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Dager of the Tasman Empire
Ruthlessly torn away from his family at the tender age of three; subsequently sold as a slave, the little boy endures unbelievable brutality.
Thankful for his nightly dreams about magical, faraway places, and the constant companionship of his equally neglected farmyard friends, he survives.
Two agonizing years pass; he receives a mysterious message, and learns that he has a family that loves him. He also discovers that he has a name, and that his family has never given up hope of his eventual return. With resolve that he didn't know he had, the little boy puts up the fight of his life, to return to his home.
Thankful for his nightly dreams about magical, faraway places, and the constant companionship of his equally neglected farmyard friends, he survives.
Two agonizing years pass; he receives a mysterious message, and learns that he has a family that loves him. He also discovers that he has a name, and that his family has never given up hope of his eventual return. With resolve that he didn't know he had, the little boy puts up the fight of his life, to return to his home.
236 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2016
About the author
Teresa Schapansky
55 books25 followersA long, long time ago... on a dark and stormy night... a short story was written for three children to enjoy. Well, to be honest, it may not have been dark and stormy that night, and it wasn't really a long, long time ago. Anyway, one thing led to another, as things often do, and that short story soon evolved into a long story that many people enjoyed.
My first novel, "Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom" was born and although it was for the most part happy and enjoyed favourable reviews, it was lonely. And so, about one year later, "Dager of the Tasman Empire" made its way to the surface. I am pleased to say these two novels are now living happily ever after.
"Imogene" has received the Canada Book Award and Reader's Favorite Award , and "Dager" has received the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. These books are available on Amazon in kindle and paperback formats.
As fate would have it, while reporting an ice fishing (yes, really) event for a local newspaper, I interviewed a fellow frozen... well, fellow and through chattering teeth, we began talking about the craft. As it turned out, he had a vision, and he was looking for someone just like me to help him see it through. We joined forces, and his vision became the 12 book Along the Way series, starring our prehistoric friend Albert, and it is the brainchild of my good friend, Bob Winterford.
My first novel, "Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom" was born and although it was for the most part happy and enjoyed favourable reviews, it was lonely. And so, about one year later, "Dager of the Tasman Empire" made its way to the surface. I am pleased to say these two novels are now living happily ever after.
"Imogene" has received the Canada Book Award and Reader's Favorite Award , and "Dager" has received the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. These books are available on Amazon in kindle and paperback formats.
As fate would have it, while reporting an ice fishing (yes, really) event for a local newspaper, I interviewed a fellow frozen... well, fellow and through chattering teeth, we began talking about the craft. As it turned out, he had a vision, and he was looking for someone just like me to help him see it through. We joined forces, and his vision became the 12 book Along the Way series, starring our prehistoric friend Albert, and it is the brainchild of my good friend, Bob Winterford.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 16, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Dager is a young boy who gets kidnapped at a young age, due to a conflict between his father and someone who tries to take his place. The book is about a family reuniting after a long time and setting up a world where everything is better.
Things I liked and appreciated: the books main theme is family and I think that’s very important. In a market where every book talks about boys and girls going on adventures and solving mysteries without their parents, books such as 'Dager of the Tasman Empire' are needed to show young children that in reality parents are needed and family is as important as anything else.
The books is specially a very light read. It does have intriguing moments and scenes that build up tension but all in all, it’s not packed with adventure scenes and fights, and focuses more on building up a world where everything is alright or at least is going to be.
The writing was also easy to understand and follow. The only thing that bothered me in the writing was the old man and the hag’s dialect. It was kind of hard for me to understand what they were saying. Where I easily read the book, at their parts I needed to stop and figure out each words equivalent. I can only imagine how it’s going to be for younger readers.
Also, I still don’t understand how they both got ‘Cured’ of their way of talking when they turned younger. I mean, okay, they’ve became more beautiful and kind and all. But why should something like this: ‘T’is time! T’is time, I say! I’ve found the lost ‘un. I’ve found’im, al’ight!’, turn into a coherent speech with accurate grammatical points?
Also, I believe ‘Dager and the Tasman Empire’ is a standalone novel. At least, that’s how it’s mentioned on goodreads. For a standalone, the descriptions of how everything works was not enough. I would have loved to know more about how the council works. Or why there were only just two Curors? Was that something that no one could manage? Then how have Croy came to be? If people can be a Curor with practice, then why nobody else tries to be one and help the village? How does the magic even work? What are its limits? If they can ‘Cure’ people of their bad habits and behaviors, then why don’t they change everyone? Questions, questions…
P.S. another thing: Dager, as mentioned in the book, is five years old. I assume he is described much more mature than his age because he has spent some time with the hag and the hardships he’s endured has changed him into who he is. But the other children showed varying types of behavioral antics that made me question their supposed age. Dager’s sister is younger than him, and she mostly acts like a clueless young child, which is what I would have normally assumed, then she goes and says something that makes me feel like she’s at least seven years old. And then comes Pagan, who is said to be the same age as Dager. Then there's this scene in which Lucia, Dager’s sister who is younger than them both knows about pregnancy and she doesn’t.
Dager is a young boy who gets kidnapped at a young age, due to a conflict between his father and someone who tries to take his place. The book is about a family reuniting after a long time and setting up a world where everything is better.
Things I liked and appreciated: the books main theme is family and I think that’s very important. In a market where every book talks about boys and girls going on adventures and solving mysteries without their parents, books such as 'Dager of the Tasman Empire' are needed to show young children that in reality parents are needed and family is as important as anything else.
The books is specially a very light read. It does have intriguing moments and scenes that build up tension but all in all, it’s not packed with adventure scenes and fights, and focuses more on building up a world where everything is alright or at least is going to be.
The writing was also easy to understand and follow. The only thing that bothered me in the writing was the old man and the hag’s dialect. It was kind of hard for me to understand what they were saying. Where I easily read the book, at their parts I needed to stop and figure out each words equivalent. I can only imagine how it’s going to be for younger readers.
Also, I still don’t understand how they both got ‘Cured’ of their way of talking when they turned younger. I mean, okay, they’ve became more beautiful and kind and all. But why should something like this: ‘T’is time! T’is time, I say! I’ve found the lost ‘un. I’ve found’im, al’ight!’, turn into a coherent speech with accurate grammatical points?
Also, I believe ‘Dager and the Tasman Empire’ is a standalone novel. At least, that’s how it’s mentioned on goodreads. For a standalone, the descriptions of how everything works was not enough. I would have loved to know more about how the council works. Or why there were only just two Curors? Was that something that no one could manage? Then how have Croy came to be? If people can be a Curor with practice, then why nobody else tries to be one and help the village? How does the magic even work? What are its limits? If they can ‘Cure’ people of their bad habits and behaviors, then why don’t they change everyone? Questions, questions…
P.S. another thing: Dager, as mentioned in the book, is five years old. I assume he is described much more mature than his age because he has spent some time with the hag and the hardships he’s endured has changed him into who he is. But the other children showed varying types of behavioral antics that made me question their supposed age. Dager’s sister is younger than him, and she mostly acts like a clueless young child, which is what I would have normally assumed, then she goes and says something that makes me feel like she’s at least seven years old. And then comes Pagan, who is said to be the same age as Dager. Then there's this scene in which Lucia, Dager’s sister who is younger than them both knows about pregnancy and she doesn’t.
February 8, 2016
‘Dager of the Tasman Empire’ is a sweet story about a boy, initially estranged from his family, who reunites with them in a magical land underneath the surface. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story as it was warm and often made me smile.
The good: I liked the characters, especially Dager and the other children, and the story always had a warm happy feeling to it. I actually liked that Dager was made to seem far more mature than his age. The writing was easy to read and had a folk-story tone which I enjoyed. There were a couple spots which I felt could use a bit of extra polish, but overall well-written. I also liked the theme of family and while the story was not an edge-of-your-seat page turner, it somehow managed to keep me engaged and invested throughout. Overall it was a pleasant read for me and I imagine the target age group would enjoy it even more.
The bad: My only qualm with the book was in the attempts to impart morality, which I felt fell short and came off rather simple. For example, in the advanced town where women and men are to be treated equally, you still have all the men building huts while the woman gather fruit. Had the author not tried to make feminism a theme, this would not have bothered me, but given that a spot-light is shone on the issue, I would have liked to see a truly strong female character. Even, Goy, one of the ‘stronger’ women in the book, knows that she should not listen in when her husband and son talk about ‘Curer affairs’. And not once does she make a decision contrary to her husband’s advice. Also the book seemed to link goodness to beauty which I did not quite approve of. However, while these issues bothered me a bit as an adult reader, I doubt the children this book is meant for would even notice and it was only a minor irritation for me in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Age group: From the easy writing style and feel-good story line, I believe this tale is targeted towards 4th and 5th graders. It might even be enjoyed by a younger audience if they can tolerate the longer narrative.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest, non-reciprocal, review.
The good: I liked the characters, especially Dager and the other children, and the story always had a warm happy feeling to it. I actually liked that Dager was made to seem far more mature than his age. The writing was easy to read and had a folk-story tone which I enjoyed. There were a couple spots which I felt could use a bit of extra polish, but overall well-written. I also liked the theme of family and while the story was not an edge-of-your-seat page turner, it somehow managed to keep me engaged and invested throughout. Overall it was a pleasant read for me and I imagine the target age group would enjoy it even more.
The bad: My only qualm with the book was in the attempts to impart morality, which I felt fell short and came off rather simple. For example, in the advanced town where women and men are to be treated equally, you still have all the men building huts while the woman gather fruit. Had the author not tried to make feminism a theme, this would not have bothered me, but given that a spot-light is shone on the issue, I would have liked to see a truly strong female character. Even, Goy, one of the ‘stronger’ women in the book, knows that she should not listen in when her husband and son talk about ‘Curer affairs’. And not once does she make a decision contrary to her husband’s advice. Also the book seemed to link goodness to beauty which I did not quite approve of. However, while these issues bothered me a bit as an adult reader, I doubt the children this book is meant for would even notice and it was only a minor irritation for me in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Age group: From the easy writing style and feel-good story line, I believe this tale is targeted towards 4th and 5th graders. It might even be enjoyed by a younger audience if they can tolerate the longer narrative.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest, non-reciprocal, review.
January 7, 2016
(I received an ARC from the author Teresa Schapansky, in exchange for an honest review)
Okay, so I have mixed feelings about this book, but overall this was an okay read that I enjoyed.
What I really liked about it is that the most important thing is family and that it stands above all. I liked how the characters would go as far as sacrificing everything for their family and how they are always taking care of each other.
I also loved how they wanted to create a new village where women are equal to men.
Some things really intrigued me and made me interested in knowing how the story will end. Example:
Also, I liked how the chapters were not long so I was not bored and finished the book quickly.
The scenes with Maybelle P. Bonnadoolio were amusing and I think children will enjoy them.
However, I didn't like certain things. The characters didn't warm up to me easily and I found that for a villain Croy didn't have a strong character. Sometimes, I thought that the children were way older than what they seem to be.
Also I hated how everything was solved in a simple easy way and that there was not a battle between good and bad.
I was not really into the world because I thought it was not very well described and that was the reason why I couldn't picture it.
In all this is not a bad book. I recommend it for children.
May 1, 2016
What a sweet little book! 3.5 stars for this one.
This year hasn't been that great for reading, so the first thing I need to do is thank Teresa for being very patient with me as she's been waiting about three months for this review, now!
This is a fun little book full of whimsy and magic and the fantastical, a book about family and surviving and the things that both separate us and bring us together. The main character, Dager, is kidnapped from his family as a young child and subjected to a difficult upbringing far away from those who love him, and the book takes us through the journey he goes on to get back to them.
I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the characters, but I could still empathize with them and what they were going through, particularly the children. There's something universal about the desire of a child to have and be with their family, I think, and that's at play here.
Although the writing could be a little more fluid at times, I really appreciated the story that the author was telling. It's engaging and sweet and also more than a bit heartwarming. This book is a great one for younger readers, along with Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom, also by the same author.
This year hasn't been that great for reading, so the first thing I need to do is thank Teresa for being very patient with me as she's been waiting about three months for this review, now!
This is a fun little book full of whimsy and magic and the fantastical, a book about family and surviving and the things that both separate us and bring us together. The main character, Dager, is kidnapped from his family as a young child and subjected to a difficult upbringing far away from those who love him, and the book takes us through the journey he goes on to get back to them.
I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the characters, but I could still empathize with them and what they were going through, particularly the children. There's something universal about the desire of a child to have and be with their family, I think, and that's at play here.
Although the writing could be a little more fluid at times, I really appreciated the story that the author was telling. It's engaging and sweet and also more than a bit heartwarming. This book is a great one for younger readers, along with Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom, also by the same author.
September 13, 2016
**I received this book free in exchange for an honest review**
Magical! This is the second book I have read by Teresa Schapansky and again, I want more! For me, there is a feeling of love and respect in her writing. Human respect for each other and the environment. There was a passage I read where (not a spoiler) a leaf floated above and whirled around with other leaves. As I read it, it made me think of being in Wonderland. Just a more simple wonderland. I could just see it happening. I could picture the miniseries for kids. The lessons one could learn will help build foundations for so many that now only know what they think is entitled to them. And a bonus is that their imaginations will be put to good use! I will definitely keep these books on my shelf for future use in my business. They can help the young and not so old to #dobetter!
Feeling meter: Magical with real life lessons. LOVE!
Magical! This is the second book I have read by Teresa Schapansky and again, I want more! For me, there is a feeling of love and respect in her writing. Human respect for each other and the environment. There was a passage I read where (not a spoiler) a leaf floated above and whirled around with other leaves. As I read it, it made me think of being in Wonderland. Just a more simple wonderland. I could just see it happening. I could picture the miniseries for kids. The lessons one could learn will help build foundations for so many that now only know what they think is entitled to them. And a bonus is that their imaginations will be put to good use! I will definitely keep these books on my shelf for future use in my business. They can help the young and not so old to #dobetter!
Feeling meter: Magical with real life lessons. LOVE!
February 1, 2016
Family comes first, that's the first thing popped up in my head reading the short description of the book. What I had in mind afterwards was the main character who would do anything to in the name of family. As I started to read, I discovered that this book is actually for kids. The writing style, the conversation, the scenes... they are very easy to follow (unlike most books I read recently, which I had to read twice to fully understand the meaning). I don't read children book quite a lot, but I know that the main character seems a bit mature for children at his age. Well, probably the author wants to give an impression to readers that tough life gets you mentally older. Apart from that, overall, I believe this book is a perfect reading for bedtime story. It will educate young kids to understand that family matters.
April 4, 2016
Dagger of the Tasman Empire by Teresa is a children’s book with light, smooth writing style, a straightforward plot, and warm happy ending.
It’s a story about magic and survival and lost family. Unfortunate childhood only made the little boy stronger. As I followed Dagger to a magical land, I often thought of the Wizard of Oz.
The author can lose some exclamation points and there are way too many in the book.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read.
It’s a story about magic and survival and lost family. Unfortunate childhood only made the little boy stronger. As I followed Dagger to a magical land, I often thought of the Wizard of Oz.
The author can lose some exclamation points and there are way too many in the book.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read.
March 19, 2026
AMAZING book for children and family reads!
“Dager of the Tasman Empire” is a captivating sequel that enchants both young and old readers alike. The story follows Dager and his family’s journey to a new world where themes of equality and adventure flourish. Reviewers praise the book for its imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, particularly the endearing old man, which resonates with families.
The narrative is filled with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a favorite likely for families. Schapansky’s vivid descriptions create a magical atmosphere that immerses readers in the story. The book conveys traditional family values and encourages respect for one another and the environment, making it suitable for educational settings.
Overall, “Dager” is a delightful read that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons, solidifying Schapansky’s place in the literary world. Highly recommended for young readers and their families!
“Dager of the Tasman Empire” is a captivating sequel that enchants both young and old readers alike. The story follows Dager and his family’s journey to a new world where themes of equality and adventure flourish. Reviewers praise the book for its imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, particularly the endearing old man, which resonates with families.
The narrative is filled with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a favorite likely for families. Schapansky’s vivid descriptions create a magical atmosphere that immerses readers in the story. The book conveys traditional family values and encourages respect for one another and the environment, making it suitable for educational settings.
Overall, “Dager” is a delightful read that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons, solidifying Schapansky’s place in the literary world. Highly recommended for young readers and their families!
January 3, 2017
Dager of the Tasman Empire is the story of a three-year-old boy who is kidnapped and sold as a slave. For years, the boy lives under the brutality of his captors. But his family never gives up trying to find him. A tale of undying love and the conviction that family is the most important thing above all, this book reaches down to the depths of one's emotions and sets flight to the human spirit. A literary treasure for young readers, Dager of the Tasman Empire is a magical tale full of wildly imaginative moments that will keep them enchanted and enthralled. Recommended for home and school libraries, this book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
October 26, 2019
I found this enchanting.
I read a fair amount of children's books as I am in the process of writing one, moreover, thought I had finished one, so for research really.
In this however, although it was written for a different age bracket than mine is/was originally, it has given me pause for thought as to the content of my own. Sure My book has a message, yet a specific one whereas I found this has many.
Traditional family values is the one that really stands out though. Something I find is lacking in today's what I shall refer to as, 'nonsensical' world.
In my honest opinion I believe there would be a great benefit including this in every young readers school curriculum...
Highly recommended.
I read a fair amount of children's books as I am in the process of writing one, moreover, thought I had finished one, so for research really.
In this however, although it was written for a different age bracket than mine is/was originally, it has given me pause for thought as to the content of my own. Sure My book has a message, yet a specific one whereas I found this has many.
Traditional family values is the one that really stands out though. Something I find is lacking in today's what I shall refer to as, 'nonsensical' world.
In my honest opinion I believe there would be a great benefit including this in every young readers school curriculum...
Highly recommended.
January 24, 2016
Dager of the Tasman Empire is a powerful story about a boy that has a hard life. This book is so easy to read and has a wonderful message. I believe that more people should read this book. Family comes first, is the message that I took from this wonderful book. Schapansky is able to create a story that can be hard to write, and execute it properly.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews