Thursday, January 28, 2010

 

Theodosia, books I and II

by R.L. LaFevers

This is a new series that follows the recent trend for mythology in chapter books - a direction in fantasy that I love, as straight up fantasy was never really my thing, but this fusion of classical myths and fiction is really speaking to me.

Here, a young girl spends most of her life wandering around a London museum of antiquities, thanks to her obsessive and somewhat absent-minded archeologist parents. She has spent loads of time learning about the classics and Egyptology, particularly on some obscure books about Egyptian magic. It's a good thing, too, since she seems to be the only one who can sense the curses and spells, so she takes it upon herself to rid the objects of them and keep the museum safe. Though this starts leading her into some odd situations...

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

When her mother returns from a new tomb in Egypt with a spectacular artifact, Theo can tell right away it's cursed like crazy, as well as being precious. Before she can try to clear away its magic, though, it is stolen. Trying to get it back leads her into dangerous territory, despite the two allies she has picked up on the way, and brings her to the offices of Lord Wigmere and his secret society dedicated to the protection of artifacts within Britain. He is impressed with her natural abilities, and enlists her aid in recapturing the stolen Heart of Egypt returning it to its tomb in order to stave off plagues and perils that could topple the entire nation. In doing this, though, she must also evade the Serpents of Chaos society, who have big plans for that artifact, and won't take kindly to being thwarted.

A tall order for a young girl? Yes, she thinks so, too, but is determined that if it means saving England, she must find a way. A more clever and plucky heroine you could never want, and between her exploits and her funny aside comments, the book is loads of fun.

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris

Life is just returning to normal after her first adventure, when Theodosia runs into new trouble almost immediately. She is cleaning out the basement, when she finds an interesting staff, and pops the two pieces together. Next morning, all the mummies in London have congregated in the museum! They are mostly moved back, but reappear the next day, and then the next, bringing suspicion upon Theo's dad. It's not until the next evening that she puts two and two together to realize that the staff is the problem, and lets Lord Wigmere know about it. None too soon, it turns out, for not only are the Serpents of Chaos society after it, but both a new secret society and a pesky and persistent governess have appeared and are seriously hampering her efforts to save the day.

Once again, a rousing tale of near misses, sneaking messages, precious artifacts, crazy curses, and wild adventure - I devoured this book in a mere couple of days, which is pretty impressively riveting for a slow reader like myself.

Now I can't wait for the Third book, Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus to come out, in April!

Meanwhile, perhaps I should give her book about Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist a try.

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# posted by kittenpie @ 11:21 AM
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