Shadows of the Master by Emily Rodda

Star of Deltora series. Omnibus, 2015. ISBN 9781742990620
(Age: 10-13) Recommended. Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Sailing, Ships, Voyages and travels. Emily Rodda's Shadows of the Master is the first much anticipated book in the new Star of Deltora series. Set after the Shadowlands invasion, fifteen year old Britta life is about to dramatically change. She has two paths to choose, stay in hiding, helping her mother and sister working in their shop or realise her dream of becoming a Trader, sailing on the Star of Deltora across the nine seas. Eight years ago, Britta's father deserted their family, left his ship and embarked on a dangerous quest to find the magical Staff of Tier.
The time has finally come; Mab, the Trader Rosalyn has announced the day of testing for trader apprentices - three teenage girls are to be chosen to learn the trader craft aboard the Star of Deltora. Britta's friend, retired Captain Griff enters her name. He's been teaching her sailing and trading skills for years. Secretly she leaves home against her mother's and sister's advice and heads for the hall. She is competing against Vashti the daughter of a local trader, Sky of Rithmere and tall, exotic Jewel from far away Broome. The competition is tough, a written test, then interview, then the finalists are sent out into the dark harbour streets to complete a trading assignment. Britta's courage, determination and compassion are qualities that help her succeed.
This is the beginning of an exciting new life for Britta, following in her father's footstep, a trader's apprentice aboard the ship her father captained. In the background, there are dark and mysterious forces following the young girl.
Emily Rodda's Shadows of the Master novel is filled with the promises of the exciting adventures to come. What will happen to Britta and the crew in Two Moons?
Rhyllis Bignell