The Valley of the Lost

The Valley of the Lost is the seventh installment in Emily Rodda's Deltora Quest series. Three companions - Lief, Barda, and Jasmine - must enter a mysterious valley to secure the final gem needed to complete the Belt of Deltora and save their homeland. The quest takes the group along the river Tor through pirate-infested waters, leading to an unexpected rescue mission. Their path intersects with new allies and brings them to the ancient city of Tora before reaching their final destination. In the Valley of the Lost, the companions face the Guardian - a keeper who protects the diamond through wit rather than force. The stakes are absolute: win his game and claim the gem, or lose and remain trapped in the valley forever. The story explores themes of loyalty, risk, and the true nature of power through the lens of a high-stakes magical challenge. It continues the series' examination of how courage manifests in different forms beyond physical strength.

Readers rate this seventh book of the Deltora Quest series 4.24/5 on Goodreads (2,500+ ratings) and 4.7/5 on Amazon (150+ ratings). Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced action and pacing that keeps pages turning - The Valley setting creates an eerie atmosphere - Character development, especially for Jasmine - Plot twists that challenge the characters - The riddles and puzzles throughout Common criticisms: - More predictable than previous books in the series - Some found the ending rushed - Valley inhabitants felt one-dimensional to some readers Reader quotes: "The darkness and despair of the Valley creates real tension" - Goodreads reviewer "Not as complex as books 5-6 but still engaging" - Amazon reviewer "The riddles make you think alongside the characters" - Goodreads reviewer Barnes & Noble reader rating: 4.6/5 (75+ ratings) Thriftbooks rating: 4.5/5 (200+ ratings)

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🔮 The Valley of the Lost is the seventh book in the Deltora Quest series, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide 📚 Emily Rodda is actually a pen name - the author's real name is Jennifer Rowe, and she chose her pseudonym from her grandmother's maiden name 🏰 The Guardian's castle in the Valley features a unique magical trap - anyone who enters must play his game, and those who lose become soulless, grey-clad slaves 🌟 The diamond sought in this book is one of seven gems that once adorned the Belt of Deltora, a powerful magical object that protected the land from evil 💭 Unlike other books in the series which focus on physical battles, this installment emphasizes mental challenges and psychological warfare - making it stand out in the fantasy genre