The Key to Rondo - Book Review
Good news! The third book in the Rondo series has been released in Australia. It is called The Battle for Rondo.
The Key to Rondo
Leo is a sensible boy who would never break the rules, which is why his boring great-aunt Bethany thought he was the perfect guardian for the Langlander music box, and left it to him when she died.
Leo's cousin, Mimi, is very different to him: she is a typical child prodigy, a gifted violinist, and someone who constantly asks difficult questions and refuses to accept the status quo. As Aunt Bethany's least favourite, Mimi inherits only a nondescript necklace that her older sisters don't want from the box left to all of them.
Leo's music box has been in their family for generations, and in all that time has been governed by three rules. Like the holders before her, Aunt Bethany drummed the rules into all the Langlander children at each visit to her home while she was alive: Never turn the key more than 3 times; Never pick up the music box while the music is playing; and Never close the lid before the music has stopped.
But three turns of the key always means the tune is cut off before it finishes and this has always frustrated Mimi-the-musician. When she comes to stay with Leo's family she naturally decides to break some rules that don't make sense to her.
My impressions of The Key to Rondo
Rodda writes with a light, skilful touch that makes this a very easy read. Although I found much of the story quite predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the revelations just as much for the "Hah, I knew it!" feeling. Younger readers will likely still be surprised, and older readers will enjoy the subtle, and not-so-subtle, references to traditional storybook characters and nursery rhymes.
The Key to Rondo is a fun, sweet story, and I highly recommend it.
The Key To Rondo
Key To Rondo
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 12/20/2009)
The Wizard of Rondo
Sequel to The Key to Rondo
The Blue Queen believes Leo and Mimi are stuck in Rondo. To prevent her finding out the truth, Leo and Mimi must return to Rondo and ensure they are spotted by the Blue Queen's spies. While there they join their old friends Bertha and Conker on a quest to solve the mystery of a disappearing wizard and an apprentice who has been turned into a mushroom. The Wizard of Rondo
The Battle for Rondo
Danger awaits Leo and Mimi on their return to Rondo. With the help of Rondo's seven best witches and wizards, their friends have made plans to combat the attacks of the Blue Queen. But it soon becomes clear that defence is no longer enough.The queen has a dragon on her side, and is plotting a terrible revenge on all those who have defied her. A daring plan, a reckless quest and a mysterious prophecy test their wits and courage to the limit as they plunge into adventure and the battle that will decide Rondo's future forever.Availabe from Readings Australia
Important!
Turn the key three times only.
Never turn the key while the music is playing.
Never pick up the box while the music is playing.
Never close the lid until the music has stopped.
Your turn
Write a review, add a comment, or debate someone who disagrees with you.
What did you think?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLove it! Great read.
olivia says:
that the book was awesome and gave me lots to look forward to
Posted December 02, 2009
klizy says:
I think the book was great and my mom loved it too im glad that there is more than one
Posted November 17, 2009
rachelle says:
i really love her books and i am doing a novel study on the key to rondo
Posted November 17, 2009
kamaui says:
It is soooooooooooooo good to read. It makes me want to keep reading all the time!
Posted October 29, 2009
jenny says:
does anyone know what happens once Leo and Mimi arrive in Rondo ?
Posted October 27, 2009
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
BoRaT- I REali aM says:
I think the book was unbelievably GUD! Though when i went to sleep-( I COULDN'T) I was sooo teriffied i looked under the bed and i think i saw the evil ice queen trying to steel my teddy! I was horrified and for the rest of the week i had to sleep with my parents until they told me to read another book... BUT I STILL LUV EMILY RODDA'S BOOKS! Especially the Wizard Of Rondo!
A tip for Emily Rodda, next time you write a book please make it a good ending where the queen is friends with leo and mimi!!
Posted July 10, 2009
f says:
cool book but to bad key to rondo is better dont care lol
Posted December 28, 2008
stephen tran says:
it is good but it doesn't have attention to me .
If you argue against me i do not really care.
The Key to rondo is better.
Posted October 16, 2008
swippy says:
i thought it was a little hard to read
Posted September 24, 2008
Roddy says:
The beginning was a bit boring but the rest of the book especially the back was really exciting!!!
Posted September 06, 2008
Who was your favorite character?
"Rodda writes with a light, skilful touch that makes The Key to Rondo a very easy read."
Rate it, if you dare...
Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda
Rowan of Rin series by Emily Rodda
Emily Rodda on Wikipedia
Jennifer June Rowe (born 2 April 1948) is an Australian author. Her crime fiction for adults is published under her own name, while her children's fiction is published under the pseudonyms Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson.http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Search/Home?lookfor=author:%22Dickinson,%20Mary-Anne,%201948-%22&iknowwhatimean=1http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Search/Home?lookfor=the+charm+bracelet&type=all&limits= She is well known for the children's fantasy series Deltora Quest, Rowan of Rin, Fairy Realm and Teen Power Inc.
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