This book is a work of fiction. But including some facts among the make-believe is a great way of making the story seem more real. So, here’s some of the real stuff that appears in this book.

The Bass Strait Triangle

Although not widely known, the area of water between mainland Australia and Tasmania is sometimes referred to as the Bass Strait Triangle. All the disappearances attributed to that area in this book, did actually happen. However, Bass Strait has many ships and planes crossing it. The number of disappearances are not disproportionate to its heavy use. And most of those disappearances can be explained. There are numerous islands in the triangle but, of course, Secreta Insula is completely made up. For more information on the Bass Strait Triangle (as well as the Bermuda Triangle and the Dragon’s Triangle), check out The Supernatural Survival Guide.

Cryptozoology

Cryptozoology is the study of strange creatures which may or may not exist, like the yeti and the Loch Ness monster. Although it is not generally regarded as a serious science, there are people who are dedicated to searching for evidence of cryptids. There have been many strange sightings but, so far, no hard evidence to confirm their existence. To learn more about the chupacabra, the mothman and other cryptids, check out The Supernatural Survival Guide.

Fungi

Fungi are neither plants nor animals. They are a separate form of life. There are loads of weird mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi in the world. Although the fungi in this book are make-believe, mushrooms do have an underground mycelium network to connect them. Although many types of fungi are poisonous, the mushrooms you find in your local supermarket are safe to eat (and rather delicious).

Komodo Dragons

Komodo dragons are real-life creatures that can be found on a number of Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang. They are the biggest and heaviest lizards currently living on earth, reaching a length of about three metres when fully grown. They are an endangered species. Although called komodo dragons, they are monitor lizards and not actual dragons. So, unfortunately, they do not breathe fire.

Prehistoric creatures

All the dinosaurs, megafauna (such as diprotodon) and other prehistoric creatures (such as gigantopithecus) in this book did exist at various points in Earth’s history. The exception is Lea-Lea. Although Leaellynasaura amicagraphica is a real dinosaur, it never had opposable thumbs. There are so many great books about prehistoric life, so it’s worth checking out your local library.