Secrets of Deltora

Deltora Quest

by Emily Rodda

Uncover the secrets behind the legends in a lavishly illustrated new addition to the hugely successful Deltora series.

A book for old and new fans of the popular Deltora Quest series, this travel guide is told from the perspective of Doran the Dragonlover, the greatest Deltoran explorer ever and a friend of the dragons. Readers will travel with Doran through the seven gem territories, learning the secrets of Deltora-from its many dangers to its special places and magical creatures.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, High Fantasy, Novels, Young Adult

176 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

Emily 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.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone always hopes their favorite book series will come out with supplementary material. I am totally on a cloud nine of new canon and gorgeous artwork right now. Throughout the Deltora series, Emily Rodda never spared many words to physically describe her characters (so, ideally, every child could easily picture themselves in the protagonist's shoes) so it's amazing to have such people like the Raladins and the Meres and the dragons brought to color and life by Marc McBride's fantastical style.

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to place this as the least of the three Deltora supplements. The best parts are the new McBride illustrations, illustrating various Deltoran animals, locations and people. McBride's specialty is monsters, but I really loved his locations more than even the monsters in this book. He crams a lot of detail into them and it's nice to see the often rather vaguely described locations made concrete. His people still look really freaky half the time though. Descriptive arrows covering parts of some of the drawings were not appreciated.

Its other strength is giving a complete picture of Deltora when it was coming along on its decline, but not yet at the level as seen in The Deltora Book of Monsters. Me and my brother joked that Deltora was a fantasy version of Australia, but this book leans into it, with seemingly every territory having multiple deadly snakes, deceptive plants, and ambush predators. The travelogue format gives more exploration of the towns and cities of Deltora, which got passed over in the series. In the first nine books, I can only recall any significant time being spent in Rithmere and Raladin. There's also a more detailed explanation of how the tribes worked, and the explanation of which groups are native to Deltora and which are later arrivals. It does raise some questions about how the inter-tribal wars worked, given that three of the native tribes consisted of single cities (Dread Mountain, Tora and Raladin), but there are reasonable explanations for why each of them could hold out against the others. Places like Broome and Shadowgate are explained as being formed by foreigners or Deltoran wanderers who migrated to places that matched their temperament. The biggest bit of new information was that D'or was founded entirely by a single group of foreigners fleeing some unnamed disaster. If that doesn't come up in either Three Doors or Star of Deltora I'll eat my hat. The book's final minor pleasure is a few moments of dramatic irony, such as when Doran describes Blood Lily island as a nice place for a picnic, or mentions "false lawn" as a well-known hazard of Ruby territory.

Unfortunately, that's about it. There's not very much hidden lore or anything else that wasn't thoroughly gone over in the three series preceding its release. The importance of the dragons was established as far back as Monsters, and was completely dealt with in the Dragons series. Thus the book's guiding plotline has already thoroughly worn itself out, especially as the book doesn't add anything to it, other than establishing how in particular Doran located each of the last dragons. The hidden message, though somewhat cleverly integrated into the text, was especially disappointing. I reproduce it here for anyone lazier than myself, so they can avoid wasting their time. Prince Gareth I pray you will understand this message is urgent. The 7 Ak-baba were sent to destroy our dragons for good reason. The enemy plans to rob Deltora of their protectors. Drumm is lying to you and Lucan. Only one dragon now surviving in each territory. I will persuade last dragon to sleep until skies become safe again. One Adin child heir plus belt of Deltora equals stop Ak-baba. King Brandon could have helped. But he did not seem to understand how bad the situation was. Neither did King Lucan, who is now too weak and ill to help in any case. When you become king the belt will be put around your waist. Do not take it off whatever Drumm says. I believe Drumm is a traitor and Shadow Lord servant. Journey through all territories wearing the belt and dragons will feel its presence and wake. Tell no one.

Not terrible, but I can't recommend this to anyone but completionists.

[Alina the Goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I'm shocked this companion book wasn't as widespread as the other Deltora side books, but it did come out a few years after the mainline story ended, so people may not have been expecting yet another Deltora collection.

I am embarrassed to admit I wasn't able to work out the secret messages for two of the chapters. The Dragon song hints, which seem clear, weren't leading me to put any words together that made sense, how annoying! And for all the quips Doran makes about his "rough & blunt" writing voice, I barely read any gruffness or raw quality. It was rather clean and put together. I wish there had been more of individual personality afforded, I didn't pick up on any voice difference at all. Just because a narrative is telling you something doesn't mean it's effectively showing it.

Regardless of these critiques, the book-making nerd inside me grinned with glee at all the extra efforts to enhance the reading experience throughout this tomb. The fold-out map, the new art by the ever lovely Marc McBride (with some instances of art from previous companion books), the sketches, and there was even an instance where Doran squashed a Plains Scorpion with the book, which left a purple stain on a page. The attention to detail there, it really adds a level of care and passion to the book. Love to see that in a work.

So, the only remaining Deltora companion after this is the Dragon Drawing guide and I barely count it. I will use it happily because I haven't sketched in forever and the book will give me a good diving point to return to the habit. But after that, I'll be reading three more loosely-connected Deltora stories only recently confirmed by Rodda in 2015: The Rowan of Rin series, the Three Doors, and the Star of Deltora (a quartet I think). But I'm sad to say good-bye to the final mainline Deltora Quest book. Sad and nostalgic, I eagerly look forward to rereading more childhood favorites in the future. For now, I bid goodbye to Lief, Barda, and Jasmine. It was fun reuniting with old characters that were my own adventure companions in a way.

[Jesse Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much of what we read as children remains beautiful within the rose-coloured bubble of childhood nostalgia and when revisited as an adult, it loses all its magic. But not Deltora. I first read this under the covers with a torch when I was 11 and have most recently read through it to my little brother at bedtime. I had fallen in love with Deltora Quest after buying the first series from the Scholastic Book Club magazines we were given at school. The land of Deltora will always be a brilliant plane of imagined existence that my heart will always be fond of. The colourful people, unique plant and animal life, cultures, puzzles, technology, myths, magic: all of it is explored deeply in this book and it enthrals me. Written like a Del palace librarian's journal, it has such a depth of wonder and intimacy that few backstory books accomplish. As always, beautifully astounding work by Emily Rodda.

[Mella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets of Deltora is a companion volume to the Deltora Quest series. "Written" by Doran the Dragonlover - a Deltoran hero and adventurer - the book is in the style of a travel guide to Deltora and interspersed with various anecdotes and commentary.

Although this started out strong I lost interest as the commentary of Doran's quest to save the dragons abated and more time was spent on the geography and things to do in the various towns. That said for those who enjoy the more obscure companion texts that add to the world building, this is a treat. Unfortunately while I'm a fan of folklore and fairy tales and even the history of the world's I read about - I'm not so interested in the geography. So this was a bit of a miss.

An interesting addition to the world of Deltora but only really for die hard fans. 3 stars.

[Bruno Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great companion book to the Deltora Quest series, with great storytelling by Emily Rodda and great illustrations by Marc McBride. It is written as if it were a travel guide of sorts made by Doran as he travels along Deltora, and for me it was a slow read at times when he went through already known places from the series and described the fauna and its various types of snakes. The new bits of information on places less explored by the main series make up for it though, as well as it being set on an earlier timeline to the events of the main series. Along the travel log Doran there is a little plotline which foreshadows events of the series, mainly DQ3, which I thought was pretty cool as well.

[Sarah Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite supplemental installment of the series. It’s a story in and of itself with the complexity and foreshadowing of any of the novels while giving the reader more of the flavor of each place in Deltora’s world building that feels completely natural. Doran is my kind of guy, I would love to be the Dragonfriend who is 1000% with human incompetence.
And then the book threw me a curveball..:the book about Deltora’s secrets has MORE secrets a la the books themselves. The chapter headings were a ruse of the best kind to the real kind...

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun. Might have read this as a child, but I don't really remember. Companion book to one of my childhood favourite series. Not only is it some neat worldbuilding and lore, it's also got a whole secret messages thing. Such fun. Both learning about the world and following a narrative. Great find.

[Querida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love Deltora and the world, I simply rated this one lower than the others since it is more informational and less plot driven. Its definitely worth the read if you love Deltora and it expands on the world. but it is a slow read.

[Krish · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read. Much like the Deltora Book of Monsters most of what it says you already know from reading the main series so feels very repetitive and is a bit laborious to read at times. The word puzzles are a bit of fun and it does give some insights into bits of Deltora we haven't heard about yet.

[Rheba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of interesting stuff about Deltora can be found in here.

[Valia (beingshelfaware) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book to the Deltora Series. Helps visualize the people/creatures and lands of Deltora.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's not really too much to say about this. It's not its own story, just more lore about the world. It was entertaining, but not necessary. Just a cute little addition to a cute little series.

[Anaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Doran, yay! This is a travel guide and it is pretty good when you already read everything. else.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Nice addition to the world and the references are fun, but you basically take a road trip across Deltora and I think the one in Tales of Deltora was much exciting and fun to read. This book, however, fits really nicely with the third series (Dragons of Deltora).

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Deltora is a fantastic companion to the the Deltora Quest series. Learning about the different creatures and people and places of Deltora, both new and familiar, was fascinating.

As with all of Rodda's work, I was astounded by her incredible imagination and attention to detail. The added secret messages were so very classic Deltora Quest and I loved it. I also loved they way in which it tied back to the original novels through Doran the Dragonlover, a minor character, and one who lived long before the events of the novels. Secrets of Deltora is enriched enormously by having read Dragons of Deltora, being able to witness Doran's inspirations leading up to his actions that are later explored in Dragons of Deltora.

No review of Secrets of Deltora would be of any merit without acknowledging the incredible work of Marc McBride. His artwork is phenomenal. McBride brings incredible life to the creatures and characters particularly through his vibrant colour choices which fit the Deltoran world perfectly.

[Brian Cham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice spin-off of the Deltora Quest series giving lots of details of the fictional world. The best part is the illustrations. It's not as engaging as Tales From Deltora which has more stories, but it's still good for fans.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book

[Zac Ori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background for the book series. I think it would have made more sense if I had read the series but it was nonetheless enjoyable.

[Sondren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you have read the Deltora series, loved the secret message in the chapters.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as great as the other Deltora side books.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantasy tips

[Kat!e Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint. I want to go to Deltora so bad! I want to visit Adin's forge, beg an invitation to Raladin, see the Bone Point lighthouse. I've always been in love with this land, and Doran made me love it even more.

Doran's an interesting character. I've always thought that Doom must be a lot like him, and this book reaffirmed that belief. You have to love him, in spite of his gruffness and ridiculousness.

The codes were really fun -- I wish I'd read this when I was younger, so I could fully appreciate them, but I still enjoyed feeling "in" on the riddles. It was a tragedy to know all the time that the message would never be received.

[Bahman Bahman · Rating 2 out of 5]

در جستجوی دلتورا داستانی فانتزی و متشکل از سه مجموعه، نوشتهٔ امیلی رودا نویسنده ی استرالیایی است. داستان درباره ی سه همسفر است که سرزمین تخیلی دلتورا را به دنبال تکمیل کمربند دلتورا و شکست خادمان ارباب سایه‌های اهریمنی زیر پا می گذارند. نخستین نسخه ی مجموعه ی اول در سال ۲۰۰۰ میلادی در استرالیا به چاپ رسید و اکنون نیز در ۳۰ کشور به فروش می رسد. در فوریه ی ۲۰۱۰ این مجموعه در کل ۱۵ میلیون و در استرالیا ۲ میلیون نسخه فروش داشته‌است. سه مجموعه شامل ۱۵ کتاب می‌شوند که ۸ کتاب اول در جستجوی دلتورا، ۳ جلد بعدی سرزمین سایه‌ها ی دلتورا و ۴ جلد آخر اژدهایان دلتورا نام دارند. تمامی کتاب‌های این مجموعه در ایران با ترجمه ی خانم محبوبه نجف خانی و توسط انتشارات بنفشه به چاپ رسیده‌است . انیمیشن و بازی رایانه ای در جستجوی دلتورا به ترتیب توسط تلویزیون ژاپن و شرکت نینتندو دی اس نیز ساخته شده‌اند.