The Golden Door by Emily Rodda

Welcome back to the amazing fantasy world of Emily Rodda, the Deltora Quest series author. Today she brings on a new journey with her latest trilogy, beginning with The Golden Door. This book, from Scholastic, hit shelves on Oct. 1st.

The Story- Rye lives in the city of Weld with his mom and two older brothers. The unique thing about their city is that no one has left it in over 1,000 years because of the huge circular wall that surrounds it, “protecting” them for the outside world.

But, over the last decade flying creatures have been attacking the homes and killing people. It has gotten so bad that the Warden, the head of the city, has asked for brave adventures to leave the city and find and then destroy the flying beasts.

First, Dirk, the oldest brother leaves. He doesn’t come back. A year later, Sholto, the next brother leaves. He doesn’t come back. Then, Rye’s home is destroyed by the flying beasts and he and his mother are left homeless. But, Rye is having strange dreams about his brothers, and believes they are alive. He lies to the warden about his age, and is allowed to leave the city. But, the only way out is through one of three magic doors. There is the golden door, the silver door, and the wooden door.

Rye knows Dirk would choose gold, so he does too, but not before a young orphan girl, Sonia, tags along for the ride. Together the two teenagers travel into the unknown world outside the wall, following clues to find Dirk. Along the way, Rye finds out there might me more to him than he knew-something magical.

My Thoughts- A fantastic middle grade read. The setting is great, a city that has been separated for over 1,000 years. These people know only what their ancestors wrote down in the past about the outside world, and that is very little. And the magic. I love magic. The city was founded by a wizard trying to protect the people from a great evil. But, that’s all that is known, and magic is gone now. Rye’s character, with his red hair, seems to be an oddity, and his dreams hint at magic.

The series is easily set up. Rye will obviously have to travel through all three doors to rescue his brothers, and eventually save his city. The fun part is Sonia. Who is she? Does she have magic too? She does have red hair. Her character is spunky and determined. She asked every single adventurer to take her with them, but only Rye gave in. The friendship between her and Rye has an air of trust, which is evident when Rye chooses to save her over his brother. (Don’t fret).

So good. I can’t wait for the rest in the series.