای کتابم نگفته بود که اینا توی یه جزیره زندگی میکنن...
ولی توی "دو ماه" گفته که ماریس یه جزیرست... به نظرم دلیل این تناقضات میتونه این باشه که امیلی رودا از همون اول قصد نداشته که این دو تا مجموعه رو با هم ادغام کنه.

یکی از شخصیتایی که از همون اول نظرمو جلب کرد، اسکای بود! خیلی خوشم میومد ازش. وقتی فهمیدم پسره خورد توی ذوقم!😐😂

دوست دارم با شخصیت دیر لارستم بیشتر آشنا بشم. جالب به نظر میاد.

و در آخر... من اولش میخواستم به این کتاب 4 ستاره بدم، ولی توی آخر کتاب وقتی یه مروارید طلعت توی موهای بریتا پیدا شد، به نظرم خیییلی مسخره اومد. :| به خاطر همین 3 تا ستاره میدم.

[Querida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was disappointed that the entire crossover with Maris was only Perlain, I really hoped to see more connection between the two worlds. But my goodness this story literally had me on the edge of my seat. It literally amped up my adrenaline which doesnt happen when I read every book but every book that it does happen with I LOVE and they become a favorite. I thought it was very entertaining when she didnt realize that she owned Stassi and the whole time I was screaming "she's tryna trade for Stassi" like it made my heart break thinking what she was going through trying to get Stassi back and I was bawling. The Goozli is absolutely adorable and I wish i could have my own. And then Sky being a boy... like wow. I DID NOT see that coming. Now my question is Why?? And then finally her finding the pearl. I literally just loved this book absolutely so much. Like I was a little bit worried that this series would never measure up to Deltora, Three Doors, or Rowan, but it adds so much to the story. So much more to the world, ah my heart. It's good to be home.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Moons really helps to expand on the tales of Shadows of the Master. Where the first book is setting Britta up for her epic adventure and trials, Two Moons actually takes you on them. And it becomes very clear very quickly that this voyage isn’t just going to be about the competition to become the next apprentice, but also a re-tracing of her father’s footsteps and the mystery of the staff.

This is such a fun and easy read, and even though I’m reading this series and discovering it as an adult… it’s still a lot of fun. A nice way to spend a quiet night. Especially one of those nights when I really want to read, but can’t quite seem to make my brain function fully. Which, let’s admit, happen often.

My favourite thing about this book is the surprise reveal at the end. But, since I don’t like giving spoilers, you’re going to have to read it to find out just what kind of surprise is in store for this shy little heroine.

[Hits_the_Plot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Moons (2015) is the second novel in the Star of Deltora series by Australian author Emily Rodda. Following the events of book one, Britta and her fellow competitors arrive at the first trading port on the crescent island of Two Moons. Here she has only gold and her bargaining skills to exchange for an item of great value. Can she complete her quest and secure an apprenticeship with the Rosalyn Fleet, or will the evil lurking in the darkness stand in her way?

This book was better than the first but only barely. I’m a little disappointed so far because I came to this series with such high expectations following Deltora Quest. In defence of Rodda, I don’t think that I’m the target demographic of this series, which is likely teenage girls. While I wouldn’t recommend that adults read these books, I do plan to keep reading… Only because they’re a very quick read and I hate DNFing. 😂

3.50/5.00

[Becky Pirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britta has become a finalist in the contest for the Trader Rosalyn Apprenticeship. However as the Star of Deltora sets sail and begins the finalists’ adventure, Britta must remain cautious. An unknown enemy lurks among her fellow contestants, constantly attempting to sabotage Britta’s efforts. She must also contend with the dangers associated with trading at new and foreign ports, not to mention the strange sensation of shadows following her every move. Will Britta be able to continue the contest unscathed and without revealing her identity as Larsett’s daughter?

A great second installment to the series! It had all of the things I loved in the first book: magical elements, mystery, and adventure. I can’t wait to continue reading to see what happens as Britta navigates the second port. Recommended for children/adolescents who love fantasy and adventure.

[Kat!e Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one even better than the first; especially the ending. It was fun to meet a new culture -- Rodda's specialty.

I like Britta more and more as the story goes along. Like many MG heroines, she has a lot of anger because of her situation and can lash out or just be grumpy. But, unlike most other heroines, she tries to shake this grumpiness. She's frequently kind and generous. You can see that, though fierce and determined, it isn't her nature to be mean or even angry. It feels like the first time I'm seeing this type of character done well and I can't get enough of it.

[Mahalia Davidson]

I personally love this book it is so imaginary, and I used to read this myself as a kid.
Till this day it heals my inner child and surprises me of how incredibly it sounds. As I read this book, I've always had an imaginary brain or something and when I read this book it reminds me of traveling everywhere but going through tuff obstacle, but for me it was fun obstacles and didn't sound that scary. Me personally I would read this too my future kids and read it to them as if we would go through.

[Pádraic · Rating 4 out of 5]

As ever with these serieses, an improvement once we're out into the world and underway. Some great Rodda hallmarks here: strange magic, deepening mysteries, success through open communication and empathy, and delightful/horrifying monsters. Here that last one is giant slugs that pull sleds through deep green swamps. Lots of mud and spirits and the long shadows of history.

[Jami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 13yr old (who solo reads at 18+ level and is a harsh critic) really enjoyed this book. We particularly enjoy that while the overarching plot seems somewhat predictable, the journey to that conclusion has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. Both the writing and the editing have been excellent which is sometimes hard to find out n books geared towards the tween age range.

[Pinkpigg33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series because my daughter loved it and wanted me to read it. So enjoyable. It is such a fun adventure you get to go on with Britta. I love that there is no love story specifically for her. I love the twists.

[Andria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting (young adult book). If you don't like any hint of weirdness or creepiness then you may not like this series. But it is interesting and not creepy intentionally all the time.
I like the sailing and visiting new lands, harbors, shops, cultures and customs part of the series.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books just get better and better! Emily is such an amazing writer!

I was rather surprised by the twist gender reveal with Sky. Not entirely sure how I feel about it, yet, but I'm curious to see how it affects the story going forward. Also, I love the goozli! So cute!

[Bruno Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun read, there are some classic Rodda plot twists and foreshadowing, and an encounter with a very old friend. With all things set in motion it is a bit better than the first book of the series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

going to the library tomorrow to get #3

[Tals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book with awesome twists. And.....um...yeah.