Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

LaFevers, R. L. Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007. ISBN 978-0-618-75638-4

Plot

Theodosia is the 11 year old daughter of the Head Curator of the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. She easily avoids going to school because her father is preoccupied with work and her unconventional American mother is away on archaeological digs for months at a time. She lives in Edwardian England. Most of Theodosia's days and nights are spent at the Museum which is filled with Egyptian relics most of which are cursed. She uses magic and amulets to ward off curses and protect her father from danger. Even so, magic and shadows of dead things swirl around the museum, especially at night. Theodosia sleeps in a sarcophagus to ward off evil. She is a thoroughly unconventional girl who hates to wear hats but usually remembers to wear her gloves so that she won't have to touch cursed objects. Her mother sends crates of artifacts to the Museum in advance of her own arrival. One of the relics is the Heart of Egypt, a beautiful jewel which will bring destruction down upon England unless it is returned to the proper tomb in Egypt. Plagues and bad weather begin to afflict England when the Heart of Egypt disappears. With the help of her brother, Henry, a friendly pickpocket, Will, and the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, Theodosia retrieves the Heart of Egypt before members of the secret society Chaos can take it to Germany. She then must stow away on the ship her parents are taking back to Egypt so she can return the Heart of Egypt to its rightful place.

Critical Evaluation

Theodosia could be Indiana Jones' daughter. She is sensitive to magical objects and uses her gift to protect the people she care for. She is not afraid of doing whatever is necessary to stop evil. Her friendships with Will and Henry are fun to read about. She often does things her proper English Grandmother Throckmorton does not approve of. She may do things that are improper, naughty, or even dangerous, but her adventurous personality makes her story exciting and appealing to young readers. She is smart and strong-willed. Readers will identify with her and want to be like her.

Annotations

Theodosia must return the Heart of Egypt to its rightful place before it brings destruction down upon England. She is helped by her brother and friends, including the mysterious Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, as she bravely fights against Chaos and saves her world.

Author

R. L. LaFevers is the author of several series for children including the Theodosia Throckmorton series, the Nathaniel Fludd series, and the Lowthar's Blade series.

Genre

Fiction – mystery, adventure, supernatural

Curriculum Ties

Language arts – mystery genre

Social Sciences – ancient Egypt

Booktalk Ideas

Begin with photographs and a description of London in Theodosia's time. Contrast with images of Egypt and the pyramids. Introduce Theodosia by reading the first few pages of the novel aloud.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grade 4 (age 9) and up.

Challenge Issues and Defense

Children in peril, mildly strong language.

Agatha Award nominee.

Why is it here?

Kids love to read about mysteries and ancient Egypt.