Reviews

The Key to Rondo & The Maze of the Beast

 The Key to Rondo

 'The Key to Rondo', by Emily Rodda, is a fantasy novel which shows themes of indifference, hatred, disappointment and love as two cousins are taken into an entirely different world. A magical music box which has been in their family for generations is passed down to one of them. It comes with four major rules: you must wind the key exactly three times; never close the lid before the music stops; don't lift up the music box until the music stops; and never, ever wind the box when the music is still playing.

A young boy named Leo is in his bedroom listening to his music box when his cousin Mimi visits, along with her pet dog, Mutt. Leo knows he mustn't break the rules of the music box so he starts to head over to it but Mimi is way ahead of him and winds up the key while the music is still playing. Before Leo could do anything a figure came out of the paintings on the side of the music box and kidnapped Mutt, taking him back into the paintings while leaving a key behind. The cousins knew they must get Mutt back and so winds the key four times before being sucked into the music box.

Due to some technical language features, this book is most suitable for stage three students (yr 5-6). I don't recommend this book for younger children however adults may also appeal to this book. Out of 5 stars, I give this book 3.5 stars.

The Maze of the Beast

'The Maze of the Beast' by Emily Rodda is a fantasy novel and shows themes of betrayal, compassion, loyalty and fear as three companions take on a journey to search for the sixth gem of the Belt of Deltora. 

Three companions, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have just obtained the emerald and are aiming to collect the amethyst from the maze of the beast. During the long and treacherous journey there, they encounter creatures they never knew existed; ols. Ols are creatures that can shapeshift into anything, depending on their levels. They faced many challenges such as: an injured companion; being imprisoned for more than three days; and being kidnapped by pirates. At last, they reach the maze, but will they be able to find the gem and escape safely?

The author's use of language may not be too difficult for children of young age as there aren't many technical language features. As a result this book is recommended for stage two students (yr 3-4). Most people will be able to connect with this book however younger children may not. Therefore out of 5 stars, i give this book 4 stars.