Blog Tour: Delta and the Lost City

Delta and the Lost City is an absolutely gripping historical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey to AD79 where both humans and nature threaten the survival of a young wolfdog determined to protect her family from harm … poignant, heart-warming and hopeful … an epic adventure of courage, survival, hope and family.

Young wolfdog Delta enjoys her life inside the walls and grounds of her master, former army general Lucius’, luxurious countryside villa southeast of the coastal cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii.  She spends her time play-fighting with her mother, Luna, her friend Bellona, the golden eagle, and her favourite slave, Gaia and her son, Neo … but she misses her mistress, Herminia.

Herminia, Lucius’ beloved daughter, no longer lives in the villa as she has married and moved to Rome with her cruel and controlling husband, Marcus.  When they return for a night, before moving to Pompeii for the summer, Delta witnesses a terrible crime that culminates in the death of her master, providing a catalyst that changes her life …

Delta is accused of the death of her master and soon finds herself running for her life accompanied by her friend, Bellona, but she remains fiercely loyal to, and protective of, the family she loves and will never desert them.  Delta is determined to stop Marcus’ tyranny and save her family from his cruelty.  And, when further danger comes from the threat of Mount Vesuvius erupting, she finds herself in a race to locate and protect those she loves before it is too late.  Can she save her family from both human cruelty and nature’s unstoppable might?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Delta faces danger, threat and a quaking earth as she fights to reach her family who have been separated from each other by the machinations of a merciless, manipulative master.  The tension, danger and sense of urgency are palpable not only as Mount Vesuvius moves inexorably towards eruption, but as Marcus rips apart all Delta loves and holds dear.  This is an epic adventure overflowing with heart-pounding, explosive action and with both heartbreaking and hopeful moments.

This is a story that reveals so much about the structure of Ancient Roman society which was patriarchal and hierarchical with a reliance on slaves.  But it also reveals a lot about human nature, juxtaposing a master who shows kindness and respect towards those in his household, and one who is self-interested and cruel.    

Delta is the most incredible young wolfdog – she has definitely found her way into my heart.  She is fiercely loyal and protective of her family and is determined to save them, taking great risks and placing herself in terrifying danger to do so.  She is attuned to the natural environment around her and shows empathy towards others which brings its own rewards.  She has a courageous heart beating with hope and love for her family.  I adored her friendship with Bellona, the golden eagle.

David Dean’s detailed black-and-white illustrations are absolutely stunning, and complement the storytelling perfectly as they really capture both the heart and action of this amazing adventure.

A truly epic, unforgettable historical adventure with an incredible young hero in wolfdog, Delta, who embodies courage, strength and love for family.  A perfect adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of Delta and the Lost City in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: