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Star of Deltora #1
Shadows of the Master
Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, sailing the nine seas and bringing precious cargo home to Del harbour. Her dreams seemed safe until her fathers quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Brittas ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it whatever the cost. She has no idea that shadows from a distant, haunted isle are watching her every move.
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First published August 1, 2015
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803 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
297 books2,114 followersEmily Rodda (real name Jennifer Rowe) was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 with an MA (Hons) in English Literature. Moving into a publishing career, first as a book editor, and finally as a publisher at Angus & Robertson, Rodda's first book was published in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 13, 2017
If you watch my videos, or know me at all, you would know that the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda is the series that got me into reading when I was 10 years old, so when I heard that Emily Rodda was coming out with a new book set in the same world, I was beyond excited!
This is the first book in a new series that takes place a few decades after the events in the first Deltora Quest series and follows a female protagonist called Britta, who has a passion for trading and wants to be everything her father used to be before he betrayed everyone and left Britta and her family in forced hiding. She now has a chance to redeem herself and become an apprentice who would eventually take control of the Rosalyn fleet and the famous ship, the Star of Deltora. But first, she has to become one of three finalists in a competition set by the old commander, and then, if she can do that, set sail and undergo various tests and challenges!
I may be biased, but this definitely isn't as epic as Deltora Quest. The scale of the protagonists adventure just doesn't compare to Lief's in DQ, as he had the entire world of Deltora's fate resting on him succeeding in his quest, whereas this book focuses on a small scale competition that purely benefits Britta and not the whole world. I understand that as the series goes on, this may change and the scale of her adventures may increase, but it just didn't seem as huge and epic as DQ.
It was a strong start though and I can see that this book was merely a build up which will undoubtedly be something great because Emily Rodda is a fantastic storyteller. I think younger readers will thoroughly enjoy how action-packed the story is and how adventurous Britta is as a main character.
I definitely think that the story shows promise and I would highly recommend reading all three of the Deltora Quest series' and then picking up this one! It's definitely a new middle grade series to look out for! It hits stores on the 1st of August in Australia!
This is the first book in a new series that takes place a few decades after the events in the first Deltora Quest series and follows a female protagonist called Britta, who has a passion for trading and wants to be everything her father used to be before he betrayed everyone and left Britta and her family in forced hiding. She now has a chance to redeem herself and become an apprentice who would eventually take control of the Rosalyn fleet and the famous ship, the Star of Deltora. But first, she has to become one of three finalists in a competition set by the old commander, and then, if she can do that, set sail and undergo various tests and challenges!
I may be biased, but this definitely isn't as epic as Deltora Quest. The scale of the protagonists adventure just doesn't compare to Lief's in DQ, as he had the entire world of Deltora's fate resting on him succeeding in his quest, whereas this book focuses on a small scale competition that purely benefits Britta and not the whole world. I understand that as the series goes on, this may change and the scale of her adventures may increase, but it just didn't seem as huge and epic as DQ.
It was a strong start though and I can see that this book was merely a build up which will undoubtedly be something great because Emily Rodda is a fantastic storyteller. I think younger readers will thoroughly enjoy how action-packed the story is and how adventurous Britta is as a main character.
I definitely think that the story shows promise and I would highly recommend reading all three of the Deltora Quest series' and then picking up this one! It's definitely a new middle grade series to look out for! It hits stores on the 1st of August in Australia!
October 31, 2015
Oh Emily Rodda!
You have such a storytellers talent! I get drawn into your plots and enchanted by your heroes. Britta is another one in the vein of Lief or Rowan (I don't mean so similar as to be boring not at all). She is brave, capable (possibly more upfront about being brave and capable than either of the others), hard working, wary (with reason) of others and has an air of tragedy.
When Britta begins by driving up the price of a cheese by how she packages and advertises (verbally) I was a bit turned off. The whole idea of a dynasty of traders with the next ones chosen by competition didn;t seem like this was going to be like this. But this is an author I have always liked and I was curious so I read on. Just as well because the whole idea of meritocracy is soon problematised and questions of class and race come in...sure it's still a feel good children's book but under the simplifications lie some very real questions and they are treated with creativity and heart but not buried.
I loved something that happens between the sisters toward the end of the book. I even shed a tear (this is becoming a habit). I predicted some of the plot twists but then I have been reading Rodda for years (and rereading aloud to five children and listening to CDs) so I guess I have become familiar with her way.
Even seeing the twists coming I wanted to see how they unfolded and I was enchanted with the ideas. I am hoping there will be further troubling of the idea of competition and rivalry in the remaining books...either way yes I am hooked I will read the whole series including the sequels she may not yet know she will write (lol)
Oh and it more than passes the Bechdel test! 4 1/2 stars
Suitable for primary school children and anyone with a heart...safe enough to read aloud to small people.
You have such a storytellers talent! I get drawn into your plots and enchanted by your heroes. Britta is another one in the vein of Lief or Rowan (I don't mean so similar as to be boring not at all). She is brave, capable (possibly more upfront about being brave and capable than either of the others), hard working, wary (with reason) of others and has an air of tragedy.
When Britta begins by driving up the price of a cheese by how she packages and advertises (verbally) I was a bit turned off. The whole idea of a dynasty of traders with the next ones chosen by competition didn;t seem like this was going to be like this. But this is an author I have always liked and I was curious so I read on. Just as well because the whole idea of meritocracy is soon problematised and questions of class and race come in...sure it's still a feel good children's book but under the simplifications lie some very real questions and they are treated with creativity and heart but not buried.
I loved something that happens between the sisters toward the end of the book. I even shed a tear (this is becoming a habit). I predicted some of the plot twists but then I have been reading Rodda for years (and rereading aloud to five children and listening to CDs) so I guess I have become familiar with her way.
Even seeing the twists coming I wanted to see how they unfolded and I was enchanted with the ideas. I am hoping there will be further troubling of the idea of competition and rivalry in the remaining books...either way yes I am hooked I will read the whole series including the sequels she may not yet know she will write (lol)
Oh and it more than passes the Bechdel test! 4 1/2 stars
Suitable for primary school children and anyone with a heart...safe enough to read aloud to small people.
July 24, 2015
Deltora Quest was my childhood obsession on a level very few people can understand, so to find out there was a new book set in Deltora, and finding it today in the bookstore basically sent me into a meltdown. I don't care that I'm 23- it was purchased immediately, and I loved it. Yes, the story isn't as 'epic' as Deltora Quest (though I have a feeling the next book might be, given the ending) but the characters are interesting, their motivations are compelling, and I could sense a real development in Rodda's writing style.
For Deltora nerds like me, there is also a whole heap of little references to pick out (there are probably also references to the Three Doors, though I haven't read this series). And to be honest, it is just nice to be in that world again, 25-ish years after the Shadow Lord has gone. The land is healing (schools! They have schools!), but still scarred- the land did not quite get the fairytale ending Deltora Quest left us with, and that was interesting to see.
As much as I keen for Britta to sail off and have wonderful adventures in the nine seas, I sorely hope she returns to Del so she can meet a certain king and queen...
For Deltora nerds like me, there is also a whole heap of little references to pick out (there are probably also references to the Three Doors, though I haven't read this series). And to be honest, it is just nice to be in that world again, 25-ish years after the Shadow Lord has gone. The land is healing (schools! They have schools!), but still scarred- the land did not quite get the fairytale ending Deltora Quest left us with, and that was interesting to see.
As much as I keen for Britta to sail off and have wonderful adventures in the nine seas, I sorely hope she returns to Del so she can meet a certain king and queen...
June 27, 2020
Another masterpiece from Emily Rodda! Rather than an epic quest to save the land of Deltora, this more personal story is set during Lief's reign as king, about twenty years after the events of Dragons of Deltora. Focusing on Britta, we learn about her ambition to redeem her family name and regain control of the ship, the Star of Deltora, after her father betrayed everyone and lost it to the Rosalyn fleet. A competition begins, in which the three finalists will sail with the fleet with one ultimately taking command of the Star of Deltora.
It was great to have a strong female protagonist and explore the world in the aftermath of the Shadowlord's reign. I'm so happy to be back in the land of Deltora, and I'm excited to see where this story goes!
It was great to have a strong female protagonist and explore the world in the aftermath of the Shadowlord's reign. I'm so happy to be back in the land of Deltora, and I'm excited to see where this story goes!
October 22, 2015
FINALLY IT IS CANON THAT RIN IS IN THE SAME WORLD AS DELTORA I HAVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS
May 9, 2025
2.66 stars
I've had this on my shelf for years, and decided to FINALLY read it last night because I wanted a shorter book--mostly because I've been having trouble finishing books this month.
It wasn't terribe--but I didn't love it. The writing was dry, the characters were all flat, some things that happened seemed to not tie into the plot in any way and were random, and there was this one character's pov who was in it for a scene but did not affect the book in any way.
This was kinda fun, but it was very cliched, I didn't care about any of the characters, and the plot was flat and dry too.
The writing felt very young too--and I usually love middle grade--but this writing felt like it was written easier so kids could read it and the same descriptions were used about the same characters over and over again.
The worldbuilding was also very weak. You don't get to know anything about the magic except that there's a "magical island" and shadows that follow the main character around....
And the dialogue annoyed me, too. Sometimes the characters talk like they're people from a fantasy world and talk differently, but sometimes they just slip out of that and talk very modernly--not like a sailor or merchants daughter who had minimal education would.
So in summary, you could still read this if you wanted to, but it wasn't great.
I've had this on my shelf for years, and decided to FINALLY read it last night because I wanted a shorter book--mostly because I've been having trouble finishing books this month.
It wasn't terribe--but I didn't love it. The writing was dry, the characters were all flat, some things that happened seemed to not tie into the plot in any way and were random, and there was this one character's pov who was in it for a scene but did not affect the book in any way.
This was kinda fun, but it was very cliched, I didn't care about any of the characters, and the plot was flat and dry too.
The writing felt very young too--and I usually love middle grade--but this writing felt like it was written easier so kids could read it and the same descriptions were used about the same characters over and over again.
The worldbuilding was also very weak. You don't get to know anything about the magic except that there's a "magical island" and shadows that follow the main character around....
And the dialogue annoyed me, too. Sometimes the characters talk like they're people from a fantasy world and talk differently, but sometimes they just slip out of that and talk very modernly--not like a sailor or merchants daughter who had minimal education would.
So in summary, you could still read this if you wanted to, but it wasn't great.
December 18, 2016
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
I read this book for the Winter Cramathon and this book completed the challenge:
- Read a book under 200 pages
3 done 4 books to go!!! I am quite enjoying this readathon!
The nostalgia hit hard in this one. It's amazing to be back in this world!!! I spent most of my childhood reading the Deltora Quest books, so reading this book felt like I was finally coming home.
I can't wait to see what Emily Rodda has in store for us in the next book! And I really want a cameo of some of the characters from her other series to appear!
Overall I loved it and I can't wait to see what the rest of the adventure holds.
I read this book for the Winter Cramathon and this book completed the challenge:
- Read a book under 200 pages
3 done 4 books to go!!! I am quite enjoying this readathon!
The nostalgia hit hard in this one. It's amazing to be back in this world!!! I spent most of my childhood reading the Deltora Quest books, so reading this book felt like I was finally coming home.
I can't wait to see what Emily Rodda has in store for us in the next book! And I really want a cameo of some of the characters from her other series to appear!
Overall I loved it and I can't wait to see what the rest of the adventure holds.
August 25, 2016
Another story in Deltora by Emily Rodda. Hell yes!
Is it written for kids. Hell yes!
Do I care? not at all.
Emily Rodda has wrote fantastic fantasy books for years. Her imagination is second to none. She has created this world over many years (i remember reading her books 15 years ago) It's easy to read from a world I and so many others already love. I feel like this is almost like a prologue, introducing the characters and such. I am excited for more tales of Britta.
Also love supporting a great Australian author.
Is it written for kids. Hell yes!
Do I care? not at all.
Emily Rodda has wrote fantastic fantasy books for years. Her imagination is second to none. She has created this world over many years (i remember reading her books 15 years ago) It's easy to read from a world I and so many others already love. I feel like this is almost like a prologue, introducing the characters and such. I am excited for more tales of Britta.
Also love supporting a great Australian author.
December 29, 2016
Star of Deltora no. 1 was very enjoyable. It is known ground with engaging characters, a strong female lead in high adventure, in this case on the seas (or in the act of getting there). Even though it's set in the fabled Deltora, the setting is still familiar to earth with sailing ships, carriages and food that we can recognise. This can be comforting for younger readers. In true Rodda style this is a great read for younger readers.
October 27, 2015
Loved this book. It just sings with typical Emily Rodda - ness. From flawed characters, to riddles hidden in letters... I can't begin to imagine what wicked twist is ahead in future books - the set up has been fun so far and I have already predicted many of its secrets, but knowing Rodda, I'm sure there is something highly unexpected ahead - and if not, it's still a fun ride.
May 16, 2024
بریم تجارت تو دلتورا...یه ماجراجویی دریایی و جذاب
https://youtu.be/snV2Mm_LXE0?si=pjMRi...
https://youtu.be/snV2Mm_LXE0?si=pjMRi...
June 28, 2017
This book was really good. And as a middle-grade/young YA it was really really good. Well-written, great characters and fun story. As a first book in a series, it did an amazing job setting the world up. Britta was a wonderful protagonist, spunky yet believable. I would definitely have my girls read this. Looking forward to rest of the series!
December 11, 2021
با اینکه ستاره های دلتورا بیشتر دوست داشتم مطمئنن اگر دوران دبستان میخوندم عاشقش میشدم و از اون کتاب هایی میشد که با ذوق و شوق به همه پیشنهاد کنم و با حرف زدن راجبش سر مامانم درد بیارم هنوز جذابیت خودش رو داره و یک فانتزی شیرین و لذت بخشه :)
September 9, 2021
I bought this book years and years ago because had to do a book review of it at school and it’s iconic she’s the moment and now I want to reread the whole series again. I want jewel x Britta to date so bad, trader gfs!!
November 14, 2017
È un romanzo che insegna come il modo migliore per imparare sia quello di vivere e sbagliare. Sono le nostre scelte a renderci ciò che siamo e con questo non dico che non si debba prestare ascolto a chi ne sa più di noi, ma non bisogna mai farsi influenzare del tutto dal giudizio degli altri, ma prendere queste parole solo come consigli e decidere da soli per noi stessi. Emily Rodda però non si limita ad insegnarci questo, coglie l’occasione, tramite una leggenda, per raccontare un piccolo frammento di storia dedicata a Tier, all’uomo tartaruga, strappato dalla sua casa e gettato in mare contro la sua volontà. Ancora una volta sono le nostre diversità a spaventare le persone e ci insegnano come, certe volte, rifiutare o negare un futuro a chi è diverso possa segnare il destino di tutti. Non bisogna mai giudicare un libro dalla copertina, in special modo, quando potrebbe trattarsi di un buon libro.
Continua a leggere: http://stambergadinchiostro.altervist...
Continua a leggere: http://stambergadinchiostro.altervist...
March 28, 2023
This book was very difficult to get through as it never hooked me so I had picked it up many times only to read 2 or 3 pages. Nothing really interesting happened, no ooh moments or ahh moments. It wouldn't be something I would recommend because it just doesn't make you feel really anything
July 31, 2017
I loved this one. Magic and pirates, strong women, and a race against time and self-doubt. Great read for anyone looking for a short fantasy series.
October 20, 2016
A great fantasy read from the wonderful Emily Rodda, suitable for upper primary and above.
March 11, 2020
a wonderful book!!!!
I wanna read the other ones now!!!
I wanna read the other ones now!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Full disclosure, I bought Shadows of the Master as a gift for my niece and couldn't resist reading it. My nine year old niece mainly sticks to reading classic children's novels like The Babysitter's Club, and while that is all well and good, I couldn't resist trying to get her into fantasy novels. So when I was pursuing the catalog of books during an Usborne party I had been invited to, Shadows of the Master caught my eye. A story about a young girl longing for something more and with the determination and grit to seek it out against all odds? Perfect! This is the kind of book I would have loved growing up and apparently, still love as an adult.
Shadows of the Master centers on young Britta as she seeks to become a travelling trader, much like her notorious father, who betrayed and murdered the crew of his ship, the eponymous Star of Deltora, in his quest for a magical staff of legend. With a little help from her father's former friend, Captain Gripp, Britta is able to test for a coveted apprenticeship with Mab, the leader of the Rosalyn Fleet Traders. But Britta has her work more than cut out for her, as she has to not only keep her identity as her father's daughter hidden from those giving the tests, but also her participation in the competition a secret from her still grieving family.
If Britta can win this competition as an apprentice it will not only allow her to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a trader, but will also enable her to win back ownership of her father's ship, to clear her family's name and to change their poor fortune once and for all. With so much on the line for Britta, it was easy to get super invested in her ambitions. It doesn't hurt that Britta's rivals in the competition also serve as a window to the very different and interesting cultures and walks of life in the world in which Shadows of the Master takes place.
I was immediately drawn into Britta's world in the heart of the city of Del. It was easy to like Britta, who has composure and understanding beyond her years, despite being hidden away with her mother and older sister in their family shop. Though I questioned the mother's logic in launching a shop when trade was the cause of their loss of fortune and good name (and a source of much consternation for the mom), it certainly ignited an already present passion in Britta, who has a flair for both customer service, making a good deal, and a longing to explore the world—to her mother's absolute horror.
I was further delighted by the glimpses of magic and intrigued by illusions to the Shadowlands, a dark enemy from beyond the mountains, and a sickness that leaves victims mentally unwell. Clearly there is so much more going on in this world that Britta and therefore, the reader, knows. Even more interesting is that many of these mysterious happenings are centered around our unknowing young protagonist, who is focused more on achieving her goals and who is trying to sabotage them than the shadows that follow her footsteps.
I am very excited to see how everything unfolds in The Star of Deltora series and already ordered the rest of the books, for myself this time! I would recommend Shadows of the Master to fans of authors Tamora Pierce and Patricia Wrede, and to both young and old readers who delight in capable female protagonists and fantastical worlds.
Full disclosure, I bought Shadows of the Master as a gift for my niece and couldn't resist reading it. My nine year old niece mainly sticks to reading classic children's novels like The Babysitter's Club, and while that is all well and good, I couldn't resist trying to get her into fantasy novels. So when I was pursuing the catalog of books during an Usborne party I had been invited to, Shadows of the Master caught my eye. A story about a young girl longing for something more and with the determination and grit to seek it out against all odds? Perfect! This is the kind of book I would have loved growing up and apparently, still love as an adult.
"And yet...what hope did she have for her future—the future she had dreamed of all here life? perhaps it made perfect senses for her to imagine she was being followed. For in a way she was. Wherever she went, whatever she did, she was followed by her past."
Shadows of the Master centers on young Britta as she seeks to become a travelling trader, much like her notorious father, who betrayed and murdered the crew of his ship, the eponymous Star of Deltora, in his quest for a magical staff of legend. With a little help from her father's former friend, Captain Gripp, Britta is able to test for a coveted apprenticeship with Mab, the leader of the Rosalyn Fleet Traders. But Britta has her work more than cut out for her, as she has to not only keep her identity as her father's daughter hidden from those giving the tests, but also her participation in the competition a secret from her still grieving family.
If Britta can win this competition as an apprentice it will not only allow her to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a trader, but will also enable her to win back ownership of her father's ship, to clear her family's name and to change their poor fortune once and for all. With so much on the line for Britta, it was easy to get super invested in her ambitions. It doesn't hurt that Britta's rivals in the competition also serve as a window to the very different and interesting cultures and walks of life in the world in which Shadows of the Master takes place.
I was immediately drawn into Britta's world in the heart of the city of Del. It was easy to like Britta, who has composure and understanding beyond her years, despite being hidden away with her mother and older sister in their family shop. Though I questioned the mother's logic in launching a shop when trade was the cause of their loss of fortune and good name (and a source of much consternation for the mom), it certainly ignited an already present passion in Britta, who has a flair for both customer service, making a good deal, and a longing to explore the world—to her mother's absolute horror.
"Now she had seen in black-and-white that she filled all the requirements of the Rosalyn Trust. She had not been able to stop imagining herself escaping from the dull little shop to sail the wide seas, visit foreign ports, see the wonders she had read about—and trade, without fear, for a living."
I was further delighted by the glimpses of magic and intrigued by illusions to the Shadowlands, a dark enemy from beyond the mountains, and a sickness that leaves victims mentally unwell. Clearly there is so much more going on in this world that Britta and therefore, the reader, knows. Even more interesting is that many of these mysterious happenings are centered around our unknowing young protagonist, who is focused more on achieving her goals and who is trying to sabotage them than the shadows that follow her footsteps.
I am very excited to see how everything unfolds in The Star of Deltora series and already ordered the rest of the books, for myself this time! I would recommend Shadows of the Master to fans of authors Tamora Pierce and Patricia Wrede, and to both young and old readers who delight in capable female protagonists and fantastical worlds.
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August 31, 2018
Again , not my type of book. I have always said I don't like science fiction or fantasy books, I don't know why all the ones I've been reading lately are of this ilk. This one I wanted to read because I sell Usborne Books and More and this one was in our catalog. I have a lot of Usborne books for my younger grandkids, but I haven't read any of our teen titles and I figured when I was done with it I could pass it on to my granddaughter. If took me a little bit to get into it because I'm not used to made up places and creatures but once I got the gist of the story it sucked me right in.
The Star of Deltora is the story of Britt, a young woman who dreams of sailing the seas and being a trader like her father was. Her father got greedy though and ran off and disgraced the family. Now Britt and her mother and sister are hiding the identity of who they really are so nobody will connect the dots and know that they are Dare Larsett's family. Britt wins a place in a competition that gives her the chance to sail away, trade goods and become the owner of the fleet that has The Star of Deltora as one of the ships. The Star of Deltora was her father's ship and she wants to win it back and make a name for herself.
Book 1 The Shadows of the Master gets her a spot on the ship and they set sail to the first of the 3 islands they are going to visit and trade with. I finished this book in one day and started immediately on the 2nd in the series of four.
The Star of Deltora is the story of Britt, a young woman who dreams of sailing the seas and being a trader like her father was. Her father got greedy though and ran off and disgraced the family. Now Britt and her mother and sister are hiding the identity of who they really are so nobody will connect the dots and know that they are Dare Larsett's family. Britt wins a place in a competition that gives her the chance to sail away, trade goods and become the owner of the fleet that has The Star of Deltora as one of the ships. The Star of Deltora was her father's ship and she wants to win it back and make a name for herself.
Book 1 The Shadows of the Master gets her a spot on the ship and they set sail to the first of the 3 islands they are going to visit and trade with. I finished this book in one day and started immediately on the 2nd in the series of four.
March 27, 2022
(4.5 stars)
I'm so excited, to be back in the world of Deltora! I love Emily Rodda's writing...
I've read all but the books about Rowin of Rin. There's a thing in the back that tells how everything is related to the world of Deltora. Which parts of it and the timeline of the stories... (THANK YOU!! )
These characters are awesome. The story is just beginning for Britta.
I love the backstory... This is gonna be a fun series.
Britta wants nothing but to sale and be a trader like her father, but there's bad blood and mysterious circumstances around him...
She's gotta be sneaky. The test competition was interesting.
I liked the tie breaker.
I think book 2 will be even better, can't wait to read what happens next.
*SPOILERS*
I'm curious how this mysterious dark power with her father will work out... And those creepy shadows that follow her... I believe Mab and maybe Capt. Hara might know who she is. Or at least they want her to win more than the snobby trader girl (who cheated btw... she told her parents in her letter which establishment she was going to trade at... )
Could Tier's staff have been made with similar power that the Shadowlord had? It's black diamond...
I can't remember much about the Shadowlord origins... I'll have to look it up later.
SO HAPPY that her favorite book in this story is by Sven, he was a great character from the Deltora Quest series.
I'm so excited, to be back in the world of Deltora! I love Emily Rodda's writing...
I've read all but the books about Rowin of Rin. There's a thing in the back that tells how everything is related to the world of Deltora. Which parts of it and the timeline of the stories... (THANK YOU!! )
These characters are awesome. The story is just beginning for Britta.
I love the backstory... This is gonna be a fun series.
Britta wants nothing but to sale and be a trader like her father, but there's bad blood and mysterious circumstances around him...
She's gotta be sneaky. The test competition was interesting.
I liked the tie breaker.
I think book 2 will be even better, can't wait to read what happens next.
*SPOILERS*
I'm curious how this mysterious dark power with her father will work out... And those creepy shadows that follow her... I believe Mab and maybe Capt. Hara might know who she is. Or at least they want her to win more than the snobby trader girl (who cheated btw... she told her parents in her letter which establishment she was going to trade at... )
Could Tier's staff have been made with similar power that the Shadowlord had? It's black diamond...
I can't remember much about the Shadowlord origins... I'll have to look it up later.
SO HAPPY that her favorite book in this story is by Sven, he was a great character from the Deltora Quest series.
December 31, 2020
Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, exploring the nine seas and finding valuable items to bring back to her home port of Del. However, entranced by the magical powers of the Staff of Tier, Britta’s father commits an act of betrayal that brings shame upon his family and shatters Britta’s dreams. Now eight years later, people in Del still begrudge Dare Larson for his betrayal but have forgotten the existence of his remaining family. Now one of Britta’s few remaining friends enters her into a contest to become the apprentice to the Trader Rosalyn. If she wins, she’ll have the opportunity to chase her dream of becoming a trader. Will Britta’s identity remain a secret or will her secret be revealed and all hope lost?
I absolutely loved the magical elements in this book! I also appreciated that the end resolved Britta’s internal conflict about her secret identity but leaves some suspense as everyone on the boat doesn’t know her true identity as Larsett’s daughter. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Britta’s adventures take her! I would recommend this to children/adolescents who enjoy fantasy, magic, and adventure.
I absolutely loved the magical elements in this book! I also appreciated that the end resolved Britta’s internal conflict about her secret identity but leaves some suspense as everyone on the boat doesn’t know her true identity as Larsett’s daughter. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Britta’s adventures take her! I would recommend this to children/adolescents who enjoy fantasy, magic, and adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2018
I find it starts a little slow, unfortunately. But I do like Britta, even though I have some...concerns, we'll say, about where her character arc will lead. I regularly find Rodda's books take until about book 2 or 3 in the series to really get going, so we'll see where these go!
I have my Suspicions about how things are going to turn out, given Rodda's style of writing and last-minute surprises, but we'll see if I'm right in the end. Calling it now:
Either way, I mostly like Britta, I really like Jewel, and this looks like a fun girl-power sort of romp, so I'm ready for Book 2!
Not calling it because I doubt it's gonna happen for me, but I'm just saying: four teen girls on a boat together for months is an excellent setup for sailor lesbians. Rodda, please take note of this for future books.
I have my Suspicions about how things are going to turn out, given Rodda's style of writing and last-minute surprises, but we'll see if I'm right in the end. Calling it now:
Either way, I mostly like Britta, I really like Jewel, and this looks like a fun girl-power sort of romp, so I'm ready for Book 2!
Not calling it because I doubt it's gonna happen for me, but I'm just saying: four teen girls on a boat together for months is an excellent setup for sailor lesbians. Rodda, please take note of this for future books.
August 24, 2018
I keep looking at this book and thinking that I need to read it. And then getting distracted by something else. Because, well, I’m a goldfish. But I finally picked this up. And then promptly read it page to page before putting it back down. I didn’t even need a bookmark to have a pause halfway through.
Shadows of the Master might return to my beloved world of Deltora, but it is into an entirely different world that you are thrown. Actually, I’m still trying to figure out when within Lief’s reign this story takes place. There is a mention of Barda, so I’m sure it’s when they are still alive… I love that this is a storyline that takes place in a world that is already familiar, but its own subset location that I’ve had almost no experience with. Plus, the idea of traders and pirates and the seven seas is incredibly thrilling. This tale may not include much of that yet, but it does set everything up perfectly for the next three books, and a swashbuckling set of tales.
Shadows of the Master might return to my beloved world of Deltora, but it is into an entirely different world that you are thrown. Actually, I’m still trying to figure out when within Lief’s reign this story takes place. There is a mention of Barda, so I’m sure it’s when they are still alive… I love that this is a storyline that takes place in a world that is already familiar, but its own subset location that I’ve had almost no experience with. Plus, the idea of traders and pirates and the seven seas is incredibly thrilling. This tale may not include much of that yet, but it does set everything up perfectly for the next three books, and a swashbuckling set of tales.
January 27, 2020
3.5/5 stars
While it wasn't a chore to read this book, I really enjoy Emily Rodda's writing style, the book fell a little flat to me. This feels like a very long prologue, something akin to the first half of The Forests of Silence. However, even after a long prologue, the story doesn't feel as exciting as it supposed to be. There are no high stakes, it's no 'saving the world' as it was in The Forests of Silence, or saving their home as in Rowan of Rin and The Golden Door. It's about Britta's journey to, likely, become a trader and claim the ship that once belonged to her traitor father. The main issue is that I haven't really latched onto Britta yet, or any of the characters to be honest. I also don't get that the author introduced a possible love interest, but it's unlikely we see him again until the last book. I think that character might as well have been female, which immediately fixes the 'I am not like other girls' feel and the love-interest issue.
While it wasn't a chore to read this book, I really enjoy Emily Rodda's writing style, the book fell a little flat to me. This feels like a very long prologue, something akin to the first half of The Forests of Silence. However, even after a long prologue, the story doesn't feel as exciting as it supposed to be. There are no high stakes, it's no 'saving the world' as it was in The Forests of Silence, or saving their home as in Rowan of Rin and The Golden Door. It's about Britta's journey to, likely, become a trader and claim the ship that once belonged to her traitor father. The main issue is that I haven't really latched onto Britta yet, or any of the characters to be honest. I also don't get that the author introduced a possible love interest, but it's unlikely we see him again until the last book. I think that character might as well have been female, which immediately fixes the 'I am not like other girls' feel and the love-interest issue.
July 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
This is the first book in a middle grade fantasy story. i think it was marketed as YA, but it felt more middle grade. Britta's father did some things and left the family with a terrible reputation in Del which had them go into hiding. Until there's an opportunity to be a trader's apprentice which is Britta's dream. So she goes through some trials to be chosen.
It was well written and rather intriguing. The things that kept repeating are the ones that really held it back. Like it just took too long to get going, there was a lot of references to previous Deltora series that were rather frequent and not super necessary, and Britta's repetition over worrying on people discovering her secret...it didn't need frequent reminders. We got it the first few times.
Overall though, I would like to read the next book and find out where the adventure goes.
This is the first book in a middle grade fantasy story. i think it was marketed as YA, but it felt more middle grade. Britta's father did some things and left the family with a terrible reputation in Del which had them go into hiding. Until there's an opportunity to be a trader's apprentice which is Britta's dream. So she goes through some trials to be chosen.
It was well written and rather intriguing. The things that kept repeating are the ones that really held it back. Like it just took too long to get going, there was a lot of references to previous Deltora series that were rather frequent and not super necessary, and Britta's repetition over worrying on people discovering her secret...it didn't need frequent reminders. We got it the first few times.
Overall though, I would like to read the next book and find out where the adventure goes.
October 1, 2024
Of all the 27 Deltora Universe books I've read so far, I've found that one the least exciting. I liked how it seems to set the series up for something greater, but as a standalone introductory chapter it doesn't hold up as well as The Forests of Silence or The Golden Door, not even as Rowan of Rin.
May 5, 2017
sad to say I had to give this book 3 stars. :/ not because deltora was disappointing or because it was the perspective of a new character. I think it was because it wasn't as witty and adventurous like all of rodda's other books. I felt like it didn't get to know many of the characters well and I think it could have gone into a little more detail why her fathers reputation would affect her family so harshly.
Anyway, I still love the fact that we get more of deltora's world. you don't have to read deltora quest to really know what's going on so anyone can pick it up and read it. the best part is in the authors commentary in the back where it explains that several of her series all exist within the same world! Emily rodda is my favorite :)
Anyway, I still love the fact that we get more of deltora's world. you don't have to read deltora quest to really know what's going on so anyone can pick it up and read it. the best part is in the authors commentary in the back where it explains that several of her series all exist within the same world! Emily rodda is my favorite :)
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