Book Review: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos (Theo #1)

R.L. LaFevers

Publication Date: April 9th 2007

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Pages: 350

Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Middle Grade

Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theo—and only Theo—who is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum.

When Theo’s mother returns from her latest archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egypt—a legendary amulet belonging to an ancient tomb—Theo learns that it comes inscribed with a curse so black and vile that it threatens to crumble the British Empire from within and start a war too terrible to imagine. Intent on returning the malevolent artifact to its rightful place, Theo devises a daring plan to put things right. But even with the help of her younger brother, a wily street urchin, and the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, it won’t be easy . . . she quickly finds herself pursued down dark alleys, across an ocean, through the bustling crowds of Cairo, and straight into the heart of an ancient mystery. Theo will have to call upon everything she’s ever learned in order to prevent the rising chaos from destroying her country—and herself!

This book, this book! It had me laughing and smiling throughout the entire thing. I mean, what is better than a precocious clever British girl who goes on wild adventures because the adults just won't listen to her.

I would have adored this book as a child, I so wish that I could have read it. Theodosia's point of view is a joy to read and the caricatured adults were especially humorous. I couldn't help but giggle every time there was a round of "I say!" from all the adults. Theo is just so self assured that the adults just can't do anything to stop her and its grand.

Just the fact that she is given a task for the good of the British Empire filled me with giddy joy. What child doesn't love reading the adventures of a kid who is helping to save their country and maybe even the world? It is very reminiscent of the first Harry Potter book, Matilda and other books along the same vein.

Oh also, before I forget, this author may sound very familiar because she has just come out with a YA book called Grave Mercy. I was flipflopping on whether or not I wanted to try it out, but now, because of how brilliant this book was, I want to see how the children's writer tackles young adult fiction.

No true spoilers to run around for this book so straight to the overview:

I recommend this book to anyone in need of a light book to escape worldly troubles from, to anyone who wants to be amused for a good few hours, lovers of precocious, clever children and lovers of Egypt and museums. There's not a lot of depth and morals to the book, but sometimes a person needs a book just to get lost in and not learn from.

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