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Reviews for Dager of the Tasman Empire


Reviewer:  Kim Hayes, Freelance Writer, Professional Book Reviewer

After having the fortune to read Imogene, I was absolutely thrilled to read Dager, and frankly I’m glad I did. Readers, both young and old, will enjoy these stories of mythical, mystical kingdoms that breathe life back into a popular but dying subject. The author shows apparent growth and expertise in this second in a series. She does such extraordinary things to her characters; she uses her creative imagination to bring their sheer essence and innocence leaping from the pages with a ferocious rush of emotions. The storylines and plots are fresh and exhilarating, with twists and turns that leave the reader breathless, still hungry for more. I’m confident that Teresa Saari has earned herself a place in the literary world, while her characters find their place into reader’s hearts.


Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews



Children everywhere will love DAGER OF THE TASMAN EMPIRE!

Alone, nameless and under the control of a wicked hag, the small boy ponders his life. Dragged by the hag the little boy falls and cuts his hand on a sharp object, yet moments later the wound magically heals. Far away in another parallel world, an old man’s hand begins to bleed. Suddenly the boy hears a voice- a quiet whisper in his ear. The voice tells him to go to the market and follow “the girl”. The girl will lead him to his family and the love he desperately seeks, far from the old hag. Although he is frightened and unsure, excitement fills his heart for the first time in two long years.

Dager and his sister Lucia take the reader on an exciting action packed adventure as they attempt to escape the world of the hag and return to their parents and the land beneath the sea. Children of all ages will love the colorful characters, vivid imagery and the exhilarating plot. An excellent read- along book for younger children; tweeners and young teens will find the book entertaining and amusing with vocabulary that is easy to understand. Sentence structure is simple yet effective, making this an easy read.

Author Teresa Saari’s first book, Imogene of the Pacific Kingdom was a charming introduction to the author’s world of fantasy and delight. Dager of the Tasman Empire continues to show her vivid imagination and wonderful sense of adventure. Her stories promote love, family values and a sense of responsibility and mutual respect. Highly recommended for any family or school library.


Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Freelance Reviewer

Once again, Teresa Saari has searched her incredible imagination and written an adventure story worthy of many readings.

"Dager of the Tasman Empire" is an exciting novel that connects a magical world under the sea and an equally fascinating land of heat and dust. Dager is abducted and taken to live in this arid, hostile land with a wicked hag. No child should have to live as he does, but despite the difficulties, he grows and develops wisdom beyond his years. Incredible powers of the undersea folk, their love for all creatures and their sense of justice help them build a new community apart from the injustices of both worlds. Dager's undersea family never ceases to search for him and the story of their search brings intrigue and magic into the lives of young readers. Readers are never quite sure what will happen next, while surprises await eager minds, page after page.

This story is written with elementary and middle school children in mind, but will certainly capture the imagination of all ages.