Secrets of Droon Books In Order

Publication Order of The Secrets of Droon Books

Publication Order of The Secrets of Droon: Special Edition Books

It is usually said that a number of sold copies is not the indicator of the quality of the book. Nevertheless, when you have 12 million of copies behind you, as well as your works translated into several languages, it is difficult not to feel elevated. Tony Abbott managed to achieve this, mostly due to his series called “Secrets of Droon”. What is the secret of these novels? What do the readers find so attractive in the world of Droon? Let’s try to find out.
“Secrets of Droon” is the series that was published between 1999 and 2010. This series inspired many fantasy book series that sprouted at the beginning of this century. It revolves around the experiences of Julie Rubin, Eric Hinkle, and Neil Kroger, three friends who stumble upon the wondrous world of Droon quite by accident. Namely, Eric’s basement is no ordinary teenage hideout. Under the steps, that lead to the room, there is a secret gateway to the unknown regions of Droon. The series follows three friends as they help Keeah, the princess of the realm, to fight evil sorcerer Lord Sparr, whose sole aim is to take over the kingdom. “Secrets of Droon” was warmly received among readers around the world, especially children, who are the main target group. This does not mean adults can not find something substantial in the “Secrets of Droon”- sometimes it can surprise with its insights. The series inspired even a game, and reportedly, Nickelodeon showed an interest to adapt Abbott’s novels into a television series. It is estimated by the members of the famous network that three or four seasons may be made.

The first novel of the series, called “The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet” was published in June 1999. It was well received among the critics as well the audience. It set up the world that Eric, Julie, and Neil inhabited for years. In this opening novel of the series, three friends discover a portal to the other world by accident. Eric is a leader of the group, a brave and responsible boy, born to be followed. Julie is a bright girl, who often keeps tabs on both Eric and Neil, and calms them down when they go too far. As for Neil, he is a comic relief, the one who is always looking for food. His way of communication is branded with misunderstandings. Three childhood friends were sent to clean Eric’s basement, even though their hearts and minds were on the soccer pitch. Under the stairs of the basement lies the little gray door. When the protagonists of the novel open the door, a magic appears and they are flabbergasted by the appearance of the rainbow staircase. It serves as a portal that sends them to the mythical kingdom of Droon. There they meet the inhabitants and learn about the power play between two forces- a charming, decent Princess Keeah, who fights the evil forces led by Lord Sparr. Keeah is the only person who can take kids home, but she is kidnapped by Sparr. The mission is clear for the children- they have to save her in order to go back to their dimension. They will not be alone in this task, as they will be helped by the streak of colorful characters led with Galen Longbeard, whose name suggests a personality of a wise sage, in this case even a sorcerer, whose task is to prevent Sparr’s invasion. Galen has an interesting assistant called Max- a strange creature with a body of a spider and a head of a troll. He is goofy and clumsy, but is loyal and often useful to the heroes of the novel. When the occupants of two dimensions assemble their troops, they venture on a risky mission to save Princess Keeah.

The second novel of the series was released in summer 1999, under the title “Journey to the Volcano Palace”. The unstoppable trio has to return to the kingdom of Droon, where Princess Keaah needs their help once again. Eric, Julie, and Neil had ominous dreams about Droon. They decide to go through the rainbow staircase and see if anything is wrong. Their suspicions are confirmed as they meet Princess and Khan, the king of Lumpies, who tells them that Lord Sparr burned one of their villages. Lumpies are in fact odd purple creatures, with eyes similar to ping-pong balls and the anatomy of a pillow. Galen informs the gang that Lord Sparr got his hands onto the Red Eye of Dawn, a magic jewel that has the power to control all the basic elements- wave, wind, ground, and fire. It is obvious that this object can make incredible harm when in wrong hands such as Sparr’s. This is why Eric, Julie, and Neil have to face notorious lord for the second time. This time, they will have to go to his playground as the jewel is placed in Sparr’s secret palace. There is one problem, though- the palace is located in a volcano. This journey will introduce children to some other fascinating inhabitants of Droon. Besides the Lumpies, there are Ninns, a vast army of red-skinned warriors with pointed ears in service of Lord Sparr. Then there is Demither, the Witch of the sea, who rules the marine realm in a form of a serpent or a mermaid. Demither is a mysterious character, the one whose motives are never fully examined, nevertheless a character crucial for the plot. Will our plucky heroes succeed in their mission and retrieve the stolen jewel?

Writing fantasy fiction may appear to some as the easiest task in the world. All it takes is to make up some world with flamboyant characters and amazing sceneries. Those who write know that this is not simple. There are so many variables that a writer has to take care of, such as intricate relations between characters, the geographic and demographic position of the mystical land, as well as the powers that will be ascribed to certain characters. Abbott’s fantasy novel proves this.- even if it is written for younger readers, it still possesses the evolved magical world with some strong principles. It may not be Tolkien, but it is highly enjoyable, still.