Delta and the Lost City

History is a vast subject and while we are all interested in different parts of it – or none at all – there are some events from the past with which almost everyone is not only familiar but finds utterly fascinating. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD 79 that buried the now world-famous towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum is one such event – one that has long inspired works of fiction and continues to do so.

When my attention was brought to this new middle grade title from the author of the gorgeous Umbrella Mouse being on Net Galley, I immediately requested it – despite being on a self-imposed ban from doing so – and was very excited when I was swiftly approved. Another story told through the eyes of an animal – in this case dog Delta – this is another tale of bravery under the most difficult of circumstances, and one that is destined to be a popular addition to young readers’ shelves.

Delta is lucky enough to live within the confines of a beautiful countryside villa when we meet her – a home she shares with her mother Luna, her master Lucius and Lucius’s pet golden eagle Bellona. Welcoming Herminia, Lucius’s heavily pregnant daughter, as she arrives en route to Pompeii with her unkind husband Marcus, Delta wishes that her mistress had not moved away and accompanies her as she heads to speak with her father. After briefly talking with him, Marcus banishes her from the room before he takes advantage of his father-in-law’s age and frailty to bring about his death.

Now able to wield power over the household, Marcus plans to sell Delta but before he is able to, she manages to escape together with Bellona and the pair of them vow to bring Marcus to justice. Aware that he and Herminia are to head to Pompeii, the two animals make their way there with the intention of helping Herminia break free of her unhappy marriage and they start to search for her.

But finding their mistress is not the only problem that they encounter within the town. As its residents prepare for an annual festival, it is increasingly hit by earth tremors. With the humans unaware of the significance of this, can Delta and Bellona find Herminia and help her to escape before the eruption of Vesuvius, or are they all destined to fall victim to its powers and – like so many – remain there forever more?

Young readers will adore Delta. Intelligent, brave and fiercely loyal to not just Herminia but also to the slaves who have served her well throughout her life, together with Bellona Delta does her utmost to free them all from Marcus’s tyranny, see that his wicked crime doesn’t go unpunished and – ultimately – bring about their escape from Pompeii.

The historical details of life within the town and the eruption that brought it to the world’s attention are rich and well-researched, bringing the action brilliantly to life – making this not just a wonderful adventure but also highly informative and a story that will appeal to those who are already young history fans and, hopefully, spark an interest in those who are not. With the text accompanied throughout by David Dean’s wonderful illustrations, this is a read that is perfect for Year 4 upwards, either as a solo read or one that is shared, and would make a great class reader to accompany a topic on the Romans.

My enormous thanks go to both publisher Macmillan Children’s Books and to Net Galley for my virtual advance read. Delta and the Lost City hits the shelves July 4th.

A cracking historical read perfect for confident readers to lose themselves in. This is going to be top of the list for all history fans to read as the perfect escape.