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· 5,274 ratings · 315 reviews

Start your review of Deltora Quest (Deltora Quest, #1-8)

I read these with my kids, and they later read them on their own (at least twice). It's a great fantasy series, gripping and imaginative, with lovable characters - a boy, a girl, and a man - who risk their lives to do what's right. Rodda is one of the best writers of fantasy adventure for young readers. There are few books I've seen my kids so enthralled by (and I liked them, too, though I'm not a big fantasy fan). Start with this series; the books are shorter and simpler than either Rowan of Ri I read these with my kids, and they later read them on their own (at least twice). It's a great fantasy series, gripping and imaginative, with lovable characters - a boy, a girl, and a man - who risk their lives to do what's right. Rodda is one of the best writers of fantasy adventure for young readers. There are few books I've seen my kids so enthralled by (and I liked them, too, though I'm not a big fantasy fan). Start with this series; the books are shorter and simpler than either Rowan of Rin or the later Deltora series (Shadowlands and Dragons). But get the single volumes rather than this bindup - easier to hold and read one at a time.

They can be gory, FYI. But that happens when you're seeking out and fighting evil monsters. Also, cliffhangers abound, so be warned: if you're reading this at bedtime to your child, they will not let you leave easily. My youngest son actually wailed, "But I can't survive if I don't know what happens!" If your child is reading them on his own, you'll have to unscrew the lightbulbs in his bedroom or he'll be up past midnight.

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All of my reviews are spoiler free (unless stated otherwise) so you can go ahead and read my review!

Not many people have heard of this incredible series because Emily Rodda is an Australian children's author, but oh my goodness, this series has to get out there because it's that good. I re-read this series almost every year and each time, I can't believe the amount of world building, plot development and character development has gone into it. Yes, this is a children's series, but it's like Harry Potter, something you can read at any age and enjoy. It has 8 books in the series and has two other companion series (Deltora Shadowlands and Dragons of Deltora) which both follow the same main characters as the first series. I highly recommend all three because HOLY DAMN the first series is JUST THE BEGINNING. SO MUCH THOUGHT has gone into this world and how it was all going to pan out that it just falls together perfectly and leaves you with the most satisfying endings EVER.

A quick summary:

This story follows Lief, a sixteen year old boy, who has been sent on a journey to save the land of Deltora. Years before, the evil shadowlord managed to steal the belt of Deltora, a magical belt made up of 7 gems that together, help to rid their land of evil. The shadowlord took the seven gems and scattered them throughout the land in the most dangerous of places, places people don't dare to go. The belt will only work if the heir to the throne wears it, so as well as finding the gems and facing terrifying places and creatures, they also have to find the heir, who has supposedly been in hiding since the shadowlord took over. Lief is accompanied by Barda, a former palace guard and they meet Jasmine along the way, a kickass character in my opinion! And together they face what nobody has faced before, all to save Deltora!

BAM! This world is so epic and so different to anything I've ever read before, and I just wish more people knew about it. It's just so flipping good. The characters are so intriguing and well rounded, you feel like you know them, that you're friends with them and you just feel all the things they feel. Emily Rodda, you are a dang genius if you ask me! The twists and turns (especially at the end holy crap) were INSANE and BRILLIANT and just… GAH! This is the series that got me into reading when I was 10 years old, and this (alongside Harry Potter of course) was what I grew up with (as did many Australian kids). At first I thought this series was just for boys (before I read it, of course) but DAMN I was wrong because this is an EPIC fantasy series for all ages and genders! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this series. Please check it out and SPREAD THE WORD! Okay, I think I'm done raving now.

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May 03, 2011 Jaimey rated it it was amazing

Okay, yes, this is a book for ages 8-14. I actually bought this book for my little sisters some time ago. To this day, my sisters are still raving on about how good the book is. Its been a couple of years now, so I decided I had to give it a whirl.

The book is 8 short fantasy stories about a heroic trio - a blacksmith's son, a wild and brash forest girl and a palace guard - trying to save the land of Deltora from the evil Shadow Lord. Its a fantastic book for kids. Firstly, it doesn't have any wizards or any wizard schools. Nor does it have vampires or werewolves. Instead, there are intelligent puzzles, plenty of codes for kids to decipher and some unique monsters and races. Some of the monsters are scary (according to my sisters), mainly due to their ugliness. There's also some simple red herrings and plot twists, and some scenes that don't make sense until later in the story. Its all steeped heavily in a great fantasy setting with some hints of some nice world building.

Thankfully, there's no stupid love affairs or any adult themes in these books, which was refreshing. All in all, some decent unique and intelligent children's fantasy. If you've ever thought of getting someone a fantasy book from the preteens section, I would say these books would be a nice choice.

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Look, I first read Deltora Quest many moons ago. I've held it dearly in my heart for all the years since, and as I expected, upon re-reading it as an adult, I only hold it dearer.

One of the reasons why I still enjoy middle-grade novels as a Not-Middle-Grader, is the lack of a need for, nor attempt at, literary perfection. They're just enjoyable. The plot of Deltora Quest moves at a pace that I can only describe as wonderful. The eight novels themselves are short, they go through the rhythms of conflict, climax, and resolution without need for fanciful input, leaping instead from interest to interest, holding my attention the entire time.
The characters, too, are varied and interesting, unexpected and intriguing, and they exist in a world so well developed by Rodda. As compared to adult fantasy, I was so thrilled that I never had to sit through days of walking and talking, only for the sake of developing characters and relationships. Rodda is just capable enough to get that in with the action.

Speaking of Rodda's capabilities, I found myself at 18 years old, just as amazed and surprised by the twists in the stories as I was at 9. I remembered more of the stories than I thought I did, but, after all, nine years have passed; I'd forgotten most of the details, and all for the better, because I got to live it all again.

Truly, I have no complaints about Deltora Quest. They're incredibly entertaining, set in a fascinating world (ready for the dragons!!!!) and they utilise a brilliant cast of characters. Particularly with regard to Lief, Barda, and Jasmine; across 8 books they never annoyed me. Not one of them, not even once. A feat. And Doom! Wrapping this up to go read Deltora Quest 2 and read all about these wonderful characters again!

End of the day, if you enjoy fantasy, read Deltora Quest. I promise, it's worth it. I don't care if you're an adult. Everyone likes middle-grade stories. They're fun and easy and wild, and Deltora Quest is no exception.

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Jun 08, 2013 Shadowalex rated it it was amazing

This series that I have read as a kid, and reread again brings back many memories of my childhood. This book was among my favorite fantasy books just because of the creativity and magical world of Deltora. The characters are lovably and you really become attached to them. The best part of this 8 book series, is really all about the imaginative creatures, environment, and people are just amazing. I really liked how there were many conflicts going on at the same time, but it wasn't chaotic and eve This series that I have read as a kid, and reread again brings back many memories of my childhood. This book was among my favorite fantasy books just because of the creativity and magical world of Deltora. The characters are lovably and you really become attached to them. The best part of this 8 book series, is really all about the imaginative creatures, environment, and people are just amazing. I really liked how there were many conflicts going on at the same time, but it wasn't chaotic and eventually all lined up together in one thrilling adventure. For example, while traveling together, our heroes have to collect gems to socket into the Deltora Belt and with it and a heir of the King of Deltora, Adin, can wear it and dispel the Shadow Lord back into the Shadow Land and stop his evil in Deltora. ...more

Deltora Quest was one of those books that people sneered at while I read them. But I shit you not, they were one of the best series I've ever read- and after I read them Harry Potter, I will read these to my children. And the illustrations on all the covers are just amazingly detailed. Holy crap. Deltora Quest was one of those books that people sneered at while I read them. But I shit you not, they were one of the best series I've ever read- and after I read them Harry Potter, I will read these to my children. And the illustrations on all the covers are just amazingly detailed. Holy crap. ...more

I don't know if I'm giving this five stars out of sentimentality (I don't think I am), but I kind of had an emotional breakdown and devoured all 736 pages of this omnibus volume in 24hrs. I really believe this holds up as a solid fantasy book. Obviously I aged out of the target demographic about 10 years ago, and so the story-telling is simpler than I remember, but Emily Rodda remains an incredibly talented world-builder, with a penchant and flair for bright coloured characters, cities and lands I don't know if I'm giving this five stars out of sentimentality (I don't think I am), but I kind of had an emotional breakdown and devoured all 736 pages of this omnibus volume in 24hrs. I really believe this holds up as a solid fantasy book. Obviously I aged out of the target demographic about 10 years ago, and so the story-telling is simpler than I remember, but Emily Rodda remains an incredibly talented world-builder, with a penchant and flair for bright coloured characters, cities and landscapes that nourish my imagination. In this, they are exactly the way I remember. As a child, I breathed in whole worlds from these books - they they let me run wild and slay foul monsters, explore enchanted cities, and above all, promised me that a band of tenacious friends with good hearts (and occasional help from an ancient magic gemstone belt) will always come out over evil. If these books are "simple", as I have written, then that is a strength, not a shortcoming. The sense of calm, reassurance and wonder I got from reading these tales is exactly why we read children fantasy stories. It is also why stressed adults may be inclined to pull them off the shelves of their childhood bedrooms every so often. I think I got what I was looking for for in this book. ...more

Oct 08, 2011 Austin rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Any fantasy fan

I give this book five stars but I reveiwed each on induvidually below.

1. Forests of Silence - 3.5 - I didnt find that the characters were well developed and the book is only 90 pages and 55 of them are on introduction. When the story began it was really good.

2. Lake of Tears - 4.2 - This story started of strong when the were captured by Jin and Jod. I also liked all the Ralads. The battle at the end of the book was not really against the gaurdian of the stone; Soldeen but against Theagan. Good

I give this book five stars but I reveiwed each on induvidually below.

1. Forests of Silence - 3.5 - I didnt find that the characters were well developed and the book is only 90 pages and 55 of them are on introduction. When the story began it was really good.

3. City of Rats - 4.2 - I liked the character Tom right of the bat not knowing if he was good or evil. I liked how the story tied in together Eg. the people of Noradz city once lived in the City of Rats untill the rats and Reeah took over. The best part of this one was how it tied in to the others parts.

4. Shifting Sands - 4.5 - I liked how the author wrote in the part with the Rithmere Games which added a lot of excitement into the story. This book is different from all the others at this point so far. I really enjoyed the ending.

5. Dread Mountain - 3.8 - Only the end was great in this story was good. The beggining I found boring and quite pointless. In the end I loved the Dread Gnomes and I loved how if you tilt the book down on the page where they enter the gnomes laire you see If you want to die.

6. Maze of the Beast - 4.8 - Like the dealings with the Ols and the pirates. Dain is introduced in this story and he is a big character later in the book.

7. Valley of the Lost - 5.0 - Best one in the series. Tora was finally revealed. Love the game that they played in the Valley of the Lost to get the diamond.

8. Return to Del - 4.8 - Good way to finish it. Ties up all the loose ends and is full of twists and turns. In the end it was a happy ending to a great series.

The average comes out to 4.5 so I give it five. Kinda sucks that you read a great series in one book and its over just like that.

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Feb 18, 2013 Ashley rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Lovers of Fantasy

Emily Rodda's Deltora Quest series will always hold a special place in my heart, for igniting my passion for reading and the Fantasy genre.

The eight books follow Leif, Barda and Jasmine (along with Filli and Kree), as they journey to the most feared places of Deltora (e.g. The City of the Rats etc.) to retrieve the lost gems of the Belt of Deltora, the only force strong enough to drive the Shadow Lord out of Deltora and back to the Shadowlands.
The eighth book, Return to Del was essentially about finding the heir, and had quite a few unexpected plot twists (view spoiler)[ I definitely did not see coming the plot twist that Leif was the heir to the throne or that Doom was Jasmine's father! (hide spoiler)].

Overall, Deltora Quest is an amazing, intelligent and exciting fantasy book by one of Australia's best fantasy writers.

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Oct 25, 2014 Eleanor rated it it was amazing

Emily Rodda, my favourite author while growing up, has created a world filled with monsters and magic worth reading no matter your age

I read this when I was younger, as they were published. Nothing compared to it at the time. To this day it is my most treasured fantasy series, followed by Eragon and The Potion Master.

Her riddles, magic, gripping story line and amazing characters always made the books impossible to put down. Every chapter had a cliffhanger, the final chapter no exception. I loved

Emily Rodda, my favourite author while growing up, has created a world filled with monsters and magic worth reading no matter your age

I read this when I was younger, as they were published. Nothing compared to it at the time. To this day it is my most treasured fantasy series, followed by Eragon and The Potion Master.

Her riddles, magic, gripping story line and amazing characters always made the books impossible to put down. Every chapter had a cliffhanger, the final chapter no exception. I loved this book and am astonished to see how small it was compared to how big the story is.

I love this series. Simply buy it, from the incredible cover art to detailed and weaving story within, it is impossible to regret reading this book.

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Jan 06, 2017 Trey Weller rated it it was amazing

Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda is one of the formative fantasy experiences of my childhood. Really one long novel split into an eight-part serial, Deltora has it all: action, suspense, romance (just a pinch), vivid locales, riddles aplenty, and twists and turns galore. I read the whole thing in a prolonged gulp back in 2002, and it has stayed with me ever since. It's an absolute treasure that not enough people know about. A true children's classic-- and one that appeals to adults, too. Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda is one of the formative fantasy experiences of my childhood. Really one long novel split into an eight-part serial, Deltora has it all: action, suspense, romance (just a pinch), vivid locales, riddles aplenty, and twists and turns galore. I read the whole thing in a prolonged gulp back in 2002, and it has stayed with me ever since. It's an absolute treasure that not enough people know about. A true children's classic-- and one that appeals to adults, too. ...more

May 29, 2019 Lily Malone rated it really liked it

So my two boys, now aged 11 and 9, and have read and loved Deltora Quest, and have the three series in hardcover. My 9 year old has caught the Deltora bug from his brother and this time I decided I'd take a look too and see what I thought... and I've had a great time of it in the Deltora world.
I enjoyed the struggles of Leif, Barda and Jasmine, and I specially warmed to Jasmine during the story. Her pluck and her daring make her a great female lead, especially for youngsters reading this book (a So my two boys, now aged 11 and 9, and have read and loved Deltora Quest, and have the three series in hardcover. My 9 year old has caught the Deltora bug from his brother and this time I decided I'd take a look too and see what I thought... and I've had a great time of it in the Deltora world.
I enjoyed the struggles of Leif, Barda and Jasmine, and I specially warmed to Jasmine during the story. Her pluck and her daring make her a great female lead, especially for youngsters reading this book (and double especially for young boys reading it!) Jasmine can and does do anything!
There was growth, especially for Leif, in his growing awareness of how he views others and the world around him as he explores it. He becomes less judgemental and more forgiving and perceptive, for how others think and act.
My only let down really is in the very end pages, with the big action scenes and the showdown with the Shadow Lord. I expected more from the Shadow Lord after all the build-up. He's a little like the Sauron character in Mordor - more of an overarching threat or nightmare than anything real.
I will say that the twist at the end lost me. Without giving spoilers, I had to read the paragraph to do with Endon and (gentle) Jarred many, many times, and it still doesn't make sense to me. Anyway - congratulations to Emily Rodda on a great series. I didn't even know she was an Australian author until reading the imprint just now! ...more

Feb 17, 2014 Emily rated it it was amazing

My childhood, simply put. I adored this series, and have fond memories of my father returning every week or so with a new book from the series; I loved finding out what gem was on the side of the new book, and all the plot twists and mind puzzles that the books were filled with. There are many similar elements in other fantasy creations, but I think Deltora Quest was the best at it; the characters were better, the twists more exciting, and the monsters and creatures really creative and inspiring My childhood, simply put. I adored this series, and have fond memories of my father returning every week or so with a new book from the series; I loved finding out what gem was on the side of the new book, and all the plot twists and mind puzzles that the books were filled with. There are many similar elements in other fantasy creations, but I think Deltora Quest was the best at it; the characters were better, the twists more exciting, and the monsters and creatures really creative and inspiring. I loved the character of Jasmine and her wild, at times ruthless, attitude, and the irritable yet lovable Barda. I think this book is good for all kinds of children- for the kids who love books already, and for kids who might not like reading. My favorites in particular is the lake of tears (sentimental value as it was the first I read), the city of rats (because Noradz's history was so fascinating and intriguing) and the valley of the lost (because all those puzzles made my childish brain feel stimulated and excited). I also enjoyed how the follow up series' built on this series; how the characters move forward once the enemy has been defeated and the happy ending wears off.

I still continue to force this series on any child who will listen. It's worth it everytime :)

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Oct 11, 2016 Jade rated it it was amazing

I am absolutely obsessed with this book series, I read them all when I was just six. This series has good elements, including, but not limited to, well written and relatable characters, an exciting and quick paced plot, remarkable riddles, and funny happenstances. I thoroughly enjoy this book series every time I read it, and it is without a doubt my favorite book. I highly recommend it.

Apr 02, 2015 Kat!e Larson rated it it was amazing

These books are a fun, exciting adventure that I never get tired of. I've read them at least ten times and loved them every time. These books are a fun, exciting adventure that I never get tired of. I've read them at least ten times and loved them every time. ...more

The first Deltora Quest series is one of my formatives—the books I read as a child that shaped my reading tastes. I remember hunting through the children's section at libraries across the district, searching for the more elusive chapters in the series. Dread Mountain is the first one I read and the one I still love the best. The Maze of the Beast is more unfamiliar because it was hardest to hunt down. The Forests of Silence, The Lake of Tears and City of the Rats were likewise difficult to find, The first Deltora Quest series is one of my formatives—the books I read as a child that shaped my reading tastes. I remember hunting through the children's section at libraries across the district, searching for the more elusive chapters in the series. Dread Mountain is the first one I read and the one I still love the best. The Maze of the Beast is more unfamiliar because it was hardest to hunt down. The Forests of Silence, The Lake of Tears and City of the Rats were likewise difficult to find, if my memory serves me right. The Shifting Sands I read over and over because I found it so often in the libraries. I remember being disturbed by the Guardian's creatures in The Valley of the Lost to the point where I refused to read it again. And Return to Del still makes my hair stand on end.

It's been years since I've read a Deltora Quest book. (I'm not counting the first book of Deltora Shadowlands, Cavern of The Fear, which I read back in December 2016.) My tastes have shifted since then; the series is for a younger audience, I'm well aware. But as I look back, I recognise influences from Deltora Quest on my own writing. Magical gems and crystals were a hallmark of my early stories. The polypan from The Maze of the Beast—a creature I'd completely forgotten by the time of this reread—formed the inspiration for a character I created several years ago. Perhaps the most important gift the Deltora Quest series gave me was a love of epic fantasy and a desire to write in this genre.

I'm glad this isn't the first time I read this book, because if I read it now, without the perspective of my childhood, I would have rated it lower than I have. This rating is from my younger self, for the entertainment I received as a child; and the rating is also from my older self. For the memories. For the way this series has influenced me over the years. I don't expect the author to read this review, but I want to thank Emily Rodda for writing Deltora Quest.

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May 08, 2020 Meitswhatever rated it it was amazing

Always timeless and nostalgic, I love this series. While it might be aimed at younger folks, even as an adult I still enjoy this. The plot twists feel believable, if a tiny bit cliche sometimes, but I still love them. I also think reading the books all in one volume is the best way to do it, at least for me, since they are so small as individual books. If you haven't yet tried this series, I highly recommend it. Always timeless and nostalgic, I love this series. While it might be aimed at younger folks, even as an adult I still enjoy this. The plot twists feel believable, if a tiny bit cliche sometimes, but I still love them. I also think reading the books all in one volume is the best way to do it, at least for me, since they are so small as individual books. If you haven't yet tried this series, I highly recommend it. ...more

Apr 16, 2017 Daniela rated it liked it

This is good stuff! I remember reading these books as a child (mostly because my best friend adored them) and being scared to death by the vivid monster descriptions. Still a fan!

Dec 18, 2015 Jondy rated it it was amazing

I cannot possibly express how much I ADORED this series when I was in primary school. I must have reread it at least 20 times and even now, about ten years later, this series still holds a special place in my heart. It is such an amazing fantasy series, the world building and the plot are utterly captivating and compelling with the series touching on some really important concepts and themes. The main characters are truly fantastic and you can't help but become invested in their struggles as wel I cannot possibly express how much I ADORED this series when I was in primary school. I must have reread it at least 20 times and even now, about ten years later, this series still holds a special place in my heart. It is such an amazing fantasy series, the world building and the plot are utterly captivating and compelling with the series touching on some really important concepts and themes. The main characters are truly fantastic and you can't help but become invested in their struggles as well as their sense of loyalty to each other as well as their quest to free their country. I always found their bravery and friendship one of the highlights of the world the author has created and it is so heart-warming and refreshing to see such beautiful relationships on the page.

Each book in the series is a self-contained adventure with loads of action and intrigue. The characters face off against a range of evil monsters and find themselves in all sorts of crazy situations, often at mortal peril, as they seek out a series of gems that belong to the magical belt of Deltora. The gems were stolen and hidden in the darkest and most dangerous places throughout the kingdom by the evil Shadow Lord in a plot to invade Deltora and enslave its people. The heroes must seek out each gem, one by one, to restore the belt and use its magic to find the rightful royal heir and free their country from this darkness.

I would whole-heartedly recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy and even though it is a children's series it is still strong enough to achieve wider appeal. This series is utterly unique and will take you on a captivating rollercoaster ride of emotions and adventure. I also think the level of creativity and imagination in this world as well as the engaging and snappy writing style will ensure that even more reluctant readers will find something to love about Deltora Quest.

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Nov 30, 2009 Miss Clark rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Children, aged 7/8 +

Recommended to Miss Clark by: L

The books are easily simple enough for children as young as seven, but not sophisticated nor complex enough to be captivating for older readers (10/11 +). They are enjoyable, and the storylines could be made into something truly exciting and intriguing, but the format, which is limiting, and the emotional sparseness of the narrative, hamper the books. There is also far too little character development. And the series lacks subtlety when it is needed most, stating the obvious, and then becoming v The books are easily simple enough for children as young as seven, but not sophisticated nor complex enough to be captivating for older readers (10/11 +). They are enjoyable, and the storylines could be made into something truly exciting and intriguing, but the format, which is limiting, and the emotional sparseness of the narrative, hamper the books. There is also far too little character development. And the series lacks subtlety when it is needed most, stating the obvious, and then becoming vague when clarity would be advisable. Especially for Jasmine, who is a central character, but receives very little attention, certainly not as much as she deserved and which would have really fleshed out the story, deepening the impact of her relationship with her father, their friends and allies, and esp. Lief. ...more

Feb 06, 2017 Jeff Johnston rated it really liked it

The story had relentless pace which kept you wanting to read chapter after chapter. Leif, Barda & Jasmine come together in an arduous and dangerous journey in their search for the stolen Deltora Gem stones. Success will allow them to rid their land of the evil Shadow Lord and his oppressive rule. There are plenty of riddles, hideous guardians and allies to meet on this quest.

Thanks Josiah for your recommendation. I had a lot of fun reading this book!!!
Now for my own quest. A new story to read.

Apr 23, 2015 Tyler Fulcher rated it it was amazing

I thought that the book was great i was able to finish the book in under a month even thought it is so long. The book had all the features to a good book that i like witch is adventure and action. The book follows Leif Barda and jasmine who travel through the land of deltora in witch they need to get back the seven gems witch are scatted across the land. the book is a good easy read to have if you need something to read.

Emily Rodda knows how to capture the mind of a young person. This series, being on the top few of fantasy series that I've read, is of a great adventure of a boy (Leif) who journeys through the land to save his kingdom. He is companioned with another man and meets many people along the way. There are many great and interesting secrets within these books and in the overall series.
If you like magic, adventure, trials, and kingdoms, than this is a great book for you. Emily Rodda knows how to capture the mind of a young person. This series, being on the top few of fantasy series that I've read, is of a great adventure of a boy (Leif) who journeys through the land to save his kingdom. He is companioned with another man and meets many people along the way. There are many great and interesting secrets within these books and in the overall series.
If you like magic, adventure, trials, and kingdoms, than this is a great book for you. ...more

Oct 19, 2014 Rachael rated it it was amazing

Sometimes you just have to go back to a childhood favourite. I remember Deltora Quest being the first fantasy series I ever read. It was what got me into the genre in the first place. While my tastes have expanded and matured over time there's nothing quite like the comfort of returning to an old familiar world. Sometimes you just have to go back to a childhood favourite. I remember Deltora Quest being the first fantasy series I ever read. It was what got me into the genre in the first place. While my tastes have expanded and matured over time there's nothing quite like the comfort of returning to an old familiar world. ...more

Oct 11, 2017 Mona PBR rated it it was amazing

One of the best children books I've ever read. I'm 27 now,But still, wherever I see this book, my attention is drawn and I want to read it again. It was my first fantasy novel and it motivated me to keep reading books. One of the best children books I've ever read. I'm 27 now,But still, wherever I see this book, my attention is drawn and I want to read it again. It was my first fantasy novel and it motivated me to keep reading books. ...more

Oct 22, 2016 luke ambrose rated it it was amazing

Great adventure book I have ever read,it's awesome Great adventure book I have ever read,it's awesome ...more

This series got boring after a while. I wouldn't recommend. This series got boring after a while. I wouldn't recommend. ...more

Apr 24, 2020 Barbara Howe rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: late primary school children

Most of the children's books I've rated are ones I read to my daughter. The Deltora Quest series, by Australian author Emily Rodda, is an outlier. My daughter discovered it for herself and read the entire series as a pre-teen. I didn't read it until years later, when I discovered she was annoyed with me for never having paid attention to her favourite. So when I did sit down to read it, I was primed to expect great things…and was rather taken aback by the less than stellar writing in the early b Most of the children's books I've rated are ones I read to my daughter. The Deltora Quest series, by Australian author Emily Rodda, is an outlier. My daughter discovered it for herself and read the entire series as a pre-teen. I didn't read it until years later, when I discovered she was annoyed with me for never having paid attention to her favourite. So when I did sit down to read it, I was primed to expect great things…and was rather taken aback by the less than stellar writing in the early books. But I kept reading, the writing improved, and by the end I, too, had gotten caught up in the story. This fantasy series is—pun intended—a small gem, and a fine gateway for introducing young readers to the fantasy genre.

My daughter enthused over the puzzles and problem solving. There are also vivid descriptions of the land and inhabitants of Deltora, plot twists and cliffhangers galore, and I particularly like the emphasis on teamwork. The three main characters frequently disagree, and don't always handle their disagreements well, but the challenges can't be overcome alone. They support each other when things get tight, and don't hold grudges afterwards over bad choices.

The series was originally published between 2000 and 2002 in eight separate chapter books. It's now available (and cheaper) as eight parts in this one hefty binding, a little over 700 pages.

In the first part, The Forests of Silence, we learn that the kingdom of Deltora is in a long war with the evil Shadow Lord. The kingdom had been protected by a magical belt with a gem—diamond, emerald, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, ruby, and amethyst—from each of the seven tribes making up Deltora, but the Shadow Lord has subverted the king's advisors, keeping him separated from the ordinary people and convincing him that wearing the belt all the time is not necessary. In a palace coup, the belt is captured and the gems dispersed. The king and queen escape and go into hiding.

Sixteen years later, Lief, a teenager born soon after the coup, and Barda, a former member of the king's guard, set off to find the gems with the intention of restoring the belt and helping the hidden heir to the throne overthrow the tyrannical Shadow Lord and his brutal Grey Guards. They encounter Jasmine, a wild but intelligent girl living by herself in the forest after the Grey Guards took her parents, and with her help they recover the first of the stolen gems.

The next six parts follow a similar pattern. Lief, Barda, and Jasmine travel through a different section of the Deltora, defeating monsters, finding friends and allies, solving puzzles, and recovering another gem. Although the structure is repetitious, the descriptions of the seven tribes are imaginative and the individual problems are varied and interesting. There are also elements of an overall story arc woven throughout, and interactions with some ambiguous recurring characters keep it from getting stale. Some plot twists are telegraphed well in advance, but at least one is not.

In the final part, Return to Del, Lief, Barda, Jasmine, and their new allies return to the capital, with the restored belt and a boy they believe is the heir, to confront the Shadow Lord's agents.

Return to Del has a happy ending, and one could stop reading there, but the war with the Shadow Lord continues in two more collections: the three-part Deltora Shadowlands (or Deltora Quest 2) and the four-part Dragons of Deltora (or Deltora Quest 3). I haven't read those, but my daughter has, and recommends them.

This review was first published on This Need to Read.

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Sep 27, 2021 Shadow Steve rated it it was amazing

When I was in either grade 4 or 5 at school I borrowed 1 Deltora Quest book from a school library to read. I think it was probably Dread Mountain. After reading I read some other Deltora books in the library like The Forest Of Silence City Of The Rats & The Maze Of The Beast. Sadly I haven't read them in years & I completely forgot about Deltora. Whoops

Back in May 2021 I was at a salvos op shop I spotted a green hardcover book with a sleeve in good condition - & that is Deltora Quest. Looked at

Back in May 2021 I was at a salvos op shop I spotted a green hardcover book with a sleeve in good condition - & that is Deltora Quest. Looked at the back & thought to myself 'Oh I remember these monsters. Takes me back to my library days at school" so I purchased it at salvos kept it on my tbr I was actually thinking about reading it next year for some reasons but as voted by some bookstagram peeps on my bookstagram story I have decided to read it this year instead. So yeah I started reading it halfway through September to this day

The very 1st Deltora Quest book or volume - whichever you prefer - contains 8 entries released in 2000-2002 respectively

The Forest Of Silence (2000) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Lake Of Tears (2001) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
City Of The Rats (2001) ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Shifting Sands (2001) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Dread Mountain (2001) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Maze Of The Beast (2001) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Valley Of The Lost (2002) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Return To Del (2002) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The writing on all 8 from Emily Rodda is just outstanding filled with excellent character dialogue heaps of twists and turns & the map of Deltora is just excellent

If you're a late 80's to mid 90's kid like myself coz I'm a 90's born or if you're either a mid 90's to late 2000's kid who's into fantasy books like The Chronicles Of Narnia Harry Potter & The Lord Of The Rings or other kid's books like Percy Jackson I definitely recommend reading Deltora Quest

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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. 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. ...more

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Mahogany L. Browne is the author of Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice, Woke Baby, and Black Girl Magic. She's also the...

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