A beginner's guide to Emily Rodda
When asked which author sparked my love of reading, without hesitation, my answer is always Emily Rodda. Her books are all instant classics that will be handed down from generation to generation. But If this is your first time reading Rodda, it may be difficult to know where to start. This helpful guide is here to help you pick – but honestly, you'll want to read them all!
For those who love immortals and of course, adventure!
Landovel
Landovel is the latest release from Emily Rodda. For the first time ever, Rodda is releasing a full trilogy together! So you can binge the whole thing and be completely immersed in the magical world! Presented in a stunning embellished giftbox containing all three books with colourful sprayed edges, it's the perfect keepsake.
Derry knows no other life than that of a captive on Cram's Rock, shunned by the other young prisoners for being Cram's poison taster. Until the day everything changes, when a traveller arrives, on the run from the sinister El executioners. She leaves Derry with a magical notebook full of secrets, secrets that might hold the key to Derry's destiny – and his past. For ages 10+.
For those who know heroes come in many forms . . .
Rowan of Rin
Get ready to fall in love with Rowan! This is the perfect series for children (and adults) who are a little shy and want to see a hero like themselves! And it's a great introduction to traditional fantasy.
In a tightly-paced series of adventures, the shy, self-effacing boy Rowan, an unlikely hero, takes on one exciting challenge after another, to first save his village, then his people, and finally the beasts he loves best, the gentle bukshah. Rowan of Rin’s adventures are thrilling, the monsters terrible and the characters memorable. These are books to delight and enthral readers of fantasy. For ages 7+.
For those ready to embark on an epic adventure . . .
Deltora Quest
This is my personal favourite of Rodda's. She's created a vivid fantasy world; from the Forbidden Forest to the Valley of the Lost, Deltora is a dangerously magical place that I want to return to over and over. And with three series, you'll be captivated for hours!
Three companions – Leif, Barda and Jasmine – are on a perilous quest to find the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Only when the belt is complete will the evil Shadow Lord and his rule of tyranny be overcome. The adventurers must solve puzzles and mysteries to fulfil the quest. For ages 7+.
Follow the first epic saga with Quest 2 and Quest 3.
For those not ready to leave Deltora . . .
The Three Doors
The Three Doors dives back into the world of Deltora, but this time with a whole new cast of characters and a brand new evil to fight. Three brothers, three doors, three epic adventures! Although it's set in the same world, The Three Doors Trilogy doesn't have to be read after Deltora Quest.
The walled city of Weld is under attack from ferocious flying creatures that raid in the night, bringing death and destruction. The Warden calls for Volunteers to find and destroy the Enemy who is sending the invaders. The heroes of Weld answer the call one by one, never to return. Rye’s brothers, Dirk and Sholto, are among the lost, and he must find them. Three brothers, three doors. What terrors await them beyond the Wall? For ages 7+.
For those who search for fairies in the backyard . . .
The Fairy Realm
As a little girl, I would build fairy gardens in the backyard and look for signs of fairy visits the next day. The Fairy Realm series gives the sense that fairies truly live in your backyards and mermaids are waiting to grant you wishes.
In The Charm Bracelet, When Jessie visits her grandmother’s house, Blue Moon, she discovers an amazing secret and enters the Realm for the first time. Fairies, elves, tiny horses and all kinds of magical beings live in the Realm, and a noble Queen in a great golden palace rules them all. But the Realm is in terrible danger, and Jessie must outwit an evil enemy to save the land before it is destroyed forever! For ages 7+.
The rest of the series can be found here.
For those looking for something Special . . .
Something Special
If you're looking for something outside of the fantasy world, then Something Special is the book for you. This is a beautiful story that has captured the magic and imagination of a young girl discovering how every item of clothing tells a story. How every dress, every pair of shoes, every well-worn dressing gown can hold meaning and be someone’s 'something special'.
In the spare room, the second-hand clothes hang in rows, stirring in the sunlight. Sam walks through the rows, brushing velvety sleeves, touching lace, sensing memories and magic. The clothes all have neat price tags. They're ready to be sold at the school fete on Saturday. Sam knows that some of them are Special. Her mother has told her so. But she is soon to find out just how Special they really are. for ages 10+.
For those who love a little mystery . . .
His Name Was Walter
A mystery, a prophecy, a long-buried secret, His Name Was Walter has it all. It's a story within a story with lots of twists and turns!
Once upon a time, in a dark city far away, there lived a boy called Walter, who had nothing but his name to call his own . . . The handwritten book, with its strangely vivid illustrations, has been hidden in the old house for a long, long time. Tonight, four kids and their teacher will find it. Tonight, at last, the haunting story of Walter and the mysterious, tragic girl called Sparrow will be read – right to the very end . . . For ages 9+.
