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The Three Doors Trilogy #1
The Golden Door
The start of a stirring fantasy trilogy from Emily Rodda, the internationally bestselling author of Dragons of Deltora.
The walled city of Weld is under attack from ferocious flying creatures that raid in the night, bringing death and destruction. The Warden calls for Volunteers to find and destroy the Enemy sending invaders, and the heroes of Weld answer the call one by one, never to return. Rye is officially too young to go, but his brothers are among the lost and he must find them. What terrors await him beyond the Wall?
The walled city of Weld is under attack from ferocious flying creatures that raid in the night, bringing death and destruction. The Warden calls for Volunteers to find and destroy the Enemy sending invaders, and the heroes of Weld answer the call one by one, never to return. Rye is officially too young to go, but his brothers are among the lost and he must find them. What terrors await him beyond the Wall?
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
98 people are currently reading
2775 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rodda
297 books2,115 followersEmily Rodda (real name Jennifer Rowe) was born in Sydney, Australia and graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 with an MA (Hons) in English Literature. Moving into a publishing career, first as a book editor, and finally as a publisher at Angus & Robertson, Rodda's first book was published in 1984.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
August 31, 2023
Undoubtedly one of the best children’s book (age 8 – 12) that I have ever read. Ms. Rodda’s The Golden Door begins in a walled city, which is under attack. The mythical creatures responsible for wreaking havoc and taking lives are described just enough to fuel the imagination. As the frequency of the vicious attacks increases, three brothers begin to theorize about the entity behind these “skimmers”.
The boys, it seems, are not alone in their plotting, as the walled city’s Warden quickly announces a reward to the brave young man capable of leaving the city to conquer the evil behind the destruction. As the enchanting tale unfolds, we quickly see that the youngest brother, he of copper hair, is the one for the mission, in spite of his age. Rye’s simple, yet unwavering dedication to the cause is simply endearing. His quiet determination earns respects, and Rye makes many acquaintances on his journey. Soon, he has a small bag of inexplicable magic strengths to aid him.
This book is beautifully written. Flowing with a seemingly older style of speaking, the writing is lyrical at times. Captivating from beginning to end and filled with strong, rich characters, I highly recommend this book for those 4th – 7th graders that haven’t yet been bitten by the reading bug. Equally, I think my fellow voracious readers, always on the look-out for something new & different, will find Ms. Rodda perfectly fills this void. Oh, and the very best part…………this is book is the first of three.
The boys, it seems, are not alone in their plotting, as the walled city’s Warden quickly announces a reward to the brave young man capable of leaving the city to conquer the evil behind the destruction. As the enchanting tale unfolds, we quickly see that the youngest brother, he of copper hair, is the one for the mission, in spite of his age. Rye’s simple, yet unwavering dedication to the cause is simply endearing. His quiet determination earns respects, and Rye makes many acquaintances on his journey. Soon, he has a small bag of inexplicable magic strengths to aid him.
This book is beautifully written. Flowing with a seemingly older style of speaking, the writing is lyrical at times. Captivating from beginning to end and filled with strong, rich characters, I highly recommend this book for those 4th – 7th graders that haven’t yet been bitten by the reading bug. Equally, I think my fellow voracious readers, always on the look-out for something new & different, will find Ms. Rodda perfectly fills this void. Oh, and the very best part…………this is book is the first of three.
December 15, 2020
This was a really good book! It had a fantastic concept and the whole plot with Rye was all in all satisfying, and leaves enough space for its sequels. I think the pacing is very straight forward and keeps you at the edge of your seat, especially towards the end where Rodda gives it her all. This book came out when I was in year six and I remember buying it from a big book sale and re-reading has taken me back to that time. It was kid-friendly but the adventure beyond the Golden Door was extremely dangerous and mature. I'm looking forward to seeing what lies behind the silver and wooden doors. If memory serves me right, Deltora Quest was a little better, but it's still a fantastic beginning for a trilogy and a must-read for fantasy fans! Well done Emily Rodda...
August 26, 2021
2 Silver Stars
(P: Poor)
for a book this short, it took longer than I expected & I'm so sad to give an Emily Rodda's book such low rate. *deep sigh* but it was not Deltora.
it had a Great start, introducing the city & the relationship between the three brothers. cute & funny. it was kind of promising.
then, sadly, it dragged on until the real adventure started.
& the real adventure was, mehhh... boring, more dragged on. I only continued to see what had happened to Dirk, who, I noticed later, was my favourite character. Rye & Sonia were good, but not interesting enough to be my anchor.
in the end, it turned up pace & the thrills & some answers to some of my questions were more satisfying.
I will continue the series for two reason; Dirk will be in the next book (he had so little time in this book), I really want to know who sending those blasting skimmers. (I have my own hypothesis now)
-
Plot: ★★/5 (pace: ★★/5 - excitement: ★★★/5)
Characters: ★★(★)/5
World building: ★★(★)/5
Written style: ★★★/5
general idea: ★★/5
(P: Poor)
for a book this short, it took longer than I expected & I'm so sad to give an Emily Rodda's book such low rate. *deep sigh* but it was not Deltora.
it had a Great start, introducing the city & the relationship between the three brothers. cute & funny. it was kind of promising.
then, sadly, it dragged on until the real adventure started.
& the real adventure was, mehhh... boring, more dragged on. I only continued to see what had happened to Dirk, who, I noticed later, was my favourite character. Rye & Sonia were good, but not interesting enough to be my anchor.
in the end, it turned up pace & the thrills & some answers to some of my questions were more satisfying.
I will continue the series for two reason; Dirk will be in the next book (he had so little time in this book), I really want to know who sending those blasting skimmers. (I have my own hypothesis now)
-
Plot: ★★/5 (pace: ★★/5 - excitement: ★★★/5)
Characters: ★★(★)/5
World building: ★★(★)/5
Written style: ★★★/5
general idea: ★★/5
August 11, 2016
Damn, I love this hook.
Yay monsters and walled cities and quests through strange lands. But pair those (awesome) standbys with this hook... and I'm sunk.
Rye's brothers volunteered to hunt down the monsters that swoop down upon the walled city years ago. Now Rye and his mom are destitute and must go work for the government. So Rye decides to lie about his age and follow in the footsteps of his brothers - hopefully to find them and bring them back.
When he gets to the room there are three doors. One gold, one silver, one simple wood.
If Rye was choosing his own path, he would choose the wooden one, but he is trying to find his brothers. Which door would they go through?
I read this hoping to take it to upper elementary students to promote the 2013 Summer Reading program. But when I read it, I realized it's really more appropriate for middle school students. The monsters are pretty scary, but honestly the villain is scarier - he reminds me of Leck from the Graceling series. Or even He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The adventure is complex enough, and the worlds and beings the character encounters are new enough, that this will definitely sell to my younger teenagers.
And it's REALLY REALLY good. I mean, I've heard the name Emily Rodda plenty - she's the author of those Secrets of Droon books that we keep in our kids series section. And I guess when someone writes for as long as she has, you do some honing of your craft. Because this is really really awesome, a really great read. I try not to read series, but I'm having a hard time resisting reading the next one here.
Other themes: Oppressive governments, the role of government in protecting citizens, the draft, ethics, doing what's right, hiding in huts from creepy creepy livestock, spiderwebs, chicks who fight, the role of family, human sacrifice, standards of beauty and orphans and -- of course -- sea monsters.
Gahblah.
Yay monsters and walled cities and quests through strange lands. But pair those (awesome) standbys with this hook... and I'm sunk.
Rye's brothers volunteered to hunt down the monsters that swoop down upon the walled city years ago. Now Rye and his mom are destitute and must go work for the government. So Rye decides to lie about his age and follow in the footsteps of his brothers - hopefully to find them and bring them back.
When he gets to the room there are three doors. One gold, one silver, one simple wood.
If Rye was choosing his own path, he would choose the wooden one, but he is trying to find his brothers. Which door would they go through?
I read this hoping to take it to upper elementary students to promote the 2013 Summer Reading program. But when I read it, I realized it's really more appropriate for middle school students. The monsters are pretty scary, but honestly the villain is scarier - he reminds me of Leck from the Graceling series. Or even He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The adventure is complex enough, and the worlds and beings the character encounters are new enough, that this will definitely sell to my younger teenagers.
And it's REALLY REALLY good. I mean, I've heard the name Emily Rodda plenty - she's the author of those Secrets of Droon books that we keep in our kids series section. And I guess when someone writes for as long as she has, you do some honing of your craft. Because this is really really awesome, a really great read. I try not to read series, but I'm having a hard time resisting reading the next one here.
Other themes: Oppressive governments, the role of government in protecting citizens, the draft, ethics, doing what's right, hiding in huts from creepy creepy livestock, spiderwebs, chicks who fight, the role of family, human sacrifice, standards of beauty and orphans and -- of course -- sea monsters.
Gahblah.
December 18, 2013
I finished this book an hour or so ago, and I'm still trembling from the suspense.
OH. MY. GOSH. This is for kids?! THIS IS SCARY! I felt like a coward reading it and I'm an adult... *laughs* The Golden Door is a fantastic story, it's about a teenage boy who leaves his city under aged, in hopes to find his lost brother and rid of these terrifying monsters called skimmers - from destroying any more of their homeland in the Weld. I really, really, really liked the plot. The story is extremely suspenseful and adventurous, especially with all the scary monsters that attack the main character (and the mean people who have too much power in their hands and butts.) Though it's a pretty straightforward read without much twists and turns, (in fact I found it pretty predictable) it's amazing how so little can be so much at the same time. The Golden Door definitely had me turning pages a LOT!
...On a gloomy note, I'm not really sure if this book should be for kids or not - it's quite scary. When I was reading it, I kept thinking it was a YA book, because there's a lot of description of blood, gore, and even shredded parts of bodies (mildly described though.) Still, I've read plenty of books marked as YA, but even they had LESS blood in it! So needless to say, I was surprised reading this 'kids book' with more blood hurdling than I can remember in a while. *laughs* Kiddies should read at their own risk, if they aren't afraid of some violence and scary disturbing scenes. :)
I'm really glad that this is a series, because I want to read more of this world the story takes place in, it's very interesting!
OH. MY. GOSH. This is for kids?! THIS IS SCARY! I felt like a coward reading it and I'm an adult... *laughs* The Golden Door is a fantastic story, it's about a teenage boy who leaves his city under aged, in hopes to find his lost brother and rid of these terrifying monsters called skimmers - from destroying any more of their homeland in the Weld. I really, really, really liked the plot. The story is extremely suspenseful and adventurous, especially with all the scary monsters that attack the main character (and the mean people who have too much power in their hands and butts.) Though it's a pretty straightforward read without much twists and turns, (in fact I found it pretty predictable) it's amazing how so little can be so much at the same time. The Golden Door definitely had me turning pages a LOT!
...On a gloomy note, I'm not really sure if this book should be for kids or not - it's quite scary. When I was reading it, I kept thinking it was a YA book, because there's a lot of description of blood, gore, and even shredded parts of bodies (mildly described though.) Still, I've read plenty of books marked as YA, but even they had LESS blood in it! So needless to say, I was surprised reading this 'kids book' with more blood hurdling than I can remember in a while. *laughs* Kiddies should read at their own risk, if they aren't afraid of some violence and scary disturbing scenes. :)
I'm really glad that this is a series, because I want to read more of this world the story takes place in, it's very interesting!
May 26, 2012
In the first book of her new trilogy, master storyteller Emily Rodda weaves her magic once again. The Golden Door introduces Rye, youngest of three brothers. His brothers, and others, have vanished one by one while seeking to stop the deathly flying skimmers which attack and kill the citizens of The Weld.
Rodda unfolds a story full of magic, danger, chance encounters and strange characters who offer assistance at critical junctures. Accustomed to thinking less of himself than his heroic sporty eldest brother, and his clever, quick, second brother, Rye must somehow face hazards, battle evil-doers, trust his instincts and new abilities, and find the hero within himself.
Rodda’s language is simple and clear, her writing is assured, the plot is fast paced and yet allows us to get to know Rye and his assorted friends whom he collects along the way. Rye is an immensely appealing character – unassuming, loyal and courageous when it matters.
Emily Rodda has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for a record five times. Many readers will be familiar with Rodda’s best-selling Deltora Quest series, and this trilogy promises to be another extraordinary adventure.
Highly recommended for readers 8+
Also published on my blog http://misspossumbooklove.blogspot.co... and in the Ballarat Courier 02.02.12 http://www.thecourier.com.au
Rodda unfolds a story full of magic, danger, chance encounters and strange characters who offer assistance at critical junctures. Accustomed to thinking less of himself than his heroic sporty eldest brother, and his clever, quick, second brother, Rye must somehow face hazards, battle evil-doers, trust his instincts and new abilities, and find the hero within himself.
Rodda’s language is simple and clear, her writing is assured, the plot is fast paced and yet allows us to get to know Rye and his assorted friends whom he collects along the way. Rye is an immensely appealing character – unassuming, loyal and courageous when it matters.
Emily Rodda has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for a record five times. Many readers will be familiar with Rodda’s best-selling Deltora Quest series, and this trilogy promises to be another extraordinary adventure.
Highly recommended for readers 8+
Also published on my blog http://misspossumbooklove.blogspot.co... and in the Ballarat Courier 02.02.12 http://www.thecourier.com.au
February 19, 2022
19/02/2022
4.5 ⭐️
One of the best fantasy middle grade stories I’ve ever read. The Golden Door (and the sequels) puts all other ‘Chosen One’ stories to shame.
18/10/2018
4 ⭐️
Hello, I love this trilogy, Please read it. Thank you.
25/06/2016
5 ⭐️
I loved this and I can't recommend it enough.
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4.5 ⭐️
One of the best fantasy middle grade stories I’ve ever read. The Golden Door (and the sequels) puts all other ‘Chosen One’ stories to shame.
18/10/2018
4 ⭐️
Hello, I love this trilogy, Please read it. Thank you.
25/06/2016
5 ⭐️
I loved this and I can't recommend it enough.
Blog | Letterboxd | Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph
December 10, 2022
another one for the reread pile. I remember this book specifically so clearly - the nostalgia is immense.
September 25, 2012
f you are looking for a book that will introduce your young reader (8 or so years old) to the delightful tropes of the Quest Fantasy, you can read The Hobbit out loud, which is a lovely thing to do. However, if you want said child to read independently (which so many of us do), you could do much worse than offer him or her The Golden Door. Which is to say, I think it achieves what it set out do -- it tells an entertaining story in a very appealing way.
Weld is a world within a wall. Not a big world...actually more like a densely packed settlement. But the space protected by the wall and its magic is the only world Rye and his brothers have ever known. It's clear, though, that there is something outside the wall, a place where the fearsome Skimmers fly from each night, preying on the unlucky and the unwary (which is to say, eating them).
Things get going when Rye's two older brothers volunteer to go hunt skimmers outside the wall, and never come back; Rye (in good third brother style) going off to look for them. The way out of Weld gives the traveller a choice of three doors--gold, silver, and wood--and Rye, trying to think which his oldest brother would choose, heads off through the golden door. (It's nice that Rye's motivation is to find his brothers, whom he loves, not the usual honor and glory heroicness).
He doesn't go alone--Sonia, a girl whose been hanging around the Warden's keep for ages, trying to get through herself, convinces him to let her come with him. And they're off, confronting a strange world that holds its own strange terrors...
It is a pretty much note-perfect fantasy adventure for the eight or nine year old. The critically reading adult might find plot points they don't care for, and have passing disbelief suspension issues (did I myself, in my adultish way, embrace it and love it to pieces? Not so much, though I read it very happily), but I think its target audience won't see any problems with it. For them, the story of the third brother and the magic that awaits him in woods beyond the world is still fresh and new, and the splashes of humor and everyday details that Rodda throws into her mix makes this particular tale and its two main characters veryappealing. For what it's worth, there are also scary bits, and anxious bits, and gross bits.
Weld is a world within a wall. Not a big world...actually more like a densely packed settlement. But the space protected by the wall and its magic is the only world Rye and his brothers have ever known. It's clear, though, that there is something outside the wall, a place where the fearsome Skimmers fly from each night, preying on the unlucky and the unwary (which is to say, eating them).
Things get going when Rye's two older brothers volunteer to go hunt skimmers outside the wall, and never come back; Rye (in good third brother style) going off to look for them. The way out of Weld gives the traveller a choice of three doors--gold, silver, and wood--and Rye, trying to think which his oldest brother would choose, heads off through the golden door. (It's nice that Rye's motivation is to find his brothers, whom he loves, not the usual honor and glory heroicness).
He doesn't go alone--Sonia, a girl whose been hanging around the Warden's keep for ages, trying to get through herself, convinces him to let her come with him. And they're off, confronting a strange world that holds its own strange terrors...
It is a pretty much note-perfect fantasy adventure for the eight or nine year old. The critically reading adult might find plot points they don't care for, and have passing disbelief suspension issues (did I myself, in my adultish way, embrace it and love it to pieces? Not so much, though I read it very happily), but I think its target audience won't see any problems with it. For them, the story of the third brother and the magic that awaits him in woods beyond the world is still fresh and new, and the splashes of humor and everyday details that Rodda throws into her mix makes this particular tale and its two main characters veryappealing. For what it's worth, there are also scary bits, and anxious bits, and gross bits.
May 29, 2013
Seen at Scott Reads It
Emily Rodda is an international best-selling author and her Deltora Quest series has sold over 15 million copies across the globe. There is even a Deltora Quest anime in Australia yet I hadn't even heard of Emily Rodda until recently. I'm a fantasy junkie and I bet I would have loved Emily Rodda's books during elementary and middle school. The Golden Door is my first Emily Rodda and I don't expect it to be my last.
The Golden Door is a short but sweet middle-grade novel that will appeal to younger readers. Sadly it doesn't have much cross-over appeal for Young Adults or adults. The Golden Door is an entertaining book but I have definitely read this book before in many different incarnations. This book mixes some very familiar fantasy concepts and plot elements into a mishmash which is known as The Golden Door. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy The Golden Door but it's nothing original at all. I never really felt an urge to keep reading, this book didn't really have an addictive quality to it.
The Golden Door will certainly appeal to younger readers and I think many younger readers will love this book. I don't think I will be reading book #2; maybe I should read the Deltora Quest books. This book is perfect for younger readers who aren't quite old enough for Eragon or Lord Of The Rings. If you're familiar with the fantasy genre, you probably won't appreciate this book. Thank you to Scholastic for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Emily Rodda is an international best-selling author and her Deltora Quest series has sold over 15 million copies across the globe. There is even a Deltora Quest anime in Australia yet I hadn't even heard of Emily Rodda until recently. I'm a fantasy junkie and I bet I would have loved Emily Rodda's books during elementary and middle school. The Golden Door is my first Emily Rodda and I don't expect it to be my last.
The Golden Door is a short but sweet middle-grade novel that will appeal to younger readers. Sadly it doesn't have much cross-over appeal for Young Adults or adults. The Golden Door is an entertaining book but I have definitely read this book before in many different incarnations. This book mixes some very familiar fantasy concepts and plot elements into a mishmash which is known as The Golden Door. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy The Golden Door but it's nothing original at all. I never really felt an urge to keep reading, this book didn't really have an addictive quality to it.
The Golden Door will certainly appeal to younger readers and I think many younger readers will love this book. I don't think I will be reading book #2; maybe I should read the Deltora Quest books. This book is perfect for younger readers who aren't quite old enough for Eragon or Lord Of The Rings. If you're familiar with the fantasy genre, you probably won't appreciate this book. Thank you to Scholastic for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
January 12, 2015
My kids loved The Belt of Deltora series and one of them got this book for Christmas. We decided to read it aloud and all of us just loved it! Full of adventure, mystery, and even magic, this series is another winner.
Rye and his two older brothers live with their mother in the Weld, a city surrounded by walls. Every night, skimmers come and attack the village, especially those houses that aren't sealed up and silent. If they get a taste of blood, they'll be back, totally demolishing anything in their path. A quest is offered up for young men 18 and older, to try and find the source of the skimmers. Rye's oldest brother, Dirk, leaves and then a year later, the middle brother. When they are both assumed dead and Rye and his mother are left with nothing, he sneaks off and lies about his age, in order to find his brothers and stop the skimmers.
There is some blood, fighting, death, etc, but nothing too graphic.
Rye and his two older brothers live with their mother in the Weld, a city surrounded by walls. Every night, skimmers come and attack the village, especially those houses that aren't sealed up and silent. If they get a taste of blood, they'll be back, totally demolishing anything in their path. A quest is offered up for young men 18 and older, to try and find the source of the skimmers. Rye's oldest brother, Dirk, leaves and then a year later, the middle brother. When they are both assumed dead and Rye and his mother are left with nothing, he sneaks off and lies about his age, in order to find his brothers and stop the skimmers.
There is some blood, fighting, death, etc, but nothing too graphic.
April 17, 2021
A rag to riches story (if Sonia is who I think she is) with a quest and plenty of action. I would have liked the ending to wrap up a few loose ends but it sets up for the sequel. Sonia interested me more than the main character. She had spunk and courage. I like her part at the climax. Fun story.
April 30, 2024
I admit, I got excited when a tall guy called Nanion appeared.
Brothers Dirk, Sholto and Rye live in Weld, a walled city that has had no contact with the outside world for centuries. In the past seven years, the batlike Skimmers have ravaged the city every summer. Eventually, volunteers are called on to leave the city and find the source of the Skimmers. Dirk, then Sholto volunteer, but no one ever returns. Strange dreams of his brothers and the destruction of his home by Skimmers prompt the 16 year old Rye to leave as well, and he is secretly joined by an orphan girl, Sonia. Passing through one of three magic doors out of Weld, they have a strange encounter with the dryad-like Fellan, and discover that they have been misled about the nature of the outside world.
Another middle grade fantasy adventure by Rodda, connected to the Deltora series, but in several ways it's an inversion. The basic setup of a boy accompanied by a girl, travelling across a hostile land where they must conceal their identities is similar, but in Deltora the parameters of the quest were known from the outset, whereas here, not only are the means but the endpoint of the quest unknown. (1. Find source of Skimmers 2. ??? 3. Profit.) Practically as soon as they leave their semi-dystopian city they find that basic facts they had been told about their history and situation are false. That in itself is somewhat similar to the palace prequel sequence of the first Deltora book.
The adventure itself doesn't quite match up, at least so far. The prophetic elements (Rye's red hair and the gifts of the Fellan) genericize it, and the creatures encountered aren't up to the Deltora weirdness par. The opening sequence inside Weld has some good hopelessness, and some fairy tale touches (the importance of choosing the right door) enliven the beginning, but the outside lets things down. Getting all your magic items right at the start deprives the adventure of the game-like accumulation and depletion that was part of Deltora. Not just the gems, but things like the lily potion, Tom's shop, and the dreaming spring water. Having to figure out the properties instead is a poor substitute, since there's a feeling that the author can just asspull anything she likes, rather than having to stick to the known. None of the gems ever sprouted a new power when it was needed, but that's quite possible here. Nor are there any puzzles I could see. Trying to figure out the puzzles along with, or before, the heroes was all part of the fun. The introduction of characters is also a bit off. This book is slightly longer than a Deltora book, but overall the series is shorter, I think. It's like if Jasmine had been introduced in book two, and Barda in book three. The dynamic needs time to develop from the initial conditions. They are not bad characters, but there may not be enough time for them to jell together.
Brothers Dirk, Sholto and Rye live in Weld, a walled city that has had no contact with the outside world for centuries. In the past seven years, the batlike Skimmers have ravaged the city every summer. Eventually, volunteers are called on to leave the city and find the source of the Skimmers. Dirk, then Sholto volunteer, but no one ever returns. Strange dreams of his brothers and the destruction of his home by Skimmers prompt the 16 year old Rye to leave as well, and he is secretly joined by an orphan girl, Sonia. Passing through one of three magic doors out of Weld, they have a strange encounter with the dryad-like Fellan, and discover that they have been misled about the nature of the outside world.
Another middle grade fantasy adventure by Rodda, connected to the Deltora series, but in several ways it's an inversion. The basic setup of a boy accompanied by a girl, travelling across a hostile land where they must conceal their identities is similar, but in Deltora the parameters of the quest were known from the outset, whereas here, not only are the means but the endpoint of the quest unknown. (1. Find source of Skimmers 2. ??? 3. Profit.) Practically as soon as they leave their semi-dystopian city they find that basic facts they had been told about their history and situation are false. That in itself is somewhat similar to the palace prequel sequence of the first Deltora book.
The adventure itself doesn't quite match up, at least so far. The prophetic elements (Rye's red hair and the gifts of the Fellan) genericize it, and the creatures encountered aren't up to the Deltora weirdness par. The opening sequence inside Weld has some good hopelessness, and some fairy tale touches (the importance of choosing the right door) enliven the beginning, but the outside lets things down. Getting all your magic items right at the start deprives the adventure of the game-like accumulation and depletion that was part of Deltora. Not just the gems, but things like the lily potion, Tom's shop, and the dreaming spring water. Having to figure out the properties instead is a poor substitute, since there's a feeling that the author can just asspull anything she likes, rather than having to stick to the known. None of the gems ever sprouted a new power when it was needed, but that's quite possible here. Nor are there any puzzles I could see. Trying to figure out the puzzles along with, or before, the heroes was all part of the fun. The introduction of characters is also a bit off. This book is slightly longer than a Deltora book, but overall the series is shorter, I think. It's like if Jasmine had been introduced in book two, and Barda in book three. The dynamic needs time to develop from the initial conditions. They are not bad characters, but there may not be enough time for them to jell together.
February 16, 2016
This is a perfect Middle Grade school fantasy for any kids who enjoy adventure and a bit of magic in their books. The characters were memorable and likable for the most part. As an adult reading this book, I found myself happily carried along by the flow of the story. It was a quick, fun read and I can see myself happily continuing on in the series. I can't wait to find out if the other books in the series continue to follow Rye on his adventures or if they follow one of his brothers' point-of-view. Either way I'm looking forward to reading them.
August 12, 2023
I needed some variety in my reading, do I decided to start on some books I picked up at a recent book fair. I managed to get this trilogy, and The Golden Door (1st book in the series) is wonderful. It's just the type of book I have loved reading since I was in my early teens. Adventure, fantasy, quests, engaging characters, mysteries, and villains. This book has it all, and is written very well.
Like many fantasy stories, we have the unlikely hero, or reluctant hero. It works well in this book, and I have to admit is a trope I enjoy. Rye makes for a fantastic protagonist and hero, and the other characters he meets along the way are just as wonderful.
It is a quick and fun read, and the story unfolds like the confirmation of a prophecy, which is another fantasy trope I enjoy. I think of David Eddings whenever I see this in fantasy. Even though this book is written for a young teen audience, it can be enjoyed by all ages, especially given the villains are quite dark in nature.
Like many fantasy stories, we have the unlikely hero, or reluctant hero. It works well in this book, and I have to admit is a trope I enjoy. Rye makes for a fantastic protagonist and hero, and the other characters he meets along the way are just as wonderful.
It is a quick and fun read, and the story unfolds like the confirmation of a prophecy, which is another fantasy trope I enjoy. I think of David Eddings whenever I see this in fantasy. Even though this book is written for a young teen audience, it can be enjoyed by all ages, especially given the villains are quite dark in nature.
October 4, 2018
Emily Rodda is one of the best children's writers ever. She's great at creating situations and characters that benefit from luck or privilege or lack thereof the same way that happens in real life. She imbues her stories with social and political elements like propaganda and bias, while still making it understandable and accessible. The only reason it's not a 5 is because I felt like it started a little slowly.
January 15, 2021
What's not to love about this book? Sea serpents, skimmers (dragons), magic powers accompanied by magical people. This was such an adventurous book and I had read it in just one night. The only thing I didn't like was it felt a bit rushed towards the end. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5. It's still a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who is into fantasy/adventure!
August 13, 2018
A very well-written children’s book.
October 23, 2021
still as good as ever
November 2, 2024
Emily Rodda is a great storyteller. However, I found this book surprisingly dark for a kids' novel and that the "good" characters were not strong and compelling enough (like they are in a series like LOTR). There are too many horror elements for me to share with kiddos or for me to read book #2.
July 31, 2025
A fun story, and I liked the characters. I just wish both were a little more fleshed out. We'll see what the next book holds.
June 22, 2017
An exciting adventure! Rodda can always be relied upon for a good story.
November 25, 2012
The Golden Door is the first book in a new middle grade fantasy series by Emily Rodda. Rye is the youngest of three brothers living in the walled city of Weld. Their city has been under attack by creatures they have called Skimmer, that swoop in during the night and kill and destroy. The Warden of Weld calls for young men to leave the city through a hidden exit and discover the secret of who is creating and sending the Skimmers, but none that are sent return. Rye's bothers each take their turn, and Rye follows their lead after disaster strikes. The world outside of Weld, and the girl that accompanies Rye, are much more than he could ever have imagined as an amazing adventure begins.
The Golden Door introduces readers to a new world, one that is as well built and developed as the characters that inhabit it. The city of Weld, and the communities and individuals that Rye discovers outside Weld's walls, are fully formed and the people seem to come alive. The struggles of those facing oppression, fear, or pain is something universal. Rye's character grows, and his understanding of himself, those he meets, and the larger world takes the reader to new understanding as well. Rye's understanding of his brothers and mother, even when not in their presence is very well done, and perfectly paced. My only distraction through the story lies only in my reading history, rather than any fault in the story or author, because a very different character in a very different genre of book shares the name of Rye's brother Sholto.
I highly recommend The Golden Door to readers around eight years of age through high school age, as well as adults. Readers that have enjoyed Rodda's Deltora Quest and Rowan of Rin series, or simply like well done fantasy that includes quests, monsters, and fully developed characters, will particularly enjoy it. I am looking forward to following Rye and Sonia through The Silver Door and The Wooden Door to see where this journey takes them.
The Golden Door introduces readers to a new world, one that is as well built and developed as the characters that inhabit it. The city of Weld, and the communities and individuals that Rye discovers outside Weld's walls, are fully formed and the people seem to come alive. The struggles of those facing oppression, fear, or pain is something universal. Rye's character grows, and his understanding of himself, those he meets, and the larger world takes the reader to new understanding as well. Rye's understanding of his brothers and mother, even when not in their presence is very well done, and perfectly paced. My only distraction through the story lies only in my reading history, rather than any fault in the story or author, because a very different character in a very different genre of book shares the name of Rye's brother Sholto.
I highly recommend The Golden Door to readers around eight years of age through high school age, as well as adults. Readers that have enjoyed Rodda's Deltora Quest and Rowan of Rin series, or simply like well done fantasy that includes quests, monsters, and fully developed characters, will particularly enjoy it. I am looking forward to following Rye and Sonia through The Silver Door and The Wooden Door to see where this journey takes them.
December 3, 2012
This book hooked me in right away, but left me eager for the sequel. As a young adult novel, The Golden Door is a winner with well developed characters, an engaging plot, and a truly unique story.
Emily Rodda is known for her hit series, Deltora Quest, a fantasy series that made her a household name for millions. In The Golden Door, she has another gem that focuses on Rye, the youngest of three brothers living in the fantasy city of Weld. Weld was established ages ago by the Sorcerer Dann as a safe haven for his people. The walled in city is self-sufficient, and ruled by the Warden who has earned little respect from his people.
In recent years, gigantic monsters called Skimmers have menaced the city, attacking the villagers and killing inhabitants. With the city under siege, the Warden calls for volunteers to leave the walls of Weld through a secret door to explore the outside world and learn of the source of the skimmers so as to offer protection to the entire community. Rye’s oldest brother Dirk volunteers immediately, and when he doesn’t return, Rye’s second brother Sholto volunteers as well. After neither of his brothers returns within a year of setting out, Rye becomes determined to help, but doesn’t understand how he can until an unfortunate accident occurs.
Deceiving the guard and the warden, Rye volunteers and soon finds himself outside of the walls of Weld. What follows is an action packed story full of vivid characters, fantastical adventure, and lessons of what truly makes a hero. The ending is somewhat predictable, but I am eager to read the second book in the series.
From Shelfishness.blog.com
Emily Rodda is known for her hit series, Deltora Quest, a fantasy series that made her a household name for millions. In The Golden Door, she has another gem that focuses on Rye, the youngest of three brothers living in the fantasy city of Weld. Weld was established ages ago by the Sorcerer Dann as a safe haven for his people. The walled in city is self-sufficient, and ruled by the Warden who has earned little respect from his people.
In recent years, gigantic monsters called Skimmers have menaced the city, attacking the villagers and killing inhabitants. With the city under siege, the Warden calls for volunteers to leave the walls of Weld through a secret door to explore the outside world and learn of the source of the skimmers so as to offer protection to the entire community. Rye’s oldest brother Dirk volunteers immediately, and when he doesn’t return, Rye’s second brother Sholto volunteers as well. After neither of his brothers returns within a year of setting out, Rye becomes determined to help, but doesn’t understand how he can until an unfortunate accident occurs.
Deceiving the guard and the warden, Rye volunteers and soon finds himself outside of the walls of Weld. What follows is an action packed story full of vivid characters, fantastical adventure, and lessons of what truly makes a hero. The ending is somewhat predictable, but I am eager to read the second book in the series.
From Shelfishness.blog.com
October 3, 2012
The first in a new fantasy trilogy by the wonderful Australian children’s author. Emily Rodda, with all of her trademark suspense, adventure and touches of horror, The Golden Door introduces a new hero, Rye, the youngest of three brothers living in the walled city of Weld, which is terrorised by giant skimmers that fly over every night. The city decides to send heroes to find and destroy the source of the skimmers; one by one, the young men of the city set forth, choosing one of three magical doors. None return.
I really love the fairy tale element – the way the quest begins with the eldest brother who does not return, and then the second brother sets out and does not return either, and so it is up to the youngest, Rye, to rescue his brothers and save his world. The device of the three doors is also an old one, but as always Emily Rodda makes it new. My absolute favourite part of this book was the little bag of tricks that Rye is given, and how each one proves to be of use, in sometimes very surprising ways.
I really love the fairy tale element – the way the quest begins with the eldest brother who does not return, and then the second brother sets out and does not return either, and so it is up to the youngest, Rye, to rescue his brothers and save his world. The device of the three doors is also an old one, but as always Emily Rodda makes it new. My absolute favourite part of this book was the little bag of tricks that Rye is given, and how each one proves to be of use, in sometimes very surprising ways.
August 26, 2011
Rye lives in the city of Weld, protected by a giant wall from invaders but not however from the Skimmers which come at night. When the Warden offers a prize to those who can track the origin of these skimmers and stop them, Rye's two older brothers jump at the chance. When they don't return it's up to Rye to find them, and maybe stop the skimmers while he's there.
What started out as an oddly stiff and formal writing style quickly adapted itself to the action and intrigue that we desperately wanted to see. There are plenty of magic tricks, unusual animals, and an all out dangerous mission to save his friends from the Gifting to the sea serpents. With two more books in store, I can't imagine what delights we have awaiting us beyond the silver and wooden doors.
Emily Rodda will you ever fail us? I certainly hope not, and definitely not with this series. I'm sorry for doubting your brilliance for those first few chapters.
What started out as an oddly stiff and formal writing style quickly adapted itself to the action and intrigue that we desperately wanted to see. There are plenty of magic tricks, unusual animals, and an all out dangerous mission to save his friends from the Gifting to the sea serpents. With two more books in store, I can't imagine what delights we have awaiting us beyond the silver and wooden doors.
Emily Rodda will you ever fail us? I certainly hope not, and definitely not with this series. I'm sorry for doubting your brilliance for those first few chapters.
June 29, 2016
I do not know where Rodda gets so much creativity from. Every book of hers I read I think "oh this will be like Deltora" or something and I brace myself to know what I am going to get. Each time something unpredictable happens twist after twist
What you can by now predict is endearing characters, some simple discussion of gender, class, diversity and politics. A battle between good and evil. Unlikely, flawed and vulnerable heroes who step up magnificently. Idealism and hope. All of that woven around with mythical beasts (I loved the clinks a lot!). This is a series but the book while satisfying leaves the next two books quite unpredictable. There is no strong formula, anything might happen next.
I read this mainly because my son wanted me to. I got into it a lot more than I was planning. I am happy to read the other two over the next few days. I have my suspicious about Sonia but I won't share them to be a spoiler OR because I might be wrong.
What you can by now predict is endearing characters, some simple discussion of gender, class, diversity and politics. A battle between good and evil. Unlikely, flawed and vulnerable heroes who step up magnificently. Idealism and hope. All of that woven around with mythical beasts (I loved the clinks a lot!). This is a series but the book while satisfying leaves the next two books quite unpredictable. There is no strong formula, anything might happen next.
I read this mainly because my son wanted me to. I got into it a lot more than I was planning. I am happy to read the other two over the next few days. I have my suspicious about Sonia but I won't share them to be a spoiler OR because I might be wrong.
February 9, 2017
i read this book and it was awesome i love it i am trying to get the silver and wooden door books too i would recomend this book to people who want thrill and suspense like me i am a natural rock climber and i love suspense and thrill so if you are stuck inside and are a thrill seeker this is the book for you and i had the best time reading this book its awesome so please go hit the shelf for good books.
September 17, 2012
I have always loved Emily Rodda. More than any other author I've discovered, her books get reluctant readers to read, especially the Deltora Quest series. When I saw she was beginning a new series, I jumped for joy and immediately requested an ARC. My daughter, who is currently obsessed with dragons, scooped it up when it arrived in the mail, so I had to wait until she was finished reading. All I heard for days was, "This book is SO GOOD, mama!" She loved it, like I knew she would. Emily Rodda is a SURE THING with kids. Not all adults love her stories, but I have never yet met a kid who could resist them--and I have never been able to resist them myself!
I recommend getting a copy for the MG reader in your life.
I recommend getting a copy for the MG reader in your life.
October 5, 2012
I am not going to rehash the plot as there are many reviews already that do this. I will see I think kids will really like the book. I must admit that even though I knew it was all going to turn out alright in the end Rodda builds the tension very nicely. The scrapes That Rye gets into are into are well portrayed and there is a imaginative set of monsters, villains and settings. My only complaint is that all she writes about in the first several chapters are flying monsters called skimmers that are ravaging Rye's homeland. Once Rye goes on his quest she never mentions them or Rye's missing brother Skolto until the books final couple pages - a obvious ploy to set up book 2 and 3 in the series.
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