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Deltora Shadowlands #3
The Shadowlands
The spectacular conclusion to the latest Deltora trilogy!
Lief, Barda, and Jasmine have come to the final test -- to get the Pirran Pipe to free the Deltoran slaves from the evil Shadow Lord. But first they must make it through the harrowing, perilous Shadowlands....
Lief, Barda, and Jasmine have come to the final test -- to get the Pirran Pipe to free the Deltoran slaves from the evil Shadow Lord. But first they must make it through the harrowing, perilous Shadowlands....
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
19 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
297 books2,115 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 115 reviews
June 26, 2017
آخیش بالاخره از رازهایی که از جلد یک مبهم مونده بود پرده برداشته شد! چقدر تند خوندم تا از رازها سردربیارم!
پایانبندی کتاب چهقدر کیف داد و عالی بود. ذوق کردم.
پایانبندی کتاب چهقدر کیف داد و عالی بود. ذوق کردم.
April 29, 2022
هرچند که هنوز مشکلاتی توی داستان بود که به نظر من کلا جزئی از قلم امیلی رودا حساب میشن(😅) اما فصلهای آخر و پیشرفت داستان به طور کلی توی این جلد انقدر خوب بود و انقدر دوستش داشتم که بهش پنج میدم🥲💚.
November 15, 2017
Another brilliant end to what was another brilliant series by Emily Rodda.
After the long and dangerous quest for the Pirran Pipe, Lief, Jasmine and Barda must finally enter the Shadowlands to free the imprisoned Deltorans.
With the assistance of new friends and plans that never quite work out as intended, will the three succeed? Or will their quest be all for nothing?
Rodda doesn't disappoint with the final instalment of Deltora Shadowlands. Once again, a children's book has reduced me to tears.
After the long and dangerous quest for the Pirran Pipe, Lief, Jasmine and Barda must finally enter the Shadowlands to free the imprisoned Deltorans.
With the assistance of new friends and plans that never quite work out as intended, will the three succeed? Or will their quest be all for nothing?
Rodda doesn't disappoint with the final instalment of Deltora Shadowlands. Once again, a children's book has reduced me to tears.
July 16, 2018
A book from one of my favorite series... I loved reading these back when I was in my first teenage years, and I still do! I think sometimes I just need to read some of these books, it feels like going back home, so warm and lovely... No, I’ll never be too old for these.
March 9, 2018
Seemed very rushed. Could have been 2 books with more content.
January 11, 2020
By far the most exciting book of this series. The Shadowlands are as gruesome as the reader could've expected, if not worse. The story doesn't take long to dive in the Shadowlands. This makes the Kerons almost seem irrelevant, but .
The book makes good use of previously established/mentioned characters. In the second book, Josef mentioned a few names, all from the pottery he and Rakesh hid in. One of these characters pop up in this book. Then there is a character mentioned in The Shifting Sands, six books ago, and she also pops up. Almost all characters have a purpose to be there or are mentioned previously. The author doesn't use an all-new, all unfamiliar cast.
There was a lot of action in this book, a lot of worldbuilding and the final fight was pretty thrilling, as it was suspenseful and the revelation at the end was, especially for the first time reader, awesome. This series, in particular, holds a lot of nostalgia for me. Sometimes, I wish I could wipe my memory to read this completely blind. I think I'm slowly getting too old for this series, but I'll see in about three years time when it's time to reread it.
The book makes good use of previously established/mentioned characters. In the second book, Josef mentioned a few names, all from the pottery he and Rakesh hid in. One of these characters pop up in this book. Then there is a character mentioned in The Shifting Sands, six books ago, and she also pops up. Almost all characters have a purpose to be there or are mentioned previously. The author doesn't use an all-new, all unfamiliar cast.
There was a lot of action in this book, a lot of worldbuilding and the final fight was pretty thrilling, as it was suspenseful and the revelation at the end was, especially for the first time reader, awesome. This series, in particular, holds a lot of nostalgia for me. Sometimes, I wish I could wipe my memory to read this completely blind. I think I'm slowly getting too old for this series, but I'll see in about three years time when it's time to reread it.
June 17, 2024
✅️=safe
❌️= 1 major spoiler
✅️5⭐️ Deltora annals: The pirran pipe is the most dangerous instrument to the shadowlands. Play this, and he will be defeated.
Meanwhile, the gang is playing it like it's a kids' toy and having a pass the parcel moment💀
Yk what, maybe they needed this because I doubt they had a plan to begin with, so have your fun for a bit😂✅️
✅️I will say, this quest has more detail than the beginning of the series. the very first book went by so fast that they were filling in so many different villains at once that I couldn't process that quick. Which is why I'm grateful for the animated series. BUT THIS 3 SET, it's much slower pace (in a good way) it didn't really feel as rush, and everything flows well. As predicted, this is where they stop the mass produced of shadowlord minions. At least they used the pirran pipe at the right place this time😂😂 if I had binge read these from January, then I would be gassed of all the side character that were mentioned in the first 8 set. but I'm just like eh, more allies, the better😂 Once they entered the factory, this author had no business of me sitting at the edge of my bed. So much information is starting to make sense now, which brings me to this next point✅️
✅️fair warning, this is a major spoiler, so if you do start this series, this is where you stop and have a good day😁😁😁 or scroll pass to see a cute moment of lief and jasmine🤭🤭✅️
Now
❌️⚠️HOW FUCKING DARE YOU MAKE ME HATE MARILEN WHEN SHE WAS HIS DISTANCE COUSIN THIS WHOLE TIME!!! I FULL ON CUSS THE SHIT OUT OF HER AND PRAY FOR HER DOWNFALL SO BAD ALL FOR HER TO BE THE NEXT HEIR?!?!?!?!?!?! YOU GOT ME STRESSING FOR LIEF AND JASMINE ENDGAME AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! if you read the shit talk in the dms💀💀💀💀 we prayed for her to get poisoned. But yk what, she found a man since the beginning of this journey so SLAYYYYY⚠️❌️
✅️ending it with a satisfying quote
jasmine: "Of course, marilen would have been an ideal choice as a king bride. Well read, beautiful, polite, elegant, at home palace.......
Lief: "When the time comes. I will follow adin example, and marry for love. If the woman I love will have me, of course."
Jasmine: "she probably will. When the time comes. [she slipped her hand into his]😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆 is this the reason for a 5 star........... maybe🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 and, of course, marlien, not marrying him✅️
❌️= 1 major spoiler
✅️5⭐️ Deltora annals: The pirran pipe is the most dangerous instrument to the shadowlands. Play this, and he will be defeated.
Meanwhile, the gang is playing it like it's a kids' toy and having a pass the parcel moment💀
Yk what, maybe they needed this because I doubt they had a plan to begin with, so have your fun for a bit😂✅️
✅️I will say, this quest has more detail than the beginning of the series. the very first book went by so fast that they were filling in so many different villains at once that I couldn't process that quick. Which is why I'm grateful for the animated series. BUT THIS 3 SET, it's much slower pace (in a good way) it didn't really feel as rush, and everything flows well. As predicted, this is where they stop the mass produced of shadowlord minions. At least they used the pirran pipe at the right place this time😂😂 if I had binge read these from January, then I would be gassed of all the side character that were mentioned in the first 8 set. but I'm just like eh, more allies, the better😂 Once they entered the factory, this author had no business of me sitting at the edge of my bed. So much information is starting to make sense now, which brings me to this next point✅️
✅️fair warning, this is a major spoiler, so if you do start this series, this is where you stop and have a good day😁😁😁 or scroll pass to see a cute moment of lief and jasmine🤭🤭✅️
Now
❌️⚠️HOW FUCKING DARE YOU MAKE ME HATE MARILEN WHEN SHE WAS HIS DISTANCE COUSIN THIS WHOLE TIME!!! I FULL ON CUSS THE SHIT OUT OF HER AND PRAY FOR HER DOWNFALL SO BAD ALL FOR HER TO BE THE NEXT HEIR?!?!?!?!?!?! YOU GOT ME STRESSING FOR LIEF AND JASMINE ENDGAME AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! if you read the shit talk in the dms💀💀💀💀 we prayed for her to get poisoned. But yk what, she found a man since the beginning of this journey so SLAYYYYY⚠️❌️
✅️ending it with a satisfying quote
jasmine: "Of course, marilen would have been an ideal choice as a king bride. Well read, beautiful, polite, elegant, at home palace.......
Lief: "When the time comes. I will follow adin example, and marry for love. If the woman I love will have me, of course."
Jasmine: "she probably will. When the time comes. [she slipped her hand into his]😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆 is this the reason for a 5 star........... maybe🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 and, of course, marlien, not marrying him✅️
June 22, 2024
My first OTP ever was in this series 🥰
June 23, 2018
I love, love, LOVE this series! A great follow-up to Deltora Quest, for sure. And while the series itself was not as good as the original, I have to say that this ending was something special! I'm so glad that I read these books (and even happier knowing that there is another sequel series after this!) If you're looking for a good fantasy series for middle-grade readers, give them an Emily Rodda book. Better yet, just get them The Forests of Silence and let their imaginations run wild!
January 4, 2024
Ok Mr Lief taking inspiration from Master Sam: "How could I let you go and not follow? Like PLEASE sir, I did not ask to cry. I have to say, though, the miscommunication trope is not my fav, and the fact that so much of this series impinges on it is a little grating. And the fact that there was basically no struggle to get the last part of the pipe was kind of hilarious.
Despite those gripes, I am emphatic that Rodda cannot do a conclusion poorly. We saw characters from the first series in this novel, as well as new characters from Deltora Shadowlands all coming together. The discovery of
Overall, I thought the ending of this was fitting and always brings a bittersweet taste, and I couldn't wait to start the next instalment.
Despite those gripes, I am emphatic that Rodda cannot do a conclusion poorly. We saw characters from the first series in this novel, as well as new characters from Deltora Shadowlands all coming together. The discovery of
Overall, I thought the ending of this was fitting and always brings a bittersweet taste, and I couldn't wait to start the next instalment.
February 23, 2020
Ini tentang persatuan yang bisa jadi begitu rapuh dan mudah dipecah-belah oleh ambisi dan fanatisme kelompok. Ini tentang seorang raja yang rela menembus bahaya demi menyelamatkan ribuan rakyatnya.
Dan mungkin ini tentang keindahan musik sebagai pemersatu bangsa. Menyatukan mereka yang berbeda. Dalam harmoni melodi semesta.
Dan mungkin ini tentang keindahan musik sebagai pemersatu bangsa. Menyatukan mereka yang berbeda. Dalam harmoni melodi semesta.
January 27, 2024
the most solid and interesting of this series, definitely! loved the call backs to some old characters, and the little plot twists in the very last few pages. deltora quest always keeps you guessing…
this sequel series somehow doesn’t have as much charm or fun as the first — but still enjoyable nonetheless. :)
this sequel series somehow doesn’t have as much charm or fun as the first — but still enjoyable nonetheless. :)
Read
February 8, 2025I loved this book there were lots of new people introduced and lots of mysteries and tricks I love how you can see how the characters have changed and how they all are living there own lives at the start but at the end there quests begin again what will happen next on Deltora quest……
November 8, 2018
I was unsure where Rodda could take this series, being that it is not the last one, but I was pleasantly surprised. Her writing is still captivating and the storyline well and truly kept me guessing.
November 6, 2024
This would have been 4 stars easily, but the ending is abrupt and uncoordinated. And if you have read the first book of the dragon series, you know they don't really connect or explain any plot holes.
April 26, 2025
Maybe the Pirran Pipe was the friends we made along the way
December 25, 2022
MY LAPTOP DIED AT THE CONFESSIONS SCENE WHAT THE HELL but loved it will definitely read the next part soon i need to know what happens after this also MARILEN MY BELOVED obsessed w her
June 5, 2023
This was looking like it was going to be my first 4 star book in the Deltora quests series but for reason I can not say it became a 5 star and I was reminded why I loved Emily rodda writing!
June 9, 2025
The parts in Shadowland dragged and the endind felt a bit rushed. I liked some ending twist, but I wish we spent a bit more time enjoying fruits of our labor. Also I am bit mad at how much do these three still get in trouble. They always seem overwhelmed facing any enemy at all. It has been 12 books, when will they get good?
March 15, 2024
Although it’s a children/YA book, it really got me hooked. This book alone had more suspense than the last 10 adult thriller books I’ve read. I may have just broke my reading slump by rereading this series!
April 5, 2021
And so concludes Deltora 2: Shadowlands.
I must say, I prefer the way this series ended when compared to the main Deltora Quest series. I felt that despite the buildup in the first series, Return to Del was resolved extremely quickly. That generally was my main complaint regarding boss fights in the first series, and it is something Rodda has improved on in this series.
The twist ending about Marilyn having the Belt of Deltora the whole time, I actually had spoiled for me a while back, but I noticed going through the books that Rodda drops subtle hints that this is the case. For example, Lief saying in Book 1 that the Belt's magic may not work so well underground, or the Piper of the Plumes and the Kerons saying they could sense no magic from it, or Marilyn knowing that Jinx was lying, or that the cakes were poisoned.
But the rest of it was all new, and actually well done. The clues were all there from book 1, if you think back to it, and I really appreciate that Rodda knew where she was going with the series from the start.
It was also nice to finally get a glimpse of the Shadowlands, after hearing about it so much in previous books. Interestingly, it blends a scientific approach with the general medieval fantasy feel of the rest of the story. That is something I wasn't expecting, but I found it intriguing. Rather than being a sort of ultimate corrupting evil in the magical sense the way Sauron is, the Shadow Lord's plan was actually quite ingenious, relying on experimentation, and cunning manipulation.
I still find it odd that Jasmine believed in Faith so quickly and completely, and I'm not sure Lief really did need to keep the whole plan secret from Jasmine and Barda, though it can be said Jasmine's impulsiveness has been an issue in the past.
Nevertheless, this was a nice ending to this much shorter series, and while it may not be as good as Deltora Quest, it is a good sequel.
I must say, I prefer the way this series ended when compared to the main Deltora Quest series. I felt that despite the buildup in the first series, Return to Del was resolved extremely quickly. That generally was my main complaint regarding boss fights in the first series, and it is something Rodda has improved on in this series.
The twist ending about Marilyn having the Belt of Deltora the whole time, I actually had spoiled for me a while back, but I noticed going through the books that Rodda drops subtle hints that this is the case. For example, Lief saying in Book 1 that the Belt's magic may not work so well underground, or the Piper of the Plumes and the Kerons saying they could sense no magic from it, or Marilyn knowing that Jinx was lying, or that the cakes were poisoned.
But the rest of it was all new, and actually well done. The clues were all there from book 1, if you think back to it, and I really appreciate that Rodda knew where she was going with the series from the start.
It was also nice to finally get a glimpse of the Shadowlands, after hearing about it so much in previous books. Interestingly, it blends a scientific approach with the general medieval fantasy feel of the rest of the story. That is something I wasn't expecting, but I found it intriguing. Rather than being a sort of ultimate corrupting evil in the magical sense the way Sauron is, the Shadow Lord's plan was actually quite ingenious, relying on experimentation, and cunning manipulation.
I still find it odd that Jasmine believed in Faith so quickly and completely, and I'm not sure Lief really did need to keep the whole plan secret from Jasmine and Barda, though it can be said Jasmine's impulsiveness has been an issue in the past.
Nevertheless, this was a nice ending to this much shorter series, and while it may not be as good as Deltora Quest, it is a good sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Honestly and amazing end to the second series, i’m holding out for the Leif x Jasmine love story in the next one.
I wonder if the shadowlord will ever truly be defeated
I wonder if the shadowlord will ever truly be defeated
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
Third and final book in the second series of Deltora Quest, and what a banger to end with. Emily Rodda definitely made a strong pivot which made this series so much darker than the first one, and it really shows with our heroes and their journey into the Shadowlands to free to slaves that the Shadow Lord had taken.
Emlis was a welcome addition to the group, since we dont spend much time with the Kerons underground at all. On top of that, meeting new faces of characters which we had already heard of or know in relation to another character, such as Glock's brother Gers, and the famous winner of the Rithmere games, Brianne of Lees, really helped pull the storyline together of how many lives the Shadow Lord had affected.
The best and worst part of this book was the reveal of the Shadow Lord's plan: to implant these awful worms into the citizens of Deltora, and then release them back to their homes to become faithful spies and servants to the Shadow Lord himself. Having the point driven home by showing us that one of the evil people overseeing the process was the woman who had previously saved our heroes from death in Noradz (first series), now a willing slave due to the worm, was just a truly horrifying moment. Bravo Emily.
The ending fight was thrilling, and Jasmine's anguish at learning that Faith was never real was very affecting, despite being irritated by the whole plotline the entire time. Emlis proved his worth by playing the Pirran Pipe, causing the Shadow Lord to retreat just long enough for the Pirrans below to teleport all the captured people and Lief, Barda and Jasmine back underground to be saved.
We end on a wonderfully happy note, with Lief and Jasmine FINALLY getting over the whole miscommunication between them, and the reveal that Marilyn was simply Lief's heir, not his bride-to-be. The moment when Jasmine takes Lief's hand??? Amazing.
4/5 stars, and now, the final series awaits!!
So so delayed with these reviews... but I'll get through all of them!!
Emlis was a welcome addition to the group, since we dont spend much time with the Kerons underground at all. On top of that, meeting new faces of characters which we had already heard of or know in relation to another character, such as Glock's brother Gers, and the famous winner of the Rithmere games, Brianne of Lees, really helped pull the storyline together of how many lives the Shadow Lord had affected.
The best and worst part of this book was the reveal of the Shadow Lord's plan: to implant these awful worms into the citizens of Deltora, and then release them back to their homes to become faithful spies and servants to the Shadow Lord himself. Having the point driven home by showing us that one of the evil people overseeing the process was the woman who had previously saved our heroes from death in Noradz (first series), now a willing slave due to the worm, was just a truly horrifying moment. Bravo Emily.
The ending fight was thrilling, and Jasmine's anguish at learning that Faith was never real was very affecting, despite being irritated by the whole plotline the entire time. Emlis proved his worth by playing the Pirran Pipe, causing the Shadow Lord to retreat just long enough for the Pirrans below to teleport all the captured people and Lief, Barda and Jasmine back underground to be saved.
We end on a wonderfully happy note, with Lief and Jasmine FINALLY getting over the whole miscommunication between them, and the reveal that Marilyn was simply Lief's heir, not his bride-to-be. The moment when Jasmine takes Lief's hand??? Amazing.
4/5 stars, and now, the final series awaits!!
So so delayed with these reviews... but I'll get through all of them!!
November 1, 2021
Star Rating: 5 stars
Note: This is the 3rd and final book in the Deltora Shadowlands series and the 11th in the overarching Deltora series so this will not be an in-depth review.
In an effort to make my Goodreads an accurate representation of my reading preferences, I have been reading a lot of my childhood favorites, which if I am being honest, has been a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. The one that I chose to pick up this time is The Shadowlands by Emily Rodda, the 3rd and final book in the Deltora Shadowlands trilogy and the 11th in the overarching Deltora saga. This book completes the second arc of the Deltora saga as Leif, Barda, and Jasmine strive to rescue their people from the evil of the Shadowlands and the lord who rules over it.
The best thing about this book/series is that they are the perfect gateway books for young readers when it comes to fantasy. It starts with a very simple plot and world that anyone can understand, and then, it gets steadily more complex as the series progresses. Because of this, it is a great book to introduce children/young readers to fantasy because it won’t easily overwhelm them.
However, when it comes to myself, I enjoyed this book the most because of the themes it explores like heroism, how separation makes you weak and unity makes you strong, and how one recovers from years of conquest. These are themes that are very prevalent in fantasy and if you like how the theories are portrayed here, then you can guarantee that fantasy may be a valid genre for you to pursue reading.
All in all, reading this book was a great window into my childhood, and I can’t wait to keep reading. 5 stars and it remains a childhood favorite!!!
Note: This is the 3rd and final book in the Deltora Shadowlands series and the 11th in the overarching Deltora series so this will not be an in-depth review.
In an effort to make my Goodreads an accurate representation of my reading preferences, I have been reading a lot of my childhood favorites, which if I am being honest, has been a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. The one that I chose to pick up this time is The Shadowlands by Emily Rodda, the 3rd and final book in the Deltora Shadowlands trilogy and the 11th in the overarching Deltora saga. This book completes the second arc of the Deltora saga as Leif, Barda, and Jasmine strive to rescue their people from the evil of the Shadowlands and the lord who rules over it.
The best thing about this book/series is that they are the perfect gateway books for young readers when it comes to fantasy. It starts with a very simple plot and world that anyone can understand, and then, it gets steadily more complex as the series progresses. Because of this, it is a great book to introduce children/young readers to fantasy because it won’t easily overwhelm them.
However, when it comes to myself, I enjoyed this book the most because of the themes it explores like heroism, how separation makes you weak and unity makes you strong, and how one recovers from years of conquest. These are themes that are very prevalent in fantasy and if you like how the theories are portrayed here, then you can guarantee that fantasy may be a valid genre for you to pursue reading.
All in all, reading this book was a great window into my childhood, and I can’t wait to keep reading. 5 stars and it remains a childhood favorite!!!
April 8, 2020
Good show, good show! I'm always going to commend music whenever it appears in fantasy or in any narrative really, so the fact that the Pirran Pipe played the uber important magical device role (i.e. Belt of Deltora-like) is a plus plus from me, dawg.
Of course, it's entirely annoying that the whole premise of this series is due to Jasmine's forced stupidity. How many times have the characters been tricked by the Shadow Lord's laughably obvious traps? So I don't believe for one second Jasmine could be so stupid to believe a sister she never knew existed is all of a sudden portal-calling her, it's ludicrous. Especially after the whole Dain incident at the end of Book Eight, she would've been super wary. And was "Faith" an Ol? The text said she was a phantom that just disappeared into the air.
Did Emily Rodda read Animorphs around this time? Because the whole evil worm sneaking into the ear and taking over the brain/mind thing is definitely from the alien villains in Animorphs. Or it could be total coincidence like the whole Hunger Games vs. Battle Royale thing.
Loved me that Dragons of Deltora setup towards the end with the golden dragon. I am itching to dive into that series, soooo I think that's a wrap, woot woot!
Of course, it's entirely annoying that the whole premise of this series is due to Jasmine's forced stupidity. How many times have the characters been tricked by the Shadow Lord's laughably obvious traps? So I don't believe for one second Jasmine could be so stupid to believe a sister she never knew existed is all of a sudden portal-calling her, it's ludicrous. Especially after the whole Dain incident at the end of Book Eight, she would've been super wary. And was "Faith" an Ol? The text said she was a phantom that just disappeared into the air.
Did Emily Rodda read Animorphs around this time? Because the whole evil worm sneaking into the ear and taking over the brain/mind thing is definitely from the alien villains in Animorphs. Or it could be total coincidence like the whole Hunger Games vs. Battle Royale thing.
Loved me that Dragons of Deltora setup towards the end with the golden dragon. I am itching to dive into that series, soooo I think that's a wrap, woot woot!
December 31, 2018
This book wastes no time in having the adventurers acquire the last piece of the pipe. The way the author did it was clever and I am not disappointed by the quick pace. I found the descriptions of the monsters in the Shadowlands difficult to picture - but at the same time I am somewhat glad I was unable to since they sound horrifying. This book also explains how and where grey guards come from and what the future plans the Shadowlord has. I love that the main characters are not overpowered - in fact they seem to get by with sheer dumb luck. I thought they were surely finished but loved how they were saved - and the people who were saved with them. The story was closed with explanations for everything explained that did a good job wrapping up all loose ends. Some additional information about some of the characters that were met could have been improved upon. The heroes are not really heroes in this one. The romance that blossoms at the end seemed rather sudden, but it was done in a way that is believable but should have probably been spread out more over the course of the series. Even if each of the characters were struggling with their feelings about the other.
March 25, 2020
Zoals ik in het eerste deel van deze driedelige serie al aangaf, vond ik de verhaallijn met Faith voorspelbaar en niet zo interessant. Overall vond ik dat er niet heel veel gebeurde dit boek. Het verkrijgen van het laatste deel van de fluit was erg makkelijk en Emlin vind ik een irritant personage. Het was wel een 'leuk' boek, maar ik had er meer van verwacht omdat dit een finale hoort te zijn. Uiteindelijk loopt de Schaduwheer weer geen schade op! Zonde dat het voelt alsof ze nog steeds niets bereikt hebben.
Aan de andere kant vond ik de plottwist met Marilen en de gordel heel goed gedaan. Dat had ik niet verwacht. Ook het gevecht met de Vraal en het verhaal van de fabriek vond ik heel interessant. Ik vroeg me sinds het eerste boek al af of de Grijze Wachters nou mensen zijn of niet. Het einde voor de Pirranen vond ik erg ontroerend (ja, moest bijna huilen zowaar). Het was minder voorspelbaar dan ik dacht! Heel fijn. Veel dingen hadden wat mij betreft beter of uitgebreider gekund, maar wel fijn dat het doel dat de reizigers in dit deel voor ogen hadden, bereikt is. Ik had op meer fantasy gehoopt!
Aan de andere kant vond ik de plottwist met Marilen en de gordel heel goed gedaan. Dat had ik niet verwacht. Ook het gevecht met de Vraal en het verhaal van de fabriek vond ik heel interessant. Ik vroeg me sinds het eerste boek al af of de Grijze Wachters nou mensen zijn of niet. Het einde voor de Pirranen vond ik erg ontroerend (ja, moest bijna huilen zowaar). Het was minder voorspelbaar dan ik dacht! Heel fijn. Veel dingen hadden wat mij betreft beter of uitgebreider gekund, maar wel fijn dat het doel dat de reizigers in dit deel voor ogen hadden, bereikt is. Ik had op meer fantasy gehoopt!
November 1, 2020
Many of the books in the Deltora series have a similar problem: they have excellent world-building, wonderful build-up and emotional tension, and then... they end. Usually, in a short novel this is okay, if somewhat disappointing. In the first 8 books of the Deltora Quest series, bite-sized adventures where the central conflict is suddenly solves at the end of each book is okay. But the three books in the Shadowlands trilogy read like one long Deltora novel: the first book has excellent world-building, sets up the adventure to come, and gives the reader a sense of what to expect. The second novel introduces a mystery, some twists, and leaves you with a sense of dread for what is to come. And the third novel builds on those ideas a bit in ways that are interesting... but then it ends, as suddenly as any of the other books in the series. I've read the Deltora series completely many times. I'm a big fan of the Dragons of Deltora books (perhaps because Rodda had worked out the formula for these books quite well by then) but this one falls short for me. As a continuation of the last two books it is fine, but as a standalone it leaves you wanting just a bit more.
May 9, 2018
I love this conclusion to the Deltora Shadowlands. It ties together the three tribes of Pira, highlights the differences and similarities between each and finally reveals all of the secrets that the trio have been keeping from each other.
The plans upon plans which the Shadow Lord has placed to defeat them finally are revealed. Although this is a children’s book, the sinister cunning and plotting of the villain throughout this is kind of overwhelming. One of the things I loved as a child was all of the many, many puzzles which are scattered throughout. Yet it wasn’t until I read this series as an adult that I picked up on all of the evils and potential horrors that the antagonist could unleash.
As with everything in this world that Rodda has created, not everything is as it seems. And although this is probably the third time that I read this story, I was still surprised by the final twists.
The plans upon plans which the Shadow Lord has placed to defeat them finally are revealed. Although this is a children’s book, the sinister cunning and plotting of the villain throughout this is kind of overwhelming. One of the things I loved as a child was all of the many, many puzzles which are scattered throughout. Yet it wasn’t until I read this series as an adult that I picked up on all of the evils and potential horrors that the antagonist could unleash.
As with everything in this world that Rodda has created, not everything is as it seems. And although this is probably the third time that I read this story, I was still surprised by the final twists.
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