Master of the Grove

by Victor Kelleher

Derin sets out to look for his missing father after their home is destroyed in an attack and is caught up in a war between the people of the mountains and the people of the plains, leading to a confrontation with the Master of the Grove

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Science Fiction, High Fantasy

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Victor Kelleher is an Australian author. Victor was born in London and moved to Africa with his parents, at the age of fifteen. He spent the next twenty years travelling and studying in Africa, before moving to New Zealand. Kelleher received a teaching degree in Africa and has taught in Africa, New Zealand and Australia. While in New Zealand, he began writing part time, prompted by homesickness for Africa. He moved to Australia in 1976, with his South African wife, Allison, and taught at the University of New England, in Armidale, New South Wales, before moving to Sydney to write full time. Many of the books he has written have been based on his childhood and his travellings in Africa.

Kelleher has won many awards for his books, such as the Australian Children's Book Award.

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very satisfying read. It was somewhat predictable and some aspects of it could have been described as cliche (however that could just be because since the 80s a lot of other people have written similarly for its time it might not have been) but anyway despite knowing where it was headed and all the obvious clues in it, it was interesting how it unfolded.

I liked the characters, especially Marna. Maybe in some ways she was a stereotype (the wise but grumpy older woman) but nevertheless she was likeable. For such a brief, fast-paced book there was quite a lot of moral complexity (around taking sides, how to treat "enemies", motivations of "enemies" and how those in power circulate xenophobic discourses and to what ends) but all of this was done in a way accessible to a child.

Some of the resolution seemed rushed or had what appeared to be logical gaps (possibly to keep the book so brief). I have to say I rarely want a book to be longer or slower-paced but in this case I feel the plot and complexity could have sustained slower, richer details and I would have been willing to read more pages (one more sign of being written in the eighties perhaps).

Definitely Kelleher is an Australian author worth reading

[Stephfafahh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by my best friend - and I was not disappointed. After waking up in the snow and realising that he has no memory of who he is, an elderly woman who claims to have raised him fills in the gaps. She calls him Derin, and tells him that his father has been taken by the soldiers from the Citadel, because he ran away and didn't defend his father. The unlikely pair then journey in search of Derin's father, and uncover a larger plot and conspiracy at hand.

Even though it was published way before my time, and is shorter than most YA novels, it was so intriguing and gripping. There were so many twists, turns, and subplots - most of which I didn't even see coming. It was very suspenseful and creatively written. Even the world building was enough to draw me in. It was fast paced, and made the reader consider what was morally right, and encouraged you to conspire about the characters' real intentions.

I'd recommend it to fans of "The Ranger's Apprentice" and "The Book Of Lies".

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another story from my youth. It has numerous twists and turns and plenty of surprises throughout. While it's not a typical 'boy on a quest' fantasy, it is a rather grim tale. This is one of the reasons I have dropped it from four to three stars.

From the back cover - When his home is destroyed after an attack, Derin sets out to look for his missing father, captured by soldiers of the Citadel. But he is handicapped by his lameness and forced to use a crutch; his only companion on his quest are an old woman, Marna, and a raven which mysteriously attaches itself to him.

Derin's people, upland farmers are caught up in a war between the people of the mountains; governed by the Sacred Circle of the Grove, and those of the plains, ruled by the Council of the Citadel. There should have been peace between them according to the formula devised by Wenborn the Wise. But Krob has seized power by murdering one of the ten members of the Circle, and with the aid of the magical staff of the Grove proceeds to unleash a terrible vengeance against the plains people.

The pace of this gripping fantasy never lets up until the final moments when Derrin finds himself face to face with Krob, 'Master of the Grove', together with the mystery of his own identity. Victor Kelleher is the author of "Forbidden Paths of Thual" and also of "The Hunting of Shadroth", described by Naomi Lewis in the Observer as 'a work of real quality'.

[Aaron Michaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was eleven years old, and recently re-visited it. Was it really as good as I remembers? Well yes! "Master of the Grove" is a masterfully crafted triller suitable for both adults and children. Kelleher does not condescend his youthful audience, and does not hold back from creating a world of eerie suspense -- and mystery right to the final showdown between an amnesic boy and a powerful megalomaniacal sorcerer. There is nothing contrived or out of place in this story, with just the right amount of chance to keep you guessing to the end. Great stuff, and beautifully written.

[Emkoshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victor Kelleher was an incredibly prolific writer for young adults when I was growing up; his book covers were always incredibly enticing (like this one!) but I always felt a bit too young for the stories. I only ever read Del-Del. As an adult, I've been collecting his books secondhand wherever I see them, hoping to fall into a rabbit hole of the past. This fantasy quest is surprisingly sophisticated and nuanced with well-drawn characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. I feel like I raced through it, so I'll keep it to read again someday. Good fantasy never ages.

[R.A. Spratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a child. It has a great plot.

[Sus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up a munted copy of this from one of the Little Library free books in Masterton. Really enjoyed this easy read.

An interesting fantasy genre story with a few main characters that we get to sink our teeth into. A level of deception which can get annoying at times. Overall a good story.

[Chris C · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 6th grade I read 3 of Victor Kelleher's books and this is one of them. I think I read this due to peer group pressure as every kid was reading it but also coz I liked the cover illustration. I thought it was a pretty good read and reading this author's other books are all good memories.

[✨ Aaron Jeffery ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros’s
1. Story
2. Villain
3. World building
4. Derin

Cons’s

1. Marna
2. Conclusion

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! It was an easy read and it's for a younger audience but I enjoyed it

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this when I read it as a kid. Definitely on the list to try again as an adult.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victor Kelleher's masterful portrayal of the conflict caused by the greed for power. Derin's journey to find his father, the twists and turns in his quest, little realising that he was being manipulated by the "good" side to help destroy the evil that has taken over his world. Extremely well written, and engaging from the get-go - as are all his works.

[John Sheahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved working with this novel in the classroom. Lots of potential of imaginative fun! Plus, it is so well written.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book twice in the past few years, and it's amazing :D
Trying to find it again so I can re-re-read it!