A new quest awaits for Lief, Jasmine and Barda.

The Belt of Deltora has been remade and the King of Deltora restored to the throne but all is not well in the land of Deltora. The people are frightened for their loved ones who are held prisoner in the Shadowlands. Lief wants to rescue them but fears he cannot unless he can find a weapon to defeat the Shadow Lord - or at least buy them enough time to get everyone out.

But he is heartened to find that the Head Librarian, Josef has returned to the palace and has brought with him a treasure thought destroyed - the Deltora Annals - books about the history of Deltora, the legends and myths and adventures that may contain a clue.

One such tale is that of the Pirran Pipe said to be broken apart and scattered over the hidden islands of the Pirran people. Lief, Jasmine and Barda set out to find the truth.

Cavern of Fear commences shortly after the end of Return to Del. Lief, Jasmine and Barda are residing in the palace but much has changed. Barda is the new head Guard. Lief has taken on a secret project with Doom as his only confidant and Jasmine is desperate to escape the walls of the palace and roam freely. But they come together once more when they stumble across the legend of the Pirran Pipe.

There was much to like in this and some not so much. The narrative is as tautly woven as usual of Rodda's works. The action and adventure is full of legends and magic and monsters and the plot pulls you along at a rapid pace.

What I didn't like has to do with the characters themselves. I hate that Lief doesn't talk to Jasmine. Doom gives terrible advice. I mean - it's his daughter for god sakes. He could advise trust. Jasmine would never willingly betray Lief so it's irritating that he won't tell her what his secret plan is or what's going through his mind. And a wife? Noooo. Jasmine and Lief are meant to be. Obviously. And I hate the idea he might be considering a political marriage. They've gone through so much together and Lief may be wary of others but not of Jasmine and Barda. ...but mainly Jasmine.

I liked that we get to see more of Glock. But then he dies. Albeit single handedly killing the Fear. Just when I actually really started to like him. I loved that him and Jasmine have a frenemies thing going on. And he gifts her his talisman! I hate Jinks though. Why couldn't he have been killed off? He was busy sowing seeds of doubt between Lief and Jasmine and he leaves Lief and Barda. I prefer Glock over him any day. I'm curious to see more of Josef and his apprentice, Ranesh though. I'm not sure how I feel yet about Ranesh but it's easy to like Josef - what reader doesn't love a librarian? I would've liked to see more of Sharn as well - now that her and Lief are reunited.

A fun continuation of Deltora Quest and a return of all my favourite characters. 5 stars. ( )

This is a great book. Its a good book to read in spare time.

By Anonymous ( )

I liked this book so why shouldn't you hahaha

This is the first book in the second Deltora series. Again the Deltora world is rich, the riddles are fun. The characters, and themes are slightly more mature than the original series. ( )