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The Rogues #1
Accidental Heroes
In the city of Berren, strange things happen. People disappear, trees sprout overnight. But no one believes in magic. To believe in magic would be disloyal…
The devious Lord Rump and his granddaughter, Duckling, need a disposable boy, and Pummel, a farm boy looking for work in the city, fits the bill perfectly. Duckling is happy to tangle him in her grandpa's web, as long as Grandpa keeps his promise - that this will be his very last Scheme.
Lord Rump's intrigues take both children into the Strong-hold of Berren - where time has stopped - and before long they are entwined in a plot to kill the heir to the Faithful Throne.
If they want to protect the Young Margrave, and save themselves from an awful death, Duckling and Pummel must learn to use the magic that no one believes in.
The devious Lord Rump and his granddaughter, Duckling, need a disposable boy, and Pummel, a farm boy looking for work in the city, fits the bill perfectly. Duckling is happy to tangle him in her grandpa's web, as long as Grandpa keeps his promise - that this will be his very last Scheme.
Lord Rump's intrigues take both children into the Strong-hold of Berren - where time has stopped - and before long they are entwined in a plot to kill the heir to the Faithful Throne.
If they want to protect the Young Margrave, and save themselves from an awful death, Duckling and Pummel must learn to use the magic that no one believes in.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Lian Tanner
23 books308 followersLian Tanner has been dynamited while scuba diving and arrested while busking. She once spent a week in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, hunting for a Japanese soldier left over from the Second World War. She likes secrets, old bones, and animals that are not what they seem. Nowadays she lives by the beach in southern Tasmania.
Lian's bestselling fantasy series The Keepers won two Aurealis Awards for Best Australian Children's Fantasy and has been translated into eleven languages. Her second series, The Hidden, has been published in Australia/New Zealand and North America. Lian's third series, The Rogues, is set in the same world as The Keepers, and has been translated into Spanish.
Lian's first picture book 'Ella and the Ocean' (illustrated by Jonathan Bentley) won the 2020 NSW Premier's Award for Children's Literature and the 2022 Tasmanian Literary Award for Children's Books. A Clue for Clara won the 2021 Sisters in Crime Davitt Award for Best Children's Crime Novel, and its sequel, Rita's Revenge, was shortlisted for the 2022 NSW Premier's Award for Children's Literature.
Lian's bestselling fantasy series The Keepers won two Aurealis Awards for Best Australian Children's Fantasy and has been translated into eleven languages. Her second series, The Hidden, has been published in Australia/New Zealand and North America. Lian's third series, The Rogues, is set in the same world as The Keepers, and has been translated into Spanish.
Lian's first picture book 'Ella and the Ocean' (illustrated by Jonathan Bentley) won the 2020 NSW Premier's Award for Children's Literature and the 2022 Tasmanian Literary Award for Children's Books. A Clue for Clara won the 2021 Sisters in Crime Davitt Award for Best Children's Crime Novel, and its sequel, Rita's Revenge, was shortlisted for the 2022 NSW Premier's Award for Children's Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this middle grade fantasy/adventure novel and my 7 year old son is avidly consuming it at the moment as well. The characters of Duckling and Pummel are likeable and interesting, as is the overarching magic which holds the universe together. The writing is concise and vivid, expertly woven and the plot unfolds well. I love the character of Lord Rump, a true rogue if ever there was one, and the way in which he presents himself (and also the layers of subtext that are woven through as to what he is 'really' saying). Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and have just borrowed The Keepers (set in the same world).
November 12, 2017
‘Duckling’s grandpa had the sweetest smile you could imagine.’
Welcome back to the world Ms Tanner established in ‘The Keepers’ trilogy. In this, the first novel in ‘The Rogues’ trilogy, Ms Tanner introduces new characters with new adventures. Strange things happen in the city of Berren, but no-one can believe in magic. But how else can you explain people disappearing and trees which grow overnight? And what exactly is a Cadet Snuffigator?
But I’m getting ahead of myself, and of the story. First we meet Pummel, a farm boy seeking work in the city, to try to help his Ma on the farm. And then we meet Lord Rump and his granddaughter Duckling. Lord Rump has (yet another) scheme, and for this one he needs a disposable boy. When Duckling meets Pummel, he’s considered to be just what (sorry, who) Lord Rump needs. But why does Lord Rump need a disposable boy, and why is Duckling prepared to go along with his scheme?
Lord Rump’s scheme involves all three of them going into the Stronghold of Berren, and becoming caught up in a plot to kill the heir to the Faithful Throne. And because they are caught up in the plot, Duckling and Pummel are also in danger.
‘What is the use of a gargoyle that misses its target?’
Can they escape? Can they save the Young Margave? What choices will Duckling make?
In answering these questions (and more, because it would be really unfair to summarise the entire story, wouldn’t it?) Ms Tanner creates an action-filled, suspenseful story. There are villains and heroes and, if you look closely, you may see just a little (!) magic.
This book is aimed at readers between 9 and (say) 13. I’m a lot older than that, and I really enjoyed it. I’ll be recommending it to my youngest nephew, too, he’s right in the target age range. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for the second book!
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Welcome back to the world Ms Tanner established in ‘The Keepers’ trilogy. In this, the first novel in ‘The Rogues’ trilogy, Ms Tanner introduces new characters with new adventures. Strange things happen in the city of Berren, but no-one can believe in magic. But how else can you explain people disappearing and trees which grow overnight? And what exactly is a Cadet Snuffigator?
But I’m getting ahead of myself, and of the story. First we meet Pummel, a farm boy seeking work in the city, to try to help his Ma on the farm. And then we meet Lord Rump and his granddaughter Duckling. Lord Rump has (yet another) scheme, and for this one he needs a disposable boy. When Duckling meets Pummel, he’s considered to be just what (sorry, who) Lord Rump needs. But why does Lord Rump need a disposable boy, and why is Duckling prepared to go along with his scheme?
Lord Rump’s scheme involves all three of them going into the Stronghold of Berren, and becoming caught up in a plot to kill the heir to the Faithful Throne. And because they are caught up in the plot, Duckling and Pummel are also in danger.
‘What is the use of a gargoyle that misses its target?’
Can they escape? Can they save the Young Margave? What choices will Duckling make?
In answering these questions (and more, because it would be really unfair to summarise the entire story, wouldn’t it?) Ms Tanner creates an action-filled, suspenseful story. There are villains and heroes and, if you look closely, you may see just a little (!) magic.
This book is aimed at readers between 9 and (say) 13. I’m a lot older than that, and I really enjoyed it. I’ll be recommending it to my youngest nephew, too, he’s right in the target age range. I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for the second book!
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 28, 2025
¿A quién no le va a gustar un Middle Grade de Lian Tanner?
March 16, 2019
Gracias a Babelio (Masa crítica) por el ejemplar.
Al principio dudé si apuntarme a este libro en Masa Crítica porque viendo los nombres de los personajes pensé que iba a ser bastante infantil y no precisamente en el buen sentido. No obstante, el argumento sonaba bien. Ver que en la sinopsis había un lugar en el que el tiempo se había detenido, conspiraciones y la posibilidad de que los personajes sufrieran una muerte horrible hicieron que me animara a apuntarme a reseñar un libro que incluía personajes como lord Pompis y Collejo. La realidad es que ha resultado ser una novela juvenil entretenida y con una conspiración bastante misteriosa como eje central del argumento. Además, se trata de una historia que no es tan infantil ni tan cómica como pueden sugerir los nombres de los personajes principales. Tenía tanta curiosidad por saber cómo acababa que la devoré en tres días, y lo más seguro es que la hubiera leído toda seguida si no hubiera tenido clases y trabajos que entregar.
El argumento comienza de manera bastante habitual, con los dos jóvenes, Ánade y Collejo, adquiriendo sus poderes. Collejo es un chico de campo increíblemente ingenuo que confía en cualquiera que le parezca amable. A ratos llegó a hartarme que fuera tan confiado y que pusiera a todo el mundo en peligro por no saber mantener la boca cerrada. Ánade, por su parte, es justo lo contrario. Es muy despierta y está acostumbrada a no confiar en la primera persona que parezca de fiar. Ha aprendido del mejor, pues su abuelo, lord Pompis, se gana la vida engañando a la gente para conseguir su dinero. Como se ve, Ánade y Collejo son polos opuestos, pero no les queda más remedio que trabajar juntos cuando lord Pompis los mete a todos en un lío mucho más grande del que esperaba. Ambos deben decidir en quién confiar y hasta qué punto, pues de lo contrario podrían acabar siendo cazados hasta la muerte y sin poder escapar de la Fortaleza para esconderse, debido a la magia invisible que la rodea.
La Fortaleza es el lugar en el que se desarrolla la mayor parte del argumento y donde viven los nobles del lugar. Es un lugar tétrico del que no puede salir nadie y en el que todos sus habitantes viven como si fuera el pasado. El mundo ha evolucionado fuera de ella, pero no dentro. Lo que me pareció más curioso es el método de juicio tan brutal que emplean. No me hubiera sorprendido un juicio por combate, pero en la Fortaleza van mucho más allá. Organizan juicios por cacería, es decir, todos los habitantes se dedican a cazar al acusado. Si lo matan, es que era culpable. Si se esconde y no lo encuentran, lo matan igual en cuanto aparece. Me sorprendió un poco la brutalidad a la que se alude en una novela dirigida a la franja más joven del público juvenil. No se ven escenas de decapitaciones, aunque sí se menciona que ha habido ejecuciones, o grandes descripciones de qué sucede cuando alcanzan al acusado en una cacería, pero con la cantidad de mentiras, acusaciones falsas y conspiraciones, la Fortaleza no tiene nada que envidiarle a Desembarco del Rey. Esta situación, que aunque no es gráfica sí está constantemente presente, hace que un lector más adulto que el “ideal” disfrute tanto o más de la historia.
La conspiración se desarrolla, asimismo, de una manera excelente. Se intuye todo el rato que lord Pompis no está siendo del todo sincero con su nieta y que se ha metido en un lío enorme, pero la intriga se mantiene hasta el final, ya que no es hasta las últimas páginas cuando se descubre quién está del lado de quién. En la Fortaleza todo el mundo tiene algo que esconder si quiere sobrevivir. De hecho, hay ciertos elementos del plan misterioso que va mucho más allá del trío protagonista que sólo se intuyen en esta novela. Por lo que he visto, de momento hay un segundo volumen que aún no se ha publicado en español, y espero que publiquen también un tercero porque se trata de una saga muy entretenida.
Por último, sólo me queda añadir que no hace falta haber leído Los Guardianes para leer Los Truhanes. Ambas sagas están ambientadas en el mismo mundo, pero Los Truhanes se entiende perfectamente sin haber leído la otra. Puede que se me haya escapado algún detalle o algún guiño por no conocer Los Guardianes, pero eso no ha hecho que Héroes por accidente me pareciera confuso o me gustara menos.
Al principio dudé si apuntarme a este libro en Masa Crítica porque viendo los nombres de los personajes pensé que iba a ser bastante infantil y no precisamente en el buen sentido. No obstante, el argumento sonaba bien. Ver que en la sinopsis había un lugar en el que el tiempo se había detenido, conspiraciones y la posibilidad de que los personajes sufrieran una muerte horrible hicieron que me animara a apuntarme a reseñar un libro que incluía personajes como lord Pompis y Collejo. La realidad es que ha resultado ser una novela juvenil entretenida y con una conspiración bastante misteriosa como eje central del argumento. Además, se trata de una historia que no es tan infantil ni tan cómica como pueden sugerir los nombres de los personajes principales. Tenía tanta curiosidad por saber cómo acababa que la devoré en tres días, y lo más seguro es que la hubiera leído toda seguida si no hubiera tenido clases y trabajos que entregar.
El argumento comienza de manera bastante habitual, con los dos jóvenes, Ánade y Collejo, adquiriendo sus poderes. Collejo es un chico de campo increíblemente ingenuo que confía en cualquiera que le parezca amable. A ratos llegó a hartarme que fuera tan confiado y que pusiera a todo el mundo en peligro por no saber mantener la boca cerrada. Ánade, por su parte, es justo lo contrario. Es muy despierta y está acostumbrada a no confiar en la primera persona que parezca de fiar. Ha aprendido del mejor, pues su abuelo, lord Pompis, se gana la vida engañando a la gente para conseguir su dinero. Como se ve, Ánade y Collejo son polos opuestos, pero no les queda más remedio que trabajar juntos cuando lord Pompis los mete a todos en un lío mucho más grande del que esperaba. Ambos deben decidir en quién confiar y hasta qué punto, pues de lo contrario podrían acabar siendo cazados hasta la muerte y sin poder escapar de la Fortaleza para esconderse, debido a la magia invisible que la rodea.
La Fortaleza es el lugar en el que se desarrolla la mayor parte del argumento y donde viven los nobles del lugar. Es un lugar tétrico del que no puede salir nadie y en el que todos sus habitantes viven como si fuera el pasado. El mundo ha evolucionado fuera de ella, pero no dentro. Lo que me pareció más curioso es el método de juicio tan brutal que emplean. No me hubiera sorprendido un juicio por combate, pero en la Fortaleza van mucho más allá. Organizan juicios por cacería, es decir, todos los habitantes se dedican a cazar al acusado. Si lo matan, es que era culpable. Si se esconde y no lo encuentran, lo matan igual en cuanto aparece. Me sorprendió un poco la brutalidad a la que se alude en una novela dirigida a la franja más joven del público juvenil. No se ven escenas de decapitaciones, aunque sí se menciona que ha habido ejecuciones, o grandes descripciones de qué sucede cuando alcanzan al acusado en una cacería, pero con la cantidad de mentiras, acusaciones falsas y conspiraciones, la Fortaleza no tiene nada que envidiarle a Desembarco del Rey. Esta situación, que aunque no es gráfica sí está constantemente presente, hace que un lector más adulto que el “ideal” disfrute tanto o más de la historia.
La conspiración se desarrolla, asimismo, de una manera excelente. Se intuye todo el rato que lord Pompis no está siendo del todo sincero con su nieta y que se ha metido en un lío enorme, pero la intriga se mantiene hasta el final, ya que no es hasta las últimas páginas cuando se descubre quién está del lado de quién. En la Fortaleza todo el mundo tiene algo que esconder si quiere sobrevivir. De hecho, hay ciertos elementos del plan misterioso que va mucho más allá del trío protagonista que sólo se intuyen en esta novela. Por lo que he visto, de momento hay un segundo volumen que aún no se ha publicado en español, y espero que publiquen también un tercero porque se trata de una saga muy entretenida.
Por último, sólo me queda añadir que no hace falta haber leído Los Guardianes para leer Los Truhanes. Ambas sagas están ambientadas en el mismo mundo, pero Los Truhanes se entiende perfectamente sin haber leído la otra. Puede que se me haya escapado algún detalle o algún guiño por no conocer Los Guardianes, pero eso no ha hecho que Héroes por accidente me pareciera confuso o me gustara menos.
December 13, 2019
Lian Tanner continues her successful run of great children's stories/trilogies. Again, the first volume is entertaining & engrossing, with strong characters, particularly the young girl Duckling. An excellent start & I am looking forward to the other 2 books.
June 3, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting super absorbed in the amazing world it is set in. I love the storyline and the characters are stunning
June 23, 2019
Actual rating: 3 1/2.
Thankfully, this book got better as it went along. I wasn't very impressed at start with, and it took till about chapter 12 to get into it. After that, it was a good read, though.
I haven't read The Keepers, so perhaps that would have added to the world-building, of which there wasn't a lot in this book. From what I've read in other reviews, I would probably recommend that a child start with The Keepers series before reading this one.
One thing I'd ask publishers to change is Pummel in the cover illustration. He currently looks like a moron. Yes, he's naive and too trusting and this makes him seem a bit stupid at times, but he's not a complete dunderhead. He should have a "curious/inquisitive" look about him, not an "ignorant and without the brains to figure it out" look. (The 2017 edition is slightly better than the 2018 edition, but I'd still change it.)
It has a similar "feel" to Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell (which I REALLY didn't like and wouldn't recommend), but this was MUCH better. Unlike Wizards, I may read more in this series and pick up Keepers.
Thankfully, this book got better as it went along. I wasn't very impressed at start with, and it took till about chapter 12 to get into it. After that, it was a good read, though.
I haven't read The Keepers, so perhaps that would have added to the world-building, of which there wasn't a lot in this book. From what I've read in other reviews, I would probably recommend that a child start with The Keepers series before reading this one.
One thing I'd ask publishers to change is Pummel in the cover illustration. He currently looks like a moron. Yes, he's naive and too trusting and this makes him seem a bit stupid at times, but he's not a complete dunderhead. He should have a "curious/inquisitive" look about him, not an "ignorant and without the brains to figure it out" look. (The 2017 edition is slightly better than the 2018 edition, but I'd still change it.)
It has a similar "feel" to Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell (which I REALLY didn't like and wouldn't recommend), but this was MUCH better. Unlike Wizards, I may read more in this series and pick up Keepers.
January 25, 2021
I really liked this book! And the series! Unfortunately, I started reading another book before I had finished the last book in the series and so I probably didn't enjoy it as much as I should have.
Probably aimed at preteens (I didn't check) but maybe wait until your preteen is a touch older as there's a bit of violence (nothing graphic).
Lian Tanner is a great writer! This has some unique concepts! Makes you feel like you're really there!
Probably aimed at preteens (I didn't check) but maybe wait until your preteen is a touch older as there's a bit of violence (nothing graphic).
Lian Tanner is a great writer! This has some unique concepts! Makes you feel like you're really there!
November 14, 2024
The setting didn't work for me and I didn't like any of the characters. The writing didn't work for me either, both story-wise and in a technical sense.
One of the settings of the story is the Strong-hold. Or the Stronghold. 60% of the time it was written with a hyphen, 40% of the time as one word. For a major setting in the story, it's boggling that it couldn't be written in a consistent way. Plus so many commas were missing...
DNFed at 30%.
One of the settings of the story is the Strong-hold. Or the Stronghold. 60% of the time it was written with a hyphen, 40% of the time as one word. For a major setting in the story, it's boggling that it couldn't be written in a consistent way. Plus so many commas were missing...
DNFed at 30%.
January 21, 2020
I liked this well written middle-primary fantasy adventure romp. Once you get your head around the new language....it’s all go from there.
A young reader put me onto this book. He loved it ...so I said I’d give it a go. It was enjoyable. I’ll have to point him towards Liam Tanner’s other books on our library shelves.....and look out for more to buy.
A young reader put me onto this book. He loved it ...so I said I’d give it a go. It was enjoyable. I’ll have to point him towards Liam Tanner’s other books on our library shelves.....and look out for more to buy.
April 6, 2020
I grabbed this book for a student based on looking at the cover and they were insistent that I read it too.
What a fantastic find as I quickly was whisked up in the adventures of Duckling and Pummel. I also agree that Lord Rump was perhaps the true rogue in this tale, leading into a great exploration of character for younger readers.
Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy!
What a fantastic find as I quickly was whisked up in the adventures of Duckling and Pummel. I also agree that Lord Rump was perhaps the true rogue in this tale, leading into a great exploration of character for younger readers.
Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy!
Read
January 13, 2022DNFed at page 114. This isn’t gripping me at all and feels like a chore. There’s no world building in this so I was confused. Others have recommended to read The Keepers first which is set in the same world to get the world building.
March 15, 2022
Chapter 1 set the promise for some kind of exciting con. Unfortunately, nearly halfway through the book and it fails to deliver. I found it slow going. It lacks a clear progression and isn’t compelling enough for me to continue let alone finish. Dnf.
September 27, 2022
Ignoro por qué, a mis más de 40 años, me encantan las sagas juveniles. Pero las adoro!! Y en este caso es una genial combinación de magia, personajes carismáticos y una historia bien desarrollada. Ya quiero saber más
November 20, 2017
Exciting adventure for middle readers.
December 5, 2017
This is a fun read even for an oldie like me:). I think the target audience will love it. Great characters (weird names) and a plot that leaves you wanting more.
December 9, 2019
it was very exciting and really grousem,but i still loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 1, 2020
Me encantó
September 13, 2020
It was very good and interesting it kept getting more and more exciting!!! Everyone should read it!!!
From josie my niece
From josie my niece
Read
September 1, 2021I loved this series! Go the talking cat, and the world was amazing.
January 12, 2022
Ha estado bien. Libro que leo en clase
November 1, 2022
Ze ondo pasa dudan nerabeentzako hau irakurtzen!
July 23, 2023
4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It’s my first Lian Tanner and I’m looking forward to reading more of hers. Great world creation, interesting, likeable characters and good storyline.
October 15, 2021
I first read this when I was in year 5 and am currently in year 9. The first time around I was shocked, astonished, scared to the core; and the ending.. my god was so good when I was in year 5. So I decided to re-read it as I thought it would be a guaranteed good book. But I was wrong. I had forgotten most of what happened including the ending, but it just wasn't as good this time around. Nothing was as surprising, - somethings were - but otherwise, it was plain. I already have the second book on my shelf that I wanted to read, but had to re-read the first to remember and go on. Now I don't know if I will ever read the second book. I always leave them on the shelf too long to the stage where the book doesn't interest me any longer. This book is great for a younger audience, but all the same, it was ok to read.
November 16, 2019
I throughly enjoyed this story! I love the characters names, they made me smile. Right away I knew that I was going to like this book.
The Rogues, Accidental Heroes is a fun story full of plot twists, danger, adventure, exciting Old Magic, that brings two children together to become heroes.
Duckling’s grandpa, Lord Rump, is a consummate schemer. And although she knows she can’t hardly trust a word he says, Duckling loves him. She works hard to keep him out of trouble as he tries to make a living for them, in his creative way...by stealing it.
Pummel is an farm boy, who came to the city to earn an honest living, and help support his mother and their farm.
It is powerful magic and a cool magical cat that draws Duckling and Pummel together on a dangerous adventure to hopefully outwit evil, to become heroes, and friends.
I can’t wait to reread the sequel!
The Rogues, Accidental Heroes is a fun story full of plot twists, danger, adventure, exciting Old Magic, that brings two children together to become heroes.
Duckling’s grandpa, Lord Rump, is a consummate schemer. And although she knows she can’t hardly trust a word he says, Duckling loves him. She works hard to keep him out of trouble as he tries to make a living for them, in his creative way...by stealing it.
Pummel is an farm boy, who came to the city to earn an honest living, and help support his mother and their farm.
It is powerful magic and a cool magical cat that draws Duckling and Pummel together on a dangerous adventure to hopefully outwit evil, to become heroes, and friends.
I can’t wait to reread the sequel!
June 19, 2021
Me ha costado entrar en el libro porque no me han agradado el abuelo y la nieta. Una cosa es ser un poco truhan y otra jugar con la vida de un niño inocente, pero si dejas de lado eso -algo un poco difícil- puedes llegara disfrutar de la novela. Creo que está llena de imaginación, el protagonista masculino es un encanto, hay misterio, seres mágicos... y personajes que son aparentemente malos porque tienen un deber que cumplir, y malos porque tienen el corazón podrido.
Espero leer la segunda parte pronto.
Opinión completa
Espero leer la segunda parte pronto.
Opinión completa
March 4, 2024
Simply delightful book and the target audience will love it. I can’t wait to read the sequel!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews