I have wanted to read Delilah Dirk books for some time. A few weeks ago, I went to the library to pick up a book I had on hold and came out with three others. Two were the first two in the series by Tony Cliff, Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (V01) and Delilah Dirk and the King’s Shilling (V02). I have since learned there is a third book, and I’m contemplating finding a copy.
First, this is basically a “Sherlock Holmes meets Indiana Jones” story. Delilah is a (we will learn) a wealthy woman of English background (though you probably should take what she says with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila as she says her mother was a mystical Greek beauty and her father English diplomat, but things do seem to contradict that later) who travels the world as basically, a pirate-like adventure. Her friend (though first her captor, the Turkish Lieutenant), Mr. Selim and she travel through Constantinople, and later other countries. Several years will pass between books one and two as they have all sorts of adventures with all sorts of people “off page.” Second, this is a “girl power” story as Delilah is proficient in flying a ship (a little realistic science-fiction comes into play), sword fighting, general fighting, and blowing things up. Finally, it is a friendship story between different people narrated by Selim.
Both books are a solid 3.5 in rating. I was not blown away but enjoyed the “girl power” and the historical fiction (accent on fiction). Things might not be completely politically correct (though it is to show time, place and give atmosphere and not to be prejudicial) or historically accurate, but if you assume it is a “alternative history” it works fine.
At least ages 10 and up would work best, due to length, some content and overall pacing (which can be a tad slow sometimes), yet all ages can be read to. Adults reading will appreciate the artwork as it is busy, lush, detailed, and expressive, while kids will just want to keep on having adventures with Delilah and Selim.
