LANDOVEL BY EMILY RODDA, PUBLISHED BY ALLEN & UNWIN

On a rock in the middle of an ocean, in a damp dark castle, Derry lives his days. He is the poison taster to the rebel slave trader, Cram. He doesn’t remember his life before, but spends his days reading to Cram and tasting food that may kill him. Life is dark, violent and unpredictable.

One day a woman comes to the rock demanding a slave, namely Derry, but she has been followed by two deadly beings who kill her. She leaves behind a magic journal that only Derry has seen. After this visit, life on the island changes as Cram becomes more paranoid. Finally, the day comes when all the slaves on the rock are saved and taken to the safety of Free Landovel.

Here in the bigger world Derry learns there are two islands, separated many years ago by a comet. Free Landovel uses technology, ID chips and medicine in their every day lives. The people of True Landovel are ruled by a king who bans the use of anything mechanical or advanced technology, including medicines. The people of True Landovel live in a different time and suffer poverty and starvation under the rule of Gilbert.

Derry must navigate this new life in Free Landovel, work out who he can trust and what to do about the secret journal. Emily Rodda has created a wonderful new world for Middle Grade readers to explore. Her characters are so well formed that you are engaged from the minute you start reading. Covering themes of belonging, family, trust and courage, this new set of books is a must read. The great thing is that the three-book series has been released all at once in a beautiful hard case. Let the binge begin!

For Ages: 9-14 years

Number of Pages: 323 pages book 1

Published: October Allen & Unwin

Themes: Family, friendship and courage.

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/landovel-box-set-by-emily-rodda-9781761069758