Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
by R.L. LaFevers
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company
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Reviewed by Yuka Mizushima
Eleven-year-old Theodosia Throckmorton spends most of her time at The Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father is the head curator and her mother is an archeologist who brings back her latest finds to the museum. Theo is very busy since she has the unique ability to sense dark magic and curses. Using a blend of intuition and science, she has successfully lifted many curses and has learned what to do when your cat is possessed by a demon.
Her mother's latest find is Thutmose's Heart of Egypt. Unfortunately, legend has it that whoever removes the Heart of Egypt from the tomb will bring about famine, plague and pestilence. Members of a secret society give Theo an important mission: return the Heart of Egypt to the tomb to save the British Empire!
Readers will enjoy Theodosia as she is precocious and a lot of fun. Her observations are dry and often hilarious. For example, she is able to identify one of the curators based on his signature scent of onions and boiled cabbage. She is also a sympathetic character because she has learned to be self-sufficient. While her parents love her, they often get caught up in their latest discovery. Theo has learned to fend for herself. She does what she can to get her parents' attention and admiration. Although Theo is often told she is a bit too clever for her own good, this trait helps her stay one step ahead of the villains.
This is a very well-written adventure story that will appeal to adult and younger readers. I started to read this book before going to bed, thinking that I would just read one or two chapters to start. I stayed up late because I kept turning the pages to find out what happened next.
I can't wait for Theodosia's next adventure! She even has her own website http://www.theodosiathrockmorton.com which features her blog and more information about Egypt and Edwardian England.
Armchair Interviews says: Two thumbs up for Theodosia Throckmorton!
Author's Web site: http://www.RLLaFevers.com