Other reviews:
The Starthorn Tree by
Kate Forsyth
The Thief Lord by
Cornelia Funke
Northern Lights
by Philip Pullman
Farseer Trilogy by Robin
Hobb
Liveship Traders
Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Dragonriders of Pern by
Anne McCaffrey
|
|
|
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
four 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
three times; Never turn the key or 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 makes sense to her.
Emily Rodda has written a gem of a story in The Key to Rondo, that will be enjoyed most by ages 7 to 10. Leo and Mimi are well-rounded, complex, and interesting characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. As opposites, they reveal each other’s strengths and flaws perfectly and many children will identify easily with either of them.
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.
copyright © Elsa Neal 2007 (Please contact the
for permission to reprint this article.)
The
Key to Rondo is available to pre-order from Amazon.com. It will be
released in the US in February 2008. Emily
Rodda is also the author of Tales
of Deltora and Rowan
of Rin.
Back to fantasy
reviews index
Back to
general reviews index
|
|
|
Related
links:
Emily
Rodda's website
|
